Loc Knowledge Queen : Monae Pyles

For those of you who didn’t know, I locked my hair almost two months ago and the process thus far has been a wonderful journey. I have been natural since '07 and decided it was time to lock in the mist of a new phase of my life. Since beginning this lifestyle I have noticed changes in my personal aura and I've met amazing men and women offering me wisdom related to loc life. Meet Monae Pyles, a queen of loc nation, you can find her starting, maintaining, and styling crowns all over the DC area at Elite Styles Unisex Salon. When she's not styling a head, she's in front of the camera lens as a model.My interest in her was sparked because of her beautiful blonde locs, worn in amazing pin curls. Aside from her hair, her style is extremely offical, and her knowledge invaluable. I sat down and got a chance to chat with her about hair, herself, and how to make it through the rough phases of loc life. P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!! 

HH: How long have you had your locs?

MP: Three years, four this February.

HH: What made you transition?
MP: I have always been fascinated with locs. I have had relaxers since kindergarten and never knew my natural curl. While pregnant I wore a bob and went natural. After being natural for a year and playing with color, I decided to just go for it and loc my hair. I locked using the free form/natty method. I would wash and pull apart my hair into different sections , which matured into locs.

HH: Do you believe locs are a hairstyle or lifestyle ?
MP: I think it’s a little bit of both. Depending on the person. Locs 'are a beautiful style, but there is definitely a journey involved which deals with confidence. Hair is a black woman’s pride and joy; the journey you go through while your locs mature becomes a lifestyle.

HH: As a loctician, what advice do you give your clients on maintaining their crowns?
MP: Consistency in maintenance - who does your retwisting, as well as products. The person doing your hair may start twisting a certain way, if you go to someone new, they may twist the opposite way. You never want to let to many hands get into your hair. Different twisting methods will thin your hair quickly. Just like you train your hair to be curly or straight, you train your locs by how they are twisted. Never use any products in your hair that contain petroleum or alcohol, found in gels and spritz. These elements will dry out your hair and create buildup. Use natural oils to keep your crown moisturized and always tie your hair up in a scarf or bonnet at night to prevent lint from clinging. Make sure to get your locs retwisted about every four weeks. Keep it to four weeks so you are not retwisting too often. As your locs mature they will naturally thin out, you will have extra thinning if you decided to retwist too often.

HH: What has your loc journey taught you about yourself?
MP: I have learned to be patient, and creative with my hair. The process has helped me grow in my personal security, and given me a positive attitude. Your locs have personality and go through phases; you have to be creative and secure throughout the whole journey. “My hair is my hair and can’t no one tell me it isn’t beautiful .

HH: What products do you use?
MP:I use Natural Oasis and Barry Fletcher loc serum. The Barry Fletcher product instantly oils the scalp, shines the locs, and provides a lasting hold.

HH: Favorite Styles to wear your crown?
MP:My favorite styles would be my pin curls and messy bun.

HH: Advice to those in the beginning stages of loc life?
MP:Be patient , don’t get frustrated or think you don’t look cute during certain phases. Locs sprout and grow out of nowhere. Your locs will have their own personality, love and appreciate the journey as you go through it . Be creative. Don’t get caught up in a bad day. Love yourself and your hair!

HH: Loc It Up If. . .

MP: Loc It Up If. . . YOU WANT TO! If you think it fits you and you have tried every other hairstyle do it . Hair grows back!