loc’d & loaded

South of France looks good on me…

TAY DID MY PINK BOB MARLEY 💕 | IG: @tayybann

Don’t chase beauty, become it ❤️💚🖤 @beeloved1 ・・・ ➰ • • #locstyles #locs #hair #locstylesforwomen #beauty #hairporn #locporn #locjourney #locnation #loclivin #quarantine #selfcare #lifestyle #art #artistsoninstagram #locschicago #loc #loclife #loclove #melanin #melaninpoppin #darkskin #naturalhairstyles #naturalhair #naturalbeauty #chocolate #skin #skincare #explore #locmuse https://www.instagram.com/p/CjqFtf6S4uU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sometimes, you can say everything you need to say without saying one word. The beautiful @chante_smith in the Original LOCD Tee 👚@johniejaysworld_apparel . . . . . . . . . . #longlocs • #shortlocs • #longlocstyles • #locjourney • #healthylocs • #locs • #menwithlocs • #thicklocs • #embraceurnatural • #womenwithlocs • #locstylesforwomen • #teamlocs #jacksonvillelocs • #locqueen • #locd • #loclivin • #locstarts • #loccommunity • #locmaintenance • #starterlocheadz • #loclife • #shortlocstyles • #locdtees • #locs4life • #iamlocd • #locsarebeautiful https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOCRVXu5At/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The past version of myself would be so proud of how far I’ve come 🖤

In awe 🫢 They just keep growing and growing ✨ #locd #blackgirljoy #loclivin #loclovin #locs #loclifestyle #locdhaircommunity #locqueens #mylocdjourney #locjourney #prettywomenwithlocs #locqueensonly #lusciouslocs #locdfamily #locdinlove #locdandlovingit #locdgoddessesy https://www.instagram.com/p/Cej4yzyO7Rz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

My Loc Journey

I believe we all know how much our hair means to us. For some people, it is their way of self expression. For others, it is their entire self esteem. Our hair is a part of who we are. It is what makes us unique. Therefore, it is especially important to learn more about the specific needs of our hair and make sure it is always taken care of.

It was the middle of August when I decided to embark on a journey that would change my life forever. I was beginning my dreadlock journey. I always had a thing for locs. From the rich history to the way they look, I fell completely in love. Dreadlocks are a huge part of Black history and culture. They symbolize power and what it means to be unapolgetically Black. They represent patience and consistency. 

Throughout history, Black people have been continuously ridiculed for the way our hair grows out of our heads. To the point where there have been laws made specifically to promote this sort of Anti-Blackness. For far too long, eurocentric features have been and continue to be the beauty standard. But beauty comes in all shades and features. Or at least, that is what growing locs has taught me.

I’m a month into my journey and I have learned so much. Growing my locs has not only made me appreciate myself more, but has helped me to find a community where I can be who I really am. As well as learn more about myself and my roots. Having locs really is a self love journey. It’s not always easy embracing what others do not like about us. We are often taught to hide what is “undesirable” to make others more comfortable.

However, this is not a life to live. We weren’t made to conform to other’s opinions on us. I’ve learned this through having dreadlocks as they challenge the status quo on topics such as professionalism and cleanliness. Locs are not dirty. They are not unprofessional. Locs are beautiful and should be treated with the same respect as any other hair type would.

It’s easy to say, it’s just hair. But it is so much more than that to me and other people who share the same love for locs. There is nothing to “dread” about having dreadlocks. Maybe except the awkward phase… lol jk.

But whether it’s palm rolls, comb coils, two strand twists or even instant locs, all forms of dreadlocks are valid and are to be celebrated. Natural hair is a crown and it should be treated as nothing less.

After all, everyone else wears their hair naturally, so why shouldn’t we ?

#Repost @lupusdetroit ・・・ #Repost @stubs_disability_life ・・・ SCARS REMIND US THAT WE CAN HEAL.. This evenings 💡is Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel, better known as the platinum singing artist SEAL. Many of you, might have made the same assumption I have been making for years about Seal's scars. I had assumed that his facial scars were a symbol of his West Africa culture. As scars or facial marks can be used for identification of ethnic groups, families, individuals. Also to express beauty; his rank in society, family, clan, and tribe, and symbolize a degree of strength. (Now all this still might be true) But ..in my research this weekend I found out how Seal really got his scars. SEAL'S scars are as a result of a type of lupus called DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (DLE) – a condition that specifically affects the skin above the neck. DLE is a form of lupus that usually affects young people. Intense inflammation develops in the skin, particularly in sun-exposed areas. If not treated aggressively with sun protection and anti-inflammatory medicines, “Seal-style” scarring can result. Seal has revealed in interviews that he was afflicted with this syndrome as a teen. Not only did DLE cause Seal’s cheek scars, but he had significant scalp involvement, causing hair loss (#loclivin). Thankfully, the singer’s condition has been in remission for years, though his scars remain. However there is something that can be said, about the way Seal carries himself. The scars don't always appear as noticeable, but an inner beauty or 'soul' does. It reminds me that we are more than our illness, condition, DISABILITY or diagnosis. Also how our perspective on the world/people is affected by numerous assumptions. https://youtu.be/os3cKlkcBnA @seal . #seal #lupus #dle #discoidlupus #scars #marks #beauty #pride #assumptions #singer #perspective #scarsheal #revealbeauty #research #westafrica #autoimmune #disabilityawarensss #nigeria #disabilitylifecoaching #blackmen #lupusfighters #blackdisabledandproud #sunday #nocure #ggracces #strivingtowardunderstandingbarriers #lupusmen https://www.instagram.com/p/CewJRsYOWfZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Draped up and dripped out, know what I'm talking bout.... #locs #loclivin #loclife #loclifestyle https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvBzvFub6j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

A trip to the record parlor | IG/Tiktok: @tayybann 📸

Happy Sunday I love my outfit 💜😍 #lovemesomeme #locstyles #locs #locsforwomen #locnation #locjourney #loclivin #locqueen (at Huggable Home Preschool) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cps7irJvsBb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Saturday vibez ⚡️ E̲l̲e̲c̲t̲r̲i̲c̲ 💫 @therealraniii ・・・ 🌜🌛 • • • • • • #locs #locstyles #loclivin #locjourney #locinspo #loclife #locqueen #locdgirl #locdup #locdnotbound #locdqueen #locd #locdndope #loclove #locdcommunity #livnlocd #lochaircommunity #coloredlocs #bluelocs #greenlocs #locqueen #locinspiration #locnation #melaninpoppin #explore #starterlocs #maturelocs #texturetuesday #3clocs #girlswithlocs #locdnotbound #locdnodread https://www.instagram.com/p/ClbgbjDr6ub/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=