[Aduladi]

I've been locked for just over a year. My hair grows REALLY fast so my locs are touching my shoulder. I started off with about an inch of hair and my hair is NOT kinky. So in the beginning it was difficult for me to stick with. But now they are pretty cool.

I started off with a loctician, but my loctician was in NY (down state) and I live in Vermont about six hours away, so I figured out how to do it myself around the third month. I wash with tea tree shampoo, motions and Pantene clarifying shampoo. I also use Dr. Bonner's mint soap. I guess it depends on my mood, which one I use. I don't condition. I twist with a mixture of Isoplus tea tree and aloe hairgrease and Carols' Daughter Hair milk, clip it down and let it dry naturally.

I went from relaxing my hair and grew it out without perming for about 6 months, then cut it off and let it grow another 6 months before locing. It has been a fun and interesiting journey. I have gotten to know my hair in a way I never expected to and my hands are ALWAYS in my hair.

Another place where you can talk about the locing experience is at yahoo groups' kinksrus. Great groups lots of support.

Good luck.