naaniMODEL daezhavoo

February 2002 Journal
How was your hair styled before you went natural or locked?
Relaxed, braids, weaves, bonds

What did you like/dislike about your previous hairstyle?
I like the way I could change the textures and styles by simply adding different hair. I disliked the way my hair would repeatedly grow and break off or fall out with the chemicals I used on it. I also grew tired of not knowing who I really was or what I really looked like under all the false hair I wore. I was tired of my scalp burning from the relaxers, and the allergies I developed due to the chemicals I was using.

How long have you been natural/had dreadlocks?
Loced almost 18 months

Why did you decide to go natural/grow dreadlocks?
I was going through a zillion changes in my life. I had lost my identity through my separation, my lack of self-esteem, and the loss of my mother. I have always prided myself on my ability to recognize reality in my world, and my reality was I needed to regain my innocence about myself, to learn who I really was. So in my need to find peace of mind, I cut off my hair, and began my loc journey as part of my search for the true me.

How did you go natural (i.e. cold turkey, growing it out...)? Why did you choose this method?
COLD TURKEY!! I was more than ready to change.  I cut off all my damaged hair and ended up with less than two inches of natural hair when I started my locks.

How did you start your locks (palmrolls, twists, braids...)? Why did you choose this method?
I started with twists, then palmrolls. I choose that method because it was the easiest for me to maintain.

Who maintains your dreadlocks/natural hair (you or a stylist)?
I do my own now by latchooking.