Lint and build-up is my life struggle! Giving up straightened hair has a long list of pros, so a few cons here and there doesn't detract from my overall sisterlocked joys. Lint, though an ever present thing to look out for, is often a seasonal issue, it is a peak problem during winter months because of scarves. Build-up was horrible in the beginning because I abused conditioners and now it is very manageable for because of the steps that I will mention below.

First off, how to differentiate between lint and build-up. If the eye soar on your locs disappears when wet, you have build-up. If it remains, it’s lint.

The top 4 ways to deal with trapped lint and build-up:

Tweezers - Though tedious, it is very handy for regular maintenance related to lint. I have even used pointed tweezers to remove build-up.



Clarifying - using specific products that a made to strip your hair of all the dirt, oil and nasty build up. This is a must for all hair types, especially locs. Here are some recommendations if you don't have one you love already.

• A clarifying shampoo like Aubrey Organics Clarifying Shampoo or Alaffia - Neem Turmeric Balancing shampoo (for a gentler cleanse if dryness is an issue)
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Mix a solution of 1/4 cup ACV with 4 cups water, add to a spray bottle, saturate hair, cover with plastic cap and let sit for up to 30 minutes. ACV removes product build-up, leaves hair shinny and restores your pH. (You may also add peppermint, tea tree, or rosemary oils to the mix for some extra kick)
• Herbal Loc Rinse
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo
• Boiling Water, if you hair is long enough and you exercise extreme caution. I have not done this myself, but some of my long hair loc rockers swear by it. Boil some water and dip you hair in it, immediately wrap in a towel.
• Vodka - Add a small amount of vodka to your current shampoo to remove product build-up and minerals in water. Because of vodka's alcohol content, which is a solvent, removes organic and inorganic matter from your hair.  If you have a combination of different types of build-up, add a small amount of vodka to your shampoo bottle or other container. Thoroughly rinse. 
• Bentonite Clay - I love this product and use it on my skin regularly. Bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet.When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed. Mix equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon. (If you use metal, you will activate or deactivate certain properties in the bentonite clay). Apply to hair and leave for 20 minutes, it will magically lift lint to surface. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse! See a great example of how to mix here.

If you have really bad build up, try alternating between shampoo, vodka and clay over the course of one month. This should rid you of build-up once and for all. 

Hide - This is the method I used for sometime, coloring your hair regularly and pretending the lint does not exist, LOL!

Prevent 

• Rinse shampoo/conditioner out thoroughly.
• Protect hair from lint bearing tops and scarves.
• Use apple cider vinegar regularly.
• Avoid products with petroleum, heavy hair butters and creamy conditioners. 
• Lint check regularly.
• Minimize use of oils and never use hair oil on dry hair. Only use oils like avocado or grapeseed after using a water-based moisturizer, like Rosewater spray, to lock in moisture.

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• Sunday, August 30, 2015
• clarifying

How To Remove Lint & Build-up from Locs

Lint and build-up is my life struggle! Giving up straightened hair has a long list of pros, so a few cons here and there doesn't detract from my overall sisterlocked joys. Lint, though an ever present thing to look out for, is often a seasonal issue, it is a peak problem during winter months because of scarves. Build-up was horrible in the beginning because I abused conditioners and now it is very manageable for because of the steps that I will mention below.

First off, how to differentiate between lint and build-up. If the eye soar on your locs disappears when wet, you have build-up. If it remains, it’s lint.

The top 4 ways to deal with trapped lint and build-up:

Tweezers - Though tedious, it is very handy for regular maintenance related to lint. I have even used pointed tweezers to remove build-up.



Clarifying - using specific products that a made to strip your hair of all the dirt, oil and nasty build up. This is a must for all hair types, especially locs. Here are some recommendations if you don't have one you love already.

• A clarifying shampoo like Aubrey Organics Clarifying Shampoo or Alaffia - Neem Turmeric Balancing shampoo (for a gentler cleanse if dryness is an issue)
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Mix a solution of 1/4 cup ACV with 4 cups water, add to a spray bottle, saturate hair, cover with plastic cap and let sit for up to 30 minutes. ACV removes product build-up, leaves hair shinny and restores your pH. (You may also add peppermint, tea tree, or rosemary oils to the mix for some extra kick)
• Herbal Loc Rinse
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo
• Boiling Water, if you hair is long enough and you exercise extreme caution. I have not done this myself, but some of my long hair loc rockers swear by it. Boil some water and dip you hair in it, immediately wrap in a towel.
• Vodka - Add a small amount of vodka to your current shampoo to remove product build-up and minerals in water. Because of vodka's alcohol content, which is a solvent, removes organic and inorganic matter from your hair.  If you have a combination of different types of build-up, add a small amount of vodka to your shampoo bottle or other container. Thoroughly rinse. 
• Bentonite Clay - I love this product and use it on my skin regularly. Bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet.When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed. Mix equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon. (If you use metal, you will activate or deactivate certain properties in the bentonite clay). Apply to hair and leave for 20 minutes, it will magically lift lint to surface. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse! See a great example of how to mix here.

If you have really bad build up, try alternating between shampoo, vodka and clay over the course of one month. This should rid you of build-up once and for all. 

Hide - This is the method I used for sometime, coloring your hair regularly and pretending the lint does not exist, LOL!

Prevent 

• Rinse shampoo/conditioner out thoroughly.
• Protect hair from lint bearing tops and scarves.
• Use apple cider vinegar regularly.
• Avoid products with petroleum, heavy hair butters and creamy conditioners. 
• Lint check regularly.
• Minimize use of oils and never use hair oil on dry hair. Only use oils like avocado or grapeseed after using a water-based moisturizer, like Rosewater spray, to lock in moisture.

Join Our Community

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

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A few weeks ago, I had the goal of purging coffee from my diet in a significant way.  I had a detox smoothie every morning for a few weeks. My morning energy levels were through the roof and I felt great!

Here are the ingredients for a great smoothie that helps with stress, provide an extra boost of energy and is great for your skin.

Ingredients

• Coconut Water - Natural appetite suppressant, helps with blood pressure, aides with skin both orally and topically (can reduce oil), and hydrates better that the most well know workout drinks. 
• Kale - Packed with high levels of most vitamins and is rich in antioxidants. 
• Spinach - Provides iron, which helps with skin and hair. 
• Parsley - Natural blood cleanser. rich in a multitude of vitamins, and is an anti-inflammatory.
• Watermelon - Mostly water with significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene
• Pineapple - High in vitamin C, which can improve in the quality of your skin. The collagen that glues your skin cells together is particularly reliant on adequate levels of vitamin C in your diet.
• Maca Powder - Is a miracle. It improves your sex drive, gives a crazy amount of energy, helps with acne, and helps your mood (reduces stress, helps with anxiety, and depression).

I blend all together and add more or less watermelon or any of the ingredients depending on taste.

I also add chia seeds for added energy and nutritional value. I also occasionally add apples or berries.

This smoothie is really yummy and great for you, give it a try. 

• Saturday, August 29, 2015
• food

Detox & Energy Smoothie

A few weeks ago, I had the goal of purging coffee from my diet in a significant way.  I had a detox smoothie every morning for a few weeks. My morning energy levels were through the roof and I felt great!

Here are the ingredients for a great smoothie that helps with stress, provide an extra boost of energy and is great for your skin.

Ingredients

• Coconut Water - Natural appetite suppressant, helps with blood pressure, aides with skin both orally and topically (can reduce oil), and hydrates better that the most well know workout drinks. 
• Kale - Packed with high levels of most vitamins and is rich in antioxidants. 
• Spinach - Provides iron, which helps with skin and hair. 
• Parsley - Natural blood cleanser. rich in a multitude of vitamins, and is an anti-inflammatory.
• Watermelon - Mostly water with significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene
• Pineapple - High in vitamin C, which can improve in the quality of your skin. The collagen that glues your skin cells together is particularly reliant on adequate levels of vitamin C in your diet.
• Maca Powder - Is a miracle. It improves your sex drive, gives a crazy amount of energy, helps with acne, and helps your mood (reduces stress, helps with anxiety, and depression).

I blend all together and add more or less watermelon or any of the ingredients depending on taste.

I also add chia seeds for added energy and nutritional value. I also occasionally add apples or berries.

This smoothie is really yummy and great for you, give it a try. 

Read more

This batch can be used as either a exfoliating scrub to get rid of dead skin or as a calming and detoxifying soak.
Benefits
Salt scrubs have a number of benefits, including reducing inflammation and helping your body to flush out toxins. The process of exfoliation or gently rubbing the skin in a circular motion, which can improve circulation, restore natural glow and encourage the regeneration of new skin cells.

Quality Salt & Diffusion
For this batch I opted for a higher quality salt that is unrefined, all natural and with a much higher concentration of minerals. This is important because of diffusion, the process through which toxins are released from the body and into the bath water, while trace minerals from the salt are absorbed through the skin.

Salt baths can...

• Restore magnesium (one of the most abundant nutrients in our body that our diet/environment may be stripping us of)
• Improve hydration
• Relieve stress
• Alleviate muscle aches
• Increase insulin sensitivity
• Improve nutrient absorption
• Relieve headache
• Speed up wound healing
• Improve sleep in children
• Aide in the battle against acne, eczema or other skin problems
• Provide joint relief
• Relieve poison ivy or skin reactions

Simple Recipe

Mix 2 cups of salt with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and add few drops of essential oil.

I used jasmine absolute, which is pricy but smells like faeries frolicking through heaven. Lavender will do fine though. I also added a little Vitamin E oil.

(Please note, I made a smaller amount due to the size of my container.)

• Tuesday, August 18, 2015
• DIY

DIY Skin Detox Salt Scrub

This batch can be used as either a exfoliating scrub to get rid of dead skin or as a calming and detoxifying soak.
Benefits
Salt scrubs have a number of benefits, including reducing inflammation and helping your body to flush out toxins. The process of exfoliation or gently rubbing the skin in a circular motion, which can improve circulation, restore natural glow and encourage the regeneration of new skin cells.

Quality Salt & Diffusion
For this batch I opted for a higher quality salt that is unrefined, all natural and with a much higher concentration of minerals. This is important because of diffusion, the process through which toxins are released from the body and into the bath water, while trace minerals from the salt are absorbed through the skin.

Salt baths can...

• Restore magnesium (one of the most abundant nutrients in our body that our diet/environment may be stripping us of)
• Improve hydration
• Relieve stress
• Alleviate muscle aches
• Increase insulin sensitivity
• Improve nutrient absorption
• Relieve headache
• Speed up wound healing
• Improve sleep in children
• Aide in the battle against acne, eczema or other skin problems
• Provide joint relief
• Relieve poison ivy or skin reactions

Simple Recipe

Mix 2 cups of salt with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and add few drops of essential oil.

I used jasmine absolute, which is pricy but smells like faeries frolicking through heaven. Lavender will do fine though. I also added a little Vitamin E oil.

(Please note, I made a smaller amount due to the size of my container.)

Read more

A random video featuring myself doing a little hot bathroom hair maintenance while rocking out to my favorite King's Kaleidoscope song.

• Sunday, August 16, 2015
• videos

Sunday Hair

A random video featuring myself doing a little hot bathroom hair maintenance while rocking out to my favorite King's Kaleidoscope song.

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I have not been as selfie crazy recently, but I did capture a few snaps recently that I am here to share. I did a recent Periscope about all things my life, check me out on periscope @Sisterlocked.

In recent weeks I've been avoiding makeup, trying to heal from a stint of stress acne.

I've been trying to incorporate more color into my life.

I still love wearing black though.

• Thursday, August 13, 2015
• Selfie

Chronic Selfie Disorder: July & August

I have not been as selfie crazy recently, but I did capture a few snaps recently that I am here to share. I did a recent Periscope about all things my life, check me out on periscope @Sisterlocked.

In recent weeks I've been avoiding makeup, trying to heal from a stint of stress acne.

I've been trying to incorporate more color into my life.

I still love wearing black though.

Read more

(This post is promoted by Target.)

Baby Girl: “Mommy, I don’t like my body”

Me: “What?”

Baby Girl: “Auntie Lisa’s butt is so big, and my butt is so little”

A wave of despair washed over me. Pure despair. I did this. As progressive, as aware, and as conscious as I believe myself to be, my vocal body image issues have penetrated the mind of my child. She is 5… she is perfect, and she just said that she hates her precious little baby tush!

How did this happen? Why is this a thing already?

I spent a few days auditing my safe space narrative. The words and phrases I say when I am in my bedroom-getting ready for work or a weekend outing. The little things I mumble to myself when I slide into a pair of jeans, try on a colorful top or pick out my accessories.

I am incredibly critical of myself. I wouldn’t dare call another woman fat, but I say it to myself in the mirror everyday. All the while, somewhere in the nearby background, playing with her toys or coloring freely is a little girl seemingly in her own world but absorbing mommy’s often thoughtless complaints about how flat my butt looks in a pair of pants.

Why is this my truth, why is this okay?

Last Sunday, when I stepped into Target in search of jeans for another wonderful project sponsored by them, I struggled. I remembered my daughter’s words and I thought about what I wanted from this next purchase. I have a dresser filled with clothes that no longer fit, favorites kept while I wish and sometimes work my way back to where I believe I should be physically.

I decided to not focus on the size I needed, and focus on the fit I wanted. When I step into my clothes, I don’t want to celebrate a number but cry out about the muffin top it triggered.

I picked out various styles in multiple sizes. I went for bold pieces with character, things that would speak to my sometimes adventurous and very exuberant personality. I tried pieces that meshed with my sometimes reserved and very laid-back side.

In the end I picked something simple. Gray. Something that would wear well on those weekends where I paint the town red with girlfriends or just run random errands with the kids.

I wore these jeans this past Sunday to a performance where I sung background for my husband’s band, to an ice cream outing with the kids and to a bonfire on beach with my closest friends. I felt comfortable. I felt authentic.

I put on a pair of jeans that fit me in more ways than one. 

Here's my guide for finding the perfect jeans:

1. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again: Try on multiple pairs to determine what you like or what look good on you.
2. Size ain't nothing but a number: Do not only try on multiple styles but multiple sizes. Maybe a style runs small or large? You very well maybe the exact size you always are, but a denim with little stretch may warrant going up a size.
3. Try something new: Try a different wash (darker or lighter), give distressed denim a try, and don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone.
4. Pair your jeans with the right stuff: Heels or sneakers, fitted or boyfriend tee, bold accessories or simple earrings; these little choices can make the difference between a good and a great jeans day. Try different outfit combinations and have fun with it.

If you need to let go of a pair of jeans that aren’t a good fit in more ways than one, in the first 2 weeks in August (8/2 - 8/15), you’ll get free shipping and free returns when you shop denim on www.target.com/jeans.  Find your style and please let us know how it by sharing on social media with the hashtag #TargetStyle.

I'm wearing Mid-Rise Jeggings in gray from Target.

Find your style @Targetstyle

• Monday, August 03, 2015
• fashion

Rules for Finding the Perfect Jeans for Your Body & Your Lifestyle

(This post is promoted by Target.)

Baby Girl: “Mommy, I don’t like my body”

Me: “What?”

Baby Girl: “Auntie Lisa’s butt is so big, and my butt is so little”

A wave of despair washed over me. Pure despair. I did this. As progressive, as aware, and as conscious as I believe myself to be, my vocal body image issues have penetrated the mind of my child. She is 5… she is perfect, and she just said that she hates her precious little baby tush!

How did this happen? Why is this a thing already?

I spent a few days auditing my safe space narrative. The words and phrases I say when I am in my bedroom-getting ready for work or a weekend outing. The little things I mumble to myself when I slide into a pair of jeans, try on a colorful top or pick out my accessories.

I am incredibly critical of myself. I wouldn’t dare call another woman fat, but I say it to myself in the mirror everyday. All the while, somewhere in the nearby background, playing with her toys or coloring freely is a little girl seemingly in her own world but absorbing mommy’s often thoughtless complaints about how flat my butt looks in a pair of pants.

Why is this my truth, why is this okay?

Last Sunday, when I stepped into Target in search of jeans for another wonderful project sponsored by them, I struggled. I remembered my daughter’s words and I thought about what I wanted from this next purchase. I have a dresser filled with clothes that no longer fit, favorites kept while I wish and sometimes work my way back to where I believe I should be physically.

I decided to not focus on the size I needed, and focus on the fit I wanted. When I step into my clothes, I don’t want to celebrate a number but cry out about the muffin top it triggered.

I picked out various styles in multiple sizes. I went for bold pieces with character, things that would speak to my sometimes adventurous and very exuberant personality. I tried pieces that meshed with my sometimes reserved and very laid-back side.

In the end I picked something simple. Gray. Something that would wear well on those weekends where I paint the town red with girlfriends or just run random errands with the kids.

I wore these jeans this past Sunday to a performance where I sung background for my husband’s band, to an ice cream outing with the kids and to a bonfire on beach with my closest friends. I felt comfortable. I felt authentic.

I put on a pair of jeans that fit me in more ways than one. 

Here's my guide for finding the perfect jeans:

1. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again: Try on multiple pairs to determine what you like or what look good on you.
2. Size ain't nothing but a number: Do not only try on multiple styles but multiple sizes. Maybe a style runs small or large? You very well maybe the exact size you always are, but a denim with little stretch may warrant going up a size.
3. Try something new: Try a different wash (darker or lighter), give distressed denim a try, and don't be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone.
4. Pair your jeans with the right stuff: Heels or sneakers, fitted or boyfriend tee, bold accessories or simple earrings; these little choices can make the difference between a good and a great jeans day. Try different outfit combinations and have fun with it.

If you need to let go of a pair of jeans that aren’t a good fit in more ways than one, in the first 2 weeks in August (8/2 - 8/15), you’ll get free shipping and free returns when you shop denim on www.target.com/jeans.  Find your style and please let us know how it by sharing on social media with the hashtag #TargetStyle.

I'm wearing Mid-Rise Jeggings in gray from Target.

Find your style @Targetstyle

Read more