Loc Knowledge: Cha Ross-Estes

Im in the rough/ teenage phase of my loc journey. My transition began with the interlocking mathod of cultivating locs. Currently I am in the phase where you try to figure out how to tame your frizz but your excited by the locs forming at the root. In my opinion this is also the time where you seek knowledge from those further along in their process. Cha -Ross Estes is a zesty soul who connected with me through a common interest. She has a beautiful spirit and vibrant eneregry to her and I was quite eager to learn her story . The loc lifestyle is about patience, confidence , love and understanding a more natural way of life, aka Ms. Estes.

HH: How long have you had your locs? 

CE:I’ve had my locs for almost 4 years.

HH: What caused you to transition? 

CE: LIFE. Simply put, LIFE! I was going a life changing situation and was looking to reinvent myself from the inside and out and it was almost like the locs were calling me if that makes any sense. So I changed my hair and my food. I'm Vegetarian and before locs, I was natural for 8+years and mostly wore braids so the transition was awesome for me. I was searching for FREEDOM, GOOD VIBRATIONS & PEACE and my god did I find it both lifestyles of hair and food. I absolutely love my hair and I’m so thankful for this journey. It has been truly amazing.

HH: Do you believe loc’s are a hairstyle or lifestyle? 

CE: For me, my locs are a lifestyle. My locs are symbolic of who I am in that if you stay the course (beginning stages), have patience (Interlocking my 189 locs), give a lot of love (wash weekly, moisture and keep it oiled) you can birth something really wonderful. Hahahaha… MY HAIR!

HH: What advice do you give your clients on maintaining their crowns? 

CE:Lots of water, a healthy eating lifestyle and positive thoughts go a long way in maintaining ones crown.

HH: Which oils do you recommend having available for hair health? 

CE: Jojoba Oil is my staple product. I also make my own coconut oil from time to time as well.


HH: Tell us about your loc journey. What has it taught you about yourself? 

CE: My loc journey started on September (check out my youtube video under chamogul) and I was scared, yet excited. My Mom sat beside me and cheered me on. My Best friend had locs for about 3 years at that time and she encouraged me to give up my afro and rock out with some locs. So, I begin twisting and twisting and twisting and the rest are history. I have not regretted one day of it. People often talk about the “UGLY STAGE” but I love the wild look. I love my hair as it started to bud and get frizzy. I love singing in the rain while others run for cover (smile). I slowly glide over to side and secretly giggle. LOL. I just love my hair and the freedom it has brought to my life. I’m not as stressed. The things that used to bother me about my hair don’t! Summertime is a breeze for. Being able to go swimming without the hassle of having to do my natural hair is awesome. I am FREE!

HH: What products do you use? 

CE:I used to be a product junkie when I first started but I quickly learned that less is more. I simply wash my hair every week like clockwork using Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo. Then I use my homemade daily spritz which consists of simply water and my Jojoba & Coconut oils. BAM, I’m done! I clarify every 4-6 weeks with a Clarifying Shampoo and that’s it.

HH: Favorite Styles to wear your crown in? 

CE: I am really a plain Jane because I cannot take those pinups with all those awful bobby pins. OUCH!!! So, I usually rock out with a braid out but generally I use foam rollers and keep it curly. Every now and again, I may put it up in a cute “sloppy” pony tail but that is not an all-day hair do for me because me and rubber bands do not get along.

HH: Advice to those in the beginning stages of the lifestyle? 

CE: Stay the course. Eat right. Speak positive. Also, remember that it’s a process not an overnight success. Read and research. Look at a lot of videos but know that all does not and will not apply to you and minimize the products you put in your hair because most of that junk causes build up. Oh, and absolutely no GELS, HONEY, WAX and whatever these fake “locticians” are recommending. I’ve seen a many “stylist” jack of people’s hair.

HH: Loc it up if . . . . . CE:You bout that LIFE!