A MUST TRY-The Secret is Out my friend!

I really try to pay close attention to the roots of my hair.  I am always noticing how much new growth I have and any key factors that may be promoting or inhibiting it's growth.  So about a month ago I purchased a bottle of Biotin vitamins.  I heard it worked, but I wanted to really see the benefits for myself.  Ok folks,  it really DOES work.  Well I actually MEASURED how much new growth I had.  Tomorrow makes exactly 4 weeks since my last retightening.  In 4 weeks I usually have a little over a half inch of new growth.  So check this out BEFORE the 4 weeks are up, I have over an entire INCH of new growth.  SERIOUSLY!!!  Hey no secrets, no hidden agenda.  This is what's up!!!  So I tried to figure out what in the world am I doing differently.  Everything is the same, actually being in school adds a little stress to life.  So of course I could be going through a growth spurt.  We know that hair growth spurts can last anywhere from 3 to 18 months depending upon the person's lifestyle and genetics.  There can also be stagnant hair growth periods that can last from 3 months and some studies show very slow hair growth periods that can unfortunately last up to six years.  So in that case root stimulators are something that can be looked into. (just my opinion-I am definitely not an expert)  Or some type of hair bulb follicle stimulant that will hopefully promote hair growth.  Biotin supplements are often recommended for people with deficiencies in this vitamin to counteract hair loss. Many people also take an increased dose of the supplement to increase their hair growth rate, which effects can vary from one person to the other depending on several metabolism factors.    Biotin hair growth facts: while there are different opinions out there, a very large number of people report that Biotin helps their natural hair grow faster and stronger (thicker). Although Biotin is created from yeast and bacteria, and is naturally produced by our bodies, increasing the dose we naturally create stimulates the creation and growth of hair and new skin cells, making them healthier and more abundant.   Since it's a water solouble vitamin, it needs to be taken with plenty of water so that our bodies are able to absorb it.  This is true with any water soluble vitamin, (A,D,E, & K) to name a few!  The small intestine will not be able to process it properly without adequate water intake.      There is a lot of information that is contradictory regarding whether biotin is best taken topically or orally. The truth is that experts don’t think biotin can be absorbed through the skin. Much like collagen, which is available in thousands of topical creams, biotin is thick and if it is possible for the skin to absorb it, it is not done easily. However, when biotin is taken orally and goes into the body through the blood stream, it has better potential to work. This allows the body to use the supply of biotin to boost hair growth and prevent or alleviate hair loss.

Biotin Deficiency

The reason biotin may work to stop hair loss or encourage new hair growth is because individuals who are biotin deficient often experience hair loss as a symptom. As the individual provides the body with the biotin it needs, the body is able to function again properly. Other signs of biotin deficiency include brittle fingernails, depression, chronic fatigue and more. In cases of biotin deficiency, a supplement may work to stop the hair loss an individual is suffering from.
PLEASE DON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN PURCHASING EXPENSIVE BIOTIN PACKAGES.  I WENT TO MY LOCAL WAL-MART AND THE RESULTS WERE OUTSTANDING.  I REALLY DIDN'T REALIZE THERE WERE SO MANY PROMISING OFFERS OF BIOTIN HAIR VITAMIN DEALS.  TO ME A VITAMIN IS A VITAMIN!  JUST MAKE SURE IT'S POTENCY IS STRONG.  I PURCHASED 5000mcg which equals 1667% of the daily value!  COST: 9.00? :)


Read more at Suite101: Truth about Biotin for Hair Growth: Understanding Biotin and Hair Loss | Suite101.com http://kristi-carter.suite101.com/truth-about-biotin-for-hair-growth-a133411#ixzz1uTviWzT7   

Easter Pics 2012!!!

Hello Everyone!!!  I am so excited to blog again.  So much has been going on since the last time I posted.  This semester was my first semester returning to school since Spring of 2009. I am so grateful for another opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse.  We just finished up one of our Nursing courses and I really had a lot of fun.  I am still loving my sisterlocks as well as exploring various up-do's.  This picture seen here is me and my youngest daughter on Easter/Ressurection Day 4/8/12.  Although I needed a serious retightening, it really worked out well.  Besides that, my focus was definitely on the occasion of celebrating the power of Jesus Christ anyways.  My birthday was Monday April 9th.  34 and feeling very blessed and grateful.  Much love to you all and keep on rocking those locks!

Sisterlock/Lock updo

Give your natural hair A CHANCE!

You don't have to necessarily get sisterlocks/locks like I have.  All I am saying is give YOUR REAL hair A CHANCE! :)

I just had to share with you a butterfly moment.  There is so much more to having natural hair whether it's an afro, twists, curly, kinky, freestyle  or locks/sisterlocks than just having them.  It's actually looking at what God has made and truly saying thank you.  It's not saying how disgusting the hair God has blessed us with is or how bad it needs to be straightened or corrected.  You would be really surprised at the oppressedd mentality that is still out there.  It's allowing the natural beauty to be exactly that, naturally beautifully.  It's allowing the brainwashing from society to stop trying to make afro-kinky hair feel as if it has a problem. 
     Now as a child I would always complain about my feet and long toes.  So my mother said to me one day, some people don't have feet and that I should be grateful for them.  It took me a while to realize that my feet were in fact a beautiful blessing. With a little polish and care they really look just fine.  So what was I really looking for or expecting them to look like?   She went on to explain that I was actually looking up at the Lord saying I don't like what you made.  This made me think about the negative comments that black women or women with afro-kinky hair would say about their hair. We may not think that we are saying to God I don't like what you made, but we are. Our hair in its natural state is beautiful.  I am not saying that relaxers are not, but those of us who are addicted to chemicals DON'T give our hair or new growth the chance to grow out of our scalps before we are overprocessing the hair.  I know because I used to be in the rat race to the weave shops, trying to hide or straighten that precious tightly curled new growth.   The Bible actually says that a women's hair is her glory and an important role in her "spiritual covering!"  Unfortunately we walk around with someone else's glory, bought, then glued, braided or sown in.   In other words  I am so amazed at how people don't realize that black hair is naturally curly and very unique in it's own way.  It just needs love in so many more ways than one.   I always try to see the purpose or the original intention behind creation.  If you are tired of thinning, balding hair, or always having to ensure that you are COVERING (HIDING) your glory...then please consider being natural/real.  Enough said...  I just want you to embrace your beautiful blessing and give it a chance!

My Daughter's Sisterlock's Progress

Celebrate with me... It's my Lockiversary.

So it has already been a year as of 7-2-11, with my 2nd set of true and renewed sisterlocks.  It has been 31 months since I have been a part of the sisterlocks family.  Time really flies!  Happy 4th to everyone!  I sincerely celebrate freedom in our history as a country, spiritually, personally and yes my sisterlocks of course!!!  HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES TODAY.  ENJOY YOUR TRUE FREEDOM!  ~LOCK ON & ON & ON~

Wow I can really see the growth by comparing the pictures!

I am still happy to be natural and sisterlocked. 

Just having fun

 It is so important to encourage young people, (especially your own children) to see the natural beauty in themselves.  It's good to let them know that they don't have to change, add fake hair, or down their nappy God-given hair to be beautiful.  I believe that there is beauty outside of the box, (the relaxer box that is) if we would only cultivate, appreciate, and give ourselves a chance to let our glory be glorious.  I Corinthians 11:15 says a woman's hair IS her glory, for it is a crown to her.  So I want to encourage my three little queens to love themselves from every puff, to every curl, with every napp; inside and out!  My goal is to cultivate their little minds, bodies and souls for excellence in their total being.  ~  Lock on! ~

Destinee: (Sisterlocked-16 months as of pic date) -11 yrs old    Nevaeh: Loose and free  9yrs old     Trinity:  kinky baby curls 18 months (as of pic date) 4-24-11

I just LUUUVVV this product.

I just had to share some info about this product that I absolutely LOOOOVVVEE using in my daughter's hair.  I have tried it as well  (& loved it too LOL) but, my consultant wants me to wait until I was completely locked before using ANY oils.  But this product is absolutely lovely.  Now that my daughters hair is completely locked and she no longer has to band and braid, we have been having a blast with this spray. We use daily, no less than about three times a week or so, and after washings.  Ok ok so what is it?Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Nutrient Spray.

 It has three different oils in it. Olive, avocado and shea oils deeply nourish each layer of hair - weightlessly. Olive oil nourishes the hair's inner core. Avocado oil nourishes and softens the middle layer. Shea oil nourishes and smoothes the surface of the hair. Hair is fortified and infused with nutrients for silky, healthy sisterlocks, full of life.  The one thing I LOVE about it, is that it is weightless, so you won't have to worry about it pulling and weighing down your hair/locks, which later causes bald spots and thin edges.  Too much product or products heavy in mineral oil, likes to stay locked in your locks and later can become a major problem.  Needless to say there are a lot of GREAT products out there, they just have the potential of staying in beautifully locked hair.  So please please please, read those ingredients thoroughly on your hair products.
  Although it says triple oil nutrition, it also contains black currant seed oil.  I am not sure if this 4th oil contributes to the smell or the shine, but you have to try this, it is sooooo nice.  And to mention the smell, it has a light, clean, yummy scent to it.  Let me know if you picked one up while you're out and about shopping.  It only costs about $3.65-$4.50 or so.  So it's well worth the price. I hope that you will enjoy it!   Until next time.  LOCK ON!!!

BRACING WHILE EMBRACING...

So my husband and I celebrated 13 years of marriage about two months ago.  We planned to celebrate a week later.  Unfortunately to our dismay, we did not know that we would be attending the funeral of a dear and close friend who was a big brother to us and so many.  One of my closest friends whom I consider to be a dear sister,  lost her husband on February 8, 2011.  He went home to glory unexpectedly, due to a tragic car accident.  I could not even feel the floor beneath me when I heard the news.  It was extremely devastating and is still an extreme process of grievance.  This guy, our brother in Christ made us laugh, exemplified TRUE LOVE to his wife and family, and was just an amazing person.  Please keep his lovely wife and family in your prayers (The Vann Family.)
     So while we celebrated our anniversary, we had to brace ourselves while we embraced.  Holding each other while remembering that tomorrow is not promised to us.  Bracing ourselves to be careful what we say and how we say it, because having no regrets, like this couple had is a beautiful thing. 
   Of course, knowing the type of person he was, he would want us to be happy.  He will never be forgotten. 
These are a few pics from our dinner cruise and our weekend together.  May God bless you all.  Remember while you are bracing yourself for life's unexpected occurances, always embrace the ones you love, because tomorrow is not promised to no one.
Stay strong and lock on. 

Wow my hubby has lost 27 lbs. since this pic was taken.  He has been helping me too.  Will post about that progress later, maybe summertime.  Still have to love yourself wherever you are, enough to take care of yourself.

This pic did not come out so well because of flashback, but at the same time you can see how my edges are coming along.  My edges and a few sisterlocks I had to cut are finally growing in.  I will fill you in on that later...

Look at our Baby, isn't she growing?  16 months and very sleepy and full. :) 

My daughter's sisterlocks progress

Just having fun at the water park.  My daughter's sisterlocks are holding up just fine of course.  Now her younger sister is asking for them.  Mmmm maybe one day she will have sisterlocks too! 



June 2010~  All natural summer fun!  Both of my daughters are on the left and in the middle.





This picture was also taken in May 2010!  Just having fun with friends after church!

 



Having fun at the COGIC National AIM Convention in North Carolina!  About to get our praise on!!!

 



Look at how much they have grown from September through December!
9 months today!!!  Enjoying sisterlocks at EVERY stage and length!



1 year as of 12/12/10 and she just loves her sisterlocks!







Moving forward with this journey!  :)



This journey with sisterlocks has been so much fun.  We will keep you
updated with more pics to come and absolutely NO REGRETS.  In
a few more months she should be COMPLETELY locked!!! :)

 T

One of her favorite sisterlock styles.  Flat twisted on the crown and the rest worn in braid outs to give it a crimpy look! :)





The versatility and comfort of SISTERLOCKS! ~(5 month pics update)~





 It was really nice being able to just spend some time together!  We really had a great time!!!  Thank you Lord, it was very much needed!

`An update of my daughter's 1 year sisterlockversary coming soon!!!

Months 3 & 4 pics update! (October and November)

~Just relaxing a little too much with hubby

An old month #2 pic!

 3 months TODAY!  Hairstyle up and over to the side

4 month update. ~This picture was taken 11-27-10, the Saturday after Thanksgiving!  I was just finished with my retightening by my consultant Donna.  This is another one of her clients.  She goes by Blak Peaches on YouTube.com.  I just love how her hair color compliments her so well. I really had a great time with such sweet people! ~ 

This is my 3rd month update.

This coming Sunday, 12-12-10 will be my daughters one year lockversary!!!  We are so excited!  I also have a Christmas party to go to with my hubby's job, (very exciting!)  I will post those pics later! 

8 Things Your Hair Says About Your Health

I originally posted this information about the 8 things hair can say about your health in November.  I found the information to be really helpful!!! 

Red flag #1: Dry, limp, thin-feeling hair
What it means: Many factors can lead to over-dry hair, including hair dyes, hair blowers, and swimming in chlorinated water. But a significant change in texture that leaves hair feeling finer, with less body, can be an indicator of an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism.
Some people conclude that their hair is thinning because it feels as if there's less of it, but the thinning is due more to the texture of the hair itself becoming finer and weaker than to individual hairs falling out (though that happens too).
More clues: Other signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, slow heart rate, and feeling cold all the time, says Raphael Darvish, a dermatologist in Brentwood, California. In some cases, the eyebrows also thin and fall out. A telltale sign: When the outermost third of the eyebrow thins or disappears.
What to do: Report your concerns to your doctor and ask him or her to check your levels of thyroid hormone. The most common blood tests measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4. It's also important to keep a list of your symptoms -- all of them. "A doctor's visit is best to work up this problem; he or she may choose to do a thyroid ultrasound and a blood test in addition to an examination," says Darvish.Red flag #2: Scaly or crusty patches on the scalp, often starting at the hairline
What it means: When a thick crust forms on the scalp, this usually indicates psoriasis, which can be distinguished from other dandruff-like skin conditions by the presence of a thickening, scab-like surface, says Lawrence Greene, MD, a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Psoriasis is the most common of all the autoimmune diseases and occurs when the skin goes into overdrive, sending out faulty signals that speed up the turnover and growth of skin cells.
More clues: Psoriasis, which affects nearly 7.5 million Americans, often occurs in concert with other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have another autoimmune disorder, it's that much more likely you'll develop psoriasis.
In turn, the discovery that you have psoriasis should put you on the alert for more serious conditions. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful swelling of the joints.
What to do: There's a long list of ingredients that help relieve psoriasis, and treatment is often a process of trial and error. Topical treatments include shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid, and creams or ointments containing zinc and aloe vera. Hydrocortisone cream works to relieve inflammation. Prescription creams include vitamin D, vitamin A, and anthralin. Many patients also have great success treating the scalp with UV light therapy, and systemic medications such as cyclosporine work better for some people than topical medications.
It's a good idea to see a dermatologist for help sorting out the various treatments, rather than trying to do it on your own. One thing to keep in mind: Psoriasis puts you at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, certain types of cancer, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and depression. So if your psoriasis becomes severe, bring it to your doctor's attention as part of a discussion of your overall health.
 
Red flag #3: Thinning hair over the whole head
What it means: It's normal to shed approximately 100 to 150 hairs a day, the result of the body's natural turnover. It's when you notice considerably more hairs in your brush or on the towel after you shampoo -- or when hair appears to be coming out in clumps -- that it's time for concern.
One common cause: a sudden psychological or physical stressor, such as a divorce or job loss. Another: Having a high fever from the flu or an infection. Diabetes can also cause hair to thin or start to fall out suddenly; some diabetes experts say sudden hair thinning or hair loss should be considered an early warning sign that diabetes is affecting hormone levels.
A number of medications also cause hair loss as a side effect. These include birth control pills, along with lithium and Depakote, two of the most common treatments for bipolar disorder. More rarely, tricyclic antidepressants such as Prozac, and levothyroid -- used to treat hypothyroidism -- cause thinning hair.
Hormonal changes can also cause hair to thin, which is why both pregnancy and perimenopause are well known for causing hair to fall out, while polycystic ovary disease can cause both hair loss and overgrowth of hair, depending on how the hormones go out of balance. Thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, is one of the most common causes of hair loss.
[ Medication Mistakes That Can Kill ]
More clues: Check for tiny white bumps at the roots of the hair; their presence suggests that this is temporary hair loss rather than male/female pattern baldness, says Chicago dermatologist Victoria Barbosa. Any medication that interferes with hormones can cause this type of hair loss; the list includes birth control pills, Accutane for acne, and prednisone and anabolic steroids.
Physical stressors that can lead to temporary hair loss include iron deficiency anemia and protein deficiency; these are particularly common in those who've suffered from eating disorders.
What to do: If you have what experts call temporary hair loss -- to distinguish from hereditary hair loss, which is likely to be permanent -- you'll need to discontinue the medication or treat the underlying condition that's causing the problem. It can also help to take supplemental biotin, which has been shown to strengthen and thicken hair and fingernails, says Barbosa.
And while vitamin D deficiency hasn't been pinpointed as a cause of hair loss, research has demonstrated that taking vitamin D helps grow the hair back. "We don't know how vitamin D contributes to hair loss, but we do know the hair follicles need good levels of vitamin D to recover," Barbosa says. Recommended dose: 2000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily. In addition, talk to your doctor about getting your blood levels of iron checked for anemia, and take iron if needed.
 
Red flag #4: Overall hair loss that appears permanent, often following traditional pattern baldness
What it means: Both women and men are subject to what's formally known as androgenetic and androgenic alopecia. It's usually caused by a change in the pattern of the sex hormones, but diseases and other underlying conditions can cause this type of hair loss by affecting the hormones. In women, a derivative of testosterone is often the culprit, shrinking and eventually killing off hair follicles.
Traditionally known as "male pattern baldness," this type of hair loss is often hereditary and is typically permanent if not treated with medication, says Larry Shapiro, a dermatologist and hair surgeon in Palm Beach, Florida.
Men's hair loss nearly always follows a pattern of thinning along the hairline, at the temples, and in the back of the scalp. Some women's hair loss also follows this pattern, but more typically women experience thinning over the entire head.
Diabetes also can cause or contribute to hair loss. Over time, diabetes often leads to circulatory problems; as a result, the hair follicles don't get adequate nutrients and can't produce new hairs. Hair follicles can eventually die from lack of nutrition, causing permanent hair loss.
More clues: Certain underlying conditions can cause this type of hair loss by altering hormones; these include thyroid disease (both overactive and underactive thyroid) and autoimmune disease, Shapiro says.
Many drugs taken long-term to control chronic conditions can have a side effect, in some people, of causing or contributing to hair loss. They include beta blockers such as propranolol and atenolol, anticoagulants like warfarin, and many drugs used to control arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions.
What to do: If you suspect a medication is causing or exacerbating your hair loss, talk to your doctor about whether an alternative is available that's less likely to have that side effect. (But don't just stop taking your medicine.)
Minoxidil, the generic name for the drug marketed as Rogaine, is the primary proven method of treating androgenic hair loss. It works by blocking the action of the hormones at the hair follicle. It's now available over the counter, so you don't have to have a prescription, and it's sold in male and female versions.
Another drug, finasteride, requires a prescription. Some women find that taking estrogen helps with hormonally triggered hair loss.
 
 
Red flag #5: Dry, brittle hair that breaks off easily
What it means: When individual hairs litter your pillow in the morning, this typically indicates breakage rather than hair falling out from the follicle, says Chicago dermatologist Victoria Barbosa.
Breakage is most frequently the result of hair becoming over-brittle from chemical processing or dyeing. "Bleaching, straightening, and other chemical processing techniques strip the cuticle to let the chemicals in, which makes the hair shaft more fragile," Barbosa explains.
However, certain health conditions also lead to brittle, fragile hair. Among them: Cushing's syndrome, a disorder of the adrenal glands that causes excess production of the hormone cortisol. A condition called hypoparathyroidism, usually either hereditary or the result of injury to the parathyroid glands during head and neck surgery, can also cause dry, brittle hair. Overly low levels of parathyroid hormone cause blood levels of calcium to fall and phosphorus to rise, leading to fragile dry hair, scaly skin, and more serious symptoms such as muscle cramps and even seizures.
More clues: If the cause of your dry, brittle hair is an underlying health condition, you'll likely notice additional symptoms, such as dry, flaky skin. Overly dry hair also can signify that your diet is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon and fish oil, as well as many nuts and seeds, particularly flaxseed.
What to do: No matter what the cause of your dry, brittle hair, minimizing heat and chemical treatment are necessary for it to get healthy again. If an underlying condition is throwing your hormones out of whack and in turn affecting your hair, talk to your doctor. The symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, for example, are often reduced or eliminated with supplemental vitamin D and calcium.
Next, deep condition your hair to restore it to health. Hair oils can help restore flexibility to the hair shaft, Barbosa says; look for products made with natural oils such as coconut and avocado oil, which penetrate the cuticle, rather than synthetic oils made from petrolatum, which merely coat the hair. Take fish oil supplements to renourish your hair. And minimize breakage while you sleep by replacing cotton pillowcases, which tend to catch and pull at hair, with satin pillowcases, which are smoother.
 
Red Flag #6: Hair falling out in small, circular patches
What it means: The body's immune response turns on the hair follicles themselves, shrinking them and causing hair to fall out entirely in small, typically round patches. This kind of hair loss -- which experts call alopecia areata -- can also occur at the temples or at the part line. Diabetes can trigger the onset of such hair loss in some people. And it can continue to spread; in extreme cases, sufferers lose all their hair or lose hair over their entire body.
More clues: Alopecia areata can also cause the eyebrows or eyelashes to fall out, which in addition to the circular pattern can distinguish it from other types of hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition and has been shown to be more common in families with a tendency toward other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, early-onset diabetes, and thyroid disease.
What to do: The treatment most proven to work against alopecia areata is cortisone shots delivered directly into the scalp in the spots where the hair is falling out. "If you don't get steroid injections, the circular patches will get larger and more cosmetically noticeable," says California dermatologist Raphael Darvish.
Oral forms of cortisone and topical cortisone creams are also available, but topical cortisone is less likely to be successful unless it's a mild case. Many doctors will also suggest using minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) to speed the rate of regrowth. Treatment may need to be repeated a number of times over a period of months.
 
Red flag #7: Yellowish flakes on the hair and scaly, itchy patches on the scalp
What it means: What most of us grew up calling dandruff is now understood to be a complicated interaction of health issues that deserve to be taken seriously. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that causes skin to develop scaly patches, often in the areas where the scalp is oiliest. When the flaky skin loosens, it leaves the telltale "dandruff" flakes.
Seborrheic dermatitis coexists in a "chicken-and-egg" relationship with a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast that's normally present on our scalps and skin. The yeast organism, Pityrosporum ovale, takes advantage of skin already irritated by dermatitis and inflames it still more. Some experts now believe that the yeast overgrowth may occur first, setting off the inflammatory reaction of the dermatitis, but that hasn't been proven.
More clues: One way to differentiate seborrheic dermatitis from plain dry skin: When skin is dry, you'll typically also see dry, scaly skin between the eyebro[1]ws and by the sides of the nose, says California dermatologist Raphael Darvish. Also, seborrheic dermatitis tends to be seasonal, flaring up during the winter and disappearing in the summertime. It may be triggered by stress as well.
What to do: See a dermatologist to make sure it's seborrheic dermatitis. If so, "there are great prescription shampoos and creams that can correct this," says Darvish. The most effective treatment for yeast overgrowth is ketoconazole, a newer drug that works by damaging the fungal cell wall, killing the fungus. It comes in the form of pills, creams, or shampoo under the brand name Nizoral.
However, as an oral medication it has many side effects, so if you and your doctor decide on an oral treatment, an alternative antifungal, fluconazole, is preferable.
To calm flare-ups as quickly as possible, Darvish recommends using a prescription steroid cream. However, long-term use of these creams can thin the skin, particularly on the face, Darvish warns, so doctors recommend using them in short-term doses known as "pulse therapy."
To prevent recurrence, it's necessary to get the skin back in balance, and many experts recommend garlic for this purpose. You can either eat lots of fresh garlic, which might annoy those in close proximity to you, or take a garlic supplement.
 
Red flag #8: Gray hair
What it means: Many people perceive gray hair as a red flag, worrying that it's an indication of stress or trauma. And history abounds with stories like that of Marie Antoinette, whose hair was said to have gone snow white the night before she faced the guillotine.
Experts tend to dismiss such fears and stories, explaining that how our hair goes gray or white is primarily influenced by our genetics. However, in recent years research scientists have reopened the debate. While they can't yet prove or explain it, many researchers now believe that stress may trigger a chain reaction that interferes with how well the hair follicle transmits melanin, the pigment that colors hair. Researchers are looking at the role of free radicals, which are hormones we produce when under stress, and studies seem to show that they can block the signal that tells the hair follicle to absorb the melanin pigment.
Other experts argue that a trauma or stressful event causes the hair to stop growing temporarily and go into a resting phase. Then when the hair follicles "wake up" and begin turning over again, a lot of new hair grows in all at once, making it appear that a great deal of gray has come in all at the same time.
More clues: The schedule and pattern by which you go gray will most likely follow your parents' experience. However, if you suspect stress is graying you prematurely, keep careful track of stressful events. People who experienced a traumatic event that they believe caused them to go gray have reported that their hair eventually returned to its former color.
What to do: If you believe that stress or trauma is causing your hair to go gray, boost your coping strategies by working on your reactions to stressful situations. Yoga and meditation, for example, are effective stress-management tools.
If you see results, you'll know you're on the right track. In the meantime, you might want to talk to your parents about how their hair color changed over time, and learn what you can expect. After all, if Great-Aunt Eliza first developed her dramatic white skunk streak in her mid-30s, that might be something you want prepare yourself for.
Eight Things Your Hair Says About Your Health originally appeared on Caring.com.

Hair is just a PART of me. Don't forget about the total package

                      Just like the cute little Sesame Street song says, "hair is just a PART of me!"  There is so much more to each of us than our hair.  I must say that going natural and embracing yourself makes you more intune with self inside and out.  You become more aware of what you put in your body, naturally and spiritually while caring for your hair, which is your glory. The focus is not to continue old behavior that will cause damage to your development and growth. If you notice, it seems like most natural hair wearers drink smoothies, exercise and try their best to maintain a state of balance and serenity.   Going natural gives you a whole new set of goals geared towards healthy living, proper nutrition and spiritual development. 
           I actually started not to choose this background for the fall season shown with gravel and leaves because it just seemed... a little, I don't know dirty!  But then I thought about the power that lies in the dirt.  Soil contains so much life.  If it is properly nourished and implanted with a healthy seed it can bring forth an abundant oak tree over a 100 ft tall.  Sometimes we can allow our spiritual soil to be covered with life's distractions, just like those leaves.  Sometimes we hold on to past accomplishes and growths that have already grown and now have lost it's leaves.  So then our spiritual soil and ground for "spiritual development"  is now covered with leaves.  We need to somehow get back to that place of fertile ground so that we can grow.  Yes God wants us to be prosperous.  But His Word says in 3rd John 1:2 to prosper and be in good health EVEN as your soul prospers.   So there has to be a balance in our growth and development. 
            I just wanted to encourage you to not neglect your inner man.  Make it a daily goal to seek the Lord with all of your heart for a spiritual cleansing, renewel, growth and well-being.  Start out by having a daily prayer life to the Lord.  Make a daily goal to encourage someone and let them know that you care.  Try to refrain from complaining or having any negative outlooks.  Our goal should encompass a desire to have the total package.  The total package has to include being the most beautiful YOU that you can possibly be from the inside and then on the outside.  Beauty lies in how we treat others, expressions of true genuine love, and caring for our bodies, minds and our souls.  Hair is just a PART of me.  Let's remember the total package.

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

Sisterlocks in ESSENCE magazine!

*Sisterlocks Sparks Hair Revolution in Boston - Essence.com

Hey lock family! This is some great info about the impact that Sisterlocks and the beauty of natural hair is making across the country.  I accidently posted it to my Locked Blog Exchange account first, but you can link to it now from here.  Just click on the link above by the asterix.
 MORE KNOWLEDGE=MORE AWARENESS=MORE FREEDOM=MORE SELF-LOVE=STOPPING THE GROWTH OF SELF HATE, DIRTY LAUNDRY AND INCRIMINATING FEELINGS ABOUT YOUR NATURAL BEAUTIFUL NAPPY HAIR!!!

So who has INSPIRED you to lock?

Inspiring photo from Martine Bernard!

I am happy to announce that  my little butterfly, (my daughter) and I have inspired my sister-in-law to get sisterlocks.  I am so excited for her!!!  She has been telling me for a while, but I didn't realize she was serious until last night.  Her sisterlock journey won't begin until sometime after the new year.  It is just such an honor to know that you were an inspiration to someone.  She has been studying sisterlocks for a while.  She was also EXTREMELY helpful with me taking down my first set of sisterlocks. We have a bond that goes way back.  I have known her and been in love with her big brother for 17 years now!  I can remember just about every hairstyle you can think of that she has worn for a maximum of only two weeks.  So this will be a huge, but yet a rewarding committment for her!  I have sent her to every website, blogsite, and youtube channel I could think of.
And in saying that there are so many people that have inspired me to get sisterlocks.  Of course everyone that I follow, thought to follow, and have even often visited their site has been a true inspiration.  Then there are the top three popular blogsites that I have visited since 2007.  These sites had a wealth of information that encouraged/supported my decision to get sisterlocks.  Those sites are:  Blaqkofi, Chosen Vessel, Video locktician, The Locked Blog Exchange(Maryee) and Taylor Made Locks.  (not to mention Taylor's locks are almost to her knees now-WOW~seriously)  HOW COULD I NOT MENTION V-LOCKS IN MOTION AKA BROWN BUTTAHFLY ~ Love ya girly!!!  All of these sites, among so many others (Monica's, Natacha's, Dewdrops) exemplified the beauty of loving your natural self.  All of these sitess displayed simply GAWJUS, gorgeous, gorgeous sisterlocks!!!  These are some of the veterans yall!!!  The ones who were locked when we were either still relaxed, still contemplating the idea, or thinking that we would NEVER HAVE THE GUTS TO DO THAT!  Please tell me who inspired you to lock?

Always There-Our Daily Bread

Always There



The radio engineers who work at RBC Ministries were getting ready to broadcast a program via satellite. They had prepared everything, including the satellite link. But just as they were to begin uploading, the signal to the satellite was lost. Confused, the engineers labored to reconnect the link, but nothing worked. Then they got the word—the satellite was gone. Literally. The satellite had suddenly and surprisingly fallen from the sky. It was no longer there.




I suspect that sometimes when we pray, we think something similar has happened to God—that for some reason He isn’t there. But the Bible offers us comfort with the assurance that God hasn’t “fallen from the sky.” He is always available to us. He hears and He cares.



In a time of desperation, David wrote, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Ps. 55:17). No matter when we call on God, He hears the cries of His children. That should encourage our hearts. What was David’s response to having a God who hears prayer? “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (v.22). Although God may not answer as we would like or when we would like, we know that at “evening and morning and at noon” He is always there.







God hears us when we call to Him—

His ears take in each voice;

The knowledge that He’s always there

Should cause us to rejoice. —Sper



God is always available to hear the prayer of His child.

My new pics Months 1 & 2

Month 1:  taken 8/5/10


I used my Caruso rollers in this pic.  I really like how well it curls.  The only con is that the curls don't last long at all. 

Month 2

my little up-do in month 2

I started this style with the braid-out & then I curled the ends with my Caruso hairsetter.  If you curl the entire bang or section while its in the braid out crimpy style, you will unfortunately lose the pretty crimpy effect.  So instead curl only the very ends if you still want to sport your braid-out style too.

Month 2

rear view of 2 month up-do

 This is not a very clear pic, but you can pretty much get an idea of how it looked.

~My Lock Loops came in the mail yesterday.  I really like them!  I must say my hair is soooo currrll-ly!  Then again this is definitely lasting longer.  I will post pics of curls later!







                     

Now what you say...

So the other day I was at work and we were standing in the cafeteria line. So a co-worker says to me, "Wow I just love your sisterlocks! When did you get them? I know you were natural for some time now, but your sisterlocks are really nice." Now I have worked with her several times in the past, because she either floated/worked on my floor or I went up to hers. For the past couple of years we both were natural but hair was never really the topic of our many pleasant & brief conversations. So I explained to her that what I had before was also sisterlocks. She just looked at me like..."really!" She just went on & on about how she's thinking about getting them.
Not only her but more & more people have said that they now like my sisterlocks, while not even knowing what I had before. I did not even know that they knew what sisterlocks even were. I am really amazed at how popular sisterlocks is becoming in this area!!! I am also shocked at the difference that is seen by the public b/c of the quality of my 2nd set of real sisterlocks.

From the doctors to the patients, the comments/compliments let me know that this is a new era of a hair revolution sweeping the nation. This is something unique and different, and the world recognizes those differences. It's really catching their eye. It's so much more than just a hairstyle it is truly a lifestyle and personally, a sincere commitment.  But for those of us who have been through so much with our nappy, coily hair, feel something so much more than gratitude with each compliment. We feel free, real and simply true to our inner selves. What do you think about this new hair era?  Is it just the popular thing to do or are people really grasping the seriousness behind the commitment to having natural hair?

My daughter and her sleepover

Mommy could you pleeeease do our makeup ?  So here's my oldest (right)  and her friend with traditional locks on the left posing for their play day as models. This is their calm look. LOL!  i am so glad to see these babies fully embracing and rocking their locks.  They carry their little Bibles with them daily, started singing together, and they plan to go to Harvard University.  With much prayer, discipline, and balance with fun, we will encourage them to reach for the top.

Even more love with my new 1 month sisterlocks~

Hello everyone!!!

I am really enjoying my sisterlocks more now than ever before!!!  During this first month of having them, we have been out many places together.  I went to NC, water parks, a baseball game and all the summer fun that goes along with this time of year.  Taking care of my sisterlocks has included products that I have stumbled upon, reffered to, and studied for myself, especially since I am allergic to the starter shampoo & other sl's products :(  One of the products are an awapuhi hair mist by Paul Mitchell.  You will really like this product.  And guess what it has a natural, lightweight oil in it too.  But I'll tell you more about that later.  First of all awapuhi is a plant in the ginger family.  It originated in India and was distributed eastward through Polynesia and later introduced to the Hawaiian Islands.  Awapuhi is commonly referred to as the shampoo ginger. The clear slimy juice present in the mature flower head is excellent for softening and bringing shininess to the hair. It can be left in the hair or rinsed out. Hawaiian women often pick or cut the flowerheads of this plant in the forest, as they approach a pool or waterfall for a refreshing summer bath, leave the flowers atop a nearby rock, and then squeeze the sweet juices into their hair and over their bodies when the swim is completed. The sudsy juice is excellent for massage also.  So when I ran into this awapuhi hair mist by Paul Mitchell I really enjoyed it, but I did not know exactly what it was or what was really in it.  My consultant referred it to me, and uses it in her own sisterlocks.  I just love the way it hydrates, refreshes and gives the hair luster.  It's a natural conditioner that won't aid in swelling your sisterlocks.  The use of heavy oils, waxes and conditioners can really cause our locks to swell.  Not to mention, natural swelling that we can't escape between washings and humidity.  This product also contains the natural oil, jojoba.  I was hesitant at first because I want to be careful when using various types of oils.  First  of all I learned that the molecular weight of Jojoba oil is lighter than mostly alI natural oils except coconut.  So it does not cause buildup in the hair.  And adding to the fact it will not buildup, it removes buildup. It has antibacterial benefits that deeply cleanses away dirt, grime, bacteria,& buildup without ever stripping the hair.  It hydrates from the inside of the hair shaft outward while repairing split ends.   Although we don't worry too much about our ends, we do want them closed & locked. Jojoba oil allows the flow of sebum in plugged-up pores. This promotes a healthy scalp and hair by replicating the sebum oil secreted by human sebaceous glands. So it promotes the production of our natural oils! I promise you this product is one you will love.  The dirctions say to spray on hair & skin.  I am telling you it really makes a difference.   Tell me if you like it...

Now as far as my SL's I am so excited.  I have 459 or so sisterlocks.  Not 467 or even 599 but 459, with a 3 pattern.    It took me forever to count them too.  Here's some pics of me at two weeks of loving these sl's. I will post an updated pic from today later on.  Much love for everyone! Stay & be encouraged to Lock On!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Did I mention...I LOVE MY SISTERLOCKS!!!