What Do Locs Look Like at 9 Weeks?
Week 9 with locs looks like unraveling, wild roots and sessions of loc brushing— at least on my new journey. We all know that everyone’s journey is different, but it is amazing to witness the difference on the same head; my head.
This week, my hair has been especially wild.
As you’ll see in my Week 9 Loc Vlog Update, my hair definitely has a mind of its own and is doing whatever it wants to do. Just like a baby, hence the baby locs stage. Since I’ve been along this process before, I know to accept it for what it is, but I can definitely see how many individuals would be frustrated at this point.
My hair is creeping into other locs, sticking straight up, and endlessly frizzy.
“Embrace the journey. You’re beautiful!“— this is what I tell myself.
What I’m reminded of as I go through this process again is how shamed I was the first time around. Mainly by family, but also in public. Ignorance can make people very judgmental. Change makes people uncomfortable. But your confidence speaks volumes. What I learned is that you have to be comfortable in your decision to transition to locs, walk with your head high and crown on, despite a mound of frizz and unruly hair. Your confidence will silence all judgments and the ones that aren’t silenced can’t tell you anything. But the moment you give your control to another person’s ignorance, is the moment you second guess one of the best decision you can make with your textured hair.
Even if you’re not feeling confident at this very moment, it is okay, it takes practice. I challenge you to look in the mirror and say out loud “I love you”. Then, take a selfie, looking AND smiling directly at the camera. EVERYDAY. You have to be a witness to your own beauty to allow others to see it as well. And honestly, it is not as bad as you think. Embrace the journey. You’re beautiful!
Share some words of encouragement or positive affirmations that you use in the comments below!
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Blog Comments
Adeva
September 3, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Hi Jocelyn, really nice page and very good responses to all the question. I have been reading the thread on starting lock with two strand twist. My question is: I am just in the saloon as I type and having my hair done in two strand twist but they are bigger than what I want. I wanted them small, like mini small, as I want to eventually sisterlock look. At what stage should I start unlocking the hair to make them smaller myself? Thanks
Jocelyn Reneé
September 4, 2016 at 4:05 am
Thank you for joining the community! You should have the foundation started with the size in mind that you want now, not later. You cannot make locs smaller after they’ve already loc’d without taking them out.
Stephanie
September 7, 2016 at 9:42 am
Good morning,
Are you located in the Washington DC area? If so, I would love to schedule a consultation with you. I have what black people consider “good hair” ( I loathe that term) but anyway, people have told me that my hair won’t loc. I would love to get your opinion. Thanks in advance! 🙂
Jocelyn Reneé
September 16, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Hi Stephanie, yes I am in the DMV area, currently in Maryland about 15 minutes from DC. I would love to meet you and have a consultation with you. You can schedule your appointment by visiting JocelynRenee.com 🙂
Demetria Mosley
September 19, 2016 at 11:45 am
Hey Jocelyn!
I’m two months into my starter locs and they are frizzy and unraveling, much like your picture above.
In this stage should I be trying to twist them ( especially the unravels one) to help them mature or to let them do their thing?
So far I’ve been twisting them every two weeks and after about 3 days they are back to being frizzy. I only twist with aloe vera gel because I read from you not to use all those butters.
thanks!
Jocelyn Reneé
November 24, 2016 at 2:40 am
Yes you need to help the locs to cultivate, but every 2 weeks is way too often and will lead to thinning. It sounds to me like your maintenance technique may not be sufficient to hold the loc because after 3 days, even with AVG the hair should not be unraveling. If you’re still experiencing the same issue, feel free to schedule a virtual consultation with me for help.