"THE ROAD TO LOCKDOM"

A Good Read That I Borrowed From the Lock-it-up Group

THE ROAD TO LOCKDOM...

What every locker should know: LOCKING TIPS:

No matter how you started your locks, texture, length, or stage of your journey- remember that these tips should apply to all lock wearers...

~Locking is about patience, so it is a long term commitment that might last 2 years or more for the locking to be complete. Be 100% sure that this is the step you want to take.

~Your hair (no matter what texture) will frizz during the process. Know that this is a normal process -all lockers will have to go through this experience so relax and don't stress!

~For people with looser curl textures or naturally straight hair, accept that frizz might always be part of the locking process.

~Love those bumps! It adds character to your locks.

~It seems no 2 people with afro hair has the same texture, naturally your locks will look different.

~There might be times when you are feeling impatient, stressed, bored and negative about your choice in locking -don't worry, this is very normal -especially during the teenage phases when locks have their own mind. Take a deep breath and remember that this time will pass. Enjoy the journey, don't waste time on stressing over it!

~Be prepared to learn a few lessons on the way and throw out your old perceptions of beauty.

~Keep a lock journal to remind your Self how far you have come!

~Collect headwear and experiment.

~Your locs are unique and beautiful. No one else's locks will be the same as yours so don't compare your locs, just love and accept what you have.

~Use products that are light so there won't be any product build-up in future.

~If at any stage you are uncomfortable with what your locktician is doing to your locks, don't be afraid to be very clear and let them know or change lockticians. Go with your instincts! They are your locks and you know whats best for them, so don't let others tell you otherwise. Your locktician should work with you, not against you.

~NEVER use any products that contain mineral oil and petroleum as their ingredients.

~Locking should not be an uncomfortable or unhygienic experience. Wash your locks regularly and always keep them clean.

~Water is your best friend throughout the locking stages.

~Healthy body, healthy locks.

~Use minimal of products to avoid build-up.

~If you're concerned about how the locks will look early on and/or that your loved ones will reject you if you decide to lock, then you shouldn't be considering them.

~Be willing to accept any and all stages of lockdom, including the negative reactions you may receive from family, friends, and strangers.

~You are not alone - get support from good friends or other means (forums are great for this!).

~There is a wide spectrum of locking techniques and methods, from the super cultivated locks to the super organic lock methods. Each are beautiful in their own right and no method of locking should be seen as 'more acceptable' or 'more beautiful' than the other.