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Bradelocz Interview - cont'd page 2
How long have you had Bradelocs?
I’ve had my locs for a little over 3 years now. It was 3 years in April of this year – 2004. (This is a recent photo of me).
What is the shape of Bradelocz? (Some believe the shape is more square/flat rather than circular. Please explain). Well, MY bradelocz are cylindrical. Most others I’ve seen are cylindrical. I believe that it has a lot to do with the coil pattern of the hair. It’s going to coil up onto itself. Also, I sometimes do a light finger twist just to keep them nice and smooth and shaped as I want them. But I believe even if I didn’t do that, they’d still be round and not flat.
How do you maintain your Bradelocz? i.e., What shampoo do you use? Is it a clarifying shampoo? Do you wash and condition with Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV)etc? I don’t use any particular brands and have never really gotten into that. I just use whatever I happen to purchase and that could be Suave brand or something natural from the whole foods store I shop at. I sometimes do the ACV rinse and I sometimes use regular conditioner. I keep my routine very simple - shampoo once a week or every two weeks, spritz with a water, olive oil, essential oil mix and oil my locs with olive oil a couple of times a week. I’ve never been a "product junkie"! Please explain the latch-hook re-tightening method. Well, as to not get TOO detailed, in a nutshell, latching is pulling the loc through the new growth in opposite directions each time and creating a sort of "weaving pattern" to hold the hair in place as it locks. It is done using a latch hook. However, there are many variations of doing "crochet-interlock" methods and fingers can be used, crochet hooks, and other "tools". But if you’re latchin' then it only makes sense to assume you use an actual latch hook. All other items and you’re just interlocking!
How do you avoid two Bradelocz (side by side) from matting together? After every shampoo or anytime the hair has gotten excessively wet (swimming, shower, etc.) the locs should be popped or separated to avoid them from joining together.
How often should one re-tighten Bradelocs? I usually advise no sooner than every 4 to 6 weeks but one could go as long as 8 weeks.
What method should you use to wash locked hair? (i.e., circular motions, massaging the scalp...how should you position your fingers?) I’ve never given much thought or attention to that. I guess whatever gets that scalp clean and feels good!
How do you keep your Bradelocz looking shiny and healthy? I think that there are a lot of factors. I drink lots of water, I eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, I don’t use a lot of heavy products that can cause build-up or a dull appearance, and I try and use natural products such as my homemade oils (olive oil, essential oils – clary sage, rosemary, patchouli is my current blend).
What material do you suggest for pillow cases? I suggest if not using a hair cover such as a bonnet, etc. that a satin pillowcase is best. This is what I use as I don’t like sleeping with headwear and I’ve learned that cotton pillowcases rob the hair of moisture and the fibers can break hair off.
What should one with Bradelocz use to cover their hair at night? Well, in the beginning when the locs are still relatively short, a satin bonnet, doo-rag, anything that has that slick surface is best. Once the locs get longer and satin bonnets no longer fit, you’ll need something different. A good friend of mine, Denise Reed, is a professional seamstress and about 10 years ago she developed something she now calls the L.B. Soc. It is long enough to comfortably house longer locs and keep them out of the way when sleeping! For more info. Visit http://denisereed.com/lbsoc.htm
What’s your opinion about locking children’s hair?
Oh I’m definitely an advocate of children having locs and a parent’s right to make that decision for their children - in the event the child is younger. I even have a little (freebie) site dedicated to children with locs at http://kidznlocs.tripod.com and my own children are locked (3 out of 4 but the fourth one will be locked soon!) To continue reading the Bradelocz Interview with Cherie, CLICK HERE Do you want to learn... Well...CLICK HERE!
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