It is a pleasure to feature Kay of NappyHeadedBlackGirl.com in this Natural Diva Spotlight.
What made you want to start your locs?
I woke up one day and knew I wanted them. That was on a Monday. By Friday, I had started with two-strand twists. It was just that simple. I had already been natural for years but never thought I’d want dreads, especially not freeform ones. Who knew I’d be looking like a bush baby today?
Do you prefer the term dreadlocks, dreads, or locs? Why?
There are many versions of how dreads “started” and who were the original people who wore them. No one knows for sure, but history shows us that dreadlocks were worn by religious leaders, warriors, and free thinkers. Dreadlocks is a powerful word. For me it connotes strength, courage, and freedom. I embrace it.
How long have you been wearing your locs?
Since 2007.
What made you want to free form your locs? How did you go about this process?
I actually started my dreads with every intention of keeping them twisted. After doing some research and realizing how much money I could save, I decided to maintain them myself.
So after about 6 weeks I did my first (and last) retwist. And guess what? It turned out decent. They were nice, neat, and my roots were flat. The bad part? They were nice, neat, and my roots were flat lol
I felt like my hair had no personality at all. That and the fact that I didn’t like having to do a certain thing for my hair to look a certain way led me to the conclusion that twisting my hair was for the birds. I’ve been freeforming ever since.
One of the cool things about freeforming is that there are no rules. To me it meant that I would not maintain my roots, meaning no twisting, palmrolling, latching, etc. I simply washed and separated my roots afterward. Last year I noticed that the separating was too much for certain parts of my hair, so I’ve since stopped. Now I just keep it clean, moisturized, and let it do what it do, baby.
What are some of the benefits of locs that are free formed or semi free formed?
First, let me say I’m not against maintained dreads. I think all dreads are beautiful and expressive. You just have to choose the method that fits you.
That being said, I like that with freeforming I don’t have to worry about “messing up” my hair. (I left that worry behind with my last relaxer.) I also enjoy looking different. When you get dreads, people expect them to look a certain way, and mine don’t.
The main benefit for me, though, is that my hair truly reflects who I am.
What is your hair care routine like? Products you like to use?
A routine? What’s that?
I’m super low maintenance with my hair. I use four products: shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, and oil. The only one of these that remains the same is my leave-in, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch leave-in. I’ve been using this since I was loose.
I’m not married to any other particular brand or product, although I am a fan of Twist ‘N Locs Itch-Free Herbal Conditioning Spray and Sheabutter Cottage argan oil.
I wash once no less than once a week.
Advice to those considering locs:
1) Wash your hair. Don’t be afraid of “messing it up”. A dirty, filthy scalp is a breeding ground for bacteria and funk. And that’s not cute.
2) Research your hair. Get to know what works for you.
3) Love your hair. Accept what it can and cannot do. Embrace what you have and stop comparing your hair to everyone else’s. It’s unique, like you.
Find Nappy Headed Black Girl Online
My site, Nappy Headed Black Girl (http://nappyheadedblackgirl.com)
Youtube, nappy headed black girl (http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl)
Twitter, @nappyheadblkgrl (https://twitter.com/nappyheadblkgrl)
