Fitness and healthy hair works hand in hand

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

How to maintain locks and to keep them looking their best

Lock Tips & Guidelines

Locking is a process. It is more of an art than a science. It takes time and patience. No two people will get exactly the same results. It is difficult to say anything that applies to all African Americans’ hair because we are generally a group of people of mixed races. We have hair that runs the gamut from super kinky to almost straight. So, keep in mind that locks will be different from person to person and sometimes even on the same head of hair.

Someone who is doing free form locks may wash their hair often because that helps it lock. Someone else using another method may find that too much washing actually unravels her locks. (That's me) So, use these guidelines as just that. They are guidelines — not rules. You will eventually find out what works best for you and your hair.

How Long Will It Take to Lock My Hair?

Generally speaking, you can expect to be somewhat locked by the end of your first year and fully locked at the end of year two. Some hair textures may take longer.  (That's me) Although you have a particular hair type, it will lock in different places on your head at different rates. For example, the hair at the nape of your neck is usually less kinky than in other parts of your head. So, your sides may have locked while the back has a few more weeks to go. 18 months is a pretty good average to reach mature locks.

Patience, patience, patience. I cannot say it often enough: locking your hair is a process. Some people look at it as a journey. Understand the phases your locks will go through and cherish each one. Some people wear hats or wigs for the first several months and even heard them refer to this stage as being in a “cocoon,” meaning they will emerge as a beautiful butterfly. While it is nice to see a mature head of locks, do not be ashamed of the fact you are just beginning your journey. One of the reasons I admire a nice full mature set of locks is that I realize the time and care involved to get there. If it could be done overnight, it would not seem like much of an achievement.  You must understand what is involved in the process before you begin.

What Can I Expect Over the Coming Months?

There are three general stages in the locking process:

Early Locks or the “baby phase”
Immature Locks or the “teenage phase”
Mature Phase

Baby Locks - Depending upon your hair texture, this phase lasts from 12 to 24 weeks. Soft, fine hair will take longer to lock than coarse, curly or kinky hair. During this phase the locks should be maintained by re-twisting, two-strand twisting or palm-rolling. Interlocking or using the Sisterlock method.  During the first 3 weeks you should avoid or minimize washing Baby Locks (especially avoid conditioning shampoos) to allow them time to set.

Immature or Teenage locks - This phase can last anywhere from three months to a year or so. How long this lasts is dependent on your hair texture. This is the phase where many people get frustrated. By knowing this is coming, hopefully you can avoid this frustration. During this phase, you may get budding or matting. The reason locks in this stage are called teenage locks is they tend to be unruly. Budding occurs when a pea shaped knot forms near the end of the lock. You may also notice little balls of hair that gather at the very end of the lock. Our suggestion is to just leave the buds alone. The knot will gradually become less noticeable.   Most refer this stage as the caterpillar stage and they have used hats as their “cocoons.” I do not think the teenage stage is anything to be ashamed of. Locks take work, time and patience, and this is why you can be proud of your achievement once you have achieved a full head of beautiful locks.

You should groom your teenage locks every two to four weeks (depending on your locks) because they have a tendency to creep or crawl. ( I get mine groom from my Consultant every 6 weeks). Crawling occurs when the hair from one lock begins to lock into another. If you do not continuously keep the hair separated, you will eventually have to pull it apart at the scalp risking weakening the lock and possibly leading to breakage. This can be avoided by making separating the locks part of a weekly routine. See if the locks are crawling and if they are, gently separate them.

Continue to wash gently during this stage. After washing is when the locks will have a tendency to crawl. So, handle them gently while shampooing.  In the teenage phase, you will not need to take as much care as in the early stages.

Mature Locks - You should expect your locks to reach full maturity sometime after the first year. At this point, maintenance becomes easier. Your locks may reach full maturity anywhere from the end of the first year up until the end of the second year. For others it may take longer. (That's me) This does not mean your locks are maintenance free. And they may still require quite a bit of time before they take on their final shape. But, you will be past the trials and tribulations of the teenage months.

Mature locks are the strongest and require less frequent grooming. If your hair is soft, you may continue to experience frizzies and will have to do more maintenance than those with coarse hair. Mature locks can be washed and conditioned as frequently as you like. Some wash theirs daily while others choose to wait at least 3 weeks.

Just make sure that whatever regimen you develop that you avoid dry scalp by moisturizing, conditioning and/or using hot oil treatments if neccessary.

At night you should put your locks in a satin scarf or cap, or sleep on a satin pillow to prevent damage caused by friction while sleeping and to maintain a proper moisture balance. Also will prevent lint in your locks.


It's now 3 years for me and I have no lint in my locks.


Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

No Pins Updo

Bun Updo...no pins. 

My updo was done by my 'New Consulant after my retightening.  I should have taken pictures when it was freshly done.  Well, I don't have to take that 3 hour drive anymore.  My DH was so nice to take me every 6 weeks.  But, now I can drive myself.  I just hop on the 408 and I'm there in 20 mins.  Yay!    


Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 10

Day 10,  Yesterday I was off from work.  Getting up out of bed I  drinked some fresh squeezed orange juice and started to feel nausea.   I laid back down for about 30 mins then I felt better but wanted to eat something.  After hubby got off from work and arrived home he said lets go out to eat "Sweet Tomato Restaurant". I was so excited but wondered would my stomach be able to handle food. 

I placed lettuce, spinach and other salads on my plate.  After sitting down.  I took a bite at a time and chewed very well before swallowing.  I savored every bite. Oh, it was soooo good.  We enjoyed ourselves.  I didn't experience any gas pains.  Yay!

Today, I brought my lunch to work a green salad, fruit bowl that consist of strawberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, mango and grapes. Also, I have an apple, and banana.  A bottle of water and orange juice.  This afternoon I will be eating my vegetable soup that I made last night.  Well,  that is the end of my Cleanse.  I'm feeling good with lots of energy.  Oh yes!!  Now I'm onto eating a well health diet. Maybe you will be able to try 'The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet'.  Go ahead and give it a try :)

Photo

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 9

Day 9,  Yesterday I just felt so nauseated at work and after arriving home.  My mouth is so dry.  I couldn't take it any longer.  I think my body is telling me it wants food.  So late last night I made some fresh squeezed orange juice.  It took the sick feeling away instantly and it taste soooo good!  So, I wasn't able to continue the cleanse for 10 days.  Oh, well I'm just proud of myself that I went for 8 days.  After the cleanse the first thing to put into your body is orange juice.  I will be drinking OJ all day :)

 
Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 8

Day 8, Oh, this is really getting hard.  I feel so sleepy and nauseous.  I'm trying to keep focus on my goals. Day 10 can't get here fast enough.  Lol! It's hard drinking all of it the water, tea and lemonade mixture.  I'm just sick of it all (literally).  The smell oh my goodness. (up chuck).  Thank goodness I haven't done it. 

I went to the Basketball game last night Orlando Magic vs Los Angeles Lakers.  We won 85-79...Go Magic!!  I enjoyed myself it took my mind off of the cleansing for awhile.  My friends bought food and it was just nice to inhale it all in and just to look at it...hmm smelled soooo good :)

This morning I felt pretty good.  Of course had to make the tea...yuck.  It took awhile for me to drink it all while driving into work.  As I'm typing this post my mouth is dry with no flavor.  I want to taste something. Lol!!  I did lose about 5 lbs but I can't tell it in my clothes.   Come on day 10!!



Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 7

Day 7, Yesterday morning I had to push myself and had a pretty good morning but at the sametime I want to eat so badly.  After awakening this morning had my cup of tea.  I had to literally force it down.  It's getting really hard.  I'm tired of the taste of the lemonade mixture,  I'm tired of the taste of the herbal tea.  Water taste blah!  I'm tired of having a dry taste in my mouth.  Sometimes I feel sick on the stomach.  But, I am determined to keep going.  Had a few eliminations yesterday morning.  Now, I'm going to do some exercising to get my body moving.  Oh, and this afternoon I'll be going to the Basketball game Orlando Magic vs LA Lakes.  I have got to keep my mind busy  :)

Lemonade Glass Clip Art

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 6

Day 6, Yesterday after work I felt like giving up.  I wanted to eat something nothing in particular just want to eat. I'm tired of the smooth Move tea and the lemonade mixture.  My mouth feels like chalk.  My husband is also on the master cleanse he keeps brushing his teeth because he enjoys the flavor. Lol! I'm telling you when you haven't eaten in days you really appreciate food.  While on this cleanse I'm only thinking about vegetables how I can prepare them. 

Well This morning I didn't want to get out of bed but I forced myself.  Had a cup of tea and did some exercising to motivate myself did some situps.  I'm feeling pretty good.  So far only had one elimination hopefully I have more before the day ends.  Now to get through 4 more days :)    


Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Friday, February 11, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 5

Day 5, I think day 4 was my hardest so far. After arriving home from work I was so tired that as soon as I walked in the door took a shower and went to bed.  I slept for a few hours got up and had my evening herb tea then went back to bed.  This morning I felt refreshed.  I just don't like the feel of when taking laxative.  I only have eliminations in the morning, so that's when I have the nauseating feel.  But, after that I'm feeling pretty good.  Now, I think the weekend is going to be hard.  Come on Wednesday...it can't get here fast enough. Lol! :) 



Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 4

Day 4 this morning I felt a little sick on the stomach probably because I was dehydrated.  After having my herb tea I feel so much better.  I don't like the feel griping feel of my stomach you know the feeling when you take a laxative. I'm also feeling some what weak but don't know if that is the right word.  It's like I feel  calm.  I have been craving vegetables and sea food.  I can't wait till I can start eating.  I'm hang in there :)  


Maple Syrup

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 3

Day 3 I'm feeling good.  No headaches, not feeling tired.  Believe it or not I'm not even feeling hungry.  I am getting tired of drinking the lemonade mixture though. Lol!  I have to force myself to drink. I'm having just a few eliminations.  I must try the salt water flush.  I dread this just the idea of drinking salt water makes me me feel sick. Lol!  Hopefully after work and upon arriving home I still feel good.  I just have to keep myself busy :)  

Cayenne Pepper

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 2

Yesterday I had a slight headache I had it the previous day so I don't know if it was the tailend from the previous day or the fasting.  Also, had a  few eliminations. (that's the whole idea, right )Yesterday after work I was tired, irritable and wanted to eat something anything. Lol!!  I got through it and just dranked more of the lemonade mixture and before I went to bed had a cup of smooth move tea. 

Early this morning had a cup of smooth move tea before on my way to work. I feel pretty good I no longer have a headache thank goodness!  I'm not feeling hungry at the moment.  Feeling pretty mellow. So  far so good.  Will see how it goes upon arriving home from work.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet...Day 1

Good Morning,

In the next 10 days I am going to give myself a good cleaning by fasting for 10 days using the master cleanse lemonade diet.  Last night I had a cup of smooth move herb tea.  This morning I had another cup of tea.  Last night I made my lemonade drink to take with me to work which consist of Fresh lemons, Maple syrup B grade and cayenne red pepper.



I'll let you know each day how I'm feeling.  Have you done the Master Cleanse? I'd love to hear about your experiences with it. Anyone want to join me?

Enjoy the freedom(✿◠‿◠)

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