Contemplating A Change

I stopped getting perms put in my hair around March 2008 and cut off all my permed hair in August that year. Honestly it has been pretty challenging, especially when I did not have that much length. This was due to many reasons, including my lack of styling knowledge. I barely know how to do things such as cornrow, not for lack of trying. I even bought a mannequin head to practice styles on. However the mannequin has straight hair, and my hair texture is anything but that. I struggle with single strand knots and massive detangling issues even when I moisturize, seal, and twist my hair every night.

I began to wonder why God gave me this hair texture. Every day I see women of other races who effortlessly have great looking hair. Their hair is naturally straight so they've never had to deal with things I go through. Just to get my hair trimmed it needs to be blown out and I risk getting heat damage. I try to remember Romans 9:20, "But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?', but it doesn't seem fair at times. I have tried many different things and spent a lot of money trying to get my hair to just be healthy.  I've learned about hair pH balance, protein/moisture balance, porosity, and so on. I've tried to apply this research to my hair regimen and have seen some improvements, but then there are things out of my hands such as hard water and my low iron count that might be contributing to my issues. I don't want to make my hair an idol. I've been doing a lot of research on Sisterlocks (tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use a specialized tool used to place the hair into its locking formation) and think they might be a good option for me. I only know two women with Sisterlocks but there are a plethora of women who have blogs and youtube channels about them. I get excited at the thought of never having to deal with straightening my hair again or putting in fake hair. Being thinner and lighter than traditional locks, they would put the least amount of stress on my scalp. I am giving myself time to think about it because they are a big investment. I will also not do them until I am debt free and have saved up money for them. My last car payment should be in early July. Ideally, if I decide on them, it would be between August and December this year. 

I have an appointment this upcoming week with a trichologist. I've had a lot of breakage in certain areas an only wear my hair in buns to try to prevent further damage and cover the breakage. I will tell her I am thinking about Sisterlocking and get her opinion. I will also have to decide if I want her to cut my hair to reduce the cost of installing the sisterlocks. My hair stretches past my armpits but due to natural shrinkage it never looks close to that. I pray God leads me in the right direction.

Sisterlock Pros

• No detangling/ single strand knots
• Easier styling
• Easier regimen
• No bad hair days
• Don't have to worry about exercise/rain/etc

Sisterlock Cons

• Costs
• I will have to rely on someone else to maintain my hair on 6-8 week schedule (can take several hours) unless I learn how to retighten my hair myself. I probably wouldn't do this until I've had them in for at least two years. However I don't think I would mind this because it takes me about 7 hours to do my hair on wash day before styling.
• Not sure how it will be perceived in the office.
• I live in a small city that's in-between two larger cities where Sisterlock consultants are located. I will have somewhat of a commute to get my hair maintained (Update: I found a consultant in my county who is about 15 miles closer to me)