#LocTag: 4 Years Loc’d (Whut?!)
I did this #loctag for my first locversary and now here we are four years in. To say I’m shooketh at how fast this time went by and how much my hair has changed since then is an understatement. While some of my answers will stay the same, many are entirely different. Let’s get into it:
Do you remember the specific moment you decided you were going to lock your hair? Where were you and how did you feel?
The moment I decided in February 2020 might’ve felt random in the moment but I maintain that locs have always felt inevitable. I was sitting under the dryer at the salon I went to for most of my adult life at the time and I just blurted it out, “I think I’m going to get locs.” And then I did exactly that.What method, if any, did you use to start your locs?
OG Answer: Interlocking. See my journal entry “Why Interlocks?” for more.How old are your locs?
They’re officially 4 years and a little over a month old today.What is the length of your longest loc? And shortest?
The longest is ~13 inches. The shortest is about 6 inches (a result of color breakage that I knew needed to be cut off).Do you have any locs that are especially unique, strange, or awesome?
I consider my locs to be fully mature now and fairly consistent in nature. The most variety I see is in my ends. Some are super curly and not loc’d, others are entirely loc’d and matted perfection, while a few others have blunt ends and never closed after I cut my relaxed ends off.How many locs do you have currently? Is that the same number you started with?
Over the years I’ve combined a few, added others and have officially lost one in my fourth year. I’d need to count again but I can confirm that it’s a bit higher than my original count of 291.What shampoo or other products do you use on your locs?
I still use Suave’s Daily Clarifying Shampoo and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Shampoo as my clarifiers. They’re my OGs for a completely clean scalp and I’ll probably never switch up on those. Now that I have colored locs, my moisturizing routine is the shampoo, conditioner (once or twice a month) and leave-in (when I’m styling in braidouts or curls) from Taliah Waajid’s Black Earth line. Beyond that, I continue to be a water mist and occasional rose water spray for itchy scalp girly.How often do you wash your locs?
Faithfully every week. When my scalp or locs are dry? I wash them. That simple.Do you do any regular maintenance on your locs?
Misting with the various sprays mentioned in #7 as needed, washing weekly for actual moisture and some sort of style on Sundays for the week.What are your favorite beads or other decorations?
OG Answer: I actually haven’t experimented with any loc jewelry yet. I do love headwraps, headbands, bandanas and beanies. Love a good hat here and there too!If your locs had their own personal motto, what would it be?
OG Answer: Everything you need is already in you.If you could start a new set of locs, would you do anything differently?
OG Answer: If I thought I could wait, I would’ve allowed for atleast 3 inches of new growth and skipped the relaxed ends phase but I would still do interlocks at the size I have now. I love my hair!Is there anything else unique about your appearance other than locs? (tattoos, piercings, etc)
LOL at my original answer. I still have the same number of tattoos but since I did this last, I now have 12 ear piercings, 10 that are within the last few years. OOP!How many people do you know personally with locs?
Locs are indeed all around me. Since I answered this last, my niece and nephew, many cousins and friends have all started locs. I LOVE it!Have any employers turned you down for having locs? Any wanted you BECAUSE of your locs?
My being a creative may be the reason, but my locs have never been an issue and are rarely brought up by employers outside of compliments. Also, I’m deeply aware of the privilege that comes with my complexion and choosing these smaller locs that resemble loose hair.
I’ll always be here for and in support of anyone fighting the good fight to wear their hair how they please and not have it be a factor in how they’re received in and out of the workplace.Whats the WEIRDEST question you’ve gotten about your locs? DUMBEST? FUNNIEST? Most Common?
A lot of my original answers are still valid but a lot of people ask how long I’ll let them grow and when I plan to cut them (NEVER!).Have you ever had a freak accident or an embarrassing moment involving your locs?
OG Answers: *crossings fingers* Not yet.Do you have any locked role models? If so, who?
OG Answers: Though younger than me, I have to say Chloe x Halle. To have entered an industry that’s already so hard on black women with their hair loc’d took so much courage. Everything they do represents the locked community and reinforces the beauty and versatility of our chosen style.What is your favorite go to style?
I have two faves. I consider this faux bang bun my signature style and when I pull out the perm rods like I did for my 4 year locversary (see below)? DPWH!Who are you going to Tag?
Anyone reading this who has locs should do it. Please share if you do, I’d love to read your answers. 🤞🏼
Source: TyKara Ann on YouTube
Selects from my 4 years loc’d update. See more of my journey via 13th.
