Day 52 Nicole

I know. Im a crappy blogger. Its not easy keeping 2 blogs going.

Heres my progress.

Day 52. Natural.

20 Days

Nicole

and we have baby dreads! 40 of them! Wow! That is ALOT. I'm thinking that some will combine since alot of them are really tiny, but if I have 40 now, then I'm gonna have a WHOLE lot when they all get really going.

Here's an up close pic of a few of them. Remember, they are just babies. Not super thick, or knotted, just well on their way.

Thirteen Days

Nicole

13 days of not brushing or conditioning my hair. I knew I could do this, but I thought it would be harder than it is. This is awesome. I feel calmer. And more relaxed. I never realized how much time and energy I spent stressing over my hair. This is the best thing I've done, for me, in a really long time.


Here are some progression shots. You can see the separation already starting. The underneath, that you can't see, is already masses of tangles and knots, that I have to separate several times a day or they try to join together. And since dreads are long pieces of knotted, tangled hair, we are on the right track!!

Madeline

After a few days, we've realized that quite a few of my baby dreads would end up being too big once they've matured. Soo, I'm slowly in the process of splitting a few in half. Still totally in love with them :) even the few new baby ones in the front that are going crazy!

And here's something I found on the forums dreadlockssite.com

"dreads are freedom they are deep personal and intimate connection to
the true self the earth to life force of the universe dreads are a
connection to the true self because all your lifes experiences are
recorded in your hair, when the hairs locked all experiences intercept
all others creating a oneness that can be called wisdom, dreads are
pure natural beauty they allow you to be your most natural self free
from the artificial cosmetic reality of grooming dressing to impress
makeup and fashion reality

you are simply you nothing more nothing less

dreads are strength and healing

lets look for a second at anorexia and body image issues that come from
..pressure to be perfect, and sensitivity to what others say (your fat
and worthless etc etc etc) when u dread u must stop caring what others
think and only find the strength to know your true worth and true
beauty does not require validation from shallow narrow minded people

dreads give you confidence in yourself in your worth in your beauty and
value, and that your true value does not lie in your looks but in your
heart dreads literal are wearing your heart on your sleeve letting your
soul shine forcing people to look deeper within you...or look away.. it
repells the shallow while attracting the deep..


to dread u inviter critisim and you gain the strenght to not be so hurt
by ignorance you find your own bliss and in that bliss you are
protected and cannot be easily harmed by the misery of others"

*Soaring Eagle (owner of dreadlockssite.com)

dreadlocks are not one thing or another. they are not dirty. they are not "just for (insert culture here)". they are not just religious. they are spiritual, emotional, and patience as well. along with being my choice.

and since it's coming up alot...
-NO i did not pay to get them done. it's a simple, close to natural method calling tear and rip.
-NO they are not dirty nor do they smell bad (they actually smell pretty damn good). i wash them every other day, thank you very much.
-NO i do not have them just because i like how they look. (not denying that i do think dreads are absolutely gorgeous) they are a deeper connection into who i really am, they make me feel better about myself, they have taught me patience, and to be less stubborn about things being my way.
-NO i do not plan on taking them out any time in the near future, or 15 years even. they are part of me now. i am proud of them, and myself for being able to do this and fall in love with them.



and yes, i do love hearing peoples opinions on them, but lets keep it nice and simple please. if you don't like them, i don't need a twenty minute rant on your opinion about how they are gross, or how i shouldn't have them. simply state you don't like them. if you must. if you love them, awesome, i do too :)

Nicole DAY 5

Nicole

Things are coming along great! I'll have Madeline take some pics in the next few days, but I've got a few knots starting up! I'm pretty excited.

I thought that this natural method and waiting would make me insane, but it's not. It's fun to see what rewards my patience gives me.

Juliette Dropped

NICOLE

She (and her Dad) decided that dreadlocks weren't a good idea just yet. She was going nuts not brushing her hair. It's a had habit to break, even after just 10 years.

It's good though. Dreadlocks are something you need to be emotionally ready for. 10 may have been a tad too young. Although I have seen tiny tots with them, maybe it's that 'in-between' age of about 5-12 years where self awareness is developing. Maybe it's a society thing. Maybe perceptions need to change in our culture. Maybe we should start Annie on some locks before she gets warped by whats 'right' in others' eyes. At age 10, its hard to relearn whats already been taught.

Ah, maybe I'll just focus on me. It might just be about time for me to do that. Even if just for a little while.

Madeline

Method: Twist and Rip. (TnR)
Day one= 6/18/2010
BEFORE:

DAY ONE:

DAY FOUR:

(Can't really see them, but they had a nice trip to the beach for some salt air to lock 'em up!)

*Even after just four days, I have fallen in complete love with them. They are my favorite things ever, and i'm VERY proud of them. They make me feel more myself.