Courtney // 4C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
C: Hi! I’m Courtney and I’m from the great state of New Jersey ^_^

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: After countless times gripping the salon chair as the burning sensation of the perm spread over my scalp like wildfire, I finally just said enough was enough. Soon after my last appointment I cut all of my relaxed hair off and never looked back! I’ve been natural since September of 2009.

At the start of 2012 I decided to install my first set of locs (200+ loc count) because the upkeep of my afro became too tiring and time consuming. I wanted to be free of constantly having to style my hair. For all of 2012 I wore my first set of locs. In January 2013 I decided that I really wanted thicker ones so instead of combing them out, I just went to a barber and had him shave them off. I wore a short cut for a few months before I started to grow my hair back out. In September of that year, I started my second set with around 117 locs. They ended up being too thin for my liking so I tried again in December 2013 with 80, and again in March 2014 with 46. I am currently rocking my fourth (and final!) set of locs.

How would you describe your texture?
C: I’m pretty sure I am 4c. My curls are only really visible when wet.

What method was used to start your locs?
C: I started my 46 locs with finger coils! I didn’t trust anyone to part my hair the way I wanted it, so I just did it myself.

How do you style your locs?
C: I don’t really remember the details of what I was doing to my hair before I loc’d that first time, but I know that I was doing too much. Washing weekly or biweekly, co-washing and regular washing. Conditioning every month or so. Frequently mixing homemade protein concoctions and applying them to my hair. Finger detangling. Trimming. Keeping my hair stretched with twist outs and braid outs. Protective styling to maintain length. The longer it got, the more work it was. It was draining. *sigh* I’m glad that’s over.

Now I usually leave my hair as it is when I wake up. Sometimes the sides and/or back of my hair are flat or one loc may be sticking out from all the rest, but I just let it be because I feel like it gives my hair even more character! When I’m feeling fancy I’ll put my locs into bantu knots.

What does wash day look like for you?
C: It’s been smooth sailing since I decided that I was happy with this set of locs. Every two weeks I wash my hair a few times with diluted Dr. Woods Lavender Castile Soap, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, maybe apply a little castor oil to my scalp and locs, and I’m good to go. I’ve chosen to not to twist my locs, but I do pull them apart if they start to show signs of growing together at the root.

Tell us about your hair color?
C: Back when I had my first set of locs shaved off my cousin dyed my super low cut a cinnamon brown color. It’s now over a year later and the ends of my locs are the color it was dyed way back then. I haven’t gotten my hair dyed since.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: I’m only two months into this locing journey so some of my locs still unravel when submerged in water. The loc right above my right ear is pretty stubborn. I think it may be one of the last to loc. We shall see.

What are 2 do’s for your locs?
C: 1) To be patient. They will eventually fully loc and mature. Length will come in time. I need to just enjoy my locs at every stage. 2) Sleep with my hair covered every night to retain moisture and prevent lint and other stuff from getting in my hair. My hair is a lint magnet.

What are 2 don’ts for your locs?
C: 1) Going more than two days without spraying my locs with water. 2) Going to sleep without covering my hair at night.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: Blog: www.courtneyindepth.tumblr.com
Instagram: @courtneyindepth
YouTube: www.youtube.com/courtindepth (stayed tuned for videos!)