Feature of the Day: Als Simmons

Your name/username:
Als Simmons (http://lion-essence.blogspot.com)

Where are you from?
St Vincent, Caribbean but living in London, UK since 1998

How long have you been Loc'd?
Loc’d since January, 2001

Tell us your hair story. Why did you decide to loc?
Locs Locs Locs… I’m always on the look out for new tips and hair style ideas. I actually started locs on the spur of a moment. I was washing my hair and I really couldn’t be bothered to go through the process of clearing and combing etc and so I called my big sis in the bathroom and told her to cut. I went from having 6 inches of hair to less than an inch. For the first time in my known life I had no hair to cover my high forehead. I looked like a boy. In a weird way, it was liberating. That was September 2000 and I finally decided to twist them in the New Year. Back then, there was hardly any good information online on how to start or do locs and care for natural hair. Well, if you count a couple web-links on how to backcomb and create locs, but those were catered for the whiter audience. Luckily, I found an advert in the newspaper of a natural hair shop and so I went there and got them started. My mother and friends were horrified and shock, but I had the determination to keep going no matter what people might say.

What do you like most about being loc'd?
I love having locs. Now, so many people have or want to have them. A couple of friends have told me that they now want locs after seeing mines. At work, I always stand out. I love how my locs look and love taking care of them. The fact that my hair is protected and well cared for and also they are allowed to have in some way a life of their own in a way. I like my locs being slightly messy and wild. I love the freedom! I’m not a fan of neat looking locs. The thing is now that they are longer; my scalp is too tender of styles, so I leave them free to blow in the wind.

What technique has helped you the most?
I do my own hair and have been doing that for the past 4 yrs. But, I normally treat my hair every 4 months or so to a trip to my favourite loctician, Jay from www.locs4life.co.uk. I get them oil steamed/condition and styles. Sadly, the style normally last a day because my scalp is too tender. At home, I wash and condition while in the shower and then hand twist. I let my hair air dry. What has helped me the most is that at the start; I went to Jay’s salon very frequently and watched how she did my hair so now I can do my own real good. I’m always reading lots of blogs and websites to find out the best hair products. I normally mix my own oils.

Your advice to the readers
My advice to all readers is to learn to care for your own hair and love it, if you don’t. Continue to publish your hair stories and recommendations on your blogs because I love reading about what’s happening with you and your hair. I have gained so much knowledge from your blogs. Continue to be comfortable in your own skin because your love and respect for self is greatly helping another generation of black women and men. Stay bless and thanks for reading!