I tried the Dawn liquid soap and I was amazed at how much softer my dreads are afterwards. Here is some before and afters. Not sure if you can tell the difference but I sure can feel the difference. Luckily I didn't put tons of wax on my dreads in the beginning because if I did I would have surely cut them off and started all ofver again.

I didn't think that the little bit I had used would matter since I have had them for almost 14years. But it does! Please if you are considering starting your dreads by using wax I strongly suggest against it.I lost some length because of it. What happened was that it weakened my dreads cause some weak spots and some of part of the dread to break off.

My instincts told me that it was a bad idea all those many years ago but being a lot younger and bored with my hair I went against that wise guide within my head speaking very loudly at me. Now that I am much older and wiser I am mature enough to admit to myself that I made a mistake and will always follow my that wise woman that lurks around giving out free wisdom whenever I ask for it.

I have a dreadlock blog that I would like to share with you all. There is only one blog entry that is short but I will be adding more lengthy ones talking about the beginning of my dread journey and my experiences with having dreadlocks for almost 14yrs. I will be sharing what I learned and what has worked for me. It basically boils down to being patient enjoying the journey. http://dreadlocksjourney.blogspot.com

It is funny to me how when I was young I really wanted my hair to look like the commercial straight hair that you can run fingers through . The kind of hair that blows in the breeze. Long shiny healthy hair.The commercials presented before me the product that would solve all of my kinky,coily,unruly hair problems.

Now I have the long,shiny,healthy hair that the wind blows through but it is is tightly coiled because of my African roots and genetics. This did not happen overnight! It started to happen slowly. Like a transition in a diet. Taking out things that don't serve my growth.

I grew more and more patient with myself and others around me as my shaved head turned into a twa(teeny weeny afro) and my twa turned into big afro and then my big afro turned into baby locks and so and so forth.

Through this experience I was judged harshly but I kept loving myself and let those who continued to judge me continue to hate themselves. All through the patience of letting go I discovered that those who judge you are first and foremost judging themselves. They have a lack of love for themselves so I decided not to take to heart negative words regarding my hair because I am living in a world of self acceptance and I am not interested in go back to the days of low self esteem and confusion on who I am or who I wish to become.

Until I became patient with myself I was not able to experience a peace within my soul. The judgements were way more to live up that is when I realized that I cannot live my life according to others expectations of what I should look like,how I should talk,the way I should dress etc...

Whoever decides to read this blog I hope you helps you with your dread journey and your life journey! We are all on a very unique path and judgement will get you stuck in one section of the path. When I put into practice to have patience with myself then is when life becomes mainly about being myself and feeling free to be who I know within my heart and soul who I truly am.

I hope that everyone is feeling positive and joyful after the holiday hustle and bustle! This time of the year can bring up a lot of darkness. The winter, to me, is a very contemplative time. The rain slows things down and keeps one mesmerized by thoughts of would haves,should haves,and could haves.

What I have found to be helpful is to find a creative outlet to express your feelings. Grab a paintbrush,some paint and a canvas and just go for it.Forget about trying to be the next Thomas Kincade or for that matter Mattisse. It unloads a lot of negative energy in a positive way and the only person that has to see is you!

I believe that we are creative beings first and foremost and should express ourselves in this way no matter what medium we decide to utilize. Those negative emotions get trapped and when the energy isn't flowing you can feel stuck and totally depressed.

Getting outside and connecting with nature always helps. I can get really comfortable in my warm home with the fire blazing the fire place and sometimes forget about the Mother. Mother nature is always calling me. From the hummingbirds coming to the feeder I provide for them. To the crazy songs of the Mockingbirds. It gets me centered,grounded and focused on what is really important in life. Life is not just about surviving,to me, it is about living.

Watch the animals in your neighborhood and see how they enjoy nature. Remember we are animals too and are no better or less than they.

Warm Regards,

Trina :0)

A lot of people talk about how they wish their dreadlocks were long and can't wait until they get long. I thi nk that if these people would focus more on having healthy locks before they know it they have long locks. Just revel in the naturalness of having dreads in general. That is positive energy at work. My lock process started with a twa(teeny weeny afro)and just enjoying my head being free of chemicals and other toxic substances. As I began to truly love myself more and more my locks absorbed this love and became long very fast.
Putting healthy foods and drinks into my body has helped tremendously. I have increased the amount of raw fruits and vegetables in my diet and all of the vitamins and minerals were vital and still are to helping maintain a healthy head of locks.

Just my two cents worth from growing my locks for 13yrs now.