CleanLocsWeeklyWash: The Queen of Katwe

I had heard of 'The Queen of Katwe' some time ago, and knew it was about chess; but also the whole time I thought it was a cartoon. disney. Cartoon. 

Well i was pleasantly surprised that we got to  see the beautifully talented Lupita Nuyango but even more impressed by the character Phiona: Queen of Katwe. One of the great things about this film is there is no outside force or foreign third party required for Phiona to succeed.   

Check out The Queen of Katwe, after your weekly wash, whileyou retwist your locs or setyour curls for the week!

Watch 2016 BDRip x264 DRONES mkv

Watch video 2016 BDRip x264 DRONES mkv

BONUS: HOW FI GET WEH WIT MURRRRRDAH

How to Get Away with Murder S03E10 HDTV x264-RBB

Watch How to Get Away with Murder S03E10 HDTV x264-RBB on TheVideo

Oh Annalise Keating... you have baffled us with your twisted mind for the past 3 seasons and I love every damn moment of it!

But look at where you ended up.  Has it really been you all along?  Is Laurel behind the fire? And what's the story with the new prison mate? Does she know something? Are they gunna breakout together?  

If you have never had a chance to check out the twisted mind of Shonda Rhimes take a look at this weeks episode. If you're a fan of the show. You're welcome :)

Why You Should Be Chewing Gum While You Wash Your Locs: Welcome to TheWeeklyWash

 

Weekly washing is an entire experience for people with Locs. While some may find this to be a tedious task, I personally think It is a great way to disconnect with the world and reconnect with yourself. 

A home wash can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending how long your Locs are, how dirty, how many and how frequently you wash overall.  so im going to be dropping little gems like ChewingGum to help pass the time while you maintain your mane!

Chewing Gum is a British Situation comedy that reminds me of Broad City, but with black girls. And...better. It is outrageously funny and based on a self produced  play by the stars show, Michaela Cohel. Michaela plays Tracey a young woman in her twenties who lives in England with her religious zealot of Nigerian decent and her sexually suppressed,  overly conservative snitchin' sister. Tracey basically moves very naively through life with her best mate Candice (con-deece) aka the "buffest girl on the estate" who tries to show her the more liberal side of life; especially when it comes to sex. enter love interest Connor and his inappropriate mother. 

Has also featured in the show The Aliens which is another dope British comedy with about aliens (annunaki perhaps) who come to earth and are segregated from humans. Although not identical very reminiscent of the race relations that's happening in the United States. Ms. Cohel can also be seen in my favorite episode of black mirror season 3 titled "Nosedive" and she absolutely kills the role.

For those who have already rinsed through season 1 on Netflix, here are the first three episodes of Season 2 which i have been anxiously waiting the last 2 years for! if you would like to see season 1 posted hit me up on IG @cleanlocs_tm

#CleanLocs | The Oil Myth

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

Oil does NOT moisturize. It creates a barrier by sitting on top of the hair shaft, as it does not penetrate. The ONLY oils that penetrate are coconut and palm oils. Even with that being said, you have to moisturizer with rich butters like mango and Shea BEFORE you seal it in with an essential oil.  In addition, you wouldn't bathe, put on lotion, then live your life and just slap on more lotion tomorrow without bathing again so why do that to your hair? It's gross. Putting oil on your hair everyday does nothing but clog pores and create a lint trap. You will get better results with rich butters applied very lightly to the hair and an increased diet of colourful produce and nuts and create shine and moisture from the inside out! Lastly, everything in moderation. Think of your Locs like cultivating a plant. You can't over water or over feed or you will get the opposite result you are looking for doing more damage than good. Locs are a journey. A natural process. Trust the process. #ThatsMy5Sense www.CleanLocs.ca

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CleanLocs Client Success | CleanLocs Client Trey Anthony Has A New Documentary!

English-Jamaican Anthony arrived in Canada at a young age with her mother. She is a regular on the Canadian comedy circuit and began doing stand-up comedy during  Yuk-Yuk's African Nubian Comedy Nights. Eventually writing for host Kenny Robinson's risqué sketch comedy show, "After Hours"  and "The Chris Rock Show". She's also performed at Second City, The Urban Womyn's Comedy Festival and Toronto's St. Lawrence Market. In 2001 Da Kink In My Hair debuted on stages from Britain to the US to  after being inspired by her own personal journey. In 2005 it was adapted to a television series and won four NAACP awards.

One year ago in 2015, after adding hot yoga as a regular part of her life, Playwright Trey Anthony, had her first CleanLocs experience.... 

To say Trey is an accomplished orator, representative of women's liberation and overall human inclusiveness is an understatement. So I was naturally honoured to have her sit in my chair. 

When she was told that the service may take up to 4 hours she was a bit taken back but decided to give us a go anyhow and see if she could lift the sweat, dermis and dirt from her Locs. 

Trey willingly took in all the information provided, regarding the results of using and trying many different products over the years and a number of ways she could prevent future lint, gunk and residue buildup from occurring. 

After coming to terms with the lengthy process, Trey admitted that she absolutely loved the results of her service and came to understand the difference 3 hours can make. 

This time around Trey tackles topics not widely discussed in the black community and can be a tearjerker at times as the ideas tugs at your heartstrings in her latest project, "When Black Mothers Don't Say 'I Love You". it is easily a raw and honest documentary which looks at black motherhood, loss and love...and an insight into the ultimate sacrifice of women who left their children behind in search of a dream...Without seeing any more than the trailer below, the title alone leads me to believe Trey will be tackling tough yet touching subjects as she navigates the many reasons Melanated Mothers do and do not discuss love for their children

When Black Mothers Don't Say I Love You, Trailer (2016)

CleanLocs Promotion | $25 Tightening or Retwists All February Long

In honour of Black History Month, CleanLocs is offering a fantastic price break on all tightening or retwisting. 

$25 All February

Book online with a deposit and receive a $15 CleanLocs Gift/Loyalty Card to save or spend at your discretion on future appointments.

Also, if you're looking for some rich education pertaining to your Locs this Black History Month, join our friends at Loc'n'Twists Brampton for a FREE workshop led by Jah Hendrix to teach you how your diet is directly related to the health of your hair! 

TERMS OF SERVICE: Please understand that CleanLocs specializes in clean hair and will not tighten, or style unclean hair.  Unclean hair will be washed for a fee or the appointment rebooked / Add-On's and Service longer than 4hrs are subject to an additional rate of $20/hr / Timing and prices are subject to change / The deposit is non-refundable, and deducted from your balance at the end of your appointment. You can transfer your deposit to a new appointment as long as the rescheduled appointment takes place within 2 weeks of the first. Rescheduled and BiWeekly appointments booked outside of the 2 week cutoff will result in a new appointment and loss of deposit / BiWeekly appointments must be booked no greater than 2weeks apart to receive preferred BiWeekly rate or pay regular price. CLIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOOKING THEIR OWN APPOINTMENTS ONLINE TO AVOID OVERLAPPING & OTHER SCHEDULING ISSUES / 1st appointment generally takes longer. Print the Map & Directions.

CleanLocs Review | Why You Need To See Chi-Raq : A Spike Lee Joint

Once I heard of this project, I was so friggin stoked to see this flick! I love Melanated People and I love Spike Lee's interpretations of them. Watching his movies reminds me of reading and breaking down Shakespeare as I did in high school. Full of layers: symbolism, irony, tragedy, humour and even a soliloquy if you're lucky! His opening credits and the film alike, are always littered with politically colourful street art, historical black art, and fact.

Flashing a random piece of culture just long enough for you to look it up later. And it's just enough. For me, the movie was every bit as enjoyable as I expected, and some. 

Let me tell you what i thought...

First off, this is a comedy. Not a drama. So although there are serious topics throughout the movie, the parts most likely to be criticized are satirical. Often lines are delivered entirely in rhyme almost like a feature length spoken word piece. Perhaps an attempt to engage the youth. Perhaps to point out that this is a tool WE created, to act as a sort of Above Ground Railroad of Information. Perhaps our intellectual property is being pimped and we're the hoe's. Enter Bamboozled. 

So what is this movie about?  

As per usual. The problem is the men, and the solution is with the women. Relax it's a joke. Kind of. *pause*  The violence has gotten so out of control, that the women go on a pounany strike. The film talks about a number of issues with the main focus being black on black crime and the political unfairness of the police vs. gangs a.k.a. the melanated public. The other main theme is Sisterhood and Solidarity, or unity as a whole. These themes are expressed via an array of artistic visual imagery that truly puts the word "mass" in the forefront. 

Spike based this movie off a Greek play Lysistrata and does well in holding a candle to the inspiration. I'm going to ahve to read/watch that now. Examples are a corner store where all the women are exiting, named "Deus ex machina" which translates to a character or thing that suddenly enters the story in a novel, play, movie, etc., and solves a problem that had previously seemed impossible to solve. Very slick Spike. Other Greek inspiration can be seen in costume and certain areas of set design. What's awesome is a lot of their stuff is based on African culture, bringing us back to the concept of "knowing your roots". 

You can catch a few other times Egypt and Greece cross paths throughout the film, such as trading Trojans and Spartans for Crips and Bloods, and the transliteration from Lysistrata to a sort of modern Blaxploitated period piece. A powerful mural in the background of the portraits of Queens' past as the present day Queen Elders break down the power of a woman's sacred space and our impact on the world. Telling the story of a tribe of African women who form a Womens Peace Movement in their violent city, where they withhold from sex, until the men basically ackrite. 

The Lead Queen is of course Angela Basset. Educated and Afro-Centric with her signature Afro-American-Sermon-Like twang literally reading the truth to the youth. Her character adds insight and depth to the film and acts as a sort of narrator along side S-Jack. who is yet again....Sam Jackson.
 
Lee continues to add splashes of Black History. John Cusak can be seen sporting a traditional African Scarf preaching loudly that "Mass Incarceration is the new Jim Crow" with a black Jesus behind him.  

Church is always a part of Spike Lee movies. The dancers were eerily similar to the "Pocomania" seen in Jamaica or "Voodoo" in Haiti or New Orleans. Both of which have African roots. I find this slightly conflicting given how much he pushes Black history and culture, that he still prescribes to the notion Christianity. The black community has this everlasting reliance on the cross; seeking solace and hope in the very entity that ruined them. It makes me wonder how much of it is for the advancement of our people, and how much of that third eye is still shut. Perhaps the truth is more easily digested and more likely to be accepted as true when John Cusak says it. Similar to the way society tends to react to White Jesus. Similarly, I'm not sure if the confederate-draws wearing General subtly making reference to Barak Obama as a "Lying African" to show the opinion of his creed, or if its representative of Spike's personal opinions. 

I read a few of the early reviews of Chi-Raq and found most of the criticism to be quite petty bringing up things like the fact there weren't any actors or musicians from any side of Chicago in the movie, or feeling insulted at the use of the the name "Chi-Raq" as a reference to south side Chicago, or that the movie strips black women down to nothing more than their sexuality. These particular sheep should listen closely to the dialogue of this film and do fact checking at every opportunity. In turn, end up with a plethora of new understanding and possibly anger.

People need to not be so critically sensitive of the title or surface imagery and make note of the ways in which other black folk attempt to educate and open eyes and create awareness. Seek to gain as much positive information as possible taking the best parts and leaving the rest. Instead of looking for ways to further break down what has already been torn and tattered. That doesn't raise our vibrations any higher. 
 
As always I'm saddened that our serious voice can only be heard when wrapped in satire. But overall Chi-Raq addresses a myriad of current and ever-relevant controversial topics. Including the power of like-minded women, strength in numbers, organized thought, the politics of systemic oppression, the fraudulence of organized religion, the guise of Hip Hop as a form of artistic, personal and political expression and our enslavement to it. The contrast between protests held by non-melanated groups versus the organized non-violent melanated groups and the link between Corporate America and Systemic Oppression. From the human Sun/Moon balance, to faithfulness and commitment to the dismantling of the black man's concept of how to love. Spike Lee's Chi-Raq attacks the all around value of accountability, unity, education and how it all come's full circle. And of course, the movie's most important message; Wake. Up.

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Nick Cannon is a main character, but doesn't matter.

CleanLocs Science & Opinion | With Age Comes Wisdom....Highlights That Is. Wisdom Highlights.

Many clients ask about colouring their Locs. Surprisingly most want colour to cover greys, or as I like to call them, "Wisdom Highlights". Grey hair runs in my family with my grandfather having a full white head of hair by the time he was 30, my father was salt and pepper by the same age, and I started going grey at the age of 25. On my Earthstrong. SMH I freaked out a little bit but a few days later it really didn't bother me any more. Given I still have more melanated strands than not, they are there. And I let them be...

Once I noticed my silver sprouts I learned via a quick Google search that there is very little one can do to slow down the greying of one's hair. Going grey is more about loss than gain as it's simply the loss of that follicle's ability to produce enough melanin to pigment the strand.  As a result, naturally melanated people such as Blacks and Asians tend to have less grey hair. Highly melanated areas include eyes and pubic hair.

Melanin is produced by the pineal gland also known as the third eye which regulates the pituitary gland which secretes Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH). MSH then binds with Melanocyte-Receptors on the surface of pigmented or melanated cells, resulting in darkening the eyes, skin and hair. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone as well as vitamin D from the sun can trigger and activate melanin production. At the end of each hair growth cycle some of the melanin production of the hair shuts off in the "dying" phase. When the cycle starts over and new hair is growing in, if the production of melanin doesn't turn back on, the strand will be grey.

 Naturally occurring anti-oxidant enzymes protect the melanocytes from being damaged however. In theory if the melanocytes remain undamaged, the hair will stay melanated. The top two things which we are rumoured to have control over are stress and smoking. Otherwise, your genes will decide your fate when it comes to how snowy your roof gets. So quit smoking and lighten up if you really want to keep that melanin glowing for years to come! 

Recently Erykah Badu a.k.a. "MyGirl" revealed herself and all her wonderfully wise wisps to the world embracing the natural and beautiful aging process that we will all come to experience. 

How do you feel about your Wisdom Highlights? Are you inclined to dye them? If so why? If you have embraced your Sexy Silver Strands what gave you the courage and frame of mind to do so? Share in the comments below! 

CleanLocs Top 5 | What Makes A Holiday A Holiday?

Holiday season has drastically changed over the decades. Houses lined with lights and tacky decor are more of a "sighting" than something to go see. Consumerism is at an all-time high with the Christmas promotions sitting right next to the Trick or Treat candies at the end of October. Political correctness has overthrown free speach and puplic opinion as you whisper "Happy Chrismahaunikwanza" under your breath making sure to simultaneously greet, while not offending.

However you decide to spend your holiday time, a few things for me signify the season. Because I am mixed-race, my early childhood was quite Canadian, experiencng things like Kraft Dinner and ketchup, Beans and Wieners, Sheppard's pie and Tang. My latter years I was raised in a Jamaican household, my holiday signifiers are rooted in both those traditions. Some of you may relate, others may learn something new! Either way check out a short list of a few of my Favourite Holiday Things:

 

#1 HTB Bun

HTBBunCLeanLocs

Part of Christmas for Caribbeans is "nyamming". Especially Bun. Non-West Indians please note; this is always singular, no matter how many loaves or slices. Referring to this festive snack in this way will bump up your authenticity should you find yourself in the company of Caribbean's. Although traditionally eaten at Christmas and Easter, there's no special reason for bun-consumption other than it tastes damn nice!  Now, not all bun is created equal. Despite it's appearance, this is nothing like your secretary's fruit cake turned door stopper. A good bun is soft and moist, with just the right combination of spices, raisins and cured fruits and a super soft, shiny, "crust". Best served with Jamaican "tin cheese" if you can find it. 

#2 Sorrel

TiaSorrelRequestCleanLocs

Ah sorrel. Where to begin...The smell of sorrel wafting through the air is one of the most wonderful smells on earth. A rich soothing blend of the sweetness sorrel blossoms, the warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon, the heat of Jamaican ginger and a kick from Mr. Wray and his Nephew. Sorrel is a liquid treasure consumed widely across the Caribbean. Most highly sought after whenever Jesus is in town i.e. Christmas and Easter. Some like to mix equal parts with Carib and enjoy a shandy with a slice of #5

#3 Stop Motion Movies,The Grinch and T.U.L.D.A.

Ya, so I'm not born in Jamaica, my father was. LOL! I'm a born and bred Torontonian with part of my mother's half hailing from Nova Scotia. What up Callander/Cianco/Carter/Brooks Crew Bup bup bup! Ok so back when I believed in Santa and the whole nine, I was just fascinated with the Rankin/Brooks stop motion movies. I would sit there wondering how they did it wishing I worked in the elf workshop. It never really stopped. And of course no Chrismahaunikwanza is complete without Dr. Seuss and the Grinch in all his green grouchy glory! Now many of you are probably wondering what T.U.L.D.A. is. Well that would be my cousin Trina's department as she is the unofficial President of The Urban Line Dancing Association. This could be anything from Cameo's "Candy" to Mr. C's "Cha Cha Slide". If there are instructions and a beat we bout it. Especially if we're in uhhh "good spirits"

#4 Jamaican Christmas Carols

After the sweet smells of sorrel have settled in, the drunk cousins are done line dancing, bun finish nyamm off, slices of #5 start making the rounds and the familiar stammer of Jacob Miller starts to play as Uncle so and so starts dancing to Rockaz; glass in hand, doing some deep squat movement, knees high.... and smiling! "Silver be-eh-eh-ells oo-ee-ah-ee-ah-ah-ah" The thing about classic reggae is that it is truly timeless. Every time you play it, it gives you the exact same enjoyment as the first time you took it in.  From the dropped beat to the laid back lazy twangy lyrics that casts the overall smokey yet sunshiny vibe. It really is the soundtrack to Caribbean lifestyle.

#5 Black Cake

Most West Indian kids have heard the phrase "BLACK Caaake!?.....What's that!?" followed by an explanation of the rich dense drunken goodness that is the Caribbean staple Christmas cake. There is an unspoken competition and hunt for the best black cake every year. Ideal slices are hidden and hoarded, and as the tin foil starts the run out the coveted slices can be found sandwiched between front facing paper plates, with other leftover staples and gifted bottles of rum and sorrel by the door. This is the last hour of Holiday dinner where we labrish and long talk at the door. Sweating is usually a fair sign, its time to finally get in the running car. 

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CLEANLOCS

CleanLocs Knowledge | Does Your Shampoo Cause Cancer?

Last year, The Centre for Environmental Health, based in Oakland California released a list of almost one hundred different shampoos that are likely to contain carcinogenic ingredients. Namely Cocamide DEA.  

350ml available at Shoppers Drug Mart for about $9

350ml available at Shoppers Drug Mart for about $9

The chemical in question is coached DEA, which is a chemically modified form of coconut oil often used as a thickener, or to cause suds. While this additive derives from Coconut, because it has been tampered with, it does not have the same properties or benefits as virgin coconut oil. 

After learning this, it is not surprising that a number of brands frequently used by melanated peoples are on this list including Carol’s Daughter, Creme of Nature, Trader Joe’s and Luster’s Pink anything. 

Now the knowledge seeker in me, forces me to ask if it is a  coincidence that it is often suggested to melanated people that they need to add something to their hair in order for it to be “accepted”. And if it is a further coincidence that these same products have known carcinogens in them. The Devil’s Advocate will say that the same cancer causing ingredient is in the other 90% of the products tested. But, hey, this makes for good conversation does it not? 

Check out the article below for more information 

Illegal Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Nearly 100 Well-Known Shampoo Brands

You may have thought that the worst thing your shampoo could do to you is to sting your eyes, but it turns out that your shampoo could be deadly. The Center for Environmental Health based in Oakland, California, performed a study on shampoos and soaps and found that 98 included a possible carcinogen known as cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA).

One brand that did not make it on the list was a favourite of CleanLocs clients. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. This highly efficient formula is especially designed to remove excess oils, product, and buildup from other free radicals and overall life. It is also fairly inexpensive at approximately $10-12 per bottle. And, a large 946ml bottle will last you about a year. My Locs touch my hips, and I only go through two bottles a year. Sounds like just what your Locs need right!?

While this shampoo does not lift and remove lint, it does a remarkable job of removing left over oils, product, shampoo and dust etc. that may cause dullness. It also smells very pleasant, is not overpowering, and leaves your Locs smelling amazing until your next wash! It's the best thing to use, to #GetTheGunkOut!

Regular weekly washing with a great shampoo like Neutrogena Anti-Residue is the best way to start your journey to Clean Locs! Washing 2-3 times a week is recommended for those with an active lifestyle! 

You Don't Need To Put Anything In Your Hair. Ever. And It's Finally Catching On...

Sometimes, if you're not popular, people need to hear it from a different source....

The article below pretty much sums up my ENTIRE philosophy over the last 5 years. In fact it was almost as if I'd written it myself.

When I started CleanLocs 5 years ago there was nothing online about cleaning Locs outside of a few people who had talked about ACV rinses. What I was preaching nobody was not being addressed. CleanLocs is the first Loctitian dedicated solely to keeping your Locs healthy and clean!

I've seen it time and time again, where the client is using way too much (of everything) because that is what they did before, "thats what my Loctitian told me" or they were not given any guidance at all. That on top of  poor washing techniques leads to heavy, dusty, frizzy, dry scalp and Locs. As a result Locs get treated the same way as loose hair does. This is a problem for a myriad of reasons, the main one being that our needs are unique, and requires an approach that is equally specific. 

The effects of using copious amounts of Shea Butter, Coconut Oils, and other products

The effects of using copious amounts of Shea Butter, Coconut Oils, and other products

Now, I understand that I'm but a humble Loctitian on some "your hair doesn't need oils and butters" crazy talk.......but peep the article for 7 reasons that support the #CleanLocs philosophy to Loc Maintenance

 

VISIT: Third SERVICE: SteamWash'n'Loc w/LocDetailing ISSUE: Doesnt Like Doing Her Hair QUOTE: "I get my sister to pretend to be MissNiya....Aint nobody got time for that. You can't duplicate it"

Because I only deal with Locs, I have literally looked at them almost every day for 5 years. Investigating, researching, building, learning, discovering and innovating ways to address the issue of heavy, lifeless, lint laden locs. Over time I have logged over 5000 hours elbow deep in Locs. This gives CleanLocs a unique observational advantage. 

 

If you're a current client of mine, please drop a line below and tell us about your CleanLocs experience and what life is like once you've made it past your withdrawal phase of being product free. I ask you to leave a note because I can preach all day but it is YOU the client, the one who has actually gone through my process who can attest to product free, lint free, gunk free, itch free Locs with supple roots that have a clear curl pattern.

CleanLocs Questions | Flax Seed Gel

Read below to find out our views on Flax Seed Gel which is "all the rage". It is important to recognize and understand the importance of giving your hair what It needs, not what you want. There sure are a lot of people doing some very unnatural things to a very natural hairstyle. Just because something is labeled "Natural" or "Organic", doesn't mean it is necessary. Carbon Dioxide is natural, doesn't mean you should breathe it...

CleanLocs | Tink Bout'it | White Child Can't Wear Locs To School. Discrimination?

Lately there has been a lot of backlash from parents of children with unprocessed hair, and schools who feel that black hair in its natural state is not suited for the classroom. In almost every instance, our community collectively agreed that the rules surrounding hair-style choice in school is silly, and discriminatory.  Most schools who attempt to enforce these rules, state they do not want "distracting or unkept" hair in the hallways and classrooms. Now, most black folk who wear Locs do so, as it is a way to keep hair neat, versatile and unprocessed.

Now, what if the student is white? Do the same rules apply? Are the rules skewed because this is a "forced" style whereas for blacks it's considered "natural"? Are Locs more distracting on white's than blacks?

Check out the article below and please do, leave comments on how you feel about the subject!  

#CleanLocs Testimonials | Janiece | Aug 22 2015

Although Janiece takes very good care of her Locs, she had just about had it with the lint situations that have taken over the ends of her Locs. I can't believe I didn't get a before shot because the difference in the look and feel of her tresses after just one SteamWash'n'Loc session and 2hrs of detailing is amazing. Janiece's Locs are much softer, lighter and a lot less lint!

 

    *~ : : Stay Tuned For A FULL TESTIMONIAL From Janiece : : ~*

    *~ : : Stay Tuned For A FULL TESTIMONIAL From Janiece : : ~*

#CleanLocs Knowledge | About The Gunk

 

Often after weeks, months or even  years of using unnecessary product and/or poor washing techniques #locs become dense, dull and dusty looking. New growth is puffy and unruly and lint and other buildup can get deeply embedded in the core of the Loc.  

Over the last 5years #CleanLocs has seen everything from, dust and mold to BrownGel and Fingernails embedded in and/or coating Locs. #CleanLocs has also heard everything from 'I didn't put anything in my hair' to 'I don't know what that is' and everything in-between.  Loc wearers want to know why their hair becomes dull, why no matter what product they choose  no matter how natural, nothing seems to 'control' it....especially the hairline.

Here is a little insight on how your Locs might have come to be a little dustier, a little more dull and a lot more dense than before. Some info on how your Locs react to product , the effects of over-tightening and how to tell if your Locs are actually clean. 

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One thing Loc wearers are often misled by, is the idea that your Locs are not "done" or mature until they are rock hard. No. This is not true. Ask any of my clients with soft, plush, spongy, velvety Locs, that are not stiff, dense and can move freely. This denseness is nothing more than gunk trapped in the Locs with nowhere to go, so it sits and sits until for some, it becomes a part of the Loc itself. 

One year since the last visit to #CleanLocs. This Loc was extremely dense with product and lint, it is a lot softer, fluffier and far less dense, although in tact, part way through the #LocDetailing process. 

One year since the last visit to #CleanLocs. This Loc was extremely dense with product and lint, it is a lot softer, fluffier and far less dense, although in tact, part way through the #LocDetailing process. 

Most clients are completely unaware of what is going on inside their Locs living under the guise and illusion that their hair is healthy just because it's slick to the touch and rock hard, until they experience a free consultation by #CleanLocs. Where a simple and logical explanation is provided for each nuance and oddity pertaining to YOUR Locs instead of an generalization.

Over tightening causes hair to coil extremely tight and is a prime location for lint to get trapped.  ©2015

Over tightening causes hair to coil extremely tight and is a prime location for lint to get trapped.  ©2015

Waxy buildup is usually a combination of sweat, sebum, product and dust . It's common for it to buildup at the point where new growth meets the loc shaft.  ©2015

Waxy buildup is usually a combination of sweat, sebum, product and dust . It's common for it to buildup at the point where new growth meets the loc shaft.  ©2015

When hair is clean your natural curl pattern can be easily seen and a Re-twist should hold without any product! Opposed to hair that is coated with sebum, sweat, product and/or lint which has less movement, and appears puffy and quickly unravels.&nb…

When hair is clean your natural curl pattern can be easily seen and a Re-twist should hold without any product! Opposed to hair that is coated with sebum, sweat, product and/or lint which has less movement, and appears puffy and quickly unravels. 

There are couple of ways you can tell if your hair is actually clean.  First is obvious. Smell it. I recommend having a friend or even a stranger smell it. Touch it. Does it move freely? Can you bend and fold your Locs? Does it feel like soft wool or steel wool? Next, check the roots. Generally "puffy Afro-like" roots are unclean. Yes, we are aware that there are different textures, but let me assure you, after 5years of investigation the intricacies of Locs of varying textures, I can attest that EVERYONE has a visible curl pattern! When hair is clean it's quite visible! Lastly, it feels heavy. Dirt even when not visible is still matter, and matter takes up space, if it's taking up a lot if space in your Locs, it can be taxing on the neck and front hairline, to be carrying dirt AND hair all day.

 Opposed to hair that is coated with sebum, sweat, product and/or lint which has less movement, and appears puffy and quickly unravels. 

 

Opposed to hair that is coated with sebum, sweat, product and/or lint which has less movement, and appears puffy and quickly unravels. 

Anything that shines, does so as a result of the reflection of light. This applies to everything from stars, to jewellery, and yes, even your hair. Usually products that claim to make your hair shinier, are simply coating the strands with a substance that encourages the reflection of light. This generally works best with loose hair as each individual strand is laid side by side allowing light to hit it from all angles resulting in a somewhat brilliant shine. When it comes to Locs, the individual hairs are not lid side by side, but more like a game of twister. And rightfully so, as this is essentially how Locs are formed. The issue with Locs and product, is that the I divi dual strands don't see equal reflection of light, thus the product doesn't get to do what it's supposed to. In turn, each individual hair is weighed down with product (this includes not so essential oils and natural butters) and tucked into the shadows of your formed Locs not having the opportunity to reflect light making it appear dull. Often in an attempt to correct this lack of shine, one will simply add more product, without any thought to the fact that it already has product on it. 

Be sure to give you scalp a thorough wash using the flat surface of your fingernails or the pads of your fingers to remove any leftover shampoo and sebum that may still be there. 

Be sure to give you scalp a thorough wash using the flat surface of your fingernails or the pads of your fingers to remove any leftover shampoo and sebum that may still be there. 

The issue with Locs and product, is that the individual strands don't see equal reflection of light, because they are overlapping and tangled into a rope-like shape, and thus the product doesn't get to do what it's supposed to because no light can be reflected. In turn, each individual hair is weighed down with product and tucked into the shadows of your formed Locs not having the opportunity to reflect light making it appear dull. This includes not so essential oils and natural butters. Often in an attempt to correct this lack of shine, one will simply add more product, without any thought to the fact that it already has product on it. Over time, this will weigh down on the Locs, and can eventually lead to breakage at weak points.

Don't be afraid to get a mirror or two and even a friend to inspect your scalp to make sure what you think is there is what's really there.  Letting residue sit on the scalp, over time this was thought to be a "scab". It was really caked up res…

Don't be afraid to get a mirror or two and even a friend to inspect your scalp to make sure what you think is there is what's really there.  Letting residue sit on the scalp, over time this was thought to be a "scab". It was really caked up reside that was suffocating the follicle at the root. No sunlight or oxygen can nourish the hair and allow it to flourish in this condition. 

Shea butter is a natural albeit heavy substance that is packed with the same type of protein that hair and nails are made of. Being heavy-handed with Shea can result in a difficult wash.  Cutting this with a bit of coconut oil can thin it out a…

Shea butter is a natural albeit heavy substance that is packed with the same type of protein that hair and nails are made of. Being heavy-handed with Shea can result in a difficult wash.  Cutting this with a bit of coconut oil can thin it out and make it a bit more malleable and less thick allowing you to control the amount used. 

CleanLocs is a brand that has been dedicated to gunk and lint removal since 2010

CleanLocs is a brand that has been dedicated to gunk and lint removal since 2010

Visit #CleanLocs  for a #LocDetailing appointment to #GetTheGunkOut so you can fall in love with soft, lush, vibrant, velvety Locs all over again!! #Since2010