63 Months

March 13th made five years and three months having these locs. Mary bantu'd them two days ago, and I took them down this morning. She used light setting lotion on wet hair. I did spend twenty minutes under the dryer at one point, too.

The bantu knots were not too tight, but sleeping can be uncomfortable at first even when the knots are not tight. For the most part, they stayed in place. I spent some time re-wrapping or knotting a few along the way.

Because my locs are a bit larger, I don't get the curls I desire from Bantu knots, but the waves are nice. They last a good while. The fullness effect is bold. My locs go from flat to way full whenever I do this. My head seems "ge-normous," but I don't mind because the style is cool for me.

The back never seems to hold the curl or wave too well. I think I may just roll the back next time. I am always a bit disappointed when I spent so much time waiting in bantu knots only to have the back fall right back flat. Fortunately, the length of my hair is longer on the top, so those waves can cascade over the few unwilling locs in the back.

All in all, I am satisfied with the style. Next time I have a long break like this Spring break, I may just keep the bantu knots in for the entire week. After day two, I learned how to sleep with them a little better.

As far as the years of having my locs are concerned, I reflect back on my install, and I remember that my consultant, Imani, had just entered her seventh year with Sisterlocks. Today, she has had her locs for 12 years. They are still stunning, and time will tell where my locs will be in seven years.

Blessings~