As you know from my retightening updates, my sessions were 13 hrs long with my first loctician, and 7 hrs with my current loctician. I felt pretty good about this until my last retightening. I could feel that she was getting tired during my session. I don’t blame her; I do have a lot of hair. But the kicker was that when she was done, she said that we may have to start splitting my sessions into two days. I definitely don’t like the idea of doing that.
If I split the sessions, I estimate it will be 4 hours on day one and 3 hours on day two. This is not bad in general, but I do have other evening responsibilities. I would have to go after work which means I lose my work-out time for two days and risk running in to my class time. Having it done it one day allows me to go after work on the day that I don’t have class and still get other things done.
When I first started thinking about getting Sisterlocks, I did wonder whether maintenance would be troublesome due to my “high density” hair. When it came to lock size, I asked for large locks in the middle, and medium around the perimeter. Well, it turns out that I have medium locks in the middle, and small locks around the perimeter (688 locks total, yes, I counted). Now I’m wondering whether combining some of the smaller locks may be a solution. Only thing is, I don’t want to “mess up” the look of my locks at this point, especially since they are swelling.
It seems I just can’t escape the consequences of having thick hair. This was the reason that my mom put a relaxer in my hair at a young age. My hair was almost to my waist and she couldn’t handle it. She told me that she later regretted her decision and should have just put up with my crying and squirming while combing my hair. I can't fault her. Just last year before I got Sisterlocks, I use to cry when I had to blow dry my hair. The bottom line is that I didn't go into this all happy-go-lucky and thinking that this process would be maintenance free. But that doesn't stop me from feeling a little discouraged right now about the future and whether I can work out a hair schedule that doesn't interrupt my life.
I’ve really got to take the retightening class....
When I first started thinking about getting Sisterlocks, I did wonder whether maintenance would be troublesome due to my “high density” hair. When it came to lock size, I asked for large locks in the middle, and medium around the perimeter. Well, it turns out that I have medium locks in the middle, and small locks around the perimeter (688 locks total, yes, I counted). Now I’m wondering whether combining some of the smaller locks may be a solution. Only thing is, I don’t want to “mess up” the look of my locks at this point, especially since they are swelling.
It seems I just can’t escape the consequences of having thick hair. This was the reason that my mom put a relaxer in my hair at a young age. My hair was almost to my waist and she couldn’t handle it. She told me that she later regretted her decision and should have just put up with my crying and squirming while combing my hair. I can't fault her. Just last year before I got Sisterlocks, I use to cry when I had to blow dry my hair. The bottom line is that I didn't go into this all happy-go-lucky and thinking that this process would be maintenance free. But that doesn't stop me from feeling a little discouraged right now about the future and whether I can work out a hair schedule that doesn't interrupt my life.
I’ve really got to take the retightening class....
20 comments:
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that. I feel you, I have very thick hair as well and I know it is a blessing but sometimes it is tough. What you mentioned in your post is very interesting, because I was begging my loctician to give me small locks and she said with my hair medium in the front and large in the back would be better, so I don't understand why your loctician did not put Medium to Large in your hair with your thickness???
Taking the retightening class would be a great solution and you will save MEGA BUCKS!!!!
But I must say, your locks look BEAU-TI-FUL!!!! Stay encouraged!!!
On another note, I wanted to invite you to join the God First Christian Connection Group, it is a great way to connect with other believers. The link to the group is below, I hope you join :)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
GodFirstChristianConnection/
God bless
Remain steadfast, my dear, your locs are beautiful ( I really like them not pulled back in these pics).
I'm sure you can work something out with SJL. Maybe combining is an option though I think you'll be happiest once you can maintain them yourself.
Hang in there. It'll get better. I lose an hour off my retightening time every time I go. Don't lose hope, shorter retightening sessions are in sight.
Thank you so much ladies. I think I've snapped out of my slump. I'm really looking forward to taking the class and learning the technique. I heard the class last weekend was great (I had a death in the family and didn't get to go, again). I can't wait for June to arrive!
Oh my goodness! Yes, do take the retightening class! You have me worried. Our hair looks almost the same in terms of "density". I was just shopping around for a consultant. From your comment on my blog, it sounds like the woman who I was thinking of going with (Is she located in B'more?). Well, if you looked throught the rest of the commenst other SLers reached out and gave me some info. Hit me up (or them directly) if you want some more info. I am so sorry to hear of the drama you've gone through with you retites. Try to hang in there, your hair looks absolutely gorgeous!
Your locks are definitely beautiful. You sound like you may have more locsk than Brunsli and her session tend to run in the 4 to 6 hour range. I am glad you are feeling refreshed and plan to take the retightening class it will certainly make your feel more in control of things.
your hair is beautiful. i say combine..whatever the case,keep us posted..um 7hrs..how much dat cost?
Hi Girlie, You kind of fell of my radar!!! I'll put your link up on my blog so I can keep track of you. Well, if it's true that misery likes company, I have less than 400 locks, medium to large, and it still takes my consultant like 8 hours to do my hair (if she's NOT repairing slippage). Your hair does look gorgeous!!! Stick with it, and keep us updated!! :)
Hi 1st,
Thanks for sharing your dilemma with us. I have a bunch of small locks, too, but haven't yet gone for a retightening, since I've just gotten my SLs on 2/26. Yours look thicker than mine though, and they are beautiful! I wish you the best on your journey. Stay in touch with Ayankha, as I'm sure she's got some great advice to give.
Shanessence
You all are so wonderful. Thanks for the encouragement. A sista was feeling dooooowwwnnn. I'm ready to face the world again. I've got something brewing in the works which I will post on soon....
I am so sorry to hear this is happening to you! Your hair is so gorgeous.
You may wish to consider the following:
You may need to take the retightening class ( I am)
There is a mother/daugther consultant team in Baltimore that you may wish to check out. They do hair together. (this may cut down on the time)
I ran into a sista in Whole Foods who goes to a consultant in Baltimore. It is a male and she stated that she never pays over $50.00 for her consult...now she does not have as much hair as you but...
I wish you luck in your search and believe me...I feel you!
Thanks cloudnine! I contacted the mother/daughter team (Ethel and T) over the weekend. I'm going to see them on the 26th. I'll be sure to give an update on my experience. Are you going to take the retight class in June? I missed the last two classes so I'm really looking forward this one.
Ayankha, I hope you're thinking of going with my 2nd loctician and not my first :-) They are both in the B'more county area. Feel free to email me for more info aileah14@gmail.com
I hope you've solved your problem. That's a long time and a lot of $$ you're spendin. Keep ya head up and keep us posted.
WOW! I have read that a retightening session should never take more than 6 hours. I have thick hair also and it takes my consultant about 2.5 - 3 hours. She is very good and experienced and fast. I hope she never retires or moves etc.
Look at some other consultants from the sisterlocks website. I do plan on taking the retightening class next year so I can retighten at least the front between visits. As long as my consultant Elaine Hill does it I will keep going to her.
Hi, just wanted say hello. Don't have a blog yet, maybe some day. Your fellow Grenadian with Sisterlocks (a little over three years), Naijean. BTW - I grew up in the DC area as well but now live in TX with my husband.
I enjoy your blog and want to wish you and all 688 locks the best of luck with finding a quicker way to retighten.
Wow! Reading your story has really touched me. You and I have very similar backgrounds as far as hair drama is concerned. Without a doubt, your locks are incredibly beautiful, so please stay encouraged. As so many of the other ladies have shared, it WILL get better. I recently took the retightening class and find that it is absolutely empowering! I really hope you are able to take it soon so you can see for yourself what a humungous weight is lifted from your back!!
Wow! Reading your story has really touched me. You and I have very similar backgrounds as far as hair drama is concerned. Without a doubt, your locks are incredibly beautiful, so please stay encouraged. As so many of the other ladies have shared, it WILL get better. I recently took the retightening class and find that it is absolutely empowering! I really hope you are able to take it soon so you can see for yourself what a humungous weight is lifted from your back!!
Thank you ladies. I so appreciate the encouragement. Things are starting to get better. I hope to have more positive stories to post!
588 SLs?!!! *bows down*
WOW!
Hi,
I came across this by accident and just wanted to comment on the long retightening sessions. My original consultant was taking 5 to 6 hours to do my hair. A main benefit for me wearing my hair natural is that I do not want to spend hours getting my hair done. Fortunately, I found another certified consultant who does my retightening sessions in less than 3 hours. I've had 2 sessions with her so far and am very happy with my hair.
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