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| Lerkia shows off a beautiful loc updo hairstyle – Michael Clark Photography |
Lerkia: My name is Lerkia and I am a native Washingtonian. I have been natural for 13 years and I’ve rocked long, health and fabulous locs for 12 of those years. I own a bridal styling firm MODAGE: Where Modern Meets Vintage and I’m inspired by pretty vintage things and interesting people.
KiK: You had beautiful locs for 12 years. Why did you decide to loc your hair so long ago when locs weren't popular?
Lerkia: I actually transitioned from relaxers when my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer and in an effort to show my support, I shaved my head. I’ve always admired locs and decided to loc my hair in June of 2000 and the rest was history. In retrospect, my locs assisted me with finding my signature style. I learned that I needed to be confident debuting my new "do" to my peers, colleagues and family.
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| One of Lerkia's hundreds of loc hairstyles over the years - Captured Life Photography |
KiK: Great story. How did you start the locs?
Lerkia: My friend Adunni Easton of Adunni's Braids & Locs started them with the gel twist technique. I can still remember those little baby twist sprouting up all over my hair (smile).
KiK: So, how did you maintain them?
Lerkia: My locs were maintained every four weeks and the method was simple re-twisting via palm rolling. To date, I believe I rocked over 250 styles. From corporate to edgy, I did it and thank GOD for my stylists Cassandra & Ebony.
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| Lock Bun Hairstyle – Mark Samuel Photography |
KiK: Woww. Very cool. I love trying different styles too. Was there ever a professional issue that arose from having locs?
Lerkia: When I started my natural journey back in 1999, I really was interested in allowing my hair the opportunity to rest and restructure due to the harsh relaxers and other damaging products I used for many years. It was a unique time attempting to find employment in the late 90's with locs. They were not socially acceptable at that time. With small locs sprouting all over my head, I refused to wear wigs or weaves while attempting to grow out my locs. It took several job interviews to secure the ideal job. I was grateful when the last law firm I interviewed with hired me because of my credentials and not my hairstyle.
KiK: So, after all this time, why did you decide to remove your locs?
Lerkia: 2012 is the year of transition for me and I really wanted to switch my style. Having locs was my identity for a very long time. I must admit that your natural hair blog, as well as other natural hair platforms inspired me to rock my “afro” and I’ve been loving it for the last 9 days. I feel so free and love the morning breeze that kisses my scalp as I walk to the office.
KiK: Do you ever miss your locs?
Lerkia: No yet. I feel that I since I combed them out, the spirit of the locs are still with me.
KiK: Would you ever loc your hair again?
Lerkia: If I had to answer that question today, I would say “no,” but who knows several years from now.
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| Lerkia's locs look great in this updo |
KiK: What would be your advice for anyone starting locs?
Lerkia: Find a professional to take care of your hair and remember that the entire loc/natural hair movements is a lifestyle versus a hairstyle.
KiK: What about advice for someone considering removing their locs?
Lerkia: Sleep on it and if you wake up and still feel the urge to either cut or comb out your locs, just do it. It’s just hair and reinventing yourself is so much fun! Get rid of all the negative energy, I did!
Stay locked to www.keepitkinky.net for more about Lerkia's hair journey.
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