April 24th marked my ninth month with Sisterlocks, and my latest Retightening, on April 29th, was the first one that required no bundling or banding. Most of my hair’s ends are officially locked, and I should be able to shampoo at home between my retis every six weeks. I’ll admit that I harbor some mixed feelings about changing a formula that has worked well over the last nine months. I don’t sweat excessively, unless I am outside exercising (typically walking during the warmer months), and I am fortunate to not ever had scalp issues (dermatological or otherwise) which might require more frequent shampoos. My hair still seems to be thriving despite fewer shampooings over the past several months. We shall see… My concerns are that my hair will become more frizzy, begin to bunch, or unraveled edges due to my own manipulation. On any given day, the most attention my hair receives from me is a spritz or two of Tiffany’s Loc Jewels Natural Hair Mist (scented leave-in conditioner with tea tree oil) and a finger combing. 

Looks like I’m in Phase II-Budding from the descriptor. I touch my hair frequently, and the ends of each lock are varied; some are plumb and frizzy-some are tight and rigid-some are curly and wiry…just a mixture of hair textures and stages of transition.

What is most evident is the growth of my hair over these nine months. My hair is longer and thicker throughout.

Evidence of budding is clear from the lock across my forehead in the picture below. My hair is soft to the touch and healthy.

All kinds of unruliness…typical day for me. #unbothered

It’ll be interesting to begin shampooing my own hair, and I’ll blog about my first time when it happens. Right now, I’ll just enjoy the teenage stage of my locks and embracing the freedom that comes along with a head toss and finger fluff!