Thursday, February 26, 2009

My "Hair Bible"


When I started my loc journey, I was on the hunt for any and all the information I could find on hair maintenance, loc styles, the loc'd and deadlock community and more! I was happy that I was able to find wealth of information on the Internet. But shocked and saddened that mainstream publications pretty much ignored or didn't acknowledge women or men with dreadlocks / loc’s.

Once in a while, I would see an article in Essence Magazine featuring a loc style. Or there might be a featured article in an African American hair magazine. But that’s it. In a world where straight hair is the ultimate goal - all I saw when I opened magazines where tips, tricks, products and every idea imaginable on how to get, keep and maintain long straight hair. For quite a while I felt as if society did not value the beauty of loc'd hair. So I decided that I had to move passed that desire, for everyone to see the beauty in natural hair, which I saw. For some, that day may never come. But one of the challenges of having loc'd hair is being able to love your crown of hair, no matter what any one else has to say. From that point on - I decided to make my own "hair bible" as I like to call them. Over the years I have collected photo, articles, how-to guides, recipes, maintenance idea's, inspirational stories and lots of information on dreadlock / loc accessories and styles.

I treated these binders as my own source of information, guidance and inspiration. If I ever felt lost about my choice to be natural or if I feel like I am own my own... all I have to do is open up one of my binders and look at all of the information I have put together. It took time, love and patience. I hope that in the future, we can pick up a mainstream publication like Elle, Vogue or W Magazine, and see someone that looks like us throughout the magazine. Until then, I will continue to add to my own collection of amazing pictures, articles and stores sharing knowledge, and more.

16 comments:

  1. Wow I thought, when I first looked at the picture, those were publications. I was ready to ask where can I order those books from! That's a really good idea. I always look once & keep it moving.

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  2. Girl, I thought I was the only one who did that. Love your blog! Will follow!

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  3. Thank you all for the positive feedback. These binders took a lot time to put together, but it was worth it.

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  4. Great idea! I collect recipes in the same way.

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  5. Oh don't count on those publications to talk about our Natural hair in a positive light...
    To quote a sista from the book "Dreads"
    "Society is not geared towards making our lives more confident" It is up to Afrikan people to love and care for Afrikan people {and all that is Afrikan - hair, body, culture}

    Take Care~ {p.s. Nice Blog, BTW}

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  6. Oh, and one more thing.... That is "Great" that you have your Natural Hair {Lock} Bible, 10 yrs. I began my own, for my story is somewhat the same, but several yrs. ago {after a hot argument with my DH}, all the articles, and picture were destroyed!!! All gone, in a matter of a few minutes, a collection that took me a few years to build.

    Take Care~

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  7. Queen Li - First, I have to say that it is hilariuos to hear another person use the phrase "DH"... LOL. I use that phrase all the time with my husband. But when we are around other folks and say it, they don't get it.

    I am sad to hear that your Bible was destroyed. I know that must have hurt. I hope that your DH apologized. But there is always room for a fresh start. I wish you luck with collecting interviews, inspirations, hair care recipes and more. It will a fun investment of your time and energy.

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  8. Oh, b 4 I go {home}, as a lock vet {I had my first set of locks 8.5 yrs.} I really don't "Need" to make a "Lock-Bible" for myself, but later, if it will help someone else, it would be worth it!

    Take care~ *off the clock I go!*

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  9. I agree QueenLi. I am at a point where I can say that I am on auto pilot when it comes to maintenance and what I need to do for my hair. But I like you are still interested in sharing your knowledge and find with others that may need that encouragement. For me, even though I know a lot - I still like to keep in mind that there are always new tips, tricks, styles and products that come out every day. So even though I can consider myself to be an "OL G"...lol. I still want to keep my self open to any thing new I can possibly learn and share with others. Thank you for your comments. I look forward to hearing from you in the future! :-)

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  10. I must say you have a wonderful Blog! :)
    It is full of life, nice pics, and information! I hope to have some updates this June. ;)
    I just started my new Lock-Bible, and even though it is just two pages, I am optimistic that it will grow, just as my new set of locks will grow {and turn 2 years old Oct. 2009}.

    You cannot see my locks right away, for I have ext. braids that I put in last year. My locks are growing still.

    Take Care~

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  11. I am so glad you like the blog Q-Li. I hope to continue to write about things that will be useful to everyone. Yes.. even your two pages is a great start. It will be full before you know it. Continue to add any thing that you feel inspires you in any way. Singer Goapele use to have loc's and had the most amazing styles. She said all she use to do is mimic styles that she saw on other folks without loc's and make it her own. So your inspiration can come from just about any thing. Good luck with your hair bible.

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  12. This is such a great idea. Think I'll start my own. It's nice to have styles, recipes, tips, etc. that you can revisit. If I find a hairstyle that I like that may require longer locs, at least I'll have it for later years.

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  14. Hi Just Simply... It really helps to keep you motivated; and keeps your eyes on what ever you goal is. And this can be done for any natural hair style. If someone is try to transition, this can also be a great tool to catalog what styles you like. What products you want to try. And keep info of those who inspire you in one place. Thank you for your comment.

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  15. I likw very much your blog.
    I must say you have a wonderful Blog! :)
    It is full of life, nice pics, and information! I hope to have some updates this June. ;)

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