Black is the New Black (T minus 11 days and counting)

Only eleven days to go until I get my locs going... get my locs started?... get my locs established?

To be honest, I'm not feeling any of these terms. No offence to anyone, but there's something about the most often used phrase, "I'm getting my locs installed," that sounds way too mechanical and unnatural for me.

Okay, here goes, take two: in eleven days, I get loc'd.... loct?... locked?? Aw, hell...

Look, in a few days I'm going to Dreadmonkey in Brighton to have guy named Jaimie comb, part, twist, tease, crochet and/or otherwise 'dread' my own hair (no extensions) into about 40-50 medium-to-large sized locs. That is indeed a bit of a mouthful, but it has the benefit of being crystal clear.

There are SO many ways to get locs started and to maintain them.

There are so many methods, myths, cults and subcultures, groups and communities, etc, etc, etc, that it is hard to know where to begin.

The key for me has been to read a lot, watch vlogs, and talk to anyone I know (and more than few strangers on the street) about their experiences and preferences. I have paid particular attention to those who have advice on how to avoid mistakes on the loc journey, or vlogs with titles like "Five Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Locs".

All this has helped me make decisions that may only show their results or reap what I've sown 2 months or even 2 years down the line. The foundation I set now will make all the difference to how happy I am in the future.

The first key step I took yesterday, when I went to Jade at Hamilton Hair in Emmbrook to have my hair properly coloured. I have gone back to black. Just simple, natural, glossy black, which is pretty much my natural colour.

I decided against more trendy colouring (like the purple tints I've had for a year or more) or the ombre and balayage graded colour route I'd thought I wanted just a week ago. I just didn't believe I'd be happy with either of those decisions in a few years time, when my dreads are mature, and I am... well... even more mature!

I turned 51 this week, and while I don't consider myself ready to be put out to pasture, I am not a kid anymore and have no need to keep up with all the latest trends. I just wanted to 'lock in' a colour that I will love for my hair to be now, tomorrow, in six months, six years, and for the duration.

My biggest concern has been for  my hair to be healthy at the start, knowing that all the hair on my head now will be woven and locked into position and be with me for life (if I choose to keep them for that long, which is my intent).

I didn't want my locs to be a bunch of time capsules of old colour choices, split ends, dryness and damage.

So Jade did my colour and got me back to black.

She advised me on how to continue to take care of my hair up until the loc'ing session, and how and when to return to her for touching up my greys, keeping up my good condition, and moving into the future. She's not a loctician or dreadlock specialist (yet!) herself, but she is a master of healthy hair and proper colouring, and I know that in the long run, in that department, I'll be in good hands. She's helped get me and keep on at the road to healthy locs for life.

Old purple tint / before

Back to Black / after