Hey Gang.  This is an update to a video and a post I wrote 2 years ago.   What you’re about to see is my good friend and client, Shannon.  I started her locking process 2 years ago.  Although she had some damage/breakage around the temple area and dryness at her tips because of the color in her hair, her hair for the most part was healthy.  Shannon’s hair was also coarse and I knew that she would lock in no time.  Here is one of the actual videos from 2 years ago. I apologize for the delay in the video.  That’s something that has happened since it’s been on YouTube and it’s out of my hands to fix.  Content is still good though.  Click here to view it. 

The first 9 pictures represent Shannon’s initial coiling session and then returning 4 weeks later for her first grooming.  The last 4 pictures represent Shannon’s hair at the 1 year mark right after a grooming.  You’ll notice that her hair appears like it didn’t grow that much (the length is just a "little" longer at 1 year than it was at the very beginning of her loc journey).  Actually you can definitely see how the coils have drawn up, condensed, expanded and transitioned into short locks.  On the average, it takes about 10 -18 months for the coils to transition to this point - it’ll take closer to 2 years for those of you who have the smoother and straighter hair textures.

Click on any photo  below to enlarge and more times for extreme close ups and detail.  Read and view below to see how Shannon’s locs have come into their own!

This month (November 2009) represents Shannon’s 2 year loc anniversary.  I took the photos below after her grooming session two weeks ago.  Shannon (opting for the healthiest locks possible) has not colored her hair again.  I want you to notice how the hair compresses so much that there is only a little color on the tips left. (Shannon’s locks have never been cut or trimmed).   

The stage that Shannon is in right now is considered the "Falling Off The Shelf" stage.  It will seem like her locks are growing very rapidly and she will notice significant length each year from here on out.  I groom Shannon’s locks every 6-8 weeks and and we both maintain them with the Healthylocks Daily Conditioning Mist and the Soul Purpose body balms.  These products keeps her locks soft and pliable and helps her to maintain a light and natural sheen.

Congratulations Shannon!  Your locks are absolutely FAB-U-LOUS!

The photos speak for themselves.  Just hover over the picture to access the controls…Enjoy!