When I started my locs I had done very little research. I realize now that if I had done my research, I probably would have been tempted to get Sisterlocs instead of the regular locs that I wore. Because I jumped into this with very little planning, I learned quite a few lessons very quickly.
The first and one of the most profound lessons that I learned with my locs was that TIME IS OUR MOST VALUABLE COMMODITY AND RESOURCE IN LIFE. We can always make more money, but we can never make more time. I had this revelation when I discovered how joyful my mornings became when I did not have to wake up an hour earlier to style my hair. I can't say that I spent less time in the salon getting my hair done, but I can say that the time I spent getting my hair done was a lot more peaceful and rejuvenating. I quickly learned that salon communities that focus on Natural hair and health have a different vibe and focus. They tend to attract creative, forward thinking, conscious and compassionate people. The greetings and ideas exchanged are edifying. I enjoyed every minute of it (and still do).
Equally profound is this lesson. I learned PATIENCE AND HUMILITY. Growing your hair in any state requires patience. But locs are a commitment for those that are truly serious about having them. Your spirit has to submit to the process of your hair growing and becoming what you desired it to be when you started. (Sounds like marriage, huh). Humility is something that I learned and acquired as I dealt with my family's reaction to my locs. I could have been (and should have been) offended by some of the questions and comments that were presented when I first started. Instead of getting angry, I worked on educating each person by example and with calm dialogue about my choice to start locs. I became very aware of perceptions and it made me more compassionate towards others who may have been perceived as different or misunderstood.
The next lesson is very important. I learned that MY LOCS WERE SEXY AND MADE ME FEEL SEXIER. My belief is that sexy is a state of mind. I was committed to enjoying my locs at every stage. When they were short I had no choice but to address my inner-self (my spiritual-self). This led to a personal revival in my spirit and it emboldened my connections with others. This new confidence was one that I had never experienced before. Confidence is an underestimated aphrodisiac. I spent a lot of time talking and working with my loctician because I wanted to be a walking example that wearing locs did not mean that curls and updos were off limits and just as stylish and sexy as with any other hair texture. I loved my my new looks and so did everyone else! I was approached by men of all races and places. The quality of my "dating" life improved dramatically. I attracted men with for more depth at this stage in my life that I did before.
The final lesson is this: HAVING LOCS IS NOT A PERMANENT STYLE - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CUT THEM OFF TO TRANSITION TO A NEW STYLE. One day a stylist in my salon walked in and she announced that she had been wearing head wraps for the last few weeks because she was combing her locs out. It was at that point that I understood that I had options. From then on, I looked at my locs as the best protective hair style a Natural Woman could have for 8 years.
I would love to hear about your loc lessons and answer any additional questions that you may have.
Until next time...
Loc Love,
The Natural Darling
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