Combing Out Locs & Retaining Length

#comboutlocs #combinglocs #takeoutlocs
I began combing out my locs October 17th. It took 13 days total. I mostly worked on my hair overnight- staying up overnight into the early morning and pulled a couple all nighters... the smaller locs (about 10) only took 20-30 minutes, BUT the rest took about an hour each and some locs even took 2! 😭To say I was tired would be an understatement, but I was determined and got it done in under 2 weeks!
I love locs, but felt decisions I made early on damaged my hair. I had applied too much oil in the beginning stages of my locs and did a lot of pulling and tugging trying to rid my locs of the oil. This caused many locs to stretch out and many were flattened closer to the root and fuller at the bottom. This changed the way my locs continued to form.
Needless to say, less manipulation is better!
I also did not like the way I parted my hair at the upper back and that affected the way my hair would lay when I wore it down. Those locs at the upper back were much thicker than the rest of my locs and were very flat too.
I feel that because the ends of my hair were damaged and I didn’t trim my ends evenly before locking my hair this caused many of the ends of my locs to be thin and I appeared unhealthy to me. I noticed the locs that rounded well as they matured did so because they had healthy ends.
*If I were to start over I would take my time with parting my hair, I would stay away from applying any oil, and I would wash my hair more often in the beginning. If dandruff appears it’s best to wash right away or else it’s harder to get it out of locs and the excessive pulling and scratching from trying to rid it from your hair can damage your locs. ✨

[@naturalcandigirl]

It's your journey! Do what fits your soul! I love your hair loose and loc'd!

[@aleshakate]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate you!! 🤗❤️

[@feefs2139]

I went through the same thing. I combed out my locs right when I hit 3 years. I just started my second set a little over a month ago after I chopped all of my hair off and just started from a TWA. I feel like these locs will be much healthier and at least now I know what size I want and the fullness. Health starts from the scalp so cutting them off with the best decision I wish I would have made sooner. Blessings to your journey. 💕

[@aleshakate]

Thank you so much!! It’s all about doing what feels good and I’m so glad you’re happy with your new set! Blessings to you on your journey as well!💕

[@Mrs_Canary]

Looks great!

[@aleshakate]

Thank you!!

[@Dorasgard3n]

I was shocked at first but Hunni I love your loose natural hair too 😍😍😍

[@aleshakate]

Thank you!!❤️

[@StayGOALden]

BEAUTIFUL….still rocking with you Sis! It’s the diligence and patience for meee….Thanks for sharing!

[@aleshakate]

Thank you so much beautiful!! I really appreciate you!!❤️🤗

[@IndigoCosmic]

I'm terrified to comb my locs out but after 14 years I have to because my edges and top of my hair is thinning. The weight of the length is pulling so I know its time but I also know my hair is going to be so much shorter and I don't like short hair on me. Your hair looks nice.

[@aleshakate]

Thank you! I’m sure your hair is beautiful and will be just as beautiful even if you comb them out! I wish you the best on your journey✨☺️

[@IndigoCosmic]

@embracedbylove Thank you for saying that. I have started combining them out. It's been a long process, but I'm getting there 😊

[@tierrabanks448]

My sis name is spelt Alisha and yours Alesha omg