25 August 2014

Yarn Locs Wash Day (Without the heavy head!)

So this is the second time I've washed my Yarn Locs since they've been installed and tomorrow will make it 4 weeks since they've been in. The first time I washed these locs I was already vowing I would never wash them again and would wear them until it was time to take them out because they are SO HEAVY WHEN WET. But, since then, I've come up with a way to wash the locs without it feeling like the world was literally on my shoulders. And that is..banding.

Yep, BANDING.

It's the same technique used by many a naturalista to stretch their hair without heat and is done by putting scrunchies/ouchless bands/elastic (if they are being put on extensions) at even intervals which elongates the hair. I used the Banding Technique to elongate the hair so only my scalp and where my hair ends in the yarn locs end are cleansed and moisturised, and as such lessened the probability of the entire length of the locs getting wet. Because, Wet Locs = Heavy Locs. I banded the locs at even intervals and left space so I could get to my scalp and individual locs with relative ease. Here's a picture of how I did it:



Now on to my #washdayexperience:

[1] Lifted buildup from my scalp using ACV + Water mix (1:4).

[2] Co-washed (only to the point where my natural hair ends in the Locs) with Alberto VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Conditioner + Warm Water mix and let it sit while I showered.

[3] Rinsed with cold water.

[4] Air dried and T-shirt dried for about 15 minutes.

[5] Put in my DIY Leave-in (again, only to where I thought my natural hair ended).

[6] Wrapped Locs with scarf and kept it on until the next morning.

It still takes a while to dry but majority of the locs weren't wet and as such was not heavy on the head. To avoid that gross feeling of damp extensions on your shoulder or body, just wrap with a scarf and secure it. Ta-da! Wash Day over!

Dassit!

Be well,
Gibbie


The Wash Day Experience

10 comments:

  1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing chica's wash their hair whilst in a protective style! Just because your hair is hidden doesn't mean that you completely neglect it!

    Thanks for sharing your #washdayexperience chica!

    KLP | SavingOurStrands

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  2. Were the yarn locks painful at first? I want to get locs done with kinky/marley hair but I am always worried the wrapping might be a bit tight for the first few days... Just thinking about how heavy sweaters get when wet and I can totally imagine how heavy the yarn locs get when wet wow!

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    1. Hi Lydz, yes they were painful at first. The person who installed it did it a little too tight so I removed the ones that were unbearable and re-did them myself.

      The trick is to not wrap the hair directly at the scalp so after it's done it won't be painful. I have not tried the faux Locs with marley/synthetic hair but I would assume it would be less heavier than the Yarn when wet.. Because yarn Locs are for sure heavy when wet.

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  3. I love your hair! Great tips -- thanks for sharing.

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  4. Nobody can come between me and my Alberto V05 Herbal Escapes. It is good to hear that I am not the only one who's using it.

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    Replies
    1. Yes Nerline! It's one of the best and cheapest rinse out conditioners I've found. Zero buildup!

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  5. May I ask a question? First, you came up with a VERY smart way of washing your hair/scalp. Are your yarn love wool or synthetic?

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