Forum Activity for @zen-rasta

Journey - Day 1

Member Journals and Timelines

Started my journey October 2, 2010Of courseBS = baking sodaACV = apple cider vinegarI put 4 tbs of BS to 4 cups of room temperature water (only needed 1 or 2 for my hair length), mixed it in a container, poured it on my head, let it sit for 10 mins while I showered (careful not to get hair wet). Then I rinsed it off with cold water.Then I put 2 tbs of ACV to 2 cups of water (only needed 1 cup of water), poured it on my head, let it sit for 1 min, rinsed it off with cold water. Placed towel over my head to keep warm (no rubbing) and waited till dry.To be honest, my hair felt nice. Although its been feeling nice since I switch to a natural shampoo by JASON a few months back, it still felt pretty nice to do a BS/ACV wash. After it dried, I went to sleep with a merino wool toque.October 3rd I tried to do some twist but not really sure I like the way it's looking (plus I think my hair was bit oily which made it harder to twist). Im debating between trying again later during the week when it's dry or just letting it run wild. My only concern is work image. I guess I shouldn't be concerned till they are concerned.Pic 1: after BSPic 2: after ACV
updated by @zen-rasta: 01/13/15 08:47:10PM

Sectioning

Dreading Methods

Thank you all for your replies. I'm going to look for a wool hat to sleep in before I twist my hair. I love in the Toronto area. Anyone know of a good place to get a hand made wool hat?

Chewin Change said:

wool is different than acrylic cause it causes hairs to attract to themselves like a magnet whereas acrylic can create static and pull them apart. when you twist be gentle

Sectioning

Dreading Methods

so basically, pencil sized sections, brick layer pattern, get a wool hat, and don't worry about washing method (either method is good). Thank you so much. I'll post another pic when i start it.Blessings

Sectioning

Dreading Methods

So.... many thanks to SE for talking me out of hair extensions and locticians. I'ma do it maself! I'll be using the twist and forget method and I'll probably start within the next 30 days (my hair is a lil less than an inch). My only debate is how I'm going to section it.I plan to sleep with an acrylic touque (similar to wool) to help the process, hopefully reduce frizz, and keep it looking somewhat professional for work. I might use Dr. B's almond soap to wash it once a week (or should i switch to BS and ACV?)Any advice, videos, links or photos are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanceAttached is a current photo of me.Live and Love
updated by @zen-rasta: 01/13/15 08:46:47PM

Dread extentions or natural?

Dreading Methods

Not sure if I closed it and how I did that. My appologies.Well, not necessarily a rasta (it's a nickname given to me by my cousins when I visited Jamaica because I told them about my desire for Locs) but I definitely appreciate their lifestyle. 2 reasons for wanting them neat: 1) two of my cousins extensions that were cool and neat 2) most importantly, work and mother (I would like my employer and my mother to see the clean side of Locs).After reading your post I guess I don't really care how long it grows. Since I was a little boy my mother always told me my hair must be cut and neat (been getting hair cuts on a bi weekly basis for like 20 years!) and I feel it's time for a change a natural change. You're right. Why extensions? Its just instance gratification. I thought I was kinda over that. I guess I live and learn.I was considering going to a loctician because I would like to get them started in the right direction. I don't know if you've had bad experiences on a first hand or second hand basis, but it is possible to find a loctician who will not over twist and damage my hair maybe?The heck with it! I'll do it myself! Thank you all for all the input (been reading a lot of posts). SE, thank you for this site (and anyone else responsible). I've been reading the horror stories of wax (and the liars that promote them) haven't really stumbled upon the horror stories of backcombing or any other method done by a loctician...Why do I want dreads? I dunno. At first there was the aesthetic reason. Reading your post, doing some thinking... I realized that's silly. Still want them tho. I guess it's no longer so much of a reason, as it has become a feeling. I'm slowly learning to trust my feelings so I'd like to go with it... to the end, whatever it may be.Ok I'll get to the point. Would like thin dreads that look professional (work environment) yet natural (formed by my own hand). Which method would you recommend for my 1 inch Afro and what can I do to help maintain the professional look? (tams at night, wash with stocking on head, etc.). I see you mentioned twisting. Is that my best choice right now? I'm willing to wait as long as necessary if it's easier to get the results I'm looking for by starting with longer hair. Any advise, links, or videos would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dread extentions or natural?

Dreading Methods

Well, been reading tons of posts and replies finally decided to join! I have about 1 inch curly Afro hair, been using natural products and waiting to start my very own Locs. The thing I'm debating is wether I get extensions or wait patiently and grow natural. I would like them to be thin and run down to my shoulders. I think the most important factor of my debate is maintenance. I'm not too picky of the method, I would just prefer low maintenance (not running to a loctician every month to spend $100+). I wouldn't mind going 4 or 5 times a year, but not every month. I definitely appreciate the tight and tidy look (not too much fuss)So I guess my question is: natural or extensions and which method of locing would be best for low maintenance?Thank you all in advance.Live the journey
updated by @zen-rasta: 01/13/15 08:46:37PM

What I have learned in nearly 2mos. of dreading...

Life Issues Facing Dreads

Wow... just wow. This should honestly be the first thing that anybody reads. I believe this is probably my favorite post on the site (and I've been reading a lot of 'em). I'm really glad this was featured. Every reply just adds to Panterra's simple yet beautiful and captivating post.Namaste

important history spirituality and religious significance of dreadlocks

History and Religious Significance

That's quite similar to my commandment: "limit harm" (to yourself, to others, and to your environment). Most of these commandments or rules are just fear tactics used to manipulate people into following one organization or another. Just my understanding based on experience. Not really looking for a debate or anything

Gary Charlesworth said:

How about my commandments...1) Everything is cool as long as no one gets hurt, maimed or killed.That is all!

i need biblical references to dreadlocks my church kicked me out for wanting to dread

History and Religious Significance

I agree with a lot of things said here. I just wanted to post my favorite quotes from the discussion."jesus said, come onto me, not get the hell out...my locks have a greatter chance of getting me into heaven then your church ever did anyway.." - SE"The problem with organised religion is exactly that. It's organised." - JFM"they literaly cannot do a thing if they try go pray outside and ask every parrishioner whos going in to join you dont tell them theyre wrong if they go in but persist show up there week afyer week and every week ask again after u get 1 to join u more will followpeople will feel more real faith outside then in" - SE"Yup that is pretty much it. I was raised in a Christian cult and they can twist and turn things to make anything sound like a sin. They want to destroy the individual by putting up standards on appearance so that the individual no longer exist and this person is now part of the collective, I'm not saying that Brandon's church is like this I'm just saying that high control groups use these tactics to control." Jdwood"and come the judgment day his hand shall rake the land and tangle in the locks of thre righteous lifting them to the promised land" - SEFor some reason I picture a big hand (could have more than 4 fingers, maybe no need for a thumb) reaching down out of the sky and pulling up all the deadheads (and those who have just started such as myself, lol) and pulling us to salvation.I don't think I saw a 2nd response from Brandon. I wonder how he's doing