Reader Dreadlocks Styles: This Lioness Is Locked For Life

by Alicia Banks
(Chicago, IL, USA)

Long dreadlocks

I shaved my head bald in 1996. When my new natural silky nappy growth reached 1", I paid a gifted locktician to twist and pattern my hair.

By 1998, I was fully locked. I am a Leo. My locks are now now my official long lovely lioness mane.

I have never used bees' wax, petroleum, or tools. I finger roll only with natural liquid oil blends and aloe vera gels. I use mild shampoos sparingly. I use only cold air to partially dry. My locks prefer natural air. I use water and blended oils to moistorize daily.

My locks are still very thin, soft, shiny, and fragile. Most are about 1/3 the width of a pencil. I still twist them to my scalp.

I am 5'9". I keep my locks trimmed to about 40" or draping just below my lower back. I often pin them up in styles to give my roots a break from gravity.

See more: http://aliciabanks.xanga.com/