Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

31) Prospective client calls me and says, what is your primary locking technique? I reply, lockstitching. The prospective clients says, I heard that thins your hair and takes it out. My reply, I disagree.

To all people seeking to learn about locks, please know this....lockstitching does not take your hair out. What takes out your hair is the untrained locktician performing the lockstitching technique. If a locktician tells you that lockstitching takes your hair, then you know the real deal., they do not know the technique. If you are still not convinced, then check out my photos and my website. imadeulooksalon.com. All my clients are lockstitched!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

30) I overheard a conversation in which newly, educated natural hair folks were talking about not shampooing their hair and bragging about how healthy their hair has become. What's up with that?

The take away from this story is very simple. Shampoos with no sulfates don't produce a lot of lather. When a person does not see the lather, they believe they are not shampooing their hair. For them, lather is equivalent to shampooing. In short, these newly educated consumers feel that the salfates and parabens are harmful to one's health - even though there are no conclusive scientific studes to back those claims.

However, the real answer is these consumers were using Sulfate-free and Paraben- free shampoos. Sulfates are common detergents that produce the lather in shampoos. They are found in many well-known mass-market and professional shampoos. (FYI...All sulfates are not created equal and some are more gentle on hair and scalp. The harsher sulfates are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate,ALS, More gentler sulfates are Sodium Lareth Sulfate, SLES, and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate,ALES,) Parabens are a group of FDA approved preservatives that have long been used in cosmetics, foods and drugs to keep them bacteria free. It is really important to note that the sulfates and parables will - overtime - erodes the hair outer cuticle layer and remove the hair's natural luster.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

29) Let you locks express who YOU really are.


The world is full of color. Your locks are your personal canvas. Through color, let your true self shine.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

28. If your locks break off, save them in a plastic bag.

There are times when you may have a lock that does not match your existing locks. ie: All your locks are 6 inches long, and your have one lock that is 3 inches long. If you save your locks, your locktician can use the locks that you've saved to add hair to the 3 inches lock. (By saving your locks, you are creating your very own customized weave!! (This process is known as Lock repair.)

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

26) Individuals with straight, wavy curly hair (aka Good Hair) or Caucasians seeking to wear locks should seek out a Textured Lock Stylist.

A Textured Lock Stylist is an individual who has the skill set to lock all hair types. If you are in the Chicago-land area, perhaps you may want to contact me. :)

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

25) If you plan to have elegant locks, (some folks like the Rasta look) then you should seek out a skillful Barber.

A Barber can accent locks and put the finishing touches on a great set of locks. A good barber knocks off the extra hairs that appear here and there. However, a great Barber can offer finishing touches without disturbing the base of hairline locks. (My customers are lucky because I am a licensed Barber too!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

25. Have you noticed that once the seasons change, your scalp and needs change? As a Midwesterner, I've noticed that I experience dry and itchy hair during the months of November to December.

If you experience similary hair care challenges, perhaps you may want to alter your hair care regimen based on the seasons.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

24.) If you had an opportunity to chat with scientists whose work is solely focused on hair, what question(s) would you ask?


This week, I visited the scientific hair laboratory, Avlon Industries, Inc. My goal - absorb as much information I as I can. Below, you will find my biggest takeaways:

Hair damages and breaks at temperatures reaching 225 degrees and above. (Those pressing curls and flat irons, with no temperature gauges, are killing your hair!! Yikes!!)

After seeing my scalp under a microscope, I learned how to enhance my shampooing techniques. (Your shampoos must address your personal scalp issues.)

I know some "Kick Ass" hair coloring and highlighting techniques.

P.S. My experience at Avlon Industries was phenomenal!!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

23. A good Loctician listens to you.


I've inherited many clients. Often I hear, my locks are too small or too big. I wish somebody would have told me that I have a choice. When deciding on your locktician, please confirm that they are listening to YOU!!! Furthermore, please make sure they can fulfill your needs.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

22. You must consider your environment when selecting your hair care products?

What is the air like where you live? Do you live in a dessert? Do you live in a cold and dry environment? In order for your hair to flourish, you hair care products must address your environment. If you need help, ask a natural hair care consultant.

Lessons I've learned from Locking hair

21. Once you started your locks, you may not "like" your hair for up to 1 year.

I've had many clients declare that they didn't "like" their hair until they were one year into the locking process. While this comment is surprising to me, I've learned that this thought is very common. In the end, I am pleased that my clients have stayed with me throughout their locking journey and kept their commitment to the hair locking process.

To my readers, please know that it is common to "not like" your hair for awhile. Nonetheless I reiterate to my new clients at each visit, please enjoy all stages of your locks. Once that stage is gone, it will never return.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

20. Loc Socs are great!!

Hey, have you heard about Loc Socs? Loc Socs are one of the most innovative Loc (Lock)head wrapping products on the market today. For more information, please visit their website at locsocs.com. For my clients, please know that I sell Loc Socs. :)

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

19. You can start locks with extensions. The lock extensions techniques I've come across on my path are: kinky braids, kinky twists (w/wo extensions) and lock (looking) extensions.

To learn more about the these techniques, please feel free to leave a comment. Or, consult with a knowledgeable Locktician

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

18. Do you want locks that are not cultivated with gel, honey, teas, someone's "special recipe" or beeswax? If so, perhaps you should consider Sisterlocks.

Over time, gel, honey, teas, someone's "special recipe" and beeswax products will build up on locks and causes mildew like smell and/or a heavy glaze on your hair. Often, clients want to get rid of the mildew like smell and glaze. What you should know is.......THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN TO YOU!!!!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

17. If your locks break, save your locks in a ziplock plastic bag.

It is possible to repair and/or reattach your locks. A creative and skillful locktician can assist you with your lock repair needs.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

16. After each lock maintence session, ask for a "lock check up".

A "lock check up" is a status check on the progress of your locks. ( I made the phrase up.)
By "lock check up", I mean simply ask your locktician, how your hair is doing? Often, lockticians see the damage or progress of your hair before you do. In addition, "lock check ups" offer you the opportunity to learn more about your hair. I will provide you with an example.
During a lock maintience session, I may notice that my client's hair is dryer than normal. Below is a typical "lock check up" conversation:
Client: How my hair is doing?
Octavia: Wow, your hair is really dry. What have you been doing?
Client: I bought this great new leave-in conditioner.
Octavia: Please discontinue using that product. Why did you decide to select that product?

In the end, the client and I brainstorm about a possible new product that works better for their hair type.

Always remember, beautiful locks are cultivated; locks must be nourished properly!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

15. You can dye your hair with Henna and Indigo to achieve the following colors: red, chocolate brown or black. Please note that red can only be achieved if your natural hair is grey or brown.

Henna and Indigo are plants. These plants can help us to dye and condition our hair naturally with no harsh side effects.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

14. Prior to starting your locks, please review lock photo galleries and talk to your locktician about your desired lock size.

Often, I've run into clients whose locks were started by another locktician. The biggest complaint I hear is that they were never given a choice about the size of their locks. Because of this, I recommend that you should plan to talk about your desired "lock size" before starting your locks. Always remember, you HAVE A CHOICE!! If no options are given during a consultation, perhaps you should try a new locktician.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair.

13. I enjoy locking hair and it shows! Below, please find some of comments from my clients.

· Thanks Octavia! In just two sessions, you’ve taken my locks two another level. I was trying to moisturize but was made to feel it was sort of taboo if you don’t use Sisterlocks products. Thanks for the alternative and I will purchase what you developed. Linda via text

· I love my locktician! Deborah via email

· You Rock! Tanya via text

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

12. Be nice to your hair!!

I've seen clients who color treat their hair even though it is apparent that the color is deteriorating their hair. To those clients, I always advise them to go longer in between coloring sessions. The longer waiting periods enables their hair to develop strength and elasticity. If you must color hair, pay attention to how your hair responds. Your hair good gestures will yeild beautiful hair.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

11. Many clients say, my hair is fuzzy? What can I do to control the fuzziness?

When clients approach me with this statement, my first response is.....locks are not perfect and quite often I state that fuzziness is a part of the lock hairstyle. However, I have encountered cases when clients can use some maintenance to address their fuzziness issues. The techniques to address fuzziness are locksmithing or trimming the fraying hair and ends.
Ask your locktician which method is right for you. (If you opt for trimming, please make sure you seek out a locktician who can properly trim your fraying hair or ends; trimming locks can be tricky.)

FYI...I am a licensed Barber. While practicing the art of locks and barbering, I've acquired a skill set that allows me to trim and shape locks during lock maintenance sessions. I advise you to seek out a professional who can assist you in the same capacity.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

10. You don't necessarily need to cut off your hair to start locks.


To start Sisterlocks or Custom locks, you need 1 and 1/2 inches of hair natural hair. In addition for Sisterlocks and Custom locks, you do not need to cut off your permed hair.

However with Traditional locks, you must start with natural hair only. To start traditional locks, you only need enough hair to twist with a comb. Depending on your hair type, you may be able to start with 1/2 inch to 1 inches of hair.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

9. Locks can be reshaped.

Are you pleased by the current appearance of your locks? If no is your answer, then you should seek out an experienced locktician. Depending on your hair texture and your locks' maturity level, you may be able to reshape your locks. Lock reshaping involved breaking down large locks, organizing your locking pattern and committing to one locking technique.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

7. Yes, you can color your locks!

Yes, you can color your locks. However, it is key to learn how to maintain YOUR hair's moisture level. Ask your locktician about when is the best time to color your locks, which color brand works best on natural hair and your hair maintenance tools after coloring your hair.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

6. Always remember locks can be cut, colored, curled, twisted and braided into many beautiful styles. Locks wearers must let their creativity flow when styling their hair.

When selecting a lock stylist, you should plan to query them about how they can help you achieve well-coiffed locks as well as versatile styling options. Enjoy your locks!

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

5. Before starting your locks, identify how you want your locks to look.

During lock consultations, I always query clients to confirm which lock appearance they want to achieve. In short, different locking techniques yield different locking results. Some clients prefer Sisterlocks. Some clients don't want Sisterlocks, rather they want well groomed locks (I call these locks custom locks). Some clients prefer organic looking locks. (Organic locks have a free-forming appearance.) Remember, you have a choice about your locks' overall appearance. Do your research and decide which option is best for you.

Lessons I've Learned from Locking Hair

4. Essential oils are vitamins for the hair.

Essential oils can stimulate scalp, rejuvenate skin cells, aid with itching and promote healing.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

3. Well-groomed locks are achieved by adhering to a consistent locking technique and regularly scheduled maintenance sessions.

I often meet individuals who go from Locktician to Locktician. (Locktician hopping is not a good choice.) Most Lockticians learn different hair locking techniques. If you Locktician hop, then the next Locktician is working around another person's work. This is not for good for YOU, the lock wearer. Over time, your locks will show demarcation patterns in your hair. Always remember that well-groomed locks have a consistent looking appearance.

Lessons I've learned from Locking hair

2. Locks ARE for everyone.

Many African American clients ponder why Caucasians decide to lock their hair. I've learned that the decision to lock your hair is more about an individual's spirit.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

1. The best oils for maintaining great looking natural hair are simple!

When selecting a moisturizer for natural and lock hair styles, it is critical to select products that will not cake in your hair. Once your hair has a build up, you will attract lint, develop an odor and diminish the overall shine of your hair.

Welcome to my Blog!

I welcome the opportunity to share with you some hints I've learned along my natural hair journey.

Enjoy!

Octavia