L4L Hair Share: Sharon & Her Loc Hair Journey

I’m too excited for our first loc’d hair feature!!!  Sharon is actually a long time friend of mine, she and my mother used to work together and her son and I are the same age and grew up together.  Actually, it is a bit strange to call her by her first name even if it is only via typed text, so for the rest of the feature I will address her in the way that is most comfortable and familiar – Miss Sharon!

Anyway, Miss Sharon learned of Longing 4 Length after I completed the L4L Healthy Hair Handbook.  Remember I told you my mother acted like my publicist/agent and told anyone who would listen about it?  Well, Miss Sharon was one of those victims and luckily for me, she is as into hair care as I am and has been a faithful follower ever since, which by the way I deeply appreciate!  We were chatting via Facebook the other day and she told me how much she enjoys my random hair ramblings to which I promptly responded by asking if she would like to be featured.  I remember when she first began her loc hair journey but had no idea until recently that we had such a common and deep interest in caring for our hair.  Personally, I’ve always thought Miss Sharon is really beautiful – she is the polar opposite of my mother and I.  Gorgeous dark skin and a tall frame…and the locs only enhances her beauty.  So without further adieu, let’s learn all about Miss Sharon and her loc’d hair journey!

ECP:  What made you decide to loc your hair and when did you begin?
Miss S:  I decided to loc my hair after wearing protective styles of my natural hair because my natural hair was growing and getting to be too much to handle. In 2006 I cut off all the relaxer in my hair.  I found the relaxers to be very damaging to my hair and was causing breakage.  So I decided to go natural.  In 2007 I made the decision to embark on my loc hair journey (with the recommendation from my stylist at the time).  Since I have worn my hair in braids, I thought this would be the next step for me. 

ECP:  What was your hair story before your loc journey?   
Miss S:  Before my loc hair journey I wore relaxers and braids off and on.   Keep in mind I was in my 20′s when I relaxed my hair for the first time.  My mother didn’t like them and she never relaxed my hair.   My hair was natural and wore the standard press-n-curl for 23 years!  That is the day I regret…….I wish I had never relaxed my hair.  After years of relaxers taking it’s toll on my hair, I had to stop. 

ECP:  How did you go about finding information on the best way to get started? 
Miss S: While I was wearing protective styles of my natural hair, I found a stylist who did coils, twists & twist-outs and she encouraged me to try locs.  I was very hesitant at first, but she promised to take them out for free if I didn’t like them.  Once I started them, I went online and did some research on the care and advantages of wearing locs. 

ECP:  What challenges did you face when you first began your loc hair journey? 
Miss S:  I  really didn’t face any challenges to loc my hair.  Maybe when going through the stages of locs, during the ‘puffy’ stage, I was getting impatient with them, but other than that, no challenges at all.

Some of Miss Sharon’s creative updo hairstyles

ECP:  I am an advocate for healthy hair, all types and truly hate to see divisions created among Black women because of our hair choices.  That being said, are there any special challenges those who wear locs face?  Lack of salons, hair accessories being too small, stereotypes, etc? 
Miss S:  There are so many salons that cater to natural hair today. I personally have not had any ‘stereotypical’ ramifications for wearing locs.   With that being said, I will get some questions about them from people who just are interested in the process.  With YouTube, you can find several videos on how to style & care for them.  As far as hair accessories, I have not had a problem.  Every store sells scrunchies, bands, head wraps, etc…..my problem is buying to many accessories for my locs.  

ECP:  Do you feel you spend more or less money on your hair since being loc’d? 

Miss S:  I spend less money on my hair, but more money on natural hair products.  I’m a natural hair product junkie and I’m always trying different shampoos, conditioners, oils, etc.

ECP:  Did you experience negativity from anyone once you began loc’ing your hair? 

Miss S: In my circle of friends and family, I have not experienced any negativity.  If someone  says, they don’t  like locs in general, I explain to them that it is a personal decision.  I tell them that not everyone can wear relaxed hair and keep the hair on their heads.  I love them and and that’s all that matters.   My hair has never been healthier (with the exception of when I was pregnant with my children). 

Current Length (February 2013)

ECP:  What is your favorite style? 
Miss S:  Currently, my favorite style is to wear my locs in a crimped wavy pattern (pictured above).  However, that is subject to change when I see another style I like better!ECP:  What have you learned most since embarking on your loc hair journey?  Will you be loc’d for life? 
Miss S:  I have learned  to be patient on my loc journey.  When I first decided to loc my hair my coils were about 2 inches long and I could not get them in a style. I had to be patient and wait for them to grow, I had to wait for them to go through the locking process (coils to puffy bulges of hair, to the actual loc’d tresses).    I’m committed to being loc’d for 10 years.  It will be six years in October 2013.  I’ll let you know after my 10 years are up if I’m a lifer.  I do know that I will never get my hair relaxed again, so I will be  natural for life!

ECP:  Any advice for those who are considering locs? 
Miss S:  Just do you homework and make sure this is what you really want.  It is a commitment.  Also find a good loctician!

Miss Sharon with her granddaughter in 2009

Thank you again Miss Sharon for sharing your loc hair journey with us, I’m sure it was a blessing to someone.  I, for one, am excited to see what you decide to do at your ten year mark!