The 100 on Loc Myths

5 Misconceptions about Locs

1.     All Locs Stink and are Dirty

Why are people assuming that because you wear your hair loc’d that it must stink and be dirty? Hair will usually smell bad when it’s bogged down with build up; they never dry their hair or sweat lot and never cleanse it. I have come across plenty of naturally straight hair and weaves that sucker punched me in the nostrils by rudely impeding my sense of smell. Like really??? WTH? I know many locstars that cleanse their crowns waaaaay more often than those who don’t have locs. I’ve even have had clients to tell me they were told that their locs always smell nice.

2.     All Loc wearers are Pro Black (Who and what the heck is a Dread THOT

TUH!!! *Gives side eye* Sooooo just because some people wear locs does not make them conscious black people. I am seeing a trend that locs and dreads are just to immolate celebrities in the media. So unfortunately as I would like to believe that my fellow brother and sisters are wearing locs for a deeper meaning, most are doing it for style purposes. There is an influx DREAD THOTS, DREAD RATCHETS and BAD/BOSS BISHES (I despise these terms, but since they refer to themselves as this why not). What is a “DREAD THOT AND DREAD RATCHET”, you ask? – A girl who wears dreads not locs (because she lets her friend twist them with beeswax or black gel in exchange of a bag of marijuana or a 6 pack or Lime-o-ritas) she embodies all typical traits of a Thot, Ratchet or Bad/Boss Bish. She has a million booty bathroom pics, displays her best assets for all to see, has a ton of followers on social media, will be at the club every week any time of the week, always seeking a “boss”, “hustler”, “baller”, thinks that a boy or female that drives a Charger, Challenger, or Camaro is a catch, and wears two tons of make up. Let’s not forget about the boys that wear dreads (inserts reason for dread not locs from above) He wears them because Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Future, Young Thug and a few others have them. He seeks to be a rapper and thinks that dreads will make him famous. His idol is the dealer in the neighborhood. Also goes to club every week dripping in knock off clothing items and calls himself a boss.

(inserts my side eye here.) Yeaaaaahhhh SMH.

3.     Locs are the same as Dreads

Ummmm yeah NOPE. Originally dreads are what Rastafarians grow for religious purposes. Dreads is the word used to describe the hair as being dreadful looking.

Dreadlocks - Day 1 #SkyhhSalon

Then you have dreadlocks, which are usually done, on straight to wavy hair textures – Caucasians, Asians, and Hispanics. Dreadlocks are maintained less often as well as in a totally different way and are more time consuming to start and maintain. Techniques and products used to maintain dreadlocks differ slightly from those of locs.

Locs - Full Color #SkyhhSalon

Locs are cared for usually every 4-8 weeks depending on length and profession of wearer. Most people who wear locs prefer to use natural oils, butters or gels on their crowns. Many Locstars will keep the hair neat and tidy by enlisting the professional care of a loctician while others prefer to maintain on their own.

4.     Locs are limited in styling

LMAO, chile boooo! So when was the last time you’ve seen a weave wearer rock a French Roll and by sophisticated with it? Orrrr when have you seen pipe cleaners or pin curls on a weave and it was beautiful? (I’ll wait, for your response) Ha Haa! So the next time a chic tells me that locs are not versatile in styling options or that locs are too restrictive, I’ll just simply ask: “Straight, wavy, feathered and curly are considered versatile unrestricted styling options?” (Gives blank stare, while awaiting her response) TUH.

5.     Locs have to be cut off if you decide you don’t want them anymore

Locs being combed out

Total myth. With an extreme amount of patience, gallons of conditioner, some assistance of a loved one or friend, several combs and exorbitant amount of time, you can comb out your locs. Yes you read that correctly, I said YOU CAN COMB OUT LOCS. You DO NOT have to cut off your locs if you’ve come to the end of your journey with them.  Now during this process you will experience a ton of shedding and breakage, which is due to combing out matted hair and the hair that would have been shed if hair was not loc’d is now embedded in the core of each individual loc. Keep in mind most people shed 50 -100 strands per day, so multiply that 365 days in a year times the number of years you wore locs. (yuuuup, that’s a lot of hair) This process is not suited for everyone, that’s why you have people that just cut them off and others that will allow new growth to get to a certain length then cut so they will have hair to style after blade-to-blade treatment. 

It amuses me with some of the things people believe or think when it comes to locs. I’m sure you have heard all of this before and you may even have more to add to the list. Please be sure to comment your thoughts and experiences with myths you have heard about locs below in the comment box. As always it’s easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

Exposing Deception In Natural Hair Products

At first I would say that it is awesome that finally companies are taking notice to the “Natural Hair Trend” that has taken place in the last 20 years. But after realizing that most of these companies are just capitalizing on the influx of people embracing their natural coifs, ingredients are the least of their concerns. From bloggers that advertise national brand products, to packaging/displays utilizing celebrities, to advertisements strategically placed during your favorite television show. The reality is that many companies found in beauty supply stores and on aisles at the big box retailers truly don’t have natural hair in mind when formulating the actual product. 

So the next time you are in a beauty supply store or big box retailer, take a look at the many products that are marketed towards natural hair, turn it around and look at the ingredients. Now compare those ingredients used in products that are just labeled for black hair (specifically relaxed hair)… See any similarities. You do don’t you. Do feel some kind of way? You should, see what these national brands have realized is that taking a product and repackaging it to market towards the natural hair community is a multi billion-dollar market. So why actually try to change the formula of a product that is already doing well, instead they give it a spin off name, create a label and utilize key words found that naturalistas have concerns for. Grrrrreat Marketing, *gives round of  applause* Deceptive little ...*shut your mouth*

After being a part of many blogs and dialogue on social media as well as email/Skype, with other natural women and men, I have found that people like being blindsided. Why you ask? Tuh, most people don’t like spending money on their hair, for quality products or just have been burned by inexperienced stylist. With that being said, most will rather spend money on cheap products that claim to do something and in reality it doesn’t do anything it describes, yet it does cause a ton of other issues.  Combine that with the misuse of multiple products at once, lack of professional care and daily/weekly abuse that one may subject to their crowns to that equals a mess of a disaster.

The damage done has lead to a few of blogsites, magazines, Natural hair specialist and small business products dedicated to dispelling myths in the natural hair world.  Women and men alike are asking the same questions such as “why is my hair dry?”, “Why am I experiencing breakage?”, “How do I get rid of buildup?”, “How do I get my hair to look like the box or this picture?” and “How do I get my hair to hold a style?”

SMH, WELLLLLP… let me help you by answering all those questions with one answer. Try checking your ingredients on your products used in your coifs.

Be wary of products that say “No Wax”, “No Beeswax”, “Does Not Cause Buildup”, “Alcohol Free” and etc. Usually some of those products will contain an alternative to those ingredients. Think of it like reality television… It’s called reality but in most cases its scenes are a skewed reality that is situationally set up and fueled by liquor.  Labeling on national brand low quality products is to suggest the opposite of what it contains and what it does.

By investing in professional care from time to time and high quality products you can see and feel a difference with your crown. When speaking of professional expert care I mean someone that has a license and seeks education to keep abreast of trends and products. High quality products will have more natural ingredients that you can pronounce with in the first 5-10 ingredients. Don’t get sucked into a pretty label, celebrity endorsements or typical phrases that imply the opposite like the aforementioned and “For Natural Hair and Locs”.  It starts by knowing key ingredients and what they do and how to read in between the lines. It’s really simple to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

14

3 Common Misconceptions About Hair Loss

Hair loss is a very troubling condition for many who experience it.  For others, it can be seen as a normal sign of aging.  However, because the majority of both men and women will experience some form of hair loss by the age of 60, we all have our ideas and misconceptions about what causes it and how we can treat it.

1)       It’s your mom’s fault that you’re balding.

The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female patterned hair loss.  In men, if often starts with progressive hairline recession and often thinning at the crown.  In women, their part may simply appear wider over time with an increased ‘see-through’ nature of the scalp.  We now know that at the cellular level, androgenetic alopecia is caused by the developmental failure of hair-making cells, termed dermal papillae cells.  We also know that this failure is influenced by dihydrotestosterone.  However, contrary to the popular belief that balding is passed down the maternal lineage; an individual's likelihood of balding is a combination of genetic, environmental, and systemic factors.  This fact can be illustrated in twins.  We would expect that if one twin is balding, then the other should be as well.  This is termed the twin concordance rate.  Some studies have shown that balding happens in both twins only about 88% of the time.

2)      Rogaine and Propecia do not work.

Rogaine and Propecia are the only FDA approved medications for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss.  Rogaine is a topical medication applied to the scalp.  It is unclear how Rogaine works, but it may act on prostaglandin synthesis.  Studies have shown that it can slow down the rate of hair loss and rethicken hair in 85-90% of users.  Propecia is an oral medication that works by blocking the formation of dihydrotestosteone.  It can slow down hair loss in 88-92% of users.  Used in conjunction, Rogaine and Propecia act synergistically and increase the efficacy than using either medicines alone.  Both medications take at least 6-9 months to start working.  Therefore, those who quit using them before 6-9 months may feel not have seen the full effects yet.  In addition, many will not experience regrowth or rethickening of hair; they may simply see the rate of hair loss decrease. 

3)      Your hair sheds more than normal.

Hair grows in three phases: 1) Anagen (growing) 2) Catagen (resting) 3) Telogen (shedding).  

The majority (85-88%) is in the growing phase and about 10-15% of hairs is in the shedding phase.  Therefore, we should expect that we are going to lose at least 100-150 hairs daily.  Sometimes stressors can cause the hair to shed more.  This is called telogen effluvium.  Instead of 10-15% of hairs shedding daily it increases to 20-40% of hairs shedding.  The most common causes for telogen effluvium are post-pregnancy, change in hormones, thyroid disease, iron deficiency, change in medication, or serious illness or hospitalization.  There is good news! Telogen effluvium is typically temporary.  Most individuals will experience less shedding within 6-12 months.

These are just three of the many misconceptions that we have about our hair and hair loss.  As a dermatologist who specializes in medical and surgical treatments for hair loss, I have heard it all! Hopefully this article helps to clear up some of the more common myths that I hear.

Reblogged with permission from: 
Dr. Meena Singh, MD
www.drmeenasiggh.blogspot.com

Short Locs Are Ugly and Unstylable…WHAAAT???

If I hear one more person tell me that a previous loc twister told them that their locs couldn’t be styled, I am going to scream… Ahhhhhhhhhh I just heard it again. Ughhhh People if your stylist tells you that you are in the “Ugly Phase” and your locs can’t be styled or shampooed PLEEEEASE run for the hills *sprint fast* LOL. This is the work of untrained loc twisters that are not well educated in locs.

Why on earth would a stylist tell a client that they are in the “Ugly Phase”? This baffles me, because as a stylist you are there to build up your clients’ confidence about their hair and looks. Never would I tell a client that their hair is ugly. As a professional stylist I find ways to make the client look and feel great about their hair. Yes locs in the beginning can be a frustrating and daunting journey, but ugly they are not.

Dirty hair does is not cute or is it healthy. Yes your locs can be shampooed. It’s best if you leave that to the professional so you don’t disrupt the locs. In the beginning, you have to be extremely gentle with shampooing starter locs as to not disturb the loc’ing process. But if you must shampoo at home place a stocking cap over your hair before shampooing this way you are not interfering with your loc adventure.  

I’ve learned how to conceal the loc’ing phase of the loc journey. I have been trained on how to style short locs to make the journey a little more comfortable for my clients. This is a journey and not all parts are easy hence the reason I use the term adventure or journey. Short locs can be disheartening to those new on their adventure as most have in their heads the look of long locs that are approximately 4-8 years old. So when a client looks in the mirror they want to see that immediate long loc look.

Being that locs are all different sizes, shapes and curl patterns not all will have the same journey. This is another reason I take so many pictures of my clients, so when the next person that comes in seeking to start the adventure of locs, I can show them what to expect. Consultations are imperative to being happy and satisfied with your starter locs. Asking questions and providing images of what you as a client want your locs to look like when they mature will help ease the frustration of starting locs.

Not all stylists are the same and each one will posses a different set of skills and knowledge. So make sure you interview a few before plopping down in someone’s chair. Sitting in the wrong chair, not asking for images of their work and progression pictures, or not educating yourself on locs will leave you upset and unhappy with your hair.

If price is of a concern, make sure you are investing in someone who will educate you and care for your hair as if it were their own. Keep in mind much cheaper pricing may result in you being unsatisfied with your loc journey and someone telling you that your locs can’t be styled, shampooed or that they are ugly.  Look at this way this is an investment in your long-term loc goals. Do your due diligence and spend a little more so you can have peace of mind and satisfaction with the end result. I mean some of you will spend $200 on a pair of sneakers or $500 on a purse or high-end shoes, so why not treat yourself to the same when starting locs? I'm not saying you have to break the bank but you do want to spend more than the lowest quote to get better end results. It’s really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

Protective Styling Saved My Life

One day leaving a Home Depot Garden Center, it began to rain. The sales associate at door asked "Do you needed a bag for your hair?" which was in an coiled undo. I replied "Nah, I'm good, the rain will just give me a new hairstyle. Thanks rain." The cashier was puzzled and then said "But all black women cover their hair in the rain." I responded, "Not all, I'm natural so not afraid of a little rain." Then I laughed out loud and casually strolled to my car. This was day that it dawned on my that Protective styles saves lives. *Laughs hysterically*

In the world of natural hair, locs, dreads, dreadlocks and length checks protective styling is quintessential to keeping your crown healthy. How so you ask? Protective styles help with growing your hair as well as keeping the hair full and healthy. These designs will keep your crown styled while eliminating the need for heat from flat irons and dryers, combing, and it also keeps your hands out of your head. (If you are anything like myself, when my hair is down my hands are constantly in it, love the way it feels)

What are protective styles?

Well there are a plethora of protective styles including but not limited to: braids, 2-strand twist, updos, flat twist, Bantu knots, and etc. Some designs will use extension or braiding hair, while others designs will use just your hair.  You are natural or loc’d so why not try as many as possible. In the line of styling and being creative go ahead and mix and match you may come up with something that unique to your individual style. I embrace creativity, even someone who will rock locs, braids, finger waves, and a sew in all on one head! LOL

Types of Hair Extensions

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic Wig

Marley Hair

There are a lot of styles that hair can be added to your own natural hair to give you amazing looks.  Synthetic hair is the least expensive and comes in bulk loose

Bulk Loose Braiding Hair

Afro Kinky Hair

, machine weft tracks, and wigs. Most synthetic hair is processed with chemicals such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride and made from monofilament fibers or a combination of two or three polyfilament, fibers, acrylic, nylon and /or polyester. Vinyl Chloride is a highly toxic, flammable and carcinogenic. Combining chlorine, ethylene and air produces it. A drawback to using synthetic hair is that the chemicals can cause allergic reaction /irritations of the skin with an onset of itching and bumps (if this happens remove hair immediately and treat inflamed areas with witch hazel and tea tree oil). This hair cannot be heat styled, colored, is not free flowing, lacks versatility and looks shiny like plastic. The benefits of this type of hair is that you can wear right out of the package and it holds up during inclement weather by resisting frizz and drooping (Woop Woop can you say weather proof, saving black women's lives since the 1920's!) *crack up laughing*.  It has a use life of approximately 3-4 months.

Human Hair

Human Hair Different Curl Patterns

Human Hair Loose

Afro Kinky Loose Bulk Hair

Hair Hair Tip Extensions

For those who enjoy the comforts of wearing, literally, someone else's hair on their head, This hair comes from humans and in an array of curl patterns from straight to overly curly and is higher priced. (Perfect for those allergic to synthetic and great for those that consider themselves too good for synthetic hair, LOL) There are several countries that are most prominent in the collection and sale of human hair: China, Indonesia, Brazil, India and Malaysia.  Human hair comes in bulk loose, weft – machine weft or hand tied, wig, clip in, & tips. Remy human hair is considered to be the premium choice (high class) for human hair. Remy refers to the cuticles still being intact and runs all in the same direction. With Remy hair you will have tips on one end and roots on the other. Virgin hair has never been processed, curled, colored, relaxed or permed. While Yaki hair is made to resemble relaxed African hair. The drawback of human hair is that it is not ready to wear and must be shampooed /conditioned before installing (Must wash those cooties out before applying to your head), requires maintenance, sometimes will frizz or curls will fall during inclement weather &; will shed.  The benefits of human hair is that with proper maintenance it can have a use life of a few years (definitely worth the extra cost), its versatile, looks natural, can be heat styled, colored and is free flowing. (Allowing you to take a bundle pack and give it a totally different look to switch up your style)

Human Hair Blend

Blended hair is comprised of human and synthetic hair. It’s not as versatile as human hair but not as stiff as synthetic hair. This hair won’t hold curls for long and may even burn with high heat styling. Blended hair is usually mid priced (for the cost conscious hair buyer) and has a use life of about 9-12 months. Drawbacks of this hair: sheds heavily (oh noooo its a tumble weave, lol) and usually will have more breakage from simple combing and brushing; also it may be colored with inconsistent results.  The benefits are that it last much longer than synthetic, minimal frizzing during bad weather, heat styled on low heat setting, slight color ability, and has slight movement and looks somewhat natural.

Updos

Braided Updo with Braiding Hair

2 Strand Flat Twist

Braided Cornrows

Hello Queen, your style royally represents your individual flare, giving you a sense of confidence with an instant boost to the self esteem. These are styles where the hair is braided or twisted up and off the neck. You may have hair/locs down in the front but mostly the hair/locs is completely styled into a design, which frees you from hair woes when headed out.  Styles may consist of French rolls, buns, designer ponytails and etc. Style will also combine flat twist, two strand twist, braids coils and etc. Usually updos will last 2-4 weeks depending on your activity level and how well you care for it. Maintenance is easy, at night just a mist of natural oils for moisture and wrap up with silk or satin scarf. Then in morning unwrap and brush your edges (if needed) and you are ready to head out. (Thanking the style Gods!!!)

Braids, 2 strand twist and faux locs

Yarn Locs

2 Strand Individual Twist

Loc Extensions Set on Pipe Cleaners

Styles that will hang and can be styled into other designs, These styles takes sections of your natural hair/locs and is braided, twisted or wrapped with your hair or by adding extension hair or not with real locs. Say bye bye to flat irons, curling wands/irons and hello to get up and go styles. You can pull into ponytail or bun to get off neck and out of way. This style can be left in for 4-12 weeks, but keep in mind that the longer its left in it can cause hair to matte or begin loc’ing process (Uh ohhh, matted hair and breakage).

Protective Styles are excellent yet cute and fun ways to prevent your hands and tools from breaking off hair. Not to mention the ease of maintenance and upkeep for these styles. Who doesn’t like get up and go styles? No fuss styling, is great for cutting down your get ready to head out time. Which will leave you more time to figure out your outfit, shoes, accessories and makeup (now look at you gorgeous, I see you looking fierce!). Prevent breakage and assist with growth by utilizing protective styles as a way to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.

Natural Hair Sucks in Media/ Hollywood

Natural Hair in Media/Hollywood

I don’t watch too much television, as I am not impressed with the images that are presently being portrayed on the screen. On the days that I do find myself watching T.V., I have seen an influx of natural hair queens & kings on the screen. But to my dismay these women and men, in my opinion, are not representing our beautiful natural styles to the upmost. I say this because most of the time when I see a black queen or king on the screen their natural hair is just blah, or just sitting there, doing nothing.

I had a conversation with a talent scout for T.V. and movies and was unfortunately advised that many of our natural men and women are at the mercy of a hairstylist who has no knowledge of natural hair.  They are intimidated by it and have no clue as to what to do with “this hair”. Now these stylists are well decorated and have years of training and styling under their belts. They are great at what they do, just not natural hair. So in an effort to tame this “unruly hair” they just grab some mousse and apply it to the hair then spray with shine mist and taaaahdaaaah, camera ready.  (NOOOOT)

In this day and age where naturals are everywhere, why haven’t the television and movies employed some natural hairstylist to be on set to give life to such gorgeous hair? Why continue utilizing the same techniques that don’t work for natural manes? I would like to see some diversity on the screen when it comes to our natural kings and queens. Hell, if I have to volunteer my services I would. We can’t continue to allow our men and women to be disrespected on the big or small screen by stylist that have no clue as to what to do with our hair. There are plenty of talented stylist such as myself and many others that can give life and pizzazz to natural coifs.

The main reason you see so many weaves and wigs on television and movies is because, the stylist that are on set only have talent for straighter hair textures. Its sad when you know someone is natural but yet every time they are on screen you see them in a wig or weave. Sometimes they are not the best wig or extensions install. Matter of fact there is one producer that reigns in black movies and because the budget is so cheap for hair many of the actors or actresses hair look a H.ot A.zz M.ess (HAM). I’m like dude can you at least extend the hair budget so the hair can at least look be-weavable! LOL :-D 

Even Halle Berry

had an awful wig on in the movie “The Call”

directed by Brad Anderson distributed by TriStar Pictures with studios by Troika Pictures, WWE Studios and Stage 6 Films. They had a $13 million dollar budget but opted for a $20 wig from the local beauty supply store in the hood. IJS LMAO

Kimberly Elise Big Beautiful Natural Hair

Kimberly in For Colored Girls in a wig

Viola Davis gorgeous TWA

Viola in synthetic wig

Anywhoooo, I just want to see a much better job of natural hair styles in movies and television. Like I said before, I would be willing to volunteer my services at least once to ABC, NBC, UPN, BOUNCE, TBS, FOX, Tyler Perry Studios, LionsGate, Code Black, Screen Gems and etc. (I know a shameless plug, but hey, why not? LOL) :-) So no matter if its natural hair or locs, we as a community of locstars and naturalistas want to see more diversity on the big and small screen with more amazing hair styles that represent us in a phenomenal light! Oh and by the way some of us Natural hairstylist can style all textures of hair, no one trick ponies over here, because it is easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.