Few know locs date back to ancient times in Ethiopia. Early illustrations of the hairstyle can be found on old African masks, Pharaohs such as Ramses, and other people of the time period. When researching locs prior to starting my own, I learned of different cultivating processes, loc lifestyle and indirectly how many women are hesitant to either start or embrace the growing community.
For those of you unfamiliar with her name, Malaika is the founder of Dreadz & Headz natural hair care center located in Baltimore, MD. Justly nicknamed Loc Mama, she has traveled the world educating people of color about holistic beauty and health, through her annual beauty and wearable art trade-show event, the Hair Expo. She is an inspiration to me as woman of color growing her locs and also simply she because she is a Queen in her aura and mission . I was lucky enough to chat with her and now to share it with you .
HH:How long have you had your locs ?
MC: Since '93.I went natural during college in 1986 after graduating high school with a gerri curl The beginning phase of my locs cost me a job in corporate america and there were no natural hair salons around to guide me. Toda, my locs rest at my waist. They have reached my calf during at one point. My hair makes a presence and my journey has molded me into a walking example of Beautiful.
HH:Do you believe locs are a hairstyle or lifestyle? Why?
MC: A way of life. It is a true journey growing and maintaing your locs. One goes through different phases which bring about different forms of enlightenment. The braids/twist transition from chemicals is like elementary school. Going fully natural is middle through high school. Starting the cultivating process for locs is comparable to undergrad and is where alot of spiritual development starts to occur. During the frizzy stage, you being to discover your natural beauty without committing chemical homicide to your strands. When your locs reach the mature stage, you have gained your PhD. This comes around a decade or so of having your locs.
HH:What have you learned during your journey?
MC: That I do not need validation from anyone or any religion. My God made me in his likeness and I am comfortable in my own skin. I have gained a spiritual awakening and sense of peace with how I look. My hair has stopped traffic in India. People have never seen anything like my locs.
HH: Favorite Styles to wear your crown in?
MC:Styles hurt me! I keep my locs well groomed and straight.
HH: Advice to those in beginning stages of loc'hood?
MC: Jump in with both feet and swim your way out! You're definitely going to develop a backbone! For more advice get a ticket for my natural hair care expo. Fourteen state tour around the country, you learn everything you need to know and more. Get tickets here!
MC: Since '93.I went natural during college in 1986 after graduating high school with a gerri curl The beginning phase of my locs cost me a job in corporate america and there were no natural hair salons around to guide me. Toda, my locs rest at my waist. They have reached my calf during at one point. My hair makes a presence and my journey has molded me into a walking example of Beautiful.
MC: A way of life. It is a true journey growing and maintaing your locs. One goes through different phases which bring about different forms of enlightenment. The braids/twist transition from chemicals is like elementary school. Going fully natural is middle through high school. Starting the cultivating process for locs is comparable to undergrad and is where alot of spiritual development starts to occur. During the frizzy stage, you being to discover your natural beauty without committing chemical homicide to your strands. When your locs reach the mature stage, you have gained your PhD. This comes around a decade or so of having your locs.
HH:What have you learned during your journey?
MC: That I do not need validation from anyone or any religion. My God made me in his likeness and I am comfortable in my own skin. I have gained a spiritual awakening and sense of peace with how I look. My hair has stopped traffic in India. People have never seen anything like my locs.
MC:Styles hurt me! I keep my locs well groomed and straight.
HH: Advice to those in beginning stages of loc'hood?
MC: Jump in with both feet and swim your way out! You're definitely going to develop a backbone! For more advice get a ticket for my natural hair care expo. Fourteen state tour around the country, you learn everything you need to know and more. Get tickets here!
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