My 8 Month Microlocs Update
Date: 11/11/24
Update time: 8 months post installation
How do you feel today: At ease
Describe your loc journey so far in one word: Simple
How have things been overall:
Great! My loctician told me that my hair is starting to lock and showed me what a “perfectly locked” microloc looks like in the middle of my hair. It made me more excited to see my locs in their “final form” and provided encouragement that “the process” is working as it should. Does the process know we’re trusting it?
I also had the opportunity to try the Locs Amplify Shampoo, which I purchased myself. I reviewed the product on my Instagram page and hosted a giveaway featuring a few of their goodies (thanks so much to Tobi for the extra prizes that Locs Amplify included for free).
There was so much to love about the shampoo:
The sleek bottle design and pump made it so easy to control the flow of product. A little bit goes a long way!
I loved the texture. It was not too thick or too runny. It was perfect and lathered very well. It made my hair feel clean.
As I was washing my hair, my scalp and locs did not feel stripped like they do when I use the Suave Naturals shampoo. They felt incredibly soft and well-moisturized.
The scent was citrusy and fresh, but not fragrance dominant.
I will say, my loctician noticed that I used a different shampoo before my retie and she thought that my hair felt a bit drier than usual. I didn’t follow up with the Locs Amplify Moisturizing Refreshing Spray because I’m currently avoiding using oils on my locs, however I imagine when paired with the shampoo, it might deliver a better experience. Plus, everyone’s hair will respond differently. Next retie, my loctician wants us to do an experiment where I wash one side of my locs with the Locs Amplify Shampoo and the other half with the Swirly Curly Mango Moringa Moisture Max Shampoo, so I’ll report back on our findings. Regardless, I can recommend Locs Amplify Shampoo with no reservations (not professional advice, just my own honest opinion).
Lastly, I started a Substack, Microlocs Moments where I’ll be sharing my unfiltered thoughts on issues / topics impacting the microlocs / Sisterlocks and natural hair communities. I felt that there was no place online for me to have thoughtful conversations with likeminded loc enthusiasts, so I’m hoping it's a warm and welcoming space to engage in LocTalk. If that’s your jam, subscribe!
I’ve also launched a new Instagram page, @GetMicrolocsNearMe, to engage the professional loctician community to submit their business listings to our app, as we gear up for the official launch in 2025. If you know a loctician, help us spread the word!
What is your maintenance routine?
My routine really hasn’t changed much outside of trying different shampoos to see what I like best. I still moisturize a few times a week depending on what my hair needs. I’ve also started pouring my rose water into a continuous spray bottle to better distribute the product on my scalp. My loctician also encouraged me to do this with my shampoo when washing, so I’ve implemented that technique as well. It definitely helps the product reach the scalp a lot better, especially with the braiding and banding in the way.
What has been your go-to hairstyle this month?
This month, I didn’t style my hair a whole lot and kept things simple. I noticed that at this stage, when I do too many styles that require getting my hair wet (e.g. perm rod set), I have a lot more slippage than usual and it takes my loctician longer to retie. So, not to say I won’t be styling my hair anymore, but I’m going to focus on leaving them alone / protective styling (in two flat-twists or braids) as we head into the winter season and colder months.
Have their been any challenges with your locs this month?
Things have been great and I still love it here. However my scalp is dry and flaky in a few areas.
What will you do address those challenges?
Still working on adjusting my diet to see if cutting back on carbs helps.
Have any locs fallen out? How many?
Nope!
When is your next retie?
This week. In the new year, I’m still hoping to move to a 6-8 week schedule. I’m just not sure that I have enough new growth worth retying every 4 weeks.
How much money did you spend on hair products this month?
I’ve been going through more rose water than I usually do, so I’m changing my subscription from every other month to once a month.
Share some pictures of your hair from this month!
