Lessons I've Learned from Locking Hair

57) Clients are really enjoying my highlighting techniques!

As a licensed Barber, I am trained to properly color and highlight hair. My years of study and on-going continuing education is paying off. Clients are seeking me out just to color and highlight. Oh yeah, I just love what I do.

Lessons I've learned from Locking hair

56) My passion for promoting natural hair care is appreciated.

Today, I participated in an Rachael O event. (To learn more about Rachel O visit, please visit www.makeupbyrachaelo.com). It was my second time attending her events for the purposes of promoting my natural hair services. And to my surprise, two women -on separate occasions- approached me to share how my advice helped them with their hair. For the Lockartisan, these comments are love! I am here to share and serve; I love the work I do!!

Lessons I've learned from locking Hair

55) I love it when clients show appreciation. Check out this video. In the film, I get a shout out for my barbering skills.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldlRHQKor0


Holla!

Lessons I've Learned From Locking Hair

54) Always inquire about the clients lifestyle when making regular hair care maintenance recommendations.

I installed locks into a new client's head. As usual, I rattled off the do's and don'ts when cultivating locks. The next day, the client sent a few texts inquiring about next steps. During the texting session, the client revealed that he is a ball player. OH MY!!! When rattling off the do's and don'ts, I told him to cover his head at night. What a big mistake!!! My 'usual' instructions were a recipe for creating stinky locks. Because I got more information about my client's lifestyle, I picked up the phone and told him to never wrap his head up when wet; he will create mildew. This minor tip will ensure my that new client loves his locks!! And for that, I am grateful!!

I sure love doing what I do!! I really care!!

Be well!

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

53) You may not require a lot of hair products to cultivate your locks.

When I lock my client's hair, I do not use styling agents to create locks. To the lock wearers who opt to cultivate their locks traditionally, I respectfully offer the following tip:

• You may not require lots of styling agents to create your locks.

Why? Hair locks naturally! Styling agents can work against your locking process. Why? Styling agents tend to soften hair. To this end, I offer that you should really think about how much gel, beeswax or hair pudding that you are putting in your hair; especially if your is a softer hair texture.

Be well and make it a super day!!!

Lessions I've learned from locking hair

52) So many people are opting to try and cultivate their locks by themselves.

To this I can say from experience, its a great to want to lock your hair. However, you must know that you WILL experience lots of challenges. (I personally jacked up my first set of locks.) I strongly recommend that you do your research; every hair type is different. What works for some will not work for others. And remember, your hair is your crown - plan for the best outcome.

Lessons I've learned from locking hair

51) Natural hair is a catalyst for stimulating and helpful conversations.

Yesterday during my morning commute, I had heavily focused thoughts on the next steps for supplementing my twins' education. I felt so defeated. During a locking session that night, my client - who happens to be a teacher - started chatting about her hair's latest progress and raving about my specially blended natural hair products. After the hair conversation, she randomly asked, "How are you feeling about your kid's school?" (Oh, how did she know?)
I immediately began to share my frustrations and goals for my twins' education.

After our conversation, I had received next steps to progress my children's education. What a blessing!! (The conversation was surreal.) It was if someone heard my pain and sent a messenger.

When I started down my natural hair care journey, I never imagined my future networking opportunities. Yes, I am one grateful Sista!

Lessons I learned from locking hair

51) Every person who has decided to rock their natural hair has a story to tell. Today, I want to share my story.

I hope you will be inspred to share your story.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

50) We all lose locks from time to time.

If you loose a lock, uncover why you lost the lock. Sometimes, we lose locks because

• the lock got too heavy for the hairs at the base to sustain the lock


• improper hair care techniques


• overtwisting

After you've uncovered why you lost a lock. Save the lock. And always know, YOUR HAIR GROWS BACK. Be well!! :)

Lessons I've Learned from Locking Hair

49) Great hair directly corresponds to a healthy diet. My favorite hair smoothie recipe is listed below:

3/4 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup organic apple juice
1 cup of Ultra Fine Hair powder
Agave Nector or Honey optional (I skip this; I am watching my girlish figure.) :)

Blend in a food processor or blender and enjoy.

Be well,
Octavia

Lessons I've Learned from Locking Hair

48) Attractive haircuts and locks are possible.

Sometimes lock wearers want a new look. Lock wearers may grow tired of long locks. Or, Lock wearers may feel their locks are too heavy. If you can relate to these challenges, please know that YES, you have options; you can cut, color and style your locks!! And most important, dont be afraid because your locks will grow back. :)

Lessons I've Learned From Locking Hair

47) Does the size of your locks matter?

Yes!! I strongly recommend that you discuss "lock size" with your locktician. My biggest pet peeve is to acquire a lock client who had tiny locks installed in their hair without careful consideration of the client's hair density. In addition, I believe a client's choice should be involved in the "lock size" too. I've met people who say, "I wish my locks were bigger." or "I wish my locks were smaller." My recommendation......please be prepared to really chat with your locktician about your hair goals and what you can reasonably expect from the hair bestowed onto you.

Best regards,
Octavia the Lock Artisan :)

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

46) Steam is a wonderful treatment for your hair!! Get you some.

I offer my clients steam treatments. Why are steam treatments so special? The answer, the steam intensely moisturizers your hair. (Touch your after the first steam treatment; you will feel the difference.) I combine rose water, and my favorite essential oils during the steam treatments. Try it. Or even better, go to the health club and relax in the steam room; make sure you bring some essential oils. Enjoy!!

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

45) All Natural Hair folks are NOT candidates for locks. The sentence that I hear most frequently is....."I have natural hair, but I don't want locks!!" To this I must say first and foremost, variety is the spice of life! I understand, and I get you! To the Natural Hair folks who ARE NOT interested in locks, I recommend that you remain open-minded to LEARN from a locktician. Lockticians are well versed in Natural hair. Don't think that you can't ask a locktician for advice because they specialize in locks. Locks and natural hair are synonymous. Here's a few tips:

• learn your hair and find out which products work for you


• there are some really great products on the market that allow for all natural hair types to achieve a super funky twist out! (If you are interested, give me a call.)


• And please, get to know a good Barber!!

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

44) Your Lock tightening schedule must be in sync with your hair growth patterns. In general, lock wearers should plan to get their hair tightened every 6 to 8 weeks. However, I've met clients whose hair grows extremely fast. For these clients, I recommend that you get your hair tightened every 4 to 5 weeks. Recently, I inherited a client who traditionally got her hair tightened every 6 weeks. After getting her hair tightening by me, we developed a hair care regimen that addressed her hair's drying needs. However at her subsequent 6 weeks tighening session, we noticed over 1 inch of new hair growth. Because of the new hair growth, we decided to adjust her hair tightening schedule to keep up with the new growing pattern. By doing this, we will ensure that her hair is being properly maintained while she is experiencing a burst in hair growth . If you need to see the above mentioned topic in a mathematical equations, please see the formula below. (An increase in hair growth + a lock tightening schedule that adheres to your hair growth patterns = BEAUTIFUL LOCKS.

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

43) The term "Locks" can be a very scary concept to embrace for prospect Lock wearers. Everybody has encountered an individual who wears locks at some point in their lives. Not so long ago, many people weren't wearing locks. Because of this, your first experience with seeing locks often forms your first impression of locks. (What was your first impression?) My first memory is of a homeless man with one huge and very dirty lock. Yuck!! As I got older, I began to embrace my heritage more. However, it took me 10 years to decide to lock my hair. After I got over my own "izms" (an Erykah Badu term for negative thought patterns), I now appreciate the beauty in one huge lock in the same manner as I enjoy professionally cultivated and manicured locks. To new prospect lock wearers, I MUST emphasize that everyone is an individual. Locks are cultivated and maintained at the discretion of the lock wearer. If you are a neat person, your locks will be neat. If you desire professional locks, you will have professional locks. If you are of an organic mindset, you may lean toward free forming locks. To this end, I implore; don't let your old images of lock wears - people you don't even know - stop you from realizing the true beauty that has been given to you. Also check out this book, DREADS by Francesco Mastalia and Alfonse Pagano introduced by Alice Walker. The book offers great photos along with short excepts from lock wearing individuals from all over the world. I love this book because I've formed a greater appreciation for the mindset of lock wearers.

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

41) Henna creates lovely color hues ranging from brown, red and burgundy.

Using henna can be tricky. However once you know the principles behind its application and select the color henna product, the possibilities are endless.

Lessons I learned from Locking Hair

40.) Be yourself because everybody else is taken!

Your locks will allow YOUR true essence shine. Have you ever noticed how different locks can be on various individuals. When deciding whether or not to lock, please ask yourself - are you willing to see you? Do you have the guts say....love me or leave me baby!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

40) When starting locks, you must be comfortable in your own skin.

When starting locks, lock wearers must have thick skin. Why? Locks tend to bring out lots of stereotypes and negative images that folks carry around within themselves. IE: Don't be surprised if your sweet Grandmother says, "Baby. why would you want that nappy stuff? Or, you look like a pick-a-ninny."

During my journey, I realize that I loving "me" in the way that God put me on this Earth is one of the best strengths to acquire in this lifetime. Peace.

Lessons I learned from locking hair.

39) I've meant many clients who LOVE to purchase hair care products; even products they don't need.

As a consumer, you should be open to finding the best products that work for your hair. However, please make sure that the products you purchase are applicable to your natural hair care regimen.

In one case, my client showed me her recent "Oil sheen spray" purchase. My response, you don't need this sheen spray. If you want to achieve a natural sheen, it is best achieved with shampoos, moisturizers, oils and conditioners. My next recommendation was for her "to gift" her recent hair purchase. This way, her hard earned dollars are not wasted.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

39) A great tool to use to "comb out" natural hair is called the Denman classic styling brush. Please make sure you purchase the 7 or 9 row count.

I had the privilege to serve as a panelist for a natural hair care discussion. One thing I learned during my locks journey is to always remain open-minded. To this end, I must share some advice given from two fellow natural hair care stylist; please stop using comb. Switch to the Denman brush. The stylists agree a traditional comb out takes more time and really breaks the hair. Two stylist serving on the panel swore by this brush. They also share that it MUST be the Denman brush; this brush has no balls at the end of the brush bristles; the balls take your hair out. P.S. I tried the brush on my daughter's hair - end result, less tears!! As a Mom determined to make sure my daughter loves her hair, I say thank you DENMAN!!!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

37) Your locks will be/are beautiful. How do I know this? Cause God Dont Make Junk!!

FACT!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

36) Sometimes folks get bored with their locks.

My solution is to change the way you think about your hair and change it up. Check me out with my bangs created to keep my hair length.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

35) Wearing locks alters your lifestyle.

Let me name a few areas of your life that change when you wear locks:

You can wake up, shake your hair and go!! More time to take care of morning business
You can work out without worrying about your hairdo.
Lock wearers tend to adopt a more healthy and natural approach to diet and excerise.
Lock wearers approach to life tends to open up and change.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

34) No, you can't have locks just like his or hers!

You can go to the same lock stylist, use the same products and use the same locking techniques, but I guarantee you one thing........your locks will never look like another person's locks. Over and over, you will find blogs, websites and facebook postings where individuals type, "I am on my natural hair care journey!" One journey principle is.......your locks are about you and what assets were bestowed onto you! Be grateful; enjoy what you got, when you got it!!

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

33) I am not a hater; there are many different lock techniques. However, I strongly believe that you must select the technique that works best for you.

I encounter folks who twist their hair every two weeks. I've also seen folks whose hair has adjusted to the every two week process just fine. However after two years into the locking process, their hair breaks and creates thinning patches. To these folks, I say......come over to my side and discover the path to locks thriving locks regardless of your hair's natural shortcomings.

Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair

32) Please believe that you have can have beautiful locks and a corporate job too!!

During consultations, I spend a lot of time telling very beautiful and intelligent women that they can and WILL look professional after installing locks. They look at me and think that I can not relate to their work environment. However, they are so, so wrong. I have a "good job" and rock my locks too!! Your new brand image will be about style, grace, a great work ethic and attitude!! And please believe, you can adopt this motto too!! :)