#LocTag: Officially 1 Year Loc’d

March 13, 2021—It’s really been a year since I got my interlocks installed! I’m so proud of how they’ve grown and changed in the last year. I’ll never be able to separate the beginning of my journey from the pandemic and I’m grateful I had them as a distraction on the roughest days of the last year. In celebration, I’ve done a #loctag below where I’m answering some pretty standard questions about my locs and my loc journey. Lastly, check the bottom of this entry for my favorite photos from my 1 year loc’d photoshoot:

Do you remember the specific moment you decided you were going to lock your hair? Where were you and how did you feel?
Growing up and well into adulthood, I never felt prettier than I did when I had braids installed. Looking back, I think they were helping to satisfy my love of styles that look + feel like locs. On February 16th, 2020, while sitting in the salon chair getting a protein treatment done on my relaxed hair, I said to my stylist, “I think I’m going to get locs.” I remember my tone having some finality to it as if I was already settled and not seeking any specific opinions on it. A combo of always loving them, my mom’s cancer battle and wanting to make a big hair change gave me the courage and determination to finally get the process started. That very same day, I connected with my eventual loctician for the first time. It was no longer a casual consideration, I was all in.
What method, if any, did you use to start your locs?
Interlocking. See my journal entry “Why Interlocks?” for more.
How old are your locs?
They’re officially 1 year old today.
What is the length of your longest loc? And shortest?
The longest is ~9.5 inches. The shortest are at the very back at 3+ inches.
Do you have any locs that are especially unique, strange, or awesome?
I started my locs with mostly relaxed ends. There are some thicker locs in the crown of my head that show the separation between natural hair + relaxed ends in very visible ways. Some are bunching and doing all sorts of weird stuff where the varying textures meet.
How many locs do you have currently? Is that the same number you started with?
I have 291 locs and that’s the same number I started with. We’ve added 1 or 2 and combined 1 or 2 so things have evened out back to my original number.
What shampoo or other products do you use on your locs?
I currently use Suave’s Daily Clarifying Shampoo and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Shampoo. I mist my hair with distilled water, rose water and aloe vera juice for moisture, itchiness and scent. I also use Personal Affect’s Loxxset on my relaxed ends. See my journal entry “1 Year In: Favorite Products For My Locs” for more.
How often do you wash your locs?
Faithfully every 2 weeks.
Do you do any regular maintenance on your locs?
Misting with the various sprays mentioned in #7 as needed and I typically keep them braided every night to keep my ends trained.
What are your favorite beads or other decorations?
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?
Everything you need is already in you.
If you could start a new set of locs, would you do anything differently?
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)
I have tattoos and have been contemplating new ear piercings for years now but I’m scared of the process + healing for some reason. 🥴
How many people do you know personally with locs?
My oldest brother and one of my closest friends both have a beautiful set of long traditional locs. My aunt introduced me to sisterlocks when she got her set 3 years ago. I could keep going but this would be too long. Locs are all around me. =)
Have any employers turned you down for having locs? Any wanted you BECAUSE of your locs?
I got my locs installed and never went back into the office due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve had two jobs since the pandemic began, with all virtual interviews and my hair was never really discussed. 🤷🏽‍♀️
Whats the WEIRDEST question you’ve gotten about your locs? DUMBEST? FUNNIEST? Most Common?
Hmmph. I’ve mostly been inside so I think I’ve been avoiding most of the silly comments people with locs get. A lot of people have asked me why I got them. Others have asked what my parents said, as if I’m not a whole adult lol.
Have you ever had a freak accident or an embarrassing moment involving your locs?
*crossings fingers* Not yet.
Do you have any locked role models? If so, who?
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?
My favorite pandemic style is a middle part bang with a beanie covering the back of my head. I also love anything with a deep part and heavy bang.
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. 🤞🏼