LOCKING CHILDREN'S HAIR

Locking children's hair seems to be a debate with those who I have talked to. Some feel that it should be a child's decision whether or not they wear a permant hairstyle. But that is where I disagree, because locking is not a hairstyle, but a lifestyle. We don't usually consult our little girls before we send them off to the salon for a perm or to fry their hair with the hot comb. Nor do we discuss it with our little boys before we cart them off to the barber shop for a hair cut. But we do it because these are the things we feel will make them look exceptable to our socitey. But for those of us who have chosen locking as a part of our way of life, it has also extended to our children.

Though there are many natural hairstyles for our children to wear, the majority are wearing braided extentions, relaxers, curly perms and pressed (hot comb) hair. All of which are killing our children's hair along with the true meaning of being themselves. Now I am not saying that the only way for our children to be themselves is to lock their hair, but I am saying it is an option. It is also important for them to understand our reasons for locking our hair. I began my 7 year old daughter's locks just a little over a month ago. Being that she is a child it is a lot of upkeep because she runs and plays like a 7 year old should. But each grooming session is well worth it not only because of the time we spend together, but it is also a time to reaffirm her natural beauty and to put her in a place of ever loving comfort with her locks. She questions why more of us do not wear our natural hair. And why we are not happy with who we are. Though I have given her the history on how we came to dislike our nappy hair, she looks at the world as a place, where you be who you are with no exceptions. I echo this sentiment as well!

The locking process for children is about the same as adults. The only exception I have seen is that the twist may require a little more care as a child plays. My daughters locks are covered most of the time to allow her to play on the floor or ground without getting lint or other debris in her locks. I groom (wash) her hair once a week with a retwisting twice a month, though I may do a touch up if needed in between.

Other natural hairstyles for our children can include afro puffs, natural corn rows, and two strand twisting. Childrens hair should also be groomed often. Once a week washings, conditioning and oiling should be done. Even if the child's hair is braided the same grooming should be performed. If the braids are done correctly (not tight but firm) then once a week grooming should not be a problem.