THE UGLY STAGE

Okay, let's get real about the 'ugly stage' of locs. When I first started my loc journey three years ago, everyone warned me about it. They'd say, 'Oh, just wait until your dreads look all awkward and frizzy,' or 'You'll feel ugly with dreads for a while.' But honestly, I decided from day one that I wasn't going to let that narrative define my experience. And guess what? There's truly no 'ugly stage' in the loc journey if you approach it with the right mindset. I remember those first few months, sometimes called the 'budding phase' or the 'starter locs phase.' My hair wasn't long yet, and it definitely wasn't perfectly formed. Some days, I'd look in the mirror and think, 'Hmm, this is different.' But instead of letting negative thoughts take over, I'd remind myself: your hair is an extension of you, and you are beautiful. This isn't about perfection; it's about growth and transformation. I refused to call any part of my journey 'ugly.' So, how did I get through it without feeling like I had ugly dreadlocks? First, I focused on daily affirmations and self-love. I'd tell myself how much I loved my hair, even when it was super short or a bit frizzy. Second, I educated myself. Understanding the different phases of loc growth helped me appreciate what my hair was doing, rather than criticize it. I learned that frizz is a natural part of the locking process, not a flaw. Don't trip off the length or the temporary frizz; it's all part of the magic! For anyone currently going through their 10-month loc journey or just starting out, here are a few tips that helped me embrace every moment: Protective Styling: Scarves, headbands, and hats became my best friends. They're not just for hiding your hair; they're stylish accessories that can make you feel confident and put together, especially on days you might feel less secure about your starter locs. Moisture is Key: Keeping my scalp and locs moisturized prevented excessive dryness and breakage, which can sometimes contribute to a 'messy' look. A healthy scalp promotes healthy growth. Find Inspiration: Follow other loc journeys online! Seeing diverse loc styles and how people embrace their own unique growth can be incredibly inspiring and a great reminder that beauty comes in many forms. Hands Off (mostly): While it's tempting to constantly touch and manipulate your locs, especially in the early stages, try to keep your hands out of your hair to prevent excessive frizz and unraveling. Focus on Health, Not Perfection: My goal was healthy locs. If my hair was clean, moisturized, and growing, I considered that a win. The unique shape and texture of each loc became something I learned to love it. It's easy to get caught up in comparing your journey to others or feeling down about the way your locs look at certain stages. But remember, every loc journey is unique, and yours is beautiful and valid exactly as it is. Embrace the process, cherish the growth, and trust that your hair is transforming into something amazing. There's no room for the word 'ugly' when you're on a path of self-discovery and natural beauty!