Well, after 5 hours, I finally was able to complete my first Sisterlock retightening while on my trip here in Charlotte. It took a little longer than the estimated 2 hours, since my Trainee Consultant, Zdyea in Toronto, did such a fabulous job with the installation, and according to Nera, a rather fantastic hairline, which was a challenge to follow. Nera was pretty happy with our finished product today. Sweet. I will definitly keep her on my Charlotte task list for my future visits.
I have to say, I cannot believe how much my hair has grown in the past six and a half weeks. This hair growing thing is quite impressive to me. My hair doesn't grow normally, but now I am excited about the prospects of it growing in length and volume.
I shampooed it three times between appointments. There was some slippage at the nape area mostly, but the good news is that it's already beginning to lock. Nera says it should be locked by October. Then she said I may be ready to try some styling techniques. She even mentioned using the curling iron, but no more than once a week. We'll see.
Backtracking a little, I must go back to my first shampooing. After waiting over a month for my starter kit, which I forgot at the consultants. (She needs to mail it to me since I live over 3000 miles away), I have had to be creative with the shampoo process. Armed with numerous spray bottles after diligently banding it as instructed, I started off with a diluted solution of Dr Bonners Hemp Oil Soap. The almond scented one gets me every time, I so love that smell. I then used a lemon juice and water rinse; clarified that with a baking soda and water rinse (I used boiled water since I had no distilled) and followed that up with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
I was happily surprised on how clean and non-vinegary my hair smelled, and how soft my hair felt. I loved how my hair got a little more volume, just the way that I like it. I got tons of compliments that day. In fact, my best friend mentioned that this is the best hairstyle that I have ever had, and she has known me for over 15 years. I think I have to agree.
I can't wait till I get past the banding stage. But I have to mention the added bonus of more space in the bathroom and beyond as I purged all my hair products and divvied it between all my friends and co-workers. It's totally liberating to be free of product. And even though I didn't get my Sisterlock products, I am pretty thrilled that I have found a natural solution to my hair care, without added chemicals. Kitchen ingredients have always been my best friend, and now they have gone beyond their culinary demands! In my quest for better health and non-toxic options, this totally fits the bill! Ooh thats a pun, since this hair care regime is dammed cheap to boot.
I do have to remember though, that I will need a moisturizer once it locks. Nera did highly recommend the Sisterlocks moisturizer. I will try it once, but I will of course, look for a natural remedy.
The next trick will be getting in my next appointment. My next trip after this one is not until Vegas in December. Stay tuned for that one.
In the meantime, I will post my retightening pictures when I return home from Charlotte, and now apparently Orlando. Man, do I ever get around!
