Hello naturalistas! I am Lauren from Silver Spring, Maryland! I am a new blogger known as The Sisterlocked Diva, with a focus on sisterlocks/locs, beauty, and fashion! To tell you about my hair journey, I was interested in going natural and kept watching journey videos on YouTube, and just decided you know what I am going for it! So I did my own BC after transitioning for 5 months with braids and sew in weaves. A barber shaped me up and I was ready to start my journey in April 2011. After being natural for 6 months, I was introduced to sisterlocks. I always knew I wanted to loc my hair, but not yet. I started my sisterlock journey in May 2012 and have been so in love with my locks ever since! Locks are truly where it is at for me!
How long have you been natural?
Since April 2011
What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I chose to transition because I was unsure of what I was doing at that point. I had reconnected with a friend from high school and she too was beginning to transition. I think by us supporting each other through the transition– it helped me stay on the path! I got tired of the braids so at that point I knew it was time to big chop!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
The most memorable part of my journey was the beginning because I was trying to find my way and make it my own! Even though I enjoyed my loose hair, I was having challenges with moisture and styling. The LOC method and the twist out saved my whole natural life! I began to enjoy my hair more at that time. I think I came into fully enjoying my hair once sisterlocked though! I saw it as beautiful as I saw how my hair changed in its loc’d state.
What were some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
As a transitioner, I loved any type of braids that I could get my hands on! I just loved the convenience of the braids as my hair was growing out from a pixie cut in its relaxed state. Once fully natural, I was a wash n go and a twist out queen! I did not really become creative with styling until starting sisterlocks. I have loved every stage of sisterlocks so far!
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
As a natural, my co-workers loved it! I am one of a few Black women in the office so it was the curiosity factor! They were asking all kinds of questions and loved my growth as much as I did! They even were into the natural hair terminology lol! My boyfriend at the time was cool with it– he had his hair in cornrows and was considering locs himself at the time I did my BC. Men did not seem to like my short hair, but I got more looks once my sisterlocks began to grow! The only negativity was from my mom– she liked the big chop at first then was not happy once I colored it. She would say things like, “You look better with straight black hair” or “You know men don’t like natural hair”. I kind of smile at all of that now. Wish she was here to see how my locks have blossomed.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Sisterlocks are very low key! I wash my hair every two weeks with the Sisterlocks Starter shampoo. I spritz my locks with water only for moisture, and that’s it! With locs and sisterlocks, less is more! When I do my curly sets, I use Taliah Waajid’s Crinkles & Curls!
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I love my fellow bloggers! Bloggers that I follow regularly: Sunshine’s Natural & Loving It, Kinky Curly Coily Me, Britania718, Terez, Chescalocs, JazzyTe007, Jungle Barbie, Woman in the Jungle, Natural Belle, The Hodge Podge Files, Curls & Mo, pecadora99, & P.R. Charles to name a few! I love watching videos and reading articles by various bloggers and vloggers.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Everyone’s journey is different! Your fro, curls, or locs will not look like the next person’s hair. Even if you use the same products, your hair will not be identical to your favorite blogger. And it’s ok! Love your hair at every stage because it is your hair.
Where can people find you for more information?
Come join me and my loc loving friends as we talk locs & sisterlocks, braids, and twists at www.thesisterlockeddiva.com! I am also on Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, and Youtube as “The Sisterlocked Diva”. I am on Twitter and Pinterest as “The SL Diva”. We have a lot of fun sharing our love of our natural hair in the divas & gents corner!
