What My Loc Journey Has Taught Me

November 11, 2024 (4 yrs 3 mos locd)

Starting locs isn't just about hair—it's about patience, self-love, and transformation. It's symbolic—it mirrors the work I’ve been doing internally: unlearning, healing, and learning to grow at my own pace. It’s a journey.

What I've Learned So Far:

Letting go of perfection – The starter phase is messy. Frizz happens. Shrinkage happens. But I’m learning to be okay with not always being “polished.”

Trusting the process – Progress doesn’t always show up the way we expect. But that doesn’t mean growth isn’t happening.

Sticking with myself – There will be days when I question the journey. But I made this choice for me, and I’m learning to stay rooted—literally and emotionally.

For me, starting locs is an act of self-love and self-acceptance. It’s a way of embracing who I am fully and unapologetically. I've spent time in the past looking outward, seeking approval, and trying to meet expectations that never really belonged to me. This journey is also about letting go, especially of the emotional weight tied to past romantic relationships. Locs symbolize my decision to release those ties and begin again, grounded in my truth.

I’ve always admired locs. They’ve drawn me in with their beauty, their strength, and their symbolism. For a long time, I saw them on others and thought, “One day.” That day has now come, and I am happy with my choice. I’m choosing freedom—freedom from the pressure to conform, from the need to manipulate my hair into something it’s not. Freedom to simply be. And in this choice, I’m honoring both my outer and inner growth.