When I chose to name my blog "Creyole's Sisterlock Exodus" (flight) , I had no idea it would turn into just that! It’s like a real trip, at times a smooth ride, occasional turbulence, and those never ending questions. Will I ever get to the end of my journey and my locks are settled? I know it's coming! How long has it been since my SL’s were installed? Will mine ever look her hers/yours/his? Well, I now need the advice from my Sisterlock Community....... I spoke briefly with Brunsli today ....thanks for being a listening ear and also for your wonderful support.It's been six months since I've had my locks and I truly LOVE everything about them, my pattern is in good shape, the locks are starting to bud and I've taken the SL retightening class. So, you ask, what is the problem?? (Click on picture view larger image)
Well, if you look closely you will see that my parts are not uniform. My hair is very thick and although you cannot see the parts unless I pull the hair a part, when I try to part down the middle, side, back there are no straight lines.
Having 8-9 inches of natural hair...my investment was no joke! I did bring the situation to my Trainee Consultant (TC) who installed my locks and she thought she did what was best at the time of installation. That's where I'll leave it because I took it to my TC first and I feel good about it.
I did my best too, I had the consultation, tester locks and I trusted because she too wore SL's. The installation took 60 hours over a three day period and I left myself wide open all in the name of "emotional excitement." Where does that leave me now? Well, shame on me for not doing my homework and knowing that the parts are such an important part of the process. I can kick myself for not doing more research but I'll work through it, there's a blessing in every lesson!
My Consultant has offered to take down my locks and re-install. What a jewel!!! This process would be done next week if I decided to do it. Additionally, I spoke with Dr. Cornwell and she suggested that I could have my Consultant groom the parts into squares if I did not want to take them down and start over. That's a thought.
I expressed to Dr. Cornwell that my TC was great to work with and that this situation is based solely on "principle" and not "personal." We are Queens and should handle our business as such!!!!!
Before I make my final decision here's what I'd like to know from my SL community:
1. How important are the parts to you?
2. Do you wear styles that would warrant many parts?
3. Would you advise taking down and starting over?
4. Should I even deal with it or just leave it alone?
5. What would you do?
6. Does anyone out there have parts that are not so straight?
7. Any other comments, suggestions??
I'd appreciate any feedback you may have to offer, trying to do real homeowrk this time. Peace my sista's!
Amendment:
Just for the record, I want to make sure I did not convey the wrong message. The retightening class had nothing to do with this issue. My Consultant and I had been entertaining this matter for a minute and after visiting with her today I felt the urge to express myself and ask for opinions.
22 comments:
LaChanda,
I was in total shock when you told me that you'd have to take out your locks and put them back in -- and so glad that you may not have to after all! I'm so happy you posted this so I can see what you're talking about.
As far as I know, the advantage to having a grid is that it's easy to make straight parts. But, even more than what "we" think, is what you think. If you have gone the last six months with your locks and never once thought -- gee, I wish I could make a ruled-edged part -- then there's your answer.
Since you asked though --
(1&2) I tend to wear my hair parted on the left, and I like a bit of disorder, so I never try to get a straight part, and when my hair is freshly done, I try to hide the part.
(3-5) Since you started with so much natural hair, it took 60 hours to put in! That to me, would be reason alone not to do redo it. I've never taken down locks, but I would imagine you'd lose a lot of hair so your new locks wouldn't be as full. I used to cry when I saw how much hair I lost just from taking down braids -- and that was probably just hair that I shed.
(6) Personally I would prefer to have a pattern that you described as a honeycomb a that's a little more "organic" than a square grid that looks very artificial. And, now that you got me thinking, if I could go back, I would ask for a non-square grid in addition to larger locks! (If I knew then what I knew now...)
(7) It seems like you were delighted wiith your hair just last Friday when you took the class -- so don't let this news that it's not what SLs are "supposed to be" rain on your parade!
Your locks are so pretty, and I'm honored to be the first to comment on this post!
LaChanda-
OK OK OK... So I am a rag-a-muffin when it comes to my locks... A live and let live kinda gal. But I love your locks and your hair. I am going to respond and get passed my fears.
My hair looks "nearly" exactly like yours at the roots and like brunsli's. Imani, my consultant, is way too anal to not do perfect locks. My hair just grows weirdly.
On some level I know Imani even kept trimming my roots back to squares because she couldn't understand this phenom. "I can't prove it," but I have an awful lot of scragglly roots that keep popping up as new growth.
I don't worry about the parts. They are important to me on some days like a new BMW might be, but it passes. I would love to style my hair in all sorts of neat ways, but I'm limited.
DO NOT under any circumstances start over except circumstances beyond your control. (that's my advice)
Hands off, chil'... Leave it alone...
I'd leave it alone
I have parts that are not straight...
Much love... Stay strong... Stay the course... A thousand points of light... There is a blessings in every lesson and I'm glad that I know you at allll...
God's Best to and for you!
jen-
crooked letter crooked letter I Hump back Hump back I... To have straight parts or not... ?
I feel funny answering this, as I am the rookie that you inspired, but
I will say...the parts are important, even if you NEVER wear a style
that requires the part, the fact that you COULD if you wanted, is what
is most important. And I know alot of people will tell you they didn't
care, but ultimately your happiness is what is important.
I am at my desk at work and took my hair out of the two twist to see
if "our" consultant parted mines, as you know I was alittle disturbed
by having less then 400 locks so I assumed there were some short cuts
taken BUT wrong I took my finger and parted in every way possible and it
is a straight line at every angle. I probably wouldn't take them down,
but go the Dr. Cornwell route and have them boxed off.
And to agree with everyone else YES YOU and YOUR LOCKS ARE
GORGEOUS...but you must feel it too and if getting those parts will do the job
then I support that decision.
Hi There Lachanda!!!!
In my opinion, I hate the parts showing anyway!!!!!!! I understand what
you mean because my consultant has my parts uniform and in order but to
me they are not that crucial, your hair grows in anyway and covers
them. Your Sisterlocks are gorgeous and perfect, leave well enough
alone!!!! No one is going to notice that unless you show them. I did
not pay attention to how my parts were until you mentioned it, but like
I said it is not that important to me. However it is ultimately up to
you, but I would not take my hair down just for the parts if my hair
looked like yours!!!!!!!!!
http://public.fotki.com/PJAM/
Pam aka Pjam 5 wks SL'd 2nd set
LaChanda:
I think your hair is beautiful. I didn't know that parts had to be
uniform. I have to check my hair to see if its uniform as well. I
think your hair is absolutely gorgeous and I don't think you should
have it undone. I view your blog on a daily basis and I can't wait
til my hair gets to where you are at.
Tammy
Hi Lachanda,
Thanks for your comments on my blog. I checked out your post and
understand your concern. I don't know if my pics show it well but my
parts were not uniform initially (I can share some additional close-
ups if you'd like to see exactly what I mean). I was terrified by
this after seeing the locs of so many who'd started their locs. I
thought about having them redone, but after considering the cost and
the time factor I decided it wasn;t that big of a deal. Truth be
told, I rarely wear my locs in styles that require parts. After 2
years, it's all good. The parts aren't that important to me anymore
and even with them being not quite straight, I still love my locks.
Best of luck!
Kai
Hi, LaChanda!
See replies below:
Before I make my final decision here's what I'd like to know from my SL
community:
1. How important are the parts to you?
*Not very ... because once some of my locks had to be combined, the
result
was that some of my partings aren't straight anymore. No big deal for
me.
2. Do you wear styles that would warrant many parts?
*Nope, I never wear a part. I just let them hang loose and swoop a few
locs
in whatever direction for the look I'm feeling like that day.
3. Would you advise taking down and starting over?
*I wouldn't because it is a laborious task. Especially since Dr.
Cornwell
gave you a "fix". I would try that first.
4. Should I even deal with it or just leave it alone?
*Leave those gorgeous locs alone! :o)
5. What would you do?
I would leave them be ...
6. Does anyone out there have parts that are not so straight?
Yes, yes, yes ... and I am fine with them. No parts for me!
7. Any other comments, suggestions??
Personally, I think your SL's are beautiful, and I wouldn't change
them.
But ultimately, the decision is yours, so whatever you decide to do, I
wish
you luck!
Princess
30 months
Personally speaking the parts is pretty important part of the process
of sl's this is the reason My second consultant had to remove my first
set of sl's because the parts were horrible in her words and no I don't
think you should leave your hair alone you need for it to done
correctly I hope you don't have to pay big bucks again good lucj on you
decision
Okay.
I'll take a stab at this:
1. To me the parts aren't important at all. While I appreciate neatnes and symmetry, I just wish I couldn't see MY parts at all.
2. I wear my hair like Brunsli, parted on the left, and would actually prefer if the line weren't so darn staight.
3. Start over? IMHO: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! YOUR LOCKS ARE BEAUTIFUL! I am actually answering this question only from my point of view. I wouldn't have the heart to sit through a take down and a redo. But to be honest, if there was some problem where that was the ONLY solution, I would knuckle down and do it. But you do have options.
4. & 5.: In case I was too subtle in answering #3, I wouldn't redo them, but if it really bothers you, Dr. Cornwell's solution is worth consideration.
7. Thanks for asking, but my opinion in this matter is really irrelevant. This is your hair and your decision. It sounds like you've covered your bases by talking to the good Doctor and having a consultant on hand who's willing to work with you. Bonus all the way around.
The choice is yours and yours alone. Again, I think your locks are beautiful. Nice manicure too, by the way.
Just out of curiousity. Did Dr. Cornwell have an opinion about starting over vs correction?
Leighann
Whatever your heart, time and your pocketbook can endure and put up with...go with that answer.
That's my reply.
:-)
Detra, Jen, Brunsli, Tammy, Kai, Princess & Lashaune:
Thank you all for responding, your opinions have
really lifted my spirit and I feel like I have chilled
out. You all are such a wonderful SL family and
that's why I felt comfortable asking for your advice.
Detra,
You are so kind! Although inspired by me I'm still a
rookie as well in this journey and I value your
opinion regardless. I'm sure "our Consultant" did you
right, I've not had any concerns with her and she has
only help me through the process. Thanks!
Jen,
You brought tears to my eyes, you actually knew the
India Arie line I had in my post and completed the
sentence in your response. We are too connected, Love
ya girl!
Brunsli,
What can I say, your recommendation is the best,
Council. You know all the right things to say and
it's sincere. Appreciate ya more than you know.
Tammy,
Thanks for checking my blog. You made me laugh when
you said "I didn't know parts needed to be uniform."
That's classic! Maybe I will just leave them be. LOL
Kai,
I'd love to see close up pics, please let me know when
you psot them. It's good to know that the parts did
not intefere with your styles.
Princess,
Thanks for the details, I love your post because you
are so detailed. I just may "leave well enough
alone," spoken like a real trooper.
Lashaune,
Wow, now how long had you had your locs before taking
them down? Right now, I'm feeling the repair
suggestion, we'll see.
Just for the record, I want to make sure I did not
convey the wrong message. The retightening class had nothing to do with this issue. My Consultant and I had been entertaining this matter for a minute and after visiting with her today I felt the urge to express myself and ask for opinions.
Leighann,
Thanks so much for your response, it's good to know that you don't care so much about the parts.
About Dr. C, not really, she just strongly recommended the repair method, so I assume her opinion would be not to take them down. Didn't directly ask her though.
Oh, thanks, only you would notice my manicure. How funny!
Pam,
Thanks a lot for your response and I will consider all that you have offered. Yep, I'll feeling repair
method and I guess I never asked if anyone didn't like
the parts.
Please do redo them! Your hair is so beautiful and it doesn't need to be taken down and redone especially since it took you 60 hours to get your hair locked in the first place. You're progressing so nicely and I do check to see how you're wearing your hair every day. I'd get them boxed off like Dr. Cornwell advised and call it a life. Just think you're sisterlocks are tailor made for you right down to the parts. I understand your concern, but I wouldn't sweat it.
First let me say that I think your hair is beautiful. But what is most important is that you are happy with your hair. Nothing else really matters. But I know the feeling of wanting other opinions so I will try to answer your questions.
1. How important are the parts to you? My parts of kind of important to me. I switch between a center part and a left side part. But I also notice that from one retightening to the next my parts seem to change. I have thick hair (a high density of hair). My hair gets very bushy at the scalp and tends to creep out of the lock at the scalp.
2. Do you wear styles that would warrant many parts? My hair is usually parted. But sometimes the part is hard do see. Other than a center or side part I don't use many parts that can be seen.
3. Would you advise taking down and starting over? No. But if it would make you happy to do so then I would. Personally, I probably would not.
4. Should I even deal with it or just leave it alone? If you are uncomfortable or unhappy with the parts I would deal with it. First I try Dr. C's suggestion. My parts seem to shift on me so I think it could be done.
5. What would you do? Try the boxing method.
6. Does anyone out there have parts that are not so straight? Some times my parts seem a little messy but they also seem to change from one retightening to the next.
7. Any other comments, suggestions?? Be sure you can hear your own voice in the midst of so many.
I wish you all the best on your locking journey.
LaChanda,
WOW .. I really understand your dilemma. I have issues with my
locks not being even. I have more locks on one side front of my
head then the other. Even after 6 years I still question what I
should do. When my consultant did my SLs I believe she did the best
she could do at the time. Because I was probably one of the first
to show my SLs on the internet I did not have example pictures on
sites and blogs to refer to before getting them. Most pictures I
saw were traditional styled locks so I thought for what I got ... it
was great.
Once I was trained as a consultant... I really understood parting
and the importance planning lock placement. When I do clients I'm
almost anal about making certain within reason my parts and sections
are consistent. This is probably more important in the front then
in the back where the hair will cover. Also over time your parts
can shift some just do to how loose hair are added to the existing
locks when retighten.
If you decide to have your consultant correct them do it before your
locks mature. In my case I would have to cut my ends in pick 6
years worth of locking ... YUCK!!!!
Now this was done with one of my clients who was not happy with how
her former consultant parted her hair. You could tell the
consultant started doing her locks from the back and by the time she
was at the top. She was perhaps tired did not do good parting there.
So after all my Blah Blah... what should you do....?
I agree your SLs look great. I wish I had the density you have. So
with that density. partings probably will not matter much overall.
Now if the center part is off you may want to have your consultant
correct that. Only you know how you plan on styling your hair.
Most important I'm glad to see you are working with your
consultant. She will learn from this experience also. The only
reason I never talked to my consultant again about my issues is I
moved across the country and never had the chance to.
Best wishes to you and keep us posted.
Pat
Diva Dzigns
http://divadzigns.com/journey/
Hi LaChanda, I wasn't going to reply to your post at first until I
read Detras' response and I somewhat agree with her about the parts
being important! When I first got my sl's I was kinda upset that I
couldn't see my parts very well, I thought that mine should look like
my co-worker who also has sl's(sl'd by the same consultant a week
apart)but now as I look back and see how nicely my sl's have come
along...I don't even think about the partings and can usually wear my
hair in any style I want.LanChandra ultimately this will be your
decision,but ask yourself...do I want to go through the long process
of the baby stages, budding and ohhhhh the God awful ughhhhh,dare I
say it....B-U-N-C-H-I-N-G...eeeeeeeek?! Well that bunching alone
keeps me from ever thinking about starting over LOL....and LaChandra
all kidding aside you and your sl's are beautiful...sis enjoy your
journey!!!!!!!
Peace & Blessings!
Scarletlocs sl'd 2yrs!
LaChanda
Although Detra consider herself the rookie, I gree with her. You paid for a service and uniform parts are part of that service and a impotrant part to me. Even if you never wear a style. But taking down
the hair is a big step and very time consumming. I would have them boxed off as Dr. Cornwell suggest.
It's your happiness in the long run. I also agree with everyone,
Your loc's are beautiful).
SAP sl 9mos.
1. How important are the parts to you? NOT VERY, before this post I had
not thought much about them.
2. Do you wear styles that would warrant many parts?
Not regularly, I am a freestyle Queen!!
3. Would you advise taking down and starting over? NEVER, but that is
my HO ur ultimate happiness is first and foremost :)
4. Should I even deal with it or just leave it alone? All I can say is
that ur hair is beautiful, unique, and exclusively your own!!!
5. What would you do?
Deal w/ it...and just write it off as another defining characteristic
or your one of a kind locs!! I have hangups w/ my hair after 2 years but
none are so unbearable that I would ever start over.
6. Does anyone out there have parts that are not so straight? Never
really noticed but will check back with you after some investigation :)
7. Any other comments, suggestions??
Do what is right for you and your journey. No matter what you do your
locs will be stunning so----> Do You!!! Love ya
Think and speak highly of your enemies...for you are the one who made
them!!
http://public.fotki.com/jazzilocs/
Before I make my final decision here's what I'd like to know from my SL community:
1. How important are the parts to you?
Not very as far as styling I find them helpful in keepig my place when retightening though.
2. Do you wear styles that would warrant many parts? very rarely
3. Would you advise taking down and starting over? I'll go with Pat's answer. See if she can take down just enough to get your front center and side parts
4. Should I even deal with it or just leave it alone? Ultimately do what makes you happy to the point you are not always thinking about it when you touch your hair or glimpse yourself in the mirror.
5. What would you do? I would probably do them over
6. Does anyone out there have parts that are not so straight? Over time my parts are not "extremely" straight like in the beginning..because in the back I've had hair sprout between to of my locs in several places..the hair didn't original belong in either ajoining loc...that was strange to me.
7. Any other comments, suggestions??
Your SL are beautiful do what you have to to feel happy and content and only you know what that is. As a Trainee Consultant, I can sympathize with this situation...I've done one head and I was extremely anal with the parting and sectioning. I even called my trainer several times cause I was so scared of not doing it right. To those considering SL, please have your consultant start in the front of your head. This is the area you and other see the most and you want her to be fresh when she is working this area.
Combfreesista aka Luvi
Hello,
I think it really depends on how you like to wear your hair. If you like to wear looks that require precision parting, like a part down the center, cornrows, or flat twists, then the parts are very important. If you like to freestyle or wear it loose, them the parts don't seem to be as important.
As for me, I have been locked for 2 1/2 years now, and I have about 8 inches of locks all around. My parts at the very front were not straight, so I had my consultant separate a couple of locks to create a clean part (I would like to wear a center part).
Hope this helps!
Marilyn
Marilyn,
You are so right and that is what I've come to terms with. My Consultant and I will only create and repair parts in the front.
Thanks for your advice!
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