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Sandy's Journey to
The Other Side

 

Well it's been over five years, and I still am having a love affair with my hair. There are no words to describe the freedom of keeping the natural texture of your hair. My hair always looks nice and neat whether I style it or not... and I usually don't bother with styling... I just let my locks hang free! I love this!


If you've been with me through the entire journey, click here to get to the newest page.. uploaded on 11/14/05.

For those of you who haven't followed my journey from the beginning, here's the story: 

In the early months of 2000 I decided to stop frying my hair with relaxers and chemicals. I finally realized that since God didn't give me straight hair, I should stop my misguided and futile attempts to improve on perfection. I'd wanted to stop relaxing my hair for a long time, but I didn't know what on earth to do with this head full of steel wool that I was born with. I do have to go to work every day after all, and I don't want to scare my co-workers with hair out to there.


 
 
 

In past lives I've worn a TWA (teeny weeny afro),
a relaxer, braids, and gheri curls (thank goodness
I don't have a picture of that one!).


During my search for the perfect natural hair style, I discovered there is a movement towards natural hair in the black community; but most cosmetologists aren't embracing this movement at all, for fear that it will cut into their incomes. Therefore, it's not easy to find good-looking styles or competent stylists for natural African-American hair.  I don't think dreds are for me, and I don't want to look like I just stuck my finger into an electric socket, which is pretty much what my natural hair looks like. 

Finally I stumbled upon a relatively new locking technique for natural highly-textured (nappy) hair. It's called Sisterlocks®. It doesn't have to be taken down and redone constantly. The hair grows, it can be cut, set, styled, etc.  Just what I wanted! And I never have to be afraid of sweat, fog, humidity, or rain reverting my hair to its natural state ever again, because it's already natural!  Yeah!! I decided this was the one for me!

I started this site on June 17, 2000 as I was in the process of growing out at least two inches of new (kinky!) roots.  Two inches gave me enough new growth to get my Sisterlocks®. I found a wonderful Sisterlocks® consultant right here in Detroit at Everette's Corn-Rows & Braiding Academy, and she took me across and has helped me along the way. I couldn't wait for my appointment on July 21st!  Believe me, the decision to go from that artificial chemically straightened look to any kind of natural style is a big one, and I needed all the help I could get to help me through this transition! I found some wonderful email groups that have been so helpful in this regard. Check out my links page for a listing.

I maintain and update this site regularly to document my journey to the other side.  I've added new pictures every month or so as the Sisterlocks® mature. So far this journey has been very interesting! 


Crossing Over - Updates
New pictures were uploaded today (11/14/05). Just a few pics to show my progress at the five-year mark, and my pitiful attempts at styling. :-). Click the "Crossing Over - Updates" link above to see my journey from the beginning, or click here to get to the recent pictures. 

Kinky Links
Here you will find links to other sites dedicated to natural hair and sites that offer styling techniques, natural hair care products, essential oils, botanical ingredients, recipes, wonderful style galleries, and lots more! 

The page also has links to some of your personal hair stories A few people were kind enough to send accounts of their journeys to add to this site.  Click here to read these enlightening (and sometimes funny) stories. If you have pictures or a personal story you'd like to share, please send it to me via e-mail at diamonique@comcast.net.


Book Nook
There are some very informative books out there for those who, like me, had no clue as to the care and feeding of our naturally kinky hair. I have put together a small library of books on natural hair care, hairstyles, products and recipes.  Click here to browse through my Book Nook; and if you see any books you like, you can order them directly from this site.

Support Group
There is a wonderful e-mail list on YahooGroups which was created for the open discussion of natural hair care in general and Sisterlocks® specifically. Get answers to your questions or share your experiences with others. To join the list, please use the join box below: 
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Guestbook
I want to thank you all for the wonderful messages you've left in my guestbook and the e-mails I've received. I'm glad you're enjoying my journey, and especially glad to know that this web site has helpled people make their decision or find resources to make their transition easier. 
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WebRings

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My Business Endeavors
Last year my granddaughter Kourtney and I became interested in making our own soaps. (I tell ya this natural thang has really taught me a lot!) Handmade natural soaps are so different and so much better than the stuff that's offered in the stores. We also make lip balms and an amazing whipped shea butter cream for the skin. If you're interested in trying bath & body products that are really good for your skin, check us out. Our company name is S & K Handmade Soaps (for Sandy & Kourtney), and we'd love to know what you think of our products.


If you're interested in Sisterlocks® for yourself, or if you wish to find a Sisterlocks® consultant in your area, check out the Sisterlocks® website or call their home office at (858)560-5116. 
Last updated: 11/14/05

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