It’s 2020 so that means expect the unexpected. Many of you have only known me with locs. I had my beloved locs for over 6 years (4/20 was my 6 year locsiversary). I’ve been feeling a change in my spirit for some time now and 2020 was the year to push me to it. My locs have now been freed! I have returned to the fro family, though the loc fam is always a part of my heart. There will be a lot of info in this blog post so strap in for the when, why, how and everything else in between of this locs to fro journey.
Why?
I have been natural since 2007 and since then I have switched back and forth between locs and a fro. With this most recent journey something within me had been desiring a change for a while. I like to signify new seasons in life in different ways. When COVID 19 shifted all of our lives in March with a mandatory lock down it really took a toll on me. Loneliness hit me hard. Not only was I isolated in an apartment by myself, but I was also not able to spend time with my grandfather out of concern for his health. At that time no one really knew what was going on (not that we know much more now) and I couldn’t bare the thought of having something and unknowingly taking it to him. As I was starting to go stir crazy I started channeling my energy into my hair. I started picking at a few locks and something about freeing my hair in the midst of being locked down turned out to be therapeutic for me. I had something to occupy my time as well as something I could challenge myself with.
How?
Before I get to how I took my locs out let me give some background information. I have had 3 sets of locs. I have picked out all three sets of locs. This one is the set I’ve had for the longest period of time, so they were the most mature. My first set of locs were Sisterlocks. Sisterlocks is a trademarked method of locking hair that requires installation by someone who has gone through that specific training. The system instantly locs the hair by interlocking it with a tool. I didn’t keep my Sisterlocks for very long (maybe a few months) before picking them out. They came out fairly easily and quickly. My second set of locs were installed with the interlocking method. My locs had only gotten to just below my shoulders. They took a year to pick out. People ask how I managed to hide my hair for so long. I two stranded twisted my free hair to blend in with the locs that were left. No one was able to tell unless I just pointed it out to them. Once I got closer to the front I started wearing head wraps until the process was complete.
Above, pictures from my first loc journey with Sisterlocks.
Below, pictures from my second loc journey with interlocks.
Cameras weren’t the best at those times so no judgement lol.
This last set of locs were also installed with the interlocking method. My locs had reached the bottom of my back. They were very mature and my hair is pretty thick. When picking out locs there is going to be a spot where your hair naturally comes in length once unlocked. I picked one loc out from tip to root to see where my hair naturally would stop. My hair was pretty long, but it took a few days to pick that loc out and it would have taken me forever to get them all out. I decided on the length I wanted my hair to be and I started cutting my locs to that shorter length and then picking them out. Please note that the further I got into the process the shorter I started cutting my hair because I was ready to be finished!
To pick out the loc I started with cutting it and then I used a tool to detangle my hair. Locs are just matted up hair that CAN be detangled in a healthy way. The tools I used are the tip of old earrings, a rat tail comb and a braid remover tool. Start at the very tip of the loc and insert your tool into the loc and pull through. Slowly work your way up the loc continuing to insert the tool and pulling it through. Occasionally comb through the newly freed hair to ensure it doesn’t tangle back up. I have a video in the Hair Journey highlight on my instagram page here demonstrating this process. The tool I preferred to use was the braid removal tool. The earrings work well, but they are flimsy and bend out of shape easily. The rat tail comb is sturdy enough for the process, but gripping the hard thin metal over an extended period of time is very hard and painful on the hand. The braid removal tool worked the best. It was easy to hold and grip as well as being sturdy enough to pick through locs. I won’t be linking to them as the company was a bit shady, but if you email me at brandisfoodiediary@gmail.com I’ll send you the information (purchase at your own risk I do not assume responsibility for any orders you place). I purchased Cantu coil calm detangler to see if it would help make the detangling process easier. I didn’t really see a noticeable difference. I used it for a few locs but for the most part I detaingled my locs dry.
What Now?
I have been having a lot of fun getting reacquainted with my newly freed hair. We have done twists, twist outs and just a full on fro. We had a photoshoot where I created a really cute chunky twist out in preparation, then it stormed and my hair was more so a poof lol, but we made it work. I haven’t explored much with products, but I’ve been using Shea Moisture 100% Raw Shea Butter and it’s working well for me for now. I do want to explore other products and see what ultimately will be best for my hair. I ordered a detangle brush early in the quarantine process and it has been amazing! Where has this thing been all of my life? It does make detangling large amounts of hair easier and faster. I have a Pinterest board and Instagram folder full of hairstyles I’m ready to rock!
Speaking of Instagram, not too long ago I asked what should my hair’s name be. One of my favorite social media influencers is Tabitha Brown. If you’re familiar with her then you know that her hair goes by the name of Donna and let me tell you, Tabitha and Donna are always on point! Well, I’m happy to report that my hair now has a name. We shall hence forth be known as Bonnie and Brandi (shout out to my friend Sharde). So hello world! Bonnie and Brandi are coming through with a Bang (and now that bayang song is in my head)!
A picture from the photoshoot where the rain took my chunky twist complete out.
Photography By: C. Rene Photography
Earrings: Napp2Reality
Questions Submitted About The Process:
What is the difference between “locs” and “dreadlocks”?
This question is like asking what’s the difference between calling yourself “black” and a “n***a”? The term dreadlocks was used in a derogatory way and is a racist term. Our culture has taken the term to attempt to flip it into a positive term (much like how you’ll hear friends calling each other n***a), but I choose not to use terms that are offensive in their roots and nature. I also don’t think anything is dreadful about locs.
How many locs did you have?
I don’t remember the exact number, but I had over 300 locs.
How long did it take to pick them out?
I started at the end of March 2020. I finished September 5, 2020. Due to COVID and being at home for an extended period of time I was able to dedicate a LOT of time to this process, so it didn’t take as long. I do get really bad hand cramps, so that slowed me down a bit. It took me about an hour to pick out each loc.
Did you stop getting your hair twisted a certain amount of time before starting to pick them out?
My locs were done with the interlocking method. I didn’t stop getting them interlocked any particular amount of time before taking them out. I do think if your locs are done with the twist or palm roll method they could be easier to take out. I have always had some type of interlocked locs so I can’t say for sure if it would be easier. If you know you want to pick your locs out you could let your hair start growing out and cut them at the point that your new growth begins. There are so many different options.
I’m ready to cut my locs and embark on a new journey. Any suggestions?
I say listen to what your spirit is telling you. It is YOUR hair and YOUR journey. It’s funny how other people get attached to our looks even more so than we do and have strong opinions on what we should do. If you want to cut them, then I say go for it!
OTHER QUESTIONS? Feel free to e-mail me any other questions you have to brandisfoodiediary@gmail.com and I will add them.
