When India.Aire first came out with the song I Am Not My Hair, I had already made the switch from press and curls to locs.
At the time, (winter 2000 to be exact) I was still unsure what to do with my new natural ‘do. I wore a wig on the days I looked like a porcupine, and went through many headbands and scarves until my hair got long enough to throw into a ponytail and keep it moving.
Always partial to red hair due to a childhood of I Love Lucy, I did go through various shades of red, most of the time ending with shades of muted brown.
Today, I have a multitude of styles to choose from. The internet connects me with like minded folks who shares their tips and secrets. My favorite tipster is Franchesca Ramsey aka Chescaleigh. She has a mass following on YouTube and that’s where I got the side braid idea:
And now the rinse.
The rinse I used was a modified recipe because I didn’t have the products she recommended. However a brief search showed the products I chose, while not the best, wouldn’t have me wake bald.
I used vinegar and baking soda. My inner 10 year old giggled at the bubbling concoction, thinking of the volcanoes I made for science class. I also added lavender from my lavender plant.
The water before the rinse:
And the results after ten minutes of rinsing:
Eww.
As I rinsed my hair, it felt less heavy. I also noticed that it didn’t have that funky build up that usually is in the crown of my head. The Mister told me my hair smelled sweet, and this morning as I checked the results, my hair wasn’t as red as I would like, but felt less heavy and more manageable.
Duck lips aside, I’m pretty pleased with the results!
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| Sass not included |
My Loc Facts:
1. I began in the winter of 2000 after my cousin added one row of weave and left me to go on a date. Two strand twist just seemed an easy, doable style to wear until I could find a more reliable stylist.
2. Number of locs: 114
3. As much as I love your admiration, please ask before touching my hair. Personal space and all…
4. I maintain my own locs, but have a friend who will help with a neater look. I use products from the Mango and Lime line, but in a pinch have used whatever hair product The Teen has lying around.
5. I wash every 3 weeks, four being the longest stretch. Summer I wash more frequently because of heat and sweat. I also let my hair dry naturally.
6. I don’t ‘do’ hair (ask The Teen), but after trial and error, I have learned how to maintain my own. I have a saying: It grows back….
I’ll have to pass on this rinse recipe to my sister. She’s forever complaining about the grease. How often do you rinse? #FBF
That was only ten minutes. Can you imagine how much gunk would show if I had soaked longer? I am a convert!
What a great way to naturally rinse your hair!