Playing Pin The Hair Up

Here I am playing "pin the hair up," I so love the way many sisters wear their locks pinned up and it took me at least 30 - 45 minutes to get something up that I felt comfortable wearing out for the day. To my surprise, it turned out pretty nice. Although, this was the best I could do to work my "up do" I feel better about trying other styles. I used a couple of long hair pins to keep my thick stuff in place. I picked them up at one of the booths in the local mall shown below.


I'm a week away from my six month (time passes quickly) mark and I'm still loving every moment of my journey. Some days are challenging because I started with 8 - 9 inches of natural hair and because of my BUNCHING and I am probably still at 8 -9 inches. In my case, because I have semi-curly hair my locks seem to bunch after each wash. The length is not really the main concern; it's the several ugly locks that "I" see here and there. So, the ugly locks are more of a challenge for me because I must learn to be patient and let them develop into their own little personalities. Just my little way of seeing the big picture!

The one noticeable good thing is that my locks that were separating after each wash are now locked in. My consultant "Ms. Elaine" washes and retightens my hair while wet so each problem lock is now tightly in place. Retightening while my hair is wet feels much better than getting retightened while my hair is dry because my/our hair is much softer when it's wet.

Again, I stated in my previous post about how much I love my SL's and how I wish I would have started my SL journey earlier, so now instead of looking in the past I'm now focused on the future. Each day I awake I'm so thankful that am FREE!!!

DFW Sisterlock Brunch

Whew......I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it felt to be in the presence of so many beautiful sisterlocked sista's. If the Sisterlock Reunion is anything like this I am "so there" next year. To begin, upon arrival at the Blue Mesa Grill I opened the door there stood Maryee, Jen and Tiffany. I immediately knew who Maryee and Jen were and once Tiffany introduced herself we all stood hugging and greeting one another. We then proceeded upstairs to be seated and there was Blaqkofi (Shirley), we all knew her from her well-known blog and the hugs started all over again. As we waited to be seated, more DFW Sisterlockers began to stroll in and each time someone walked in we all pulled out the cameras and started flashing away! One young lady could not help herself, she was so taken by our hair that she stopped and asked Shirley for information. Well, that just kicked off the recruitment process and Shirley began to explain the whole procedure as the young lady stood in amazement. (Tiffany, Jen, Blaqkofi & Maryee pictured above)

**Don't forget to click on each pic to get a close up**

We were seated and there was not a quiet moment at the table as we all got to know one another on a more personal level. I sat next to Jen, Beverly, Blaqfoki and Tiffany and the conversations we had about hair, God, family and relationships will forever be remembered. (Beverly pictured below)



Jen, so deep and funny in her own way, reminds me so much of one of my favorite Artists – Ms. India Arie! Beverly, who’s Sisterlocks are five years old was so encouraging and so very confident within herself, shared the story of her sister giving her Sisterlocks as a birthday gift, what love! Blaqkofi, we were locked within two weeks of each other, she has such a sweet spirit and that hair of hers is so soft! Tiffany, who decided to go with Braidlocks, had them put in the day before meeting for brunch today and her hair was so pretty, can’t wait to see her in another year! She’s going to take off! Ok, if anyone wants color please talk to Karen she has the most beautiful hair color I've ever seen on locks.

I’m sure people eating were blinded by our flashes because we were constantly taking pictures at our table. The excitement was one to be desired!! Brunch was a great success and I look forward to the next gathering. We all decided that the next meeting should be scheduled in December for a nice holiday setting. (Karen pictured above left with the dy-no-mite hair color)

As we exited Blue Mesa, a table of young men and a female stopped us and wanted to know about our hair, there came another opportunity to market Sisterlocks. I must say, everyone was so down to earth that I truly felt a special bond with each locked individual. This was off the hook and I’m looking forward to our next jamboree! Oh one more I must not forget...... Marilyn!!! Wow, her gray locks were fierce! I can't wait to embrace my gray, they were so beautiful they sparkled from afar. You are the bomb Mariyln. (Pictured below)








Thanks everyone for accepting the invitation and especially thanks to Sandy for the LockItUp group. The LockItUp group allows us the opportunity to connect with one another for support through the process and Sisterlocks haircare advice. (Partial group of Sisterlockers)

Hurricane Katrina Experience

I know...... it's been a while since I've updated my blog and I cannot even begin to explain the events of the past two weeks. I must say thanks to all of you for the overwhelming emails, phone calls, generous donations and especially prayers!!!!

This blog is especially dedicated to my SL journey but I cannot exclude the experience we've had regarding Hurricane Katrina, so please be patient with me as I share the past two weeks. My husband and I are both from Louisiana and this tragedy is near and dear to our hearts. New Orleans is one of our favorite cities and we share wonderful romantic dating memories as well as family vacation memories with our children. This tragedy is beyond unbelieveable to us!!!

(The picture above is my niece from New Orleans, lost everything in Katrina but she is in great spirits, my daughter and me!)

Hurricane Katrina has made a tremendous impact on our family. We have several family members here in Duncanville with us and our church is housing others in our church cabins in Athens, TX. Reggie (my husband) has one brother (Jonas, 46) that has not yet been accounted for, we’re praying he is OK with hopes that he will be contacting us soon. All of my husband’s family except his sister lost everything. His sister's home did not sustain any water damage but was looted. Please continue to keep my brother-in-law and the people of New Orleans in prayer.

With all that has occurred in the past two weeks, my hair was one thing I did not have to worry about. We were averaging three hours of sleep each night and I got up one morning and realized that I had not done a thing to my hair! Through all of the chaos my Sisterlocks held strong with me each and every day!!! I ran into a sister in Starbucks today and the first thing I noticed were her beautiful Sisterlocks....she too was from New Orleans and we began to exchange our stories of family members affected by Katrina. Loved the instant connection of true Sisterlock Sisterhood! No one believes that I can just sleep on it and get up and go. This is the real beauty of wearing Sisterlocks. A true lifestyle!!


All of the children are now enrolled in school and one of Reggie's nieces (picture above) decided to finish out her senior year in Duncanville with us. She started school last week thanks to Gov. Perrys request allowing New Orleans victims admission to Texas schools. Duncanville High welcomed her with open arms, gave her school supply and uniforms. God really works in mysterious ways! She was a little down because she would not be able to finish her senior year with any of her McDonald 35 classmates, when she arrived to register at Duncanville……three of her classmates were in the office registering. It was an overwhelming experience and they all grabbed each other, formed a group hug and shedded tears of joy!!!! It was like a scene in a tearjerker movie!!!!

(All displaced children in above right picture. The camp gave them an awesome outlet of water activities.)

The Katrina experience has made us realize that "any" of us could lose everything we have in a matter of 24 hours....... but through our weakness we are made strong. God be with us, we have been humbled!

One story I’d like to share…I met a lady while volunteering at a shelter; she broke down crying when I asked her a couple of questions. She told me that she and her husband were separated and were in the process of divorce, after Katrina hit, they came together and both were at the shelter together helping each other pick out clothes and shoes as they both lost everything they had and only had each other. She thanked the Lord! So, even while in the midst of a terrible situation she found hope and peace in being with her husband.

(Click on above pictures for larger view, my daughter wears twists and loves her natural hair.)

Love & Happiness!
LaChanda
SL'd 15 weeks

Three Months

My sista's, I just cannot resist feeling and playing with my hair. I'm experiencing a bit of guilt because of my borderline vainness...I'm really digging my Sisterlocks! Then I think to myself, it's not vainness, I'm just ecstatic over each and every one on my head! Even the loose curly ends I cherish and I'm crazy ready for blast off mature locks! Patience, patience, patience. Bah humbug!

This week makes three months for me and I'm so loving the freedom of Sisterlocks. Thank you Dr. Cornwell, the Sisterlock invention is a brilliant one!

Pull Back Style

Well, I finally decided to try something different, a "pull back" style. Experimenting was an interesting task but I guess it was worth it since I received several compliments from church family on Sabbath. I felt very relieved having the hair off of my face for a change, whew.. its "hot" in Texas! Now, if I can only work with my locks and get the back to look half way decent I'll be on my way to creating new styles...

I purchased new hair pins and used them to hold my hair in place. (You may be able to see a glimpse of one in the side view pic) The young girl at the Mall played with my locks and placed the pins in the right place to get a cute little style. Yes, you guessed it, I certainly could not recreate the style once I got home and I'm still practicing. Right now, I'm at eleven weeks and you better believe I'm still loving my Sisterlocks! No more getting up to comb and brush my natural hair, just spritz with rosewater, run my fingers through it and goooooooo.

Two Months

I finally made my two month anniversary!. This picture was taken after I braided/banded and washed it. It is just about dry at the roots. I can't believe how much I love my Sisterlocks!!! The only disappointment I have is that many people don't believe this is "all" of my own natural hair. I'm getting questions like... "what kind of hair did you add to your braids?" Ugh!! I can't wait until my locks begin to mature so that my hair really looks like locks instead of micro braids. Other than that I am still lovin my exodus.

Peace Out! (Click on the picture to see a closer view)

Five Weeks - First Retightening

My wash after the first retightening was a bit scary. I did not braid/band and I was too rough with my shampooing so some of my locks had knots in them. After a couple of days they were fine. Overall, I am still very pleased and excited with each stage.





I'm free-styling for now, just letting it do it's own thing. Maybe, I'll venture out when I'm feeling the vibe to do so.

Three Weeks

Wow, what a significant difference! It has been three weeks and I've had my first wash, the running water felt great going through my parts. My new consultant, Elaine Hill, braided/banded my hair, washed it and retightened while it was still damp. It felt much better getting retightened while damp as opposed to getting my Sisterlocks put in with dry hair.

Elaine then twisted my hair into Bantu Knots and I took down the next morning. What I've noticed is a fuller head of hair and hair that looks a lot like micro braids. I'm anxious to see what my SL's will look like by the end of the year 2005.

First Day - Sisterlocks Completed

SL's completed after four days and 60 hours! Yesssss! Thanks Bridget Goupou!

Night before SL's were started

This is my afro in the raw...right after washing the night before my Sisterlocks (SL) were started. Before my decision to get SL's I would wear two strand twists or braid out styles.

Two Strand Twists

Unfortunately, these are the only two pics of my two stand twists but you get the idea. I loved wearing these and the only thing I hated was taking them down and having to put them back in again. The pic to the right shows me eating my favorite candy bar..so that is what's in my jaw.

This style was done by parting small sections and using "non-alcohol" gel to twist the hair together.

Introduced to Sisterlocks® 2004

I remember the day like it was yesterday, my husband and I were Mistress and Master of Ceremony at an Anniversary Party in the fall of 2004. Well, the grand-daughter (Tamari) of the honorees was in attendance from California. I saw her from afar and could not tell what exactly she was wearing. As I drew closer to her I could feel the attraction to her crown of glory. I immediately knew what ever it was she was wearing...... I had to have done to my hair!!!



(Tamari to the right , the night I met her at her grandparents anniversary party! Can't you see why I was so taken away, her Sisterlocks are fierce! Much Love Tamari!!) Click on her for a closer look.

Tamari probably thought I was some kind of crazy person because I continued to gaze and ask so many questions. Finally, she explained what the style was...... "Sisterlocks®" and she had been wearing them for four years. She went on to further explain how, who and where I could get them. She gave me the Sisterlock® website and it was on from there. Today, I am enjoying the freedom and wonderful lifestyle of Sisterlocks. Come along and check out my exodus........

Also, view the "Archives" to the right for more of my history and pictures. Don't forget to leave comments.

This is a picture taken during a company conference.

Showing what I braid style I would rock when I was too tired of my napptural hair.

Tee hee!!!

2004 Sisterlock Reunion

Dr. Cornwell and Tamari
(Ya'll are BAD Sista's)

My mentor, Tamari (right) and her best friend Kia at the 2004 Sisterlock Reunion in San Diego, CA.

You girls are looking great!

My Napptural Hair

Oh yes, I was being bad checking out one of our ghetto fab-u-lous sistahs after my nephews graduation at Tennessee State Universary.

Anywho, never mind the facial experession, I like this picture because it shows my true "napptural" hair before my SL conversion.

My sweet daughter in the pink dress was having child like girl time with her buddy.

Natural Twists and Spring Break

Well, if you look real close you can really see my double strand twists underneath my colorful hat. I loved that style and it sure was nice wearing twists without hair drama while enjoying the snow.

I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up every day and do my hair while on vacation......

Bed Head 2002

Here's one of my favorite styles........

After washing it I would "not" comb or brush it out. I'd pull it back and use a scarf to hold it in place. This would last a couple of days and then I'd have to wash and repeat. A true bed head style!

Oh yeah, this is another style that folks would think I was so brave to wear.....go figure!

(Click on pic to get a close up look)

Braid out before Sisterlocks

Well, yes I'm sure you are thinking "that hair sure is thick," it's the famous words of all my hair stylists and braiders. I can't tell you how much everyone that had to do anything to my hair would try and make me get a relaxer.

This was taken in 2001 and I was into my fifth year of nappyism. My family did the freak when I first started growing out my natural hair. Being from Louisiana, if it's not straight it's not good hair.

Too many days of braiding, wearing two strand twists, taking it down only to start the process all over again. I was ready for something new.... I must admit, while I was wearing these different styles so many people wanted to know how, what, why and oh yeah, "you sure are brave to wear your hair like that." The funny thing is everyone was worried about what corporate America would think, that was "never" part of my thought process. When you are ready to accept what the good Lord has blessed you with you just go with the flow.

To get this style, I would wash and braid about six cornrow braids down the sides and the back of my head. Let it dry and and take it out the next morning. Done deal!

Also, after reading "Good Hair" by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner I went into complete rebellion. It was the most self acceptance book I've ever read and I could totally relate to every single word written. I believe every sister should read this book!!!! Thanks Lonnice................

My press when feeling lazy

This is my press, worn when I was feeling lazy and just did not want to tackle my thick bush. Poor Ms. Ceola would smoke up the entire salon pressing out my hair. The other stylists would give us dirty looks because they could not understand why she still offered press and curls. The really weird thing was when I wore the press I would feel like I was "selling out." I know it sounds crazy but I would style it, look in the mirror and say to myself "this is not even me."

After my two week time was up and ready for a wash (since I did pay for it) I would wash that straight stuff out and ..........exhale!

Our Wedding Day

Oh yeah! I sported that infamous "asymmetric" do back in the day. Let's be real though...it was da bomb style back then!

Lynelle Brown at Salon Etc. could work a cut! Who would ever think I would have accepted the real me and transform into how the Lord created the real Creyole....

Oh..... so young, so thin and so much energy! I'll never get back in that dress. Also, that was a nice sweet fruit punch in our glasses...just in case you were wondering. Ha!