Linda is a London/UK based holistic therapist and writer. Born in
Africa, to Spanish and Sudanese parents, her background is
international and she takes inspiration from different cultures,
living a holistic lifestyle and exploring creativity in everyday life.
See her blog: www.holisticlocs.com
* When and why did you decide to do locs?
I had a keen interest in locs for as long as I can remember! I spent
most of my life with natural hair and thought locs would be the
perfect way to explore my natural hair further. I started my loc
journey in August 2001. At the time, I was going through many Self
changes and made the decision to loc for spiritual purposes.
* What was the initial reaction/response of your family, friends, co-workers?
My mother started my locs for me with braids. At the time, I wasn't
sure i I was going to leave them to loc in but I feel blessed that it
was my mothr who helped form them. Friends were supportive and not
surprised as I had spent months telling them that I would do it one
day. I was a student at the time. And when I did go out to the work
place (in interviews, cooperate work etc), I was initially hesitant to
go in with locs - but I notice that people tend to generally be much
more responsive (surprised even sometimes!) to confidence and positive
energy, than to physical appearance.
* Have you noticed a boost in personality or any other personality changes?
I think it took me a while to really grow into the journey. At the
time, information on loc care was not as vast as it is today and I had
expectations of the journey - it was a long lesson to let it go! With
time, I think my locs began to express my own Self changes through the
stages too... From the baby stage of learning to accept and transition
mentally into this journey - to now, where I feel my locs are an
expression of who I have become throughout the loc journey... they
have grown thicker, stronger, bolder and more free.
* What do you like or don't like about your hair?
I love that my natural hair always seems to respond best to a routine
that is simple - especially with locs. I love the freedom of knowing
that it is my own hair and I don't need to rely on anything or anyone
to take care of it. I love knowing that my locs are spiritual to me,
they represent a journey I committed to.
The only thing I do not like is the amount of time it takes to dry
lol. It's become a whole day experience. I also wish I would take more
time to style them.
* What shaped your philosophy about natural hair?
My family shaped my philosophy on natural hair. No one ever told me
that I had to get a relaxer or that my natural hair was bad/ugly. My
inspirations (Lenny Kravitz, Bob Marley, Lauren Hill etc) also shaped
the way I viewed natural hair.
* What is the response now to your hairstyle?
Curiosity, more than anything else.
I think London is a great place to be natural and I see more and more
women with natural hair. It's great!
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