Non-Loc'ed Dream!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a dream last night that I JUST remembered.

I was in the bathroom with a flat iron in my hand straightening my hair... my NON-LOC'ED HAIR! (lol)

Then in walks my boyfriend to ask me what I'm doing... (he LOVES my locs btw). So I turn to him, and what do I say?

"See baby, I TOLD you my hair was long!" as long curls cascade down to APL hair (something i've never had). Then my sister came in and I showed her, much to her envious displeasure...

omg.. lol what's wrong with me.. i guess shrinkage is getting to me more than I realized (thought I was over it)..

Can someone say, psychoanalysis???

OMG!

I need to vent a little bit.

I got it pretty rough right now. This semester is my last and it is literally killing me! I'm not one who gets sick and I've been sick off and on, every month this semester. I'm broke because international students like me can't work off campus on our visas so I can't afford real/fresh food. I also have no time to cook or sleep or work out. Everything that could help keep me healthy I have no time to do.

What am I doing? Working 2 jobs just to pay rent, and taking 6 extra credits on top of a full course load. Sounds suicidal doesn't it? Why am I doing it? Well I was blessed with a student loan that would cover me for this one semester. I have to finish this semester because I won't be able to pay for another semester. *sigh*

I don't know how many of you are praying people but... I NEED PRAYER! I have to get to the end of this semester. I need a job, an apartment, and a car. Lord help me.

Home Stretch!

Its Month 12!!!!!!!!!!

Oct 12th I'll be at my one year lociversary! OMG! Cannot believe how much its changed

Clarification

I didn't know I needed to clarify. Yes, that sounds like a retarded thing to say. But I don't use product. All I do is wash and go. That's what I've been doing for months now.

Imagine my shock and confusion when I noticed a nice, gross ring of buildup on some of my locs!

Granted, I hadn't really scrubbed my babies in a little bit. I had been rinsing but I guess it wasn't enough. Grr...

So I used the advice of some ladies on nappturality.com (geniuses!) and used dish soap on it.

I was skeptical at first so I tried to clarify with acv then my regular shampoo but it didn't feel all that clean. So, I just decided to give it a shot.

MY HAIR WAS SOOOOOOOOOOO CLEAN! OMG. I love it. I won't do it all the time cuz it definitely dried my hair out too but it look, felt, and smelled cleaner than it had in forever. Dawn was recommended to me but I used palmolive, then I moisturized.

I think I'll do this every few months as I notice any buildup. If you feel the need to clarify.. it's worth a shot I think.

Sexyback: Wishful Thinking

One of the things that helps with weight loss is to visualize yourself at your goal weight. So I'm giving it a shot.

If I could pick the body I wanted, I might go for a Kim Kardashian, or a Nicki Minaj, Or Vanessa Veasley!

At this point its wishful thinking... but I'm getting closer and closer every week.

Thanks for reading!

Stylin

I have BADLY neglected you all! Forgive me!

So, my sister gave me a new eyeshadow pallet yesterday so I was feeling creative. I did my hurr.. and my makeup. Here's what I got!

Brotherhood

I'm glad to say that I finally feel like a member of the brotherhood/sisterhood of loc-ed up folks! I no longer have braids. Some of my ends are sealed. Its just a GREAT feeling!

I no longer refer to myself as a baby loc-er. My babies aren't mature yet, most of them are teens, but they're locs nonetheless!

*Contented Sigh*

lol

Thanks for reading!

Diet and Exercise

I had an epiphany yesterday!

It JUST occurred to me why so many different diets exist all claiming to be the next miracle diet.

I mean there is the obvious, money making portion of it. I have no doubt that, that's a huge part of the reason but it also comes down to the fact that everyone is different.

I have been doing P90X for six weeks now and I've noticed that I get more visible results when I do the cardio workouts rather than the weight training.

I decided to do some research on body typing and meeting the requirements of each body type early this past week.

After reading, and re-reading, and reading some more I discovered that I am a gynaeoid body type. I read some further and more and more I saw myself in the descriptions, right down to the types of foods I crave!

So for the rest of the week I followed the dietary suggestions and maxed out my cardio workouts. I also added serious stretching and pilates and I can actually SEE a physical difference. My midsection is leaner, I feel lighter, and I have more energy.

I'm sticking with this! My goal was for the end of July to have the body I know is underneath all that flubber. Now I see that it's more than just a possibility, it's a likelihood. AMEN!

I'm bringing sexy back y'all!

Thanks for reading!

Sealing!

Knowing my hair texture I expected that my ends would forever be open with curls. Recently I came to discover that it might not be the case for my whole head.

I have at least one row of sealed ends! Wow! I wonder what the rest of my head is gonna do.

Those ones are the oldest ones on my head. They're the second to last row in the back. Many have unraveled and been restarted. Others I undid and redid as twists (if you recall) but that row was completely left alone. And in their 9th month they are done (kinda) wow.

Hold your applause!

lol.

Thanks for reading!

Braids No More!

Super excited!

As you all know.. I'm a braidlocker and I'm SOOOOOOOOO happy to say that the braids are gone!

I retwisted a few and those look slightly twist-like but the braids are gone, and I'm 8 months into my journey (june 12th aka tomorrow).

I just felt like sharing with all my locked brethren.

I posted pix on my fotki so if you wanna, come check me out! The link is on the left panel

<-------------that way..

I've been waiting a long time for this day!

Thanks for reading!

Go 'Head Be Gone Wid It!

lol.. I'm gonna run out of Sexyback lines soon.

So, I'm finished phase one of P90X. I took pictures before and after and I really DO see a difference! I couldn't stop looking at them! It's great.

I've been wearing a lot of baggy shirts and stuff lately because I want to do a big unveiling afterwards but I see the changes. No one else needs to yet.

I'm really beginning to love my new body.

Imma get my sexy on y'all!

-Raxxie

Gettin Ma Sexy On

So I've restarted P90X a couple times (epic fail!) but I've made a serious commitment this time. My birthday was on the 9th and that day I decided to just do it all the way through and be done with it so I did. It's been about a week and a half and guess what! My midsection is already looking more toned (not a whole lot but more than it was) and I've lost 2lbs! Wooo!

I'm really gonna do it this time and Imma bring sexy back y'all!

I already bought a sexy bathing suit as my victory celebration and I'm excited.

Thanks for reading all!

Wow

Hello all!

If you recall, I redid some of my braidlocks as twists to try and help the process along. Well, those that have been redone have officially entered the "teenage stage." The back is doing its thing and maturing quite well.. but the front... its all over the place!

See, I was ok with the teenage stage before when the front wasn't doing anything. Now all the madness is right in my face. I wish it didn't bother me. I really do. I knew this stage was coming. I've read all the forums, blogs, etc. I know this stuff and yet... here I am... bothered by it. GRR!

Thanks for reading lovely ppl!

-Raxxie

Bringing Sexy Back... Again (?)

I'm a slacker in the worst way! Remember all my talk about P90X? Well I was starting to see actual progress in my body that I'd never seen before but then life happened. *sigh*

School accelerated and all my extra-curricular stuff intensified. My eating and my fitness waned and before I knew it, it had been two months since I even attempted P90X.

It's pretty sad because I used to be a work-out addict. I set myself back. I need some accountability. I had a goal and I keep pushing it back but I have to stop doing that. Summer is about to be here and I'll have no excuse. I won't have assignments to take up my time.

Anyway.. thanks for reading ladies and gents! You are great folks!

-Raxxie

Life.. and School

So I just looked at my progress with my undergraduate degree so far. I knew I was almost done but I didn't feel like it. I JUST realized though how done I am! Its BEAUTIFUL. I have two correspondents courses to do this summer then a regular course load in the fall and I'm DONE! FINISHED! FINITO! mercy.. I can't believe it. A chapter in my life is just about done.

God, you are too good!

Thanks for reading ladies and gents!

-Raxxie

End of Month 6 : Half a Year Under My Belt

I've finished my 1st half year! Woo hoo! I love this journey. So much of it looks very loc-like. It's great to see the progress.

Come check me out!

http://public.fotki.com/Raxxie/locked-hair-the-journey-1/2010-gettin-this-th/jan-march-month-4-7/

Apple Cider Vinegar

Just taking a moment to say that I love this stuff.

I used some this morning with my monthly clarification process. My hair is all bouncy and soft. My scalp is immaculate. I LOVE ACV rinses!!!!!

I may do them a little differently from other people. I mix it with water in a spray bottle and spray it on my scalp (mainly) before I wash. Then I shower and wash my hair with glycerin soap/giovanni tea tree shampoo/neem & tea tree soap (I interchange them), shake, and go.

I LOVE my hair afterwards! its gorgeous and sheeny and soft.. just fabulous!

If you haven't tried it, maybe it's worth a try.

Thanks for reading!
-Raxxie

Still A Braidlocker?? I Say, Yes!

So as we all know, I started my locs with braids in October of last year. As you also may know, I have a lot of textures in mt hair ranging from nearly straight (no clue why) to deep waves/loose curl, to very tight "nappy" curls. I love them all dearly but my heart has more love for the tight naps, and even the deep waves/loose curls because those area are clearly doing their thing on this locking journey!

Those are the areas where I've seen all the changes (fuzz balls, buds, rotation, and even practically mature-looking locs). Those spots are my edges on the sides(tight naps) and the back/middle, basically the back half of my head(deep waves/loose curls).

Now about the top. This hair is pretty straight and it gets straighter as you get closer to the hairline. I was checking out my hair a couple weeks ago and noticed that there was little visible change in these braids. As a matter of fact I could still see the spaces in the braid where the hair was weaves in and out! The only place that looked different from almost 6 months ago was the root where I'd been retightening. I got mad!

So, I took down the majority of the braids in the front down to the latched roots and redid them as loose twists. Some were so loose they looked like little afros! (those ones I latched in a few spots to keep the loc shape.

I have to say, I am MUCH happier with them now. The look more loc-like in 2 weeks twisted than they did in 5+ months braided.

So I got some twisted braidlocks now! lol

Bring on the pix!

Forgive Me Please

Hello all!

I have been out of commission for far too long! I looked up and realized it's been nearly a month since I've said a word to all my lovely readers. Shame.

The first part of that hiatus was due to school work, and my job. Life was crazy to say the least. I'm finishing up my degree and it's kicking my butt.

The more recent portion was due to the fact that I was computer-less. I'm still having some residual withdrawal symptoms from that ordeal. lol.

Now I'm back though. I did do some stuff with my hair and have made further alterations to my routine. One day I'll figure out for sure what works and what doesn't and decide on a definite routine but till then I shall experiment.

Thanks for sticking by me ladies (and gentlemen). I love you all!

-Raxxie

Getting Ma Sexy On!

As I mentioned a little while back, my roommate and I are on our "Bringing Sexy Back" mentality this year.

Recently we started doing a program from BeachBody.com called P90X.

I dunno if you'd ever heard of it but this workout routine is INTENSE!

I workout regularly and pretty strenuously, I thought. I was losing inches just doing my own thing but it was slow. I was definitely a lot stronger and could lift way more than I ever had before but I didn't see many changes in my appearance, not in the areas I want to see change anyway.

P90X is NO JOKE! I've done it for 3 weeks (barely, off and on) and I see things changing in my abs, arms, and shoulders. Those are my trouble areas. I fight with them and never see a thing change but after this workout for a pretty short time i see it!

Mad excited! Its a 90 day thing so I can't wait till I'm done.. its gonna be intense! I'll post pix and be all vain (lol).

Anyway.. I'm happy. More than just my hair is changing now.

Thanks for reading ladies and gentlemen!

Condensation

My roots are condensing y'all! Its great. Still mostly in the back.. the front is behind (lol, oxymoron).

The condensed portion begins at the root and on some of them I can feel it travel quite far down the length, while others are just starting.

It's great to see the real change.

I dunno but to me it looks like the frizzies are actually going away. Is that good or bad? Not sure. It doesn't feel like I've done anything to set it back so maybe this is just part of the process..

Thanks for reading ladies (and gentlemen)!

-Raxxie

Colored Tips

This is weird. As I sit in class and stare at my tips (lol, no I'm not lying) I notice that quite a few are going blond!

What???? Blond tips? It's strange. Some are a brown(ish) color, some more red, and a few are actually blond. This has never happened to me before, well, not that I noticed anyway..

Anyone else experience this? Any known causes????

Musings #7 : Growing... YES!

I was chilling with one of my best friends the other night, supposedly doing homework (that was the plan anyway.. lol) and I started messing with his hair. He's got one of those Corbin Bleu fros that I was always so jealous of. I used to threaten him with a beat down if he ever cut it. I've relinquished that threat since then cuz, let's face it, it's HIS hair.. lol.

Anyway, I never thought he noticed things like my hair. He just doesn't really pay attention to those things. So, as we shirked our homework I heard him say, "Raxxie your hair is growing."

May not sound big to anyone else but if even he noticed, then it must be doing something! Yay me! My hair is making moves.

If you recall, I flipped out awhile ago about how short it looked to me. I realized later that it was shrinking because it's locking. I'd thought that I hadn't retained any length in the last year. Glad I was wrong so I can stop freaking out! lol.

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

Teenagers???

Ok, I'm a little confused by the state of my hair these days. It's been acting completely retarded lately.

The top and front still looks and behaves like braids do which isn't great but at least it's predictable. The "locking" areas are doing something else.

Let's start with shrinkage. It's not uniform. Not from lock to lock or even from strand to strand. I have some freakishly long strands that stick out all on their own with fuzzy tufts of hair on the ends.

Frizz is another thing. I can handle frizz. I even looked forward to it. I just don't understand it anymore. It seems to come and go on a whim. I do NOTHING to my hair these days as my followers know but one day there's nothing but a MASS of frizz and the next... it's all tame and docile. I think it's mildly bipolar to be honest.

One thing that I DO like however is that some are taking on very lock-like characteristics! I've found a few cylindrical ones with no braid pattern. They're condensed and stiff/hard. It's exciting. The day that they all get with the program will be a great one.

In short.. I think my teenage phase is beginning. Maybe they're preteens now. Either way, they're doing whatever the heck they want which is a sign that they're moving on from the baby stage.

Thanks for reading everyone!

-Raxxie

To Color???

I am strongly considering coloring my hair for the first time ever!

I know I'm going to do it but I'm still deciding when. My birthday is in May and I might wait till then. I'll be in month 8 at that point. Not sure I want to wait that long though. March will be month 6. Maybe I'll do it then.

At least I'm not this indecisive about which color I want. I've heard good things about Garnier Nutrisse so I'm going with that brand.



The color is deep burgundy brown. I love it, that's a sexy color.

If anyone has advice on coloring I'd appreciate it... I'm more or less a blank slate on the subject other than what the box says. Lol.

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

Musings #6 : HIH Disease!!

Lol.. it's nothing serious I promise! For those of you who don't know, HIH is an acronym for, hand in hair. Basically is describes those of us who have our hands in our hair all the time.

Lately though, it's become more than just me. Everyone (those allowed) seems to find their hands in my hair.

I don't mind it because I love the feeling of fingers on my scalp. The reason I mention it is because when I was an avid weave wearer it was a BIG NO NO! There was NO way I was gonna let anyone touch it because then it would be confirmed how fake it was. When I pressed the hell out of my hair it was partially allowed unless I styled it up in which case it was completely forbidden. After I BC'ed and began styling and loading up on products it was a no no because I was embarassed at how sticky it was or how crunchy. Now that I'm locking, and using nothing but water, everyone is allowed and I love it! I have nothing to hide, be neurotic about, or be ashamed of.

I even get compliments on how soft it is! My hair! The hair that I used to believe would be a brillo pad without product! Amazing. And you know what? They're not lying, it IS soft. I love my hair in a way I never have before. It's not a burden or a chore. It's beautiful and I love it!

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

Suggestions For New Lockers - Part 1

This is a collection of wise tidbits I've gotten from locking veterans. These may not apply to every new locker as every head of hair is different but these are some basic rules that are generally followed and passed on:

1. Less is more - This goes for product, manipulation, and grooming for the 1st few months. Your new locks need time to settle

2. Avoid commercial moisturizers - Moisturizing shampoos, wash-out and leave in conditioners, thick/heavy oils, etc. This isn't necessarily forever but right after installation your babies are quite prone to slippage and unraveling. Also, avoiding the use of such products will minimize buildup. This also includes waxy products (bees wax).

3. Moisturize - Your hair needs moisture to be healthy so keep it moisturized. Water is the best moisturizer. Spritzing with water is a great way to maintain the moisture levels in your hair. If plain water isn't your cup of tea, a light carrier oil (like olive oil) and/or an essential oil (like peppermint) can be added for an easy to make daily spritz.

4. Keep it clean - Many will say that locks cannot/should not be washed for the first few months. I disagree STRONGLY with that concept. Dirty hair is gross and the longer washes are put off, the more buildup there will be to wash out later. Set up a regime of cleanliness and it will benefit you in the long run. Plus, some swear by frequent washes/rinses as a means of helping along the locking process (disclaimer: this (ie: rinsing speeding it along) varies from person to person and doesn't work for everyone).

5. Do NOT over tighten - Meaning not too frequently and not too tightly. Whether you twist, palmroll or latch this is SUPER important as you may lose locks later. Over tightening can cause weakening in locks which can cause them to break later on. Doing it too tightly can also cause pulling at the scalp which can lead to the loss of hairs at the root. Weak roots are a no no with locks as it can also cause the loss of the lock.

The basic consensus? Let them be, for the most part. Wash them, wet them and let them do their thing. Tighten them (if not freeforming) with accumulated new growth (about a month's worth). That's all. It doesn't have to be forever and these suggestions aren't set in stone. All hair will lock eventually. These are just tips for helping the process and keeping them healthy.

Thanks for reading! Hope this helps someone!

-Raxxie

Braids No More

The back of my hair is making moves! I'm SO HAPPY!

My temples, side edges, and back 2 rows have lost the braid pattern for the most part. They're FINALLY starting to look like locks!

Well that's it for now, I'll be posting my routine soon as well as the basics of locking as I've learned them thus far!

Thanks for reading!

ps. my 4th month began on Jan 12th! Woo hoo!

-Raxxie

One Product Challenge

My GOSH this has been an insane week! Almost got thrown out of school.. finances are NO JOKE! Thankfully God's not done with me yet. Amen.

Anyway, there's a lady on Nappturality that proposed a challenge. She challenged all who would join to use just one product. Not sure for how long, but I'm going to do it (for the most part) for the rest of my first year.

I've already seen the benefits of using nothing but my shampoo/natural soap. I rinse everyday in the shower and wash a couple times a week (since I work out a lot now) and I've seen progress.

Anyone who wants to join, PLEASE DO! If you can go without putting anything in your hair I suggest you do it. I couldn't go cold-turkey as you all know. I had to cut back slowly. Now I've let it go altogether and I actually like it. Go figure.

Now, the back of my hair is LOCKING! Woo hoo! The sides (edges) are doing their thing as well as well as by my temples.

People have told me that one day I'd look up and see a surge of change in my hair. They were right! I have some of those little balls of hair on my ends (a few). I've started losing the braid pattern on some of my locs. I'm so happy!

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

H2O

Water is a wonderful thing for a young locker!

Lately I've been rinsing every day and I swear, my progress has sped up! My hair looks to be doing it's thing in high(er) gear now!

I've done some research on the subject and have found that the results of daily rinses vary from person to person and from hair type to hair type.

Not everyone can accelerate the process by rinsing daily. But learning what works for you is about trial and error. I figure, it's worth the try.

This is also where your start method comes into effect. If you started with braids, sister/brother locks, interlocks, and possibly twists (2 or 3 strand) unraveling is likely to be far less than if you started with finger/comb coils or possibly backcombing (I know very little about backcombing). I see no unraveling anymore with my hair though I used to quite a bit in the beginning.

If you want to, I suggest you try it out and see how you like it!

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

Bringing Sexy Back in 2010!

My roommate and I have made a resolution this year. It's gonna sound familiar because it's one that EVERYONE makes on Dec. 31 but forgets, or quits by Jan. 7.

We're gonna get in shape. Not just saying it, we're DOING it! Both of us WILL be bikini ready this summer.

Her goals are slightly different from mine but I can share with you where I'll be going.

My weight is in the healthy range for my height so that's not what I'm concerned about. What I want is a redistribution of the fat on my body, and to lower my percentage of body fat.

I'm gonna be a beast in the gym this year.

I have a fairly muscular body type which means I can gain or lose weight pretty easily depending on what I'm doing. When I work out regularly I see results in as little as two weeks. But when I slack off (which I usually do once I notice results) I go right back to where I was in about 2 weeks. Not everyone loses inches and gets tones the same way. Some people slim down with a lot of cardio. I'm not one of them. I have to lift weights. Strength training is the BOMB for me!

This year I will NOT slack off. I will track my progress and keep pushing till I get where I want to go. Once I get there I'll just maintain. I'm super excited because I went Thursday and today and though sore, I feel SO GOOD!

Thanks for reading ladies (and gentlemen?)!

-Raxxie

The look of love...

This is one of my favorite songs of all time! Yes, I'm a romantic. Guilty as charged. Although it's a cliche I am a firm believer in that look.

Haven't you ever seen it?

It's not something that you'll see terribly often when you're single but every once in awhile you find someone who is head over heels for you and.. there it is!

People can fake SO many things when it comes to love and relationships. We can tailor what we say. We dress a certain way. We curtail our behavior to make a good impression. But that look? You can't fake that look.

He buy you all types of beautiful, thoughtful, ooo and awww type things. He may take you places that you've always wanted to go (literally, you dirty minded people). He may appear to bend over backwards for you, get close tou your friends and family, brag about you in public, the whole shpeel. But if he NEVER looks at you with love in his eyes.. chances are his intentions are less that virtuous.

I know what B.S looks and sounds like. Trust me, I didn't always believe in the look myself. Then I saw it.

It was the end of a first date. Mr. Gentleman and I were about to part ways. He hugged me, said something (don't remember what), then he looked at me. OMG.. (insert girly sigh). That was the point where I knew his feelings were for real. I got chills.

This isn't a lustful stare. It isn't even something I can describe. The English language sadly, doesn't have adequate words to do it justice. But when you see it, you know it in an instant.

I'll say this again, he can't fake it. Neither can you. Sometimes we don't recognize it or ignore it because we don't expect it. I personally am a sucker for it. Lol, aww well.

He can act aloof and play it cool as we SO often do in the beginning, but once his guard is down and feelings get deeper be on the look-out for it. This doesn't mean that an aloof guy isn't an aloof guy. He could be, he could be uninterested. What I'm saying is this: if you're trying to figure out which he is, the look he gives you will give him away. You can only hold back so long.

Alright, I think I'll stop here.. I'm remembering a few too many looks, and non-looks.. lol..

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

He's just not that into you...

This is my first post that has absolutely nothing to do my hair. Hope you'll read along with me anyway.

I love action movies, thrillers, and serious dramas! Love, love, love them. I watch romantic comedies too but just for the entertainment factor, and usually to kill some time. The movie in the title of this blog is the exception.

For some reason, I can't get enough of this movie. It has witty dialogue and VERY good points about male/female interactions.

If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do. It goes through the lives of seven interconnected people in various stages of romantic relationships. I never really thought about how much miss-communication exists between the genders especially with the things women tell each other about men.

Because we fear rejection and single-hood so much, we justify all the crappy things we go through in the dating world. Bottom line? If he treats you like crap, or refuses to give you what you're looking for STOP EXPECTING HIM TO CHANGE. He either DOESN'T like you, or CANNOT give you what you need because he DOESN'T want to or DOESN'T have it. That's all it is.

Any man who finds a woman he wants will do whatever he has to, to get her. It's just in his nature to go after it and he will, even if he looks like an idiot in the process. I've seen it.

The movie parodies these points in a smart way and I love it.

I love sociology, psychology, and anthropology. I love looking at how people behave and interact. It's amazing how we react to each other. Seriously, its a movie to watch.

Thanks for reading!

-Raxxie

Another Updo For Short Locs!

Another tutorial by the one and only sistaanclyned on youtube!

Hope you enjoy it!

Happy New Year Everyone!

2009 is officially over!

I hope all is well with everyone. Regardless of what your old year held I hope your new one tops it! I hope for nothing but great big things for all of you and your loved ones!

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!!

-Raxxie