Wednesday, January 22, 2020

My Favorite Protective Style

Bantu Knots

My favorite way to style my starter locs, has to be bantu knots. They are a mood whether you decide to go out with your hair up, or wear the curls down. I have also noticed that Bantu knots after a good wash a moisturize can contribute to keeping moisture for longer, because this style is a set it and forget type of vibe.
 

What are Bantu Knots?

Bantu knots are stated to have originated from southern Africa. They are created by sectioning off different parts all over your head and twisting them into tiny knots. They can be worn as is or unraveled to form curls or waves.
Bantu Knots on Starter locs
Running Errands

How is it done?

I will typically do this style after washing my hair, because my hair is nice and moisturized and in the perfect condition for this look. The wetter your hair the tighter your curls, and the tighter your curls the longer this look can last.
 
I then proceed to grab locs two at a time. I will twists two locs until they want to curl on top of each other. I will keep curling until I reach the tail end which I will then tuck into the knot. I typically don't need any accessories to make them stay, but I have a few thicker locs, which might need a hair pin, or rubber band placed around the knot for longevity.
 
Be careful not to twist to tight. You do not want to pull on your hair. That could lead to stress bumps, lost edges, or bald spots. Remember this is supposed to help your hair not hurt it.
 
Bantu Knot Waves
4 day old curls

Go on Girl!

I wear my knots with pride, and I typically get quite a few compliments when I wear my hair like this. It is all in how you carry yourself. The curls that the knots produce are also gorgeous, and fall throughout the week to form pretty waves. So I encourage everyone to try this look, especially if you have shorter locs.
 
 
Much Love,
 
Amala
 

 

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Thursday, January 16, 2020

Product! Product! Product!

Let me just start this by saying, I know it has been a long time since I updated this page. Life as a way of leading you to the edge and back. However I am back, with regular updates, if you would like to keep up with me more regularly please follow my Instagram (@amalalocs). I figured the best update right now, would be about what products I am currently using in my hair. Without further ado.....


Loc Cleansing Shampoo
Design Essentials Oat Protein & Deep Cleansing Shampoo
It is super important to have a shampoo that can cleanse out dirt and debris from your locs. I came across this shampoo while researching about locs, and have used it ever since. Super bonus that my loctitian uses the same brand as well, so my hair has consistency across the board. I usually wash my hair twice with this.


loc moisturizing shampoo
Design Essentials Honey Crème Moisture Retention
I need to add moisture back to my hair after a deep cleanse, and this honey crème shampoo is perfect for my hair. Depending on how my hair is feeling, I will wash with this once or twice. 
Loc Conditioner
Design Essentials Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner


Now I know not everyone uses conditioner in their locs, but for my hair I need the moisture conditioner provides. I really love this one because the rosemary & mint has a tingling sensation on my scalp while it sits. I usually keep this on for five minutes and then wash out.
Oils I Use
Loc oils
Black Queen Carrot Oil Sheen Spray

Loc oils
Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil

Loc oils
Black Queen Olive Oil Sheen

Loc oils
Trader Joe's Vitamin E oil

 These are great to mix together for a hot oil treatment, which I do after every wash. I will also add these to water, to spritz through my hair. All of these oils are very light and can be used daily, they keep my scalp looking so healthy, and help with growth.

Loc oils
Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture
Another oil that I like to just spritz through my hair for freshness. It smells so good, and will not cause build up, very light weight.

There you have it, I like to keep my hair products light. I mostly just wash my hair and then oil it. The best part about having locs is that you don't need to use tons of products to manipulate your hair, it is all about supporting the natural process.

Much love,

Amala