After donning several hairstyles over the years, I finally decided on locs. Making that decision was not easy but so worth it. In this article, I will share 10 Loc lessons I have learned by growing, grooming, and wearing locs for almost 6yrs.
1. Once you make a good decision, stick to it.
In this era when our minds change as quickly as the weather, we must hold fast to what is good for us. Not all of us can sport one hairstyle for many years. Though I can definitely debate this point, I acknowledge that people love change. We love variety, newness, and spontaneity. Sticking to my decision to grow my locs has helped me with the discipline of commitment. Furthermore, “assuming that your choice is carefully considered and you have weighed your options, you will be happier and more successful if you make a decision — and don’t look back.” (Dr. Heidi Halvorson, social psychologist).
2. Trust the process.
As with most processes, locs take time. According to loctician Chimere Faulk, the Rooted Stage (the final stage in the loc process) occurs several years later- almost up to 2 years, depending on your hair type and how fast it grows (Stages of Loc-www.byrdie.com).
The four stages that lead to being Rooted present their unique challenges. I remember having some thick, budding locs, which made me extremely nervous. Did I section my hair evenly? Was I palm-rolling properly? I was tempted to “correct” my locs.
The budding stage though frizzy and puffy alerts that the locs are becoming entangled. Great news! However, at this stage, the locs are not so attractive looking. Trust the process of whatever you are experiencing and that it will lead you to your desires and dreams.
3. Growth happens over time.
Sometimes you do not recognize it, but it’s happening. “Slowly but surely” could easily be the theme for my loc growth. In almost 6yrs, my locs are over 1ft long. Growth is usually evident in retrospect as we notice the small shifts in who we once were. You may suddenly see a change in your interests and perspectives though this did not happen overnight.
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4. Bask in your growth.
When my locs were short, hair pins were my besties. With medium locs, I splurged on headbands and rocked funky styles. Currently, I prefer my hair down because frankly, I enjoy showing off the length. No doubt, you can find me tossing my locs or running my fingers through them constantly. I absolutely love them. You know what you have conquered to accomplish what you have. You know the moments when you have second-guessed your choices and you know what makes you cheerful. Bask in it all. Soak up all the warmth and pleasure.
5. People’s opinions change almost daily.
From “don’t do it, I do not like them” to “gorgeous, they suit you”, I have heard it all. Sticking to my decision was a form of rebellion, especially in the earlier stages. I was told how unprofessional my locs appeared and even offered a retwist regimen. I did not care. We must not forget that people’s opinions are formed based on their own experiences, insecurities, and principles- and they often change. Thus, take them with a grain of salt. Might I add—a couple of the very same persons who tried to dissuade my choice are the same ones who rave about my locs today. Be selfish with your decision, then go back to read and practise Number 1 above.
6. Love yourself.
Loving yourself means doing what feels right for you, what serves you, and what stirs your soul. It means living selfishly. My locs have helped me love myself more in a way that is hard to explain. Let me try.
a. I have come into my own after wearing my natural hair for over 11yrs. I identify as a Naturalista “a person that loves their hair the way it grows naturally from their scalp, neglecting the old standards of beauty set by society telling us that our natural hair is “unprofessional, unruly, unattractive, and or unmanageable” (https://thechalkboardmag.com/natural-hair-beauty-tips-for-self-love).
b. My self-confidence does not wane on bad hair days.
c. Without realizing it, I have affirmed my hair on many occasions by stopping to stare at my locs in random mirrors and saying that I love the texture, curl pattern, sizes, and length. Just pure positivity.
7. If others did it, you definitely can too.
Not all of us are brave enough to walk the path never travelled and there is some safety in knowing others have done what we hope to do. A good reference point is also a good starting point. In my loc research, I saw many photos of what I wanted my own locs to look like, spoke with friends who were on the journey, and weighed the pros and cons based on the experiences of others. This research helped me stay committed in the first year because I already knew what to expect and what the results may be. To each naysayer, I said, “Just wait and see”, not because I was familiar with the journey before but because others were.
8. People are watching and admiring, and they will eventually tell you.
I was shocked when a close relative of mine who earlier shared her dislike for my locs complimented them. Keep doing and being you. People love that! They may not share the sentiments, but trust that they admire the bold, virtuous, creative, outspoken, thoughtful, and humorous you.
9. We will do what is necessary to save relationships.
In 2020 I had too much free time, some of which I used to inspect my locs. I noticed build-up in those in the back row and some thinning in a few. After much internal deliberation, I decided to remove the build-up with a conventional safety pin. This decision caused much damage and led to me pulling some apart. Was it the best decision? Heck no! But I was desperate. I formed knots wherever there was thinning, and at the edges of those, I pulled apart. As a result, the knots are almost undetectable and hold the locs up quite well. Think about what you need to do to save that which is significant in your life, then do it.
10. No matter how good life is, there are underlying issues.
Not to sound pessimistic, but some things are usually too good to be true. You see, my locs are vibrant and luscious, BUT some are dry, have build-up, thin, and need special attention occasionally, and this you would not know unless I tell or show you. Similarly, as individuals, we have broken childhoods, traumatic experiences, and misinformed perspectives, but there is so much good in and from us. They make our stories interesting and inspirational. Do I dwell on the “problem locs”? Nope! I sport them like the perfect rope-like strands. In life, we must have the sweet with the sour. Use your lemons to make lemonade. How? Add sugar.
There are so many lessons to learn on this life journey. I trust these 10 Loc Lessons gave you insight into your own life. What are some lessons you have learned from your hair journey?
