Hair care for sisters

q: "I would like to know the best way to loc my hair. I haven't had a relaxer in over six months. I plan to have my hair braided. Could I start the locs while I still have the braids?"

--Looking to Loc Princeton, N.J.

a: I've started locs using various techniques: the comb/coil, twisting, braiding, hand coiling, as well as loc extensions. All methods use palm rolling for follow-up sessions and maintenance. Braids are used to create locs when the hair is very fine or straight. The hair is plaited individually in different sizes, again according to the size you would like your locs, and then secured at the ends with an elastic band or with wax pomade.

--Excerpt from Textured Tresses, by Diane Da Costa with Paula T. Renfroe. Copyright [c] 2004 by Diane Da Costa/Fireside Books Got a hair problem? Write to Getting to the Root at www.ebony.com.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
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