Locs are BeYoutiful

Locs are a stunning way to embrace your natural look and express yourself. Forget the "ugly stage". Greater awaits!

It's been nearly 3.5 years since I embarked on this daunting yet thrilling adventure. Despite its challenges and unexpected turns, choosing to loc my hair is a decision I haven't regretted. I've never felt as liberated or authentic as I do now. The toughest part was the first two years, but once I surpassed that phase, I knew I had reached a stable and secure place in my natural hair journey and my overall hair journey. For years, I desired to wear my hair without the upkeep and stress associated with being a loose natural: constant twist-outs and twist-ups were time-consuming but essential to prevent my hair from tangling, drying, and eventually breaking again. Fast forward to today, I still need to maintain my hair, but it's completely different. My hair now hangs, a look I could only achieve by flat ironing or blow-drying it extra straight. As a loose natural for 13 years, my hair wouldn't hang unless I stretched it. Stretching it took hours, only for it to shrink back when exposed to humidity or water. It would stay in this state for a maximum of 5 days without manipulation. Nevertheless, I cherished my loose natural experience. My puffs and afro always invigorated me and turned heads. I felt empowered in my natural hair journey. Reflecting on it, it gave me confidence that no braid style, sew-in, or clip-on wig could provide, and there was nothing like returning to my natural loose hair after removing those styles. The volume and space my hair occupied were unmatched by any of those convenient styles. Though they were easier to maintain and more socially accepted, I still loved my natural hair. If it weren't for this phase of my hair journey, I might never have decided to get locs. I recall the day I switched my lemonade braid appointment to locs. It was spontaneous and unplanned. It suddenly dawned on me that I was in a cycle of getting my natural hair braided and needing the front redone in a couple of weeks. I was exhausted, but I didn't realize how much until that moment. Why should I spend hours and money on something that wouldn't last, trapping me in a cycle of fixing what didn't need fixing? My brother had locs, and they seemed relatively low maintenance. He didn't seem to struggle as much as I did to maintain his hair and look presentable. I decided to give it a try and haven't looked back since. Now, I can achieve those same styles with my own hair. I dreamed of waking up and going, and now I can. No one can tell me otherwise. I still admire other hairstyles, but I am in love with my own hair, and I can wear it proudly. I can attend both formal and informal gatherings. It's truly amazing.

Have you started your loc journey? If not, what's stopping you?