Just when I thought I knew all I needed to KNOW, I learn that there is more out there that you want me to KNOW. Well I decided that I like my natural hair. It is especially fun hair after a hard workout at the gym and I take one of those fabulous hair washing combination showers. I really dig the freedom of this self-LOVE experience.The hardest part about being natural is learning how to manage my kinky, coily, wavy, curly, spongy, nappy hair texture so that I still look and feel feminine. I don’t like short hair on ME. Now, that I visited the barbershop for the first time in my life, my shaped up afro is really short, Short, SHORT. I DONT LIKE IT. I took my son in to get his haircut …well, I don’t’ even want to go into the details I took pictures and I will let them speak for themselves. One thing that I was able to learn to tolerate in my mind was that even though my hair looked short it really was not as short as it appeared to be. I have spongy hair that really draws up. I learned and have recently re-confirmed that I am tired of having other people in my hair. My self-esteem and self-confidence must still be weak (stronger than in the past, but still weak), so I know with your help God I will overcome this.
Sisterlocks™ symbolized freedom
and healing to me. Although it is very challenging for me to wrap myself around the cost of this hair and life style, I DID! I consider myself a high quality female. But to go from spending approximately $350 every six months to approximately $3000 in six months has been really hard for me to wrap my mind around. But against all logic to my income situation and checking account I was going to do Sisterlocks™ anyway because I wanted to UPGRADE in my level of personal care. I rationalized that I am an heir to God’s kingdom and my inheritance entitlement means that I am worthy and valuable of the very BEST! Now my biggest challenge as I kick my natural hair, is not to go back to braid extensions. I really
like caring for my own hair and not being at the whim and mercy of some over-confident-because they are CERTIFIED LISENCED beautician barber consultant and/or whatever they want, Need, or HAVE to call, Identify, or LABEL themselves.If my hair is going to be jacked up in the future, I WILL be responsible for it. I will find more books, more people who are willing to share the techniques and not just in it for the income. Because I am not in this to become dependent on someone else to care for my hair, I want to be independently, free, Free, FREE.
With my hair this short I feel like I have to do EXTRA just to look and feel feminine. I don’t like all of this EXTRA hoop-a-la I am putting myself thru so I can look like a woman. I am praying for the strength to stay natural and not hook myself up with some braid extensions.
Hopefully this post is not hypocritical to any of my previous blog posts, hopefully this post is not negative because God I know every situation YOU create in my life has always worked out for the GOoD. In Jesus' name, Amen. *
* Everthing is cool...
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If anyone else out there is listening besides God, feel free to share and post a response...
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Sis. RJQueen10
21 comments:
Dear Heavens, please tell me that $3000 in six months is just a figure of speech and not reality!
Cause if it's not, that's an outrage and I can see you would reconsider Sisterlocks. What a shame indeed. But since I have that super coily hair too, when I
wore my TWA I got very bored with it becasue I didn't know how to manage it. That was back in '98. But at least now there are some some helpful resources. A few sites that give excellent tips for managing loose natural hair are:
www.naani.com
www.naturallyyou.com
www.napturality.com
www.motowngirl.com
Do what is best in your heart and pockets!
greetings queen:
1. $3k? are you serious? why that much? what is going on in dfw that clients are being charged that much. i mean, dr. cornwell did my hair and she charged me much less than $400. yes, that was back in the day over 11 years ago but prices should not have gone up this much. maybe i need to think about doing sisterlocks again and give up my p/t day job? are you sure you have the #s correct? that just seems so outrageous to me.
2. your twa looks great. you have the perfect face and attitude to pull it off with class and femininity.
3. certification is important. however, it should not be used as a tool to hold clients hostage to outrageous prices. if you get sisterlocks, learn to retighten them yourself and set yourself free.
4. did you mean $3k US Dollars?
5. do what is best for you. i am sure you have been prayerful and that guidance will come.
all the best!
Hey RJQueen10,
The afro is slamming cute on you and you look very nice in the pics!!!!!!!!
Continue to take your time and research to decide exactly what YOU want. I feel you because I am in the same situation in figuring out my path in natural hair care and certification.
All things do work out for the best and everything happens for a reason.
I'm like the others..... 3K??? Was that a typo? I have not speant that much in here in Texas in the two years I've had Sisterlocks. Hummmm.....
Take care and see ya in gym class.
Creyole
Goodnapps, thank you for the sources of natural hair care options. I will definately look into it, because the biggest factor of wearing my natural hair is HOW TO MAINTAIN IT properly.
I appreciate you and the time you took to read my blog and the additional time you took to leave your response.
Sis. RJQueen10
Muslimahlocs,
2) Thank you for saying that my twa looks great on me. I give God all of the glory. Check out my posts in a couple of days maybe tommorrow. I was not comfortable with it, so...
3) Certification is important. To me it adds value to what the hair technician or whatever they need to be call does. I am impress with all Dr. Cornwell has done to make this a professional, standard, natual haircare option. That is why I include the "TM" symbol on purpose each time I write Sisterlocks.
5) Thank you! Who knows what the future holds??? Only God! I am open and I believe I am worthy of this haircare Investment. So In the meantime... I WAIT!
The feedback and support you offer me by reading and responding to my blog is invaluable and I just want to thank you!
Sis RJQueen10
Creyole,
I believe I do know exactly what I want! I am waiting on YOU! August 2007? I am willing to wait, YOU are worth it! If you decide not to get certified, THEN I will consider other options.
Thank for being there, thanks for being a friend, thanks for being a Christian with INTEGRITY! I do admire ya!
So, Creyole, in two years the total costs of your Sisterlocks has been less than $3,000? Is that because you do self retightenings?
And yes, Yes, YES I will see ya in aerobics! It's on!
Sis. RJQueen10
Goodnapps, Muslimahlocs and Creyole,
yes, Yes, YES! I meant American money. That cost, or price IS for the first 6 months. That cost or price includes the initial consulation, the installation, if I get retightened every 5 weeks for 6 months that will be approximately 5 retightenings. I figure the average time to retighten of 2 {best case} to 4 hours {worse case} (remember there is a charge per hour). Also at the end of the 6 months I will want to take the retightening course. So I could be independent of haircare specialist and choose when and if I see one. I had to look at the the BIG picture since I am a graduate student on a budget. I could not just look at the finacials of the installation and not consider the whole cost, the total price, the other parts of the costs, because it is not FREE. I have not even included product pricing in this hairstyle alternative.
In conclusion, I have convinced myself that I am worthy and valuable of this hairstyle INVESTMENT, so who really knows what the future holds? August 2007, huummmm??? Maybe??? In the meantime, I am just chillin', learnin', lovin', and enjoying my hair...
Remember--IT IS ALL ABOUT LOVE! self-LOVE!
Sis. RJQueen10
Well whatever you decide...your twa is really cute! It looks great on you!
What's up with someone charging 3k??? Hmmm... Perhaps you may want to research more locticians. On the other hand your afro looks too cute on you, so you're in a win-win situation no matter what!!
Cluizel,
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I give all the glory to God for the wonderful compliment you gave me on the twa. Your feedback is well received and appreciated.
One of the hardest things for me, is when I have so So SO many options. NOw, don't get me wrong I love having alternatives, but so many choices become overwhelming. Mainly because I then need to look into each to make sure I am making a excellent decision.
Sis. RJQueen10
Aya,
Now, thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my blog. Also thanks for taking the time to leave your comment.
The $3,000 is not just ONE charge. It is the the WHOLE price OVER six months MINUS the cost of the Sisterlocks™ products.
Overcoming the shock of the initial costs of Sisterlocks™ took me quite a minute. But with God's help I was able to come to grips with the fact that I am worthy and valuable of the initial foundational expense of Sisterlocks™. I am an heir of Abraham, and God promised his children an inheritance.
After six months I would be able to take the retightening class and from that point forward, I would be free, independent and have the option to style my own hair or have it professionally retightened.
I do believe $3,000 is a great investment in myself. Now, don’t get me wrong it IS hard for me to part with this amount of money, but I am WILLING. After learning what I learned about the process of Sisterlocks™ and it’s cost that is why I have mad respect for the ladies and also why I call them the Phenomenal Women of Sisterlocks™.
I just NOW see that there are many options, alternatives, and choices concerning the locking process and I will look into it a little further and then make my final decision. When I first started I only knew about Dreadlocks and Sisterlocks. I KNEW I did not like Dreadlocks and I KNEW I loved the variety of styling opportunities with Sisterlocks™. And that is about all I KNEW!
Sis. RJQueen10
Hi Sis. RJQueen10! I admire your courage to rock the TWA and fully experience the flexibility of your natural hair. I never took that step. Well not unless you count that time in 84 when my damaged ends required my Jheri Curl to cut down to about 3 inches. I cried a little that day. Anyway, it looks great on you and the texture is beautiful.
I've been Sisterlocked for 6 months now and I haven't spent anywhere near $3k. I also haven't invested in taking the retightening class.
Whatever you decide,embracing your natural beauty is sure to be daily exercise in self-love.
Hey Sis RJ Queen: I like your aproach to taking your time and looking at all of your options. You're right, 3k is quite an expense for over a 6 month period. I've been sl'd for 4 months and haven't even reached spending 1k. I know you will make the best decision, and will support you whatever you decided.
Stay Blessed!!!!
Your TWA works for you. One thing I say when folks ask about my hair is to remind them it is an investment and there is a significant cost involved. I knew years ago I wanted to lock my hair and when I discovered Sisterlocks, I knew that was what I wanted. When I talked w/my consultant I wasn't shy about knowing what my investment would costs. I also sat down w/calculator and pen and listed what my expenses would be and when I looked at the final talley I realized I could handle it. My costs are no where near $3000 either, so I understand your hesitation. I also believe you should research and do what is right for YOU. You have to feel good about this decision or it will not be a good one. Wishing you the best...
Ms Stella,
Thank you so much for stopping by my blogspot and reading me. Also an additional thanks for you taking the extra time to leave your encouragement, feedback, and support. I agree with you rockin' a TWA does take courage. I thought it was hard to just be natural. Well the TWA is takes it to the next level of bravery. But being natural is extremely liberating (especially those after workout showers). IF ONLY, If Only, if only my hair was not so spongy and springy and if it did not shrinkup, draw up when it dries. I have to learn how to manage that.
I also remember when my Jheri Curl was cut really short too and I felt so very uncomfortable. I am going to look for one of those pictures and post it on this spot. At the time I felt so horrible lookin' but in reality or hindsight it was not that bad.
Wow, Sisterlocks are such a beautiful thing. I thought everyone was averaging the same, $$$ for the first 6 months for establishing the foundation for this hairsytle. In reality money is really NOT the objective anymore. Over the time I was waiting for my installation appointment of May 10, 2007, with God's help I was able to convince myself that I am valuable and worthy of this investment. I am(was) willing to spend the $$$, I just want to be real cool with whoever helps me crossover to being completely in-love with the natural ME. I may be asking too much, but I really, Really, REALLY don't think so.
Sis. RJQueen10
Aya,
Thank you for reading me and thank you for leaving a comment. I appreciate you.
Some form of small manageable versitile locks are a definate next step for ME. I love(d) kicking my braids, but I don't like being subjected to someone always re-doing my hair. I have tried to learn this method of haircare, but I have not went all out with it.
I love the permanance of locks (be it Sister, Nappy, or Braid locks). I want the end result to be lasting and beautiful. I love the concept of being able to workout on a consistent basis and my hair not suffering from the affects, but actually are thriving from an active lifestyle.
Thank your for your feedback and most of all thank your for your support. Sometimes people who need it most, don't realize how helpful support really is when they are trying to make a challenging, life-altering decision. I thank God for your positive vibe.
Sis. RJQueen10
Cashana,
Thank you for your comment on my attempt to kick a TWA. You are correct about stating that Sisterlocks is an investment and there is a significant cost involved.
It is good to know that I am not the only one who sat down with a calculator and pen and listed what my expenses would be. Whether or not if it seemed sensible for my income and budget the money was there and I am(Was)AM going to invest in myself for a change.
I had(HAVE) come to grips with spending the $3,000 but after making this post most, if not everyone has confirmed that $3000 over six months is hefty and not typical costs of Sisterlocks.
I definately better not let my husband read this post and its comments. I had not received too much resistance from him, overall he IS very supportive. But his biggest objective with the whole process is the MONEY. And in reality, I am forced to RESPECT that.
Oneday, if God sees to it I will be locked! Because I do feel real, Real, REAL good about the decision to lock. God and I are just going to get together for a minute and decide which version of locks will RJQueen10 adorn her head with? Sisterlocks, Nappylocks, or Braidlocks...To Be Announced...
Sis. RJQueen10
I have found several places that do Sisterlocks...but where is there someone who does Nappylocs in NC?
Hey,
I'm taking your pictures to my hair cutter since your barber has the feminine fade down.
Listen, it is hard to be a natural TWA woman in a Beyonce/Brandy extension world. Just remember no one can make you feel bad about you except you. Here are my recommendations to keep feeling feminine:
Make-up-
Eyeliner
Top lid only OR top and bottom lid. Check out 70's pictures of black women with afros
Lipstick-
Any shade that you can rock. I'm a MAC girl, My sister does Flori Roberts
Clothing
Clothes-
Pick some clothing lines that you love buy the items that show you have CURVES. I love Jones, Luaren, Anne Klein. I also love 70's gear so I throw orange everywhere
Jewelry - Without all the hair, you can work outrageous and fun earrings.
The the white guys at the gas station still say "sir" to me. But there isn't a black person out there who has made that mistake. Don't let the jerks get you down.
La Mornea,
For the NC area, I don't have an answer to your question. Have you gone to the Nappylock website? Do they post options for people who use the Nappylock tool?
I do recommend that you carefully select who you allow in your hair. There are many people out there professing to know how to do this type of locking, yet they are performing less than professional jobs. I encounted some shady prospects, in my journey, but if you read further along on my blog you will see, I was blessed in many ways with the lady who became my consultant.
She did my hair for a price that I could afford, then within two sessions, sooner if I would have wanted, taught me to retighten my own hair. My hair has been locked for 5 months now, and I have performed 3 of my own retightenings. Imagine how much money I have saved. I am free, Free, FREE!
RJQueen10
Nikki,
Thank you so very much for taking the time to come to my blogspot and especially thanks for lettting me know you were here by leaving me a comment.
I am honored and blessed that you liked my TWA enough to use it as a reference. I agree with you about the difficulties of being natural, I don't even try to explain it anymore. I JUST BE.
For everyone that does not like it there are at least two who share with me out of the blue, that they like my hair. I am proud that this self-LOVE experience was not to seek other's approval, but the get in touch with how God wanted me to really be. So I feel like I shine as I am 5 months into MY LOCKS development.
Thank you for the advice, it will greatly apply, because my hair is still short. I need to add some fun earrings to my wardrobe, plus many other things. I look forward to doing this, as I am about to start an Internship for my graduate degree pursuits. I am going to print it out so I will make sure not to forget anything as I shop, Shop, SHOP!
RJQueen10
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