Fun Styles on Short Sisterlocks and Locs

Fun Styles on Short Sisterlocks and Locs

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

 I love freestyling my sisterlocks, which means I am just getting up and going without manipulating my hair into a style.  As easy as that can be, I do like to switch it up and do a few styles per month!  Many women get hung up on the permanent status of locs and sisterlocks.  Yes it is a permanent way to wear your hair, however you can still do cute updos, fabulous curls, and pretty pin-ups!  Sisterlocks and locs do rock because short locs are not short on style!!   Here are a few styles that I have tried on my sisterlocks using water spritzing, and Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls: 

 

 

This was a hairstyle I wore for my first meetup as The Sisterlocked Diva's Natural & Loving It In TheDMV meetup group.  I parted my locks with a deep side part and began flat twisting the left side.  Because I have a fuller face, I tend to do a bang with my updos.  I set the bang on large perm rods to give a swoop look.  Then, I flat twisted the right side.  I secured my twists with bobby pins. 

 

 

 

 

This was a Bantu Knot Out style for my photo shoot for my blog!  I seperated my locks into bigger sections to get more of a wavy look with the bantu knots.  It took about an hour to do the bantu knots and I secured the knots with a rubber band.  I let it air dry while I drove to get my makeup done by Sherry at the MAC counter at Macy's at The Mall at Prince George's.

 

I love the lock hawk style!  Here I parted my hair securing the mohawk with clips.  Then I flat twisted the sides in equal sections along the sisides.  The Mohawk was curled using peach perm rods and then dried under a hooded dryer.  This was a fabulous style that took me into 2013 and a few days beyond. 

 

 

 

I like Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls for setting styles involving curls because it does not leave a flaky residue, and does not make my sisterlocks feel hard or stiff.  The great things about these styles is that they can also be done on loose natural hair as well!  So try one of these fun styles to spice up your locks when wanting to try a style!

 

 

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva







Consignment Shops & Boutiques: Don't Sleep on Fabulous Fashion

Consignment Shops & Boutiques:  Don't Sleep on Fabulous Fashion

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

As a fashionista, I always love a great deal!!  Whether a cute clutch, a nice pair of slacks, or fabulous shoes, great deals on fashions are always a good buy.  When looking for steals on fashion, I used to stick to stores that I know like NY & Co., Lane Bryant, and TJ Maxx.  Whether full priced or racking up on clearance items, I shopped this way for years.  Then, I found a new found love for consignment and boutiques!

 

So why shop consignment and boutiques??  Great question!  With smaller boutiques and non-chain store shopping, it allows me to pick up unique finds that I won't see on someone else who likes to shop at X store.  I love finding a great piece of fashion that expresses my fashion sense.  Last year, I brought a pair of hot pink peep-toe wedges that were by a great brand, Bandolino, for a cheaper price at $23.  I have never seen these shoes on anyone's feet in the DMV, and they make a fun fashion statement with any outfit I have worn them with. 

 

 In addition, I love the cheaper prices that you find at boutiques and consignments shops!  I have gotten Lane Bryant Sweaters and tops at Boomerang Consignment Shop in Gaithersburg, MD for $12 and less.  Often you will find major designer or store brands for a lot cheaper than you can buy it in store.  You can also find good deals on hair accessories, children's toys, purses, and shoes.  I like the embellished headbands that I find at Boomerang's for less than $6! 

 

In addition to better everyday pricing, they tend to do more customer appreciation sales more frequently.  Some shops may offer a discount regularly on a particular day of the week, may offer slaes every few weeks, or offer a discount just because you are a regular shopper!  If you check in frequently or subscribe to their email listing, you can be in the know of when the sales are coming. 

 

So if you are looking for something kind of different and want to save a few bucks on price, check out consignment shops and boutiques!  When buying clothes from these stores, throw it in the washer to make your "new to you" fashions fabulous! 

 

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

Sisterlocks and Your Baby Girl: From a Young Girl's Perspective

Sisterlocks and Your Baby Girl:  From a Young Child Perspective

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

As adults, we make our own hair choices and rock our hair however we like!  Whether that be natural, relaxed, or somewhere in between, we exercise the option of CHOICE.  However, children do not have that same luxury because we are making choices for them.  There are many natural options for parents to consider for their child's hair including  braids, cornrows, twists, afro puffs, locs, sisterlocks, and more!  And parents hold an important role in deciding what to do in the best interest of their child. All hairstyles have their positives and negatives in terms of look, style, cost, functionality, and maintenance. 

 

In the world of sisterlocks, there are some more specific factors to consider outside the permanent nature of the style.  Here are some questions to consider prior to beginning the sisterlock process for your child: 

 

 

As the parent, are you able to afford the initial installation and maintenance cost?

Will your child be able to sit for the installation and/or maintenance sessions? 

Do you plan on taking the retightening class or consultant course to learn how to maintain you child's locks?

Will your child like sisterlocks as they get older?

Will you be willing to "take down" the sisterlocks if your child is no longer happy with them?

How will you teach and educate your child about her hair and maintenance when they get older?

 

 One challenge I can see with a young child (under the age of 6) is that they may have challenges in tolerating the long locking session and maintenance sessions.  Developmentally, I would expect them to have challenges for sitting for a really long time as needed.  For play, a young child could have an attention span of 10-15 minutes to attend to one activity.  Not much hair can be retightened in 10 to 15 minutes!  However, for the child who may have difficulty sitting, the trained parent who can retighten hair can be a lifesaver.  One benefit to the parent being skilled to retighten sisterlocks is that this can be accomplished in shorter sessions to meet the child's attention span. 

 

Secondly,  because a young child is just coming into their own and establishing an identity for who they are, the child may mature as they get older and decide they are no longer interested in wearing locks.  Children are easily influenced by their peers, and what may seem like "what everyone else is doing".  They are fickle and may change their mind quite frequently.  Because of the greater permanency of the sisterlocks hairstyle, a parent may want to delay the decision for sisterlocks until a child is more mature and knows the beat of her own drum.  That comes with time as well as getting older. 

 

Thirdly, hair maintenance can be a challenge with young girls.   They tend to fall asleep at a moment's notice, and hair care is not really a priority for a young child. As parents, help your child by talking to her about simple ways she can take a role in her hair care.  Parents should talk to their child in terms that are easy to understand.  For example, you may explain to your child about sleeping with the "shiny" pillowcase as a way to talk about satin pillowcases. 

 

Ultimately, as a parent the choice is up to you whether or not you lock the hair.  In my opinion because of the committment of sisterlocks-- this should be considered when your child can have a "say" in their own hair care and tolerate the lengthy maintenance and hair care needs for sisterlocks.  If you do decide to embark on the journey of sisterlocks with your daughter, enjoy the beauty of the journey!

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 



Sunday Spotlight with LaTreya Manning

Sunday Spotlight with Tres Chic Makeup Artistry

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 Sunday Spotlight features business owners, bloggers, natural divas, beauty companies, and more as they share their story with The Sisterlocked Diva family!  Recently, I had the opportunity to interview LaTreya Mannings, independent makeup artist, of Tres Chic Makeup Artistry.  Check out my interview with her as we talk spring colors, how to accessorize with makeup as a naturalista, and more! 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Thanks for sitting down to chat with me about makeup!  Let's start with your hair journey!  Tell me about your natural journey.

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  It has been 17 years in the making!  I have worn a multitude of hairstyles including wearing wigs, weaves, braids, etc.  I transitioned with braids, and  I walked into the barber shop and asked them to cut it off.  I have had many natural styles as well such as coils, fro, braids, 2 strand twists etc.    In cosmetology school, I learned about all kinds of hair styles.  I just couldn’t commit to a hair style or hair color!

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Wow you have done it all to your hair!  What inspired you to loc your hair?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I first thought about locs when I saw Lauryn Hill with locs with the release of her CD 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'.  I got tired of the weaves and braids and when the economy tanked, my budget couldn’t afford it.  I decided to big chop again—and start from the beginning.  I started my own locs, which were started with two strand twists.  I still do my own locs.  For special events, I go to my best friend, Jackie of TGQ Cutz, for retightening and styles.  My whole household is natural! 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  I loved Lauryn Hill's locs too!  It's great how you have a natural family!  When did you become interested in makeup (to wear)?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I first was interested in makeup at age 12.  I remember that my sister and I used to do each other's makeup on Friday nights.  My mom would ask "Where are y'all going?"  We weren't going anywhere-- just looking good in the house!  With my first paycheck ever, I brought a lip gloss, wet n wild eyeliner, an issue of Hype Hair, and lipstick.  As I got older as a young adult, I was in the navy, which did not allow me to accessorize as I would like.  You couldn’t do certain colors of nail polish, or certain hairstyles.  In 1995, my friend and I would love to go to the MAC counter.  We would stay and chat with the makeup artists about what are the products and how would you use it. 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva: How did you decide to turn your love of makeup into becoming a licensed makeup artist?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  About 4 years ago, I decided that I wanted to become a licensed makeup artist.  I came up with excuses like my kids are young so I'll do it when they get older.   Because I had a passion for makeup, I wanted to enroll in a certification course that would help me learn the basics.  I went to Vonlee in Pikesville, MD it is a 5 week course that met two days a week.  There is a final exam in which you make over live model.  I graduated in April 2012. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Congradulations on your recent graduation!  What types of new skills did you gain from being trained as a makeup artist?

Before & After Lash Application by Treya Manning (Tres Chic Makeup Artistry)

 

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  The number one thing I learned was how to use strip and individual lashes.  My friends call me the "lash lady".  I learned how to highlight and contour and why is this important in makeup application.  I learned how lighter eye shadows in the corner bring the eyes closer together, and lighter eye shadows in the outer edge bring the eyes farther apart. I also learned how to use my brushes properly, how to mix colors to make new colors, and how to pick warm and cool colors.  It’s ok to make mistakes—it is a learning process.  Not every shade is going to work for everybody.  It is about trial and error.  It's funny how people think I would go to work with the makeup done up.  At work I have the work face with tinted moisturizer, flesh tones.  I go for a truly basic face.   

The Sisterlocked Diva:  I love makeup, and most of my spplication skills I picked up from having my face done at the MAC counter!  What are some of your favorite makeup lines and brands?

 

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  My favorite line before becoming a amakeup artist was MAC.  As a makeup artist, I learned that MAC does not have the best makeup and that cheaper makeup can get the job done too!  Some products that I like are: 

 

• Obsessive and Compulsive Cosmetics- lip tar with peppermint oil which is not going to dry out your lips.

• Black Opal foundation stick—cheaper $10 at Walmart
• Nik cosmetics— I order it online, but ULTA carries the lip glosses, pencils, etc. Also I like the extreme lip cream—looks like a lipstick in a lip gloss tube for $5 to 7.  Pigments for $3.
• BH Cosmetics- Palettes good for makeup junkies and makeup artists just starting out—blushes, concealers, 50+ shadows
• Urban Decay- eyeshadows, pigments, and the eyeshadow primer
• Makeup forever-  HD foundation, translucent powder

 One of the big shows for makeup is usually held in New York. I went to this past year, and  it allowed me to try new lines that I have not tried yet. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  I am going to try that moisture tip first before lip tars to see if I like them better.  I love my eyes! How can I enhance my eyes using makeup?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  Eyebrows can make or break your eyes!  You have a natural arch to your eyebrow—they need to be shaped nicely.  This is the biggest factor in pretty eyes when applying makeup.  For daytime, you can use flesh color eyeshadow and mascara.  For nighttime, pinks/purples and blacks and greys are my favorite colors.  Work the smoky eye look, and add some fab lashes.  I also like how browns and navy blue can work well for a smoky eye too!

The Sisterlocked Diva:  I love pinks and purples for eyeshadow!  What are some of your favorite eye shadows and lip colors for spring?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I was researching trends for spring—plums and reds  for lip color are still ideal for spring. Bright red, plums, and coral reds are hot on our complexion.  For eyeshadow, greens and blues are great.  Forest greens, bright green, turquoise, and aqua blue are some of my favorites.   I don’t follow all of the trends however I am loving the bright colors, which follows trends of fashion as well!

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Love bright colors for fashion and makeup!  You said earlier that you do work full time.   How do you balance your full time job and makeup artistry?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I work as a property manager for an office building.  When I can find time, I fit it in my life.  I do update my website or post pics on Instagram or Facebook.  I am all about my business from 530pm to end of the day during the week.  On my weekends, I am all about my business. 

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  I am the same way!  I fit it in when I can during the workday, but all about the business after work and on the weekend.  Tell me about your new beauty boutique in Laurel.

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  This came about because many people may feel weary about  letting a stranger in their home.  I don’t blame them with how today's society is.  I wanted to have a place to go and be creative.  I also wanted my customers to feel comfortable about coming to me.  This also works best for me.  I also work as the makeup artist for the Ivie Rose Boutique.  They suggested that I look at Finders’ Keepers as a business space after they opened their store there.  The grand opening will be in March! I am still getting it up and running.  My boutique is located at 389 Main Street, Laurel, MD inside of Finders Keepers. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  That makes sense to open your own space where people can come to you!  What are your specialties and services that you provide?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I specialize in lashes, natural looking makeup, makeup application, facial threading (chin, lip, full face, eyebrow), and lip and lash parties.  I also do lip foils which is like a lip tattoo for lip color!  It lasts 8 hrs, and you can only drink using a straw.  I have been certified in facial threading since March 2012.

 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Love how lashes can upgrade your makeup look!  What new projects are you working on for 2013?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I would LOVE to collaborate with you as The Sisterlocked Diva on a few projects! I will have the grand opening of my boutique in March!  In addition I would love to do a Breast Cancer awareness event.  One of my first best friends from San Diego while in the navy died of breast cancer.  The concept is Pretty in Pink Ball to raise funds for Susan Komen.  I would like to incorporate other types of cancer benefits since my father died of colon cancer in 2009.  Lastly, I would like to partner/donate a makeover to a deserving girl for prom. 

The Sisterlocked Diva:  We can definitely collaborate in the future!  Many women talk about not feeling feminine enough after the BC. What are 3 easy tips that one could use after the BC to enhance her feminity?

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I would recommend accessories as a natural gal's best friend!!  Invest in big earrings, and a statement necklace.  The big chop is also a fun time to experiment with makeup!  Play up your best features using blushes, and eyeshadow colors.  Lastly, love yourself more! Show off that confidence, and strut your stuff!!  Get to know you!  See what styles work for you!!

The Sisterlocked Diva:  Would you be willing to provide any specials to my followers in the DMV? If so, what could you offer?

 

Tres Chic Makeup Artistry:  I can offer 20% off services $25 or more.   

 



The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

 

On Friday February 22nd, The Sisterlocked Diva held her first meetup at the Ledo's Pizza on Georgia Ave. in Washington DC!!  I was super excited to hold my firat sponsored meetup, and enjoyed planning for the event.  In preparation for the event, I wanted to share with the group who I am as a blogger, discuss hair journeys and routines, and add in a few black natural hair history questions as well!  To thank attendees for coming out to support the meetup, I created swag bags that conveyed thank you for coming, and gave some special beauty surprises.  Since I had attendees who had RSVP'd with a variety of hairstyles (e.g., locs, sisterlocks, and loose natural hair), I wanted to stay away of hair product samples because they had different styling needs.  After shopping at a variety of stores, I included e.l.f. oil blotting sheets for oily skin, a mini manicure set (nail file and nail clipper), pink nail polish, a facial mask with 80% natural ingredients, and a Mary Kay lip gloss sample.  A few days before the event a *man* decided to come, and I was super excited because it could bring a whole different dynamic to the conversation. In having a male attending, the evnt it also meant catering a swag bag for the man.   I created a whole new bag for him-- razor bump fighter, olive oil, and satin do-rag to tie his hair down. 

 

On the day of the event, I was so excited to bring my meetup to life!  For my hair plans, I went with an updo on my sisterlocks.  I sectioned my hair and leaving a large chunky bang in the front.  I flat twisted the sides in medium sized sections.  I set the chunky bang on large perm rods (hot pink rollers) long enough to give my locks a smooth swoop bang look.  The outfit was denim blue and white polka dot blazer, with a peach top, green jeggings, and a brown cowboy ankle boots.  I was bring the funky style like I like!  The pic earrings that I rocked were from Pretty Little Wire that I brought from her at Nappy Oke-- they are also part of my logo! 

 

On that night, there were a few weather advisories outside of the DC metro area, but it could have caused some of the potential attendees to stay home.    The first to arrive was Travis who was the brother who aspires to grow a big afro like Dr. Cornell West (his words :-).  He was quite knowledgeable about products which was a surprise to me.  He knew about co-washing, and the importance of moisture.  He also had an established routine that he based off of advice from his lady friends.  I was impressed by his desire to take care of his hair, and wanting to seek advice of how to grow a healthy afro!  Sometimes, being in a meetup for natural hair, which are usually geared towards women-- men might be intimidated to come and share.  Glad that Travis was an active participant and fully into the conversation.  Next, Bjae came to the meetup.  She was a nice lady who was interested in caring for her hair as she is trying to wear her natural hair "out" more and using less cornrow styles with added hair.  She was using a simple regimen, and is having trouble with moisture.  We talked alot about winter hair care needs, moisture tips, and our experiences in our inidividual natural journeys.  Bjae was interested in learning more about sisterlocks after I shared my hair journey.  She asked typical questions like "where do you get your hair done?", "how much did it cost?", and "how is it different from traditional locks?".  After getting to know each other a bit, we mixed in black natural hair history questions.  Bjae was on it with correctly answering the most questions so she won the Shea Moisture Bath Set including a bubble bath, moisturizing oil, and after-shower bosy spritz.  At the end of the night of fun, pizza, and games, everyone received their swag bag.  I shared the two upcoming events in March including a trip to the Baltimore Natural Hair Show, and the Cupcakes & Cocktails event hosted by the Magestic Divas and sponsored by Curls where I will be a featured blogger on the panel.

 

 



If interested in getting in on the fun, join The Sisterlocked Diva on meetup.com at http://www.meetup.com/The-Sisterlocked-Divas-Natural-Loving-It-In-The-DMV.  Next meetup is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th-- Cupcakes & Cocktails A Diva's Soiree in Forestville, MD at SPX Hall (formerly the Knights of Columbus).  Check me out on the panel discussion about natural hair!

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva

"Get Rooted in Your Natural" Rooted N Nature Giveaway

"Get Rooted in Your Natural" Rooted -N- Nature Giveaway

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

You know I love giveaways so let's get the next one started!!  Clarice Manning is the owner of a natural hair and body product company called Rooted-N-Nature and she is sponsoring this giveaway!  So back when I was beginning my blog, I went to the Nappy Oke, a natural hair and beauty event mixed in with karaoke, in DC this fall.  I met Clarice and she was amazingly resourceful and knowledgeable about hair products!  Once I reached out to her for this giveaway, she was super excited!  So what's up for grabs??  This product is for loose naturals only (sorry loc'd divas) since it is a moisturizing tea with detangling benefits.  It is a hair tea spray that is full of quality ingredients like Vitamin E oil and Coconut Oil! 

Here's how to enter:

 

1.  LIKE Rooted -N_ Nature on Facebook

2.  LIKE The Sisterlocked Diva on Facebook

 

** Please enter on the Rafflecopter tab on The Sisterlocked Diva's Facebook page to enter this giveaway**

 

Giveaway starts tomorrow at midnight ET!  Good Luck!!

~The Sisterlocked Diva

 

 



The Sisterlocked Diva Photo Shoot: Fabulous for 2013!

The Sisterlocked Diva Photo Shoot: Fabulous for 2013!

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

As I am gaining popularity in the natural hair community, I thought I should do a photo shoot to promote my blog and myself as a natural hair and beauty blogger!  So I contacted El-Shamesh Photography for several reasons.  I had seen many examples of his work on Instagram, which included shots on fabulous natural hair!  All photographers may have skills with shooting pictures, however I learned with a previous photo shoot experience that not all "good" photographers know how to focus in on hair and beauty.  I wanted the pictures to translate that I love fashion, beauty,a nd my natural hair in sisterlocks!  I also liked that he has experience shooting events and had worked with celebrities in the DC area and other regions of the country.  As I am considering adding events to The Sisterlocked Diva repertoire, I will need a trusted photographer to hold that down! 

 

As I was planning for the photo shoot, I knew hair and makeup had to be fresh to death!  I decided to do my own hair in a Bantu Knot Out ultimately-- the original plan was a rod set, but it was not coming together as I wanted it to (and that's natural hair for you!)!  So I used Taliah Waajid's Crinkles & Curls and water to set the Bantu Knots and let it air dry while I was getting my makeup done.  As far as makeup, I was going to try the makeup skills of one of my new makeup artist friends, Treya Manning!  However, she had an event that day so I went with my backup-- the MAC counter.  I ended up choosing a random makeup artist as a walk in to the Macy's at The Mall at Prince George's.  Sherita BEAT my face into oblivion, and I was too cute for my shoot!  She was a friendly and bubbly makeup artist who is pursuing her doctorate degree at my Alma Mater, University of Maryland at College Park!  She chose the makeup colors, and went to work!  She chose this amazing blush that was kind of pinkish purple in color, and it looked beautiful on my skin!  With hair and makeup ready, I was ready to step into my fly outfit of choice.  I went with a cream jumper with gold specks that I purchased at Ashley Stewart a few months ago before the holidays.  Paired with a white heel, that jumper was absolutely stunning against the beautiful folliage scenery!  So enjoy a few photos from the shoot-- the entire photo selection is available for viewing on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/The.Sisterlocked.Diva)!