Lately I've been seriously thinking should I take retightening my locks into my own hands. More and more I want to take that big step but then again I'm not so sure. Sometimes when I take a look at all the Sisterlocks that I have it is very discouraging and intimidating. Before I go on I want to share with you what I've been through so you can have an understanding of where I'm coming from. At first I didn't want to share this information but why not maybe someone else can learn from my mistakes. I must warn you this is a long post but a good one. However I really need your feedback and opinions. So please continue on.
Incident #1
Although this didn't affect me I should have known better from the very beginning. My husband was set to get his locks started by my consultant before I got my Sisterlocks. Everything was fine, she even called the day before to confirm the appointment just to cancel the next day! But that's not it she didn't even attempt to call us to let us know. We had to call because we misplaced her address. Her excuse was she had suddenly came up with the flu. Which was fine but she could've at least given us a call to let us know. I wonder what would've happen if we had shown up with out calling first. However now that I look back I really don't believe that is why she cancelled. My husband never got his locks and I said to myself that she didn't try me so I'll give her another chance.
Incident #2
With my consultant she likes to schedule her appointments way in advance at least two or three retightenings in advance. Which has it pros's and con's. The pros's are you already have a set day and can schedule off of work in advance. Or clear your schedule for other things. The con's are if your consultant cancels your schedule your pretty much stuck because she has several other clients that have filled up the schedule around that time. This is what happened to me one of my appointments were cancelled why I do not know the true reason but I have a good idea. Anyhow I was upset when my appointment was cancelled as I was looking forward to my retightening. I know you are thinking what's the big deal things happen but wait until you hear the rest of the story. So she said that she will call me when she could to get me another appointment. One week went by I haven't heard from her so I decided to call her again and ask her whats up did she have any spots. Still had no spots and said that she would let me know if anything came up. About another week went by and I finally got a call there was a spot available! Finally I said to myself. For some reason I knew something fishy was going on. I knew that she had to cancel someone else's appointment to fit me in. (Why did she do that I don't know because she would have to keep doing the same thing over and over again! Hey that's not my problem right?) So I decided to call my associate who put me up on Sisterlocks( who also sees the same consultant) you would never believe what I found out. Turns out she had her appointment cancelled ( I took her appointment! What are the odds of that happening?) Anyhow it gets better the consultant told her that she had to cancel her appointment due to the fact that she had to go to a hair workshop/conference out of town! (That was a good one!) I couldn't believe my ears. However I said nothing to my associate because I knew the truth and I really wanted my hair done. I know I was wrong and selfish however it is done and over with and plus my associate no longer has her Sisterlocks I wonder why. I really need to find out. Anyhow I know your thinking I should have changed consultants then. I did try during that two week period that I was waiting for her to call me back. I called around some of them weren't taking any new clients and one that I did speak to wanted to know to much information, who, what and why. All the consultants in the area pretty much know each other so I know you know what happened next. Yep you guessed it the new consultant called my consultant and let her know what was going on. Which is why I think an opening for my hair to finally get done suddenly opened up. Anyhow you would think at that point I would have changed consultants then but I didn't. I still thought she was a nice person even though she wasn't professional plus she literally stayed right around the corner form me less than 5 minutes away. So I decided to give her another chance.
Incident #3
Yes there is an incident number 3. It's one too many right? Anyhow me not being happy with my locks recently especially the loose ends. When I first noticed them I didn't know you could do anything about them so I never said anything. However when I did find out that you could something about them I was happy and relieved. However when I mentioned it to my consultant she tried to place the blame on a shampoo I had just started using, now it could have played a part however I know that I had the loose ends way before I started using the shampoo. I just blew it off and then I asked her could we do anything about it and she said that we would have to set a time for her to do it so I said fine. I also found some locks that were combined without my knowledge. ( Could things get any worse?) I found two of them for now. Why is it so hard for a consultant to let you know what is going on with your hair. I guess I have to be a little more inquisitive.
Incident # 4
I know its getting old, however it seems like it never ends I am surprised that I held my peace for so long. Anyhow I think this put the icing on the cake! I went in for a retightening. I mentioned the loosed ends again hoping that she would work on them. guess what she said she has been working on them. I'm saying to myself you couldn't have I just mentioned them last week AFTER you finished my hair and here we are are the beginning of my session. Sometimes I wonder what is going on inside my consultant's head. Anyway when I got there apparently something personal was going on which led to my consultant stopping in the middle of our session asking that she be relieved because she had to take care of something. I could not believe what was going on. I thought to myself is she really going to leave me with half my head done? I was hoping that she wouldn't go through with it but she did. The good thing was that she didn't charge me however there was a catch to that mentioned in incident #5.
Incident #5
Follow up of Incident # 4. So here I was walking around with half a head retightened. ( Not a good look! ) I'm patiently waiting for my consultant to call me to schedule an appointment. A week goes by I said enough is enough so I called her and of course there where no openings. However about an hour later one mysteriously opened up and I took it. Now being that I already had half of my head done you would think it wouldn't take as long, yeah right. I hate to say it but I think she intentionally took a long time retightening my hair so she could make up for last time. Which I think she has done more than once.
I know you are asking me is she still your consultant? Yes she is in fact I have an appointment with her next week. Which I think is too soon. I tried to schedule my appointment much later but she wouldn't listen and I basically let her get away with it. I think I'm at at a point where my retightenings can be done every 6-8 weeks. I think every 4-5 weeks is too soon. Why can't I decide when I want my own hair done? Isn't it up to me to decided when I want my hair done no matter what the consequences?
Anyhow I know your thinking I should have dropped her a long time ago. Now that I look at what all I wrote and what all I have been through. I really need to either go ahead and change consultants or do my retightenings myself. I don't want to change consultants due to the fact of what happened before. I want to retighten my hair myself but I really would like to take the retightening class. However that's where one of my problems come in. There are no retightening classes scheduled for the remainder of the year. Which means I would have to wait until next year. (That is a very long time!) Another thing that is bothering me is that I feel that if I don't take the retightening class that I'll be breaking some type of bond or sisterhood. I know it sounds silly but that is how I feel. I even tried looking up consultants that offer the retightening class on the side but of coarse they only offer the class to their own clients.
I really don't know what to do. I guess the only thing I can do is try. I already own a latch hook and the nappy locks tool . I purchased a long time ago, I probably purchased it when my consultant disappointed me. Anyhow I have no idea how to use the latch hook it looks so complicated all I can do is just look at it hoping that it would come to me but that doesn't work, lol. Anyhow the nappy locks tool is easy I attempted to retighten one lock in the past and it came out fine. I just wonder if there is a way to keep the lock in the whole without it slipping out? ( Tips are welcomed) I do know my pattern. Which was kind of hard to come by why is knowing the pattern of your hair such a big secret?
After reading Naturally Sophia's Blog and comments made on that particular post. I have really decided that I should go ahead and give it a try. Whats the worse that could happen? ( Don't answer that, lol) I already know that I'm not going to be a pro ( at first anyway) and that it will take time to master the technique. This is something that I really want to achieve so I can't give up, not so soon anyway! Just say a prayer for me, lol. There is something about doing your hair yourself. It's a special feeling a sense of pride. Although you may make a mistake its your mistake and you don't have to blame anybody but yourself which is fine. At this point I'm just tired of being dependent on someone else to do my hair.
Do you think I was wrong for voicing my problems and concerns?
Now that you know the whole story behind me wanting to learn how to do my hair on my own what do you think and what would you do? Please all comments and tips are welcomed. Well I know that I have written more than enough I must go. Until next time much love!
19 comments:
If I were you, I would interview another SL consultant for the next retightening. That's what I am in the process of doing. I maintained my own traditional locs for 2 years using a latch hook. It was worth it for me. But your hair seems like it might need additional assistance to strengthen them. I say interview a qualified consultant and get local area referrals from FL SL women.
I could be wrong, but I think, deep down, you already know what the answer is. I agree with the above post in interviewing for a new consultant, and choosing someone you trust and feel confortable with. At the same time, you could take the retightening class. This way you could get comfortable doing your own hair and slowly back away from having to go regularly to a consultant. Hang in there, We are all rooting for you.
First I must so I sooo adore your hair in that style!!!
I'm also trying to take the class ASAP and like you said none are in FL until next year. It's unfortunate that your consultant is doing you and the other clients dirty. Have you checked online to see tutorials about using the nappylocs tool?
I would also suggest trying out a different Consultant. Did your friend ever mention why she no longer has Sisterlocks? I'm interested to know as well...
I feel that Sisterlocks are an investment and you should be happy with your consultant..
wow ... i am so sorry to hear this (these?) story, sistalocd. and i thought i had it bad, moving and trying to find a new consultant.
it's really sad and infuriating to me that so many people who are supposedly furthering a business can be so unprofessional.
i can be a bit hotheaded and rash at times, but my advice is to stop seeing your current consultant immediately. because i believe the problem with unprofessionalism (not sure if that's a word!) is the fact that we continue to keep supporting their business, and they continue to think that the way they are acting is ok. it's not.
i say give your latch hook and nappylocs tool a good, solid try. you've read my recent posts, and i am terrified of doing my own hair. i really am. but i know that if i sit down and actually try to have patience with doing it, i can and will do fine. i know you can, too, and maybe we can try out the big, daunting task together. :)
otherwise, if you feel more comfortable seeking out another consultant, i say just be honest with them about why you are wanting to switch. it's unfortunate that they seem to have a network with "no secrets," but so be it. maybe if more people realize how she is treating her clients, then more people will be inclined to treat their customers professionally.
sorry this is so long! but i hope you end up making the best decision for you, and please keep us posted!
Oh! I hear your frustration!
Yes, I think you know the answer too. Either find someone new or put your tools to work. Start in an area that's not too conspicuous.
Don't worry about not being part of the Sisterhood if you DIY. Lots of our favorite bloggers use different tools...who can I "out?" Brenda, Creyole, Leighann...we love them allthemore.
On a positive note, you look really nice in this photo. Super hair and makeup!
Now that I looked again, I guess you don't have on much makeup. It must be the combo of brows & lipgloss + smooth skin. Whatever it is, it works!
You could purchase the latch hook e-book (link on Brenda's blog). I say, go for it yourself; you'll be great!
I agree that you definitely already know the answer. I was weighted down by the same feeling of guilt and such that hold you back. Well you have to put those feelings aside and do what you have to do.
Since taking the retight class and doing my own hair...I learned the hard way why folks will resort to whatever took they can get their hands on to retighten their hair. I'm ready to use chicken bones to retighten my hair if it will help me get the sh@@@t done faster than what I'm doing. It's no joke but you CANNOT be held captive to somebody else's unprofessionalism.
Wow. I'm sorry that you are going through that. I suggest finding another consultant. I would probably see if you can get in contact with Dr. Cornwell. Also, I suggest taking the retightening class.
Wow, I feel you, sista. I'm sorry that you've been having so much drama with your consultant. It's perfectly fine for you to voice your frustration. You've bottled it up long enough. Now it's time for change.
I say go for the retightening class (I've been thinking of taking one myself when it becomes available here). Being independent where your hair is concerned will give you a sense of more freedom. You don't need all that guilt and stress. I believe that SLs are supposed to bring you peace, and you've been experiencing anything but that. Like Naturally Sophia suggested, consider interviewing some other qualified, PROFESSIONAL SLs consultants. And take the class. You have nothing to lose by doing that. Pray, plan, and prepare.
Naturally Sophia
Thanks for your advice
Aya
Thanks for the advice. As far as taking the retightening class thats where I face another dilema, abother one won't be offered until next year!
Meikmeika
Thanks for the compliment.
I'm aware that they do sell their tool with instructions. I didn't think I needed it at the time, However I may reconsider.
As far as my friend at that time we spoke she was busy so I wasn't able to find out the details, I am curious myself!
Roxy
Thanks for stopping by.
I think I am going to go ahead and leave my old consultant alone and search for a new one. However I am still going to try retightening my self and see how that works out. If I can manage I'll continue if not then I will see another consutlant. As far as you taking on the task yourself you can do it we both can we just have to be patient for it will take time.
Brunsli
Nice to hear from you. I think I will give my tools a try. Thanks for the compliment. Yep you guessed right, it's mostly brows and lip gloss. I do have on a little foundation though. I really want to get into make up but I really don't know much about it so thats why I keep it simple.
Mel
Thanks for the advice and encouragement.
Goodnapps
Lol, you are too funny! I know I know, I have to put those feelings aside. I think they are pretty much gone. I know it will be hard to let go of my consultant but I know if I don't, the unprofessionalism will continue on. As far as DIY don't give up, you will get it with time. I know its easier said then done. I probably will be talking trash too when I start to give it a try!
Naturalist1
Thanks for the advice.
WOW, after incident #3, that would have been enough for me to give her the boot, and a little maladaptive piece of my mind. No one should have to go through that nonsense when a service is being provided in exchange for compensation. You are certainly a very patient person. I think it says a lot about her character. I say definitely TIY(try)or just DIY.......................
Nappy Texan Girl
Thanks for stopping by. I have now realized that I let it go too far and that I will not let it continue. I am defitnitely going to give it a try.
Locsuluv
Thanks for stopping by and sharing the well detailed information I really appreciate it. I have read your blogs and several others that do it yourself which inspired me to go ahead and give it a try. I think I will continue to use the nappylock tool, it's very simple to use. I know that I'm probably making it more than what it really is when it comes to the latchhook but I juts get a headache evey time I look at that tool lol , thanks again.
Hi, I just wanted to check in and see if you've attempted a DIY retightening session yet. If so, how did it go?
I identify with all you have said as I am a victim of an unprofessional consultant. I wanted to change ages ago but there are only a few of them in my area and they dont retignted locks they have not put in so its dificutl to change and they all know each other. Having said that they all do retighgtening classes as well as puttin in locks. I have some horror stories but will post on my own blog when I set it up. I like you want to DIY my lock retigten but dont know where to start being a differnt pattern to the majority who blog. I have to Nappy lock tool but have not idea how to go about retightening my locks, so I'm stuck with my consultant till I make up my mind and do something about it.
It appears your consultant is behaving unprofessionally in many ways. Cancelling people's appointments in order to accommodate another? Sheesh! If she does not have the capacity to handle another customer, then she needs to stop taking new customers in order to continue to provide her existing customers with good service. SLs cost a pretty penny
to install and in some ways, to maintain. Therefore, I believe all customers are entitled to good customer service and the consultant should do his/her best to maintain appts. If he/she has to cancel a retightening (for legitimate reasons, of course), then he/she needs to reschedule that appt. promptly within a week and/or offer a discount for the inconvenience.
I think you should change consultants. I do not think she deserves another penny from you.
I am planning to take a retigtening class in the future myself, after I hit my one year mark. I want to take care of my own hair and see a SL consultant on a quarterly basis (at the most).
I know your situation is tough. I understand wanting to take matters into your own hands. Whichever decision you choose: do it yourself now or wait until the next retightening class, I wish you the best.
I wanted to mention again, if you do have another consultant within your area, Perhaps, you can try this route if you are hesitant to take matters into your own hands at the moment.
Woman In Process
No I havent started yet but I think I'm going to start this week or maybe this weekend. I'm reallyy looking forward to it. What about you?
Anonymous
It's a shame that we have to go through things like this especially when money is involved. As far as getting your hair retigtened only by the person that installed them doesn't make any sense. What if your not happy with your consultant and what if they are doing a horrible job, your suppose to just sit there and take it? That doesn't sound right at all. As far as the nappy lock tool I think it is one of the easiest tools to use. Being that I'm not a pro it's hard to explain to use but if you check out Creyole and Leighann's blog they really show detailed information on how to use the tool also the Nappy Lock tool website has a business in a box where you can purchase the tool and directions. Hope your problems resolve soon.
Dream Angel
Thanks for stopping by. I already made the decision to go ahead and give it a try and see what happens if I can't manage I will see another consultant.
Contact SL home office! Call and email them everything on your blog. She might not even know that you feel like this. But if someone from home office calls her hopefully she can get some advice from them on how to get her act together.
I HAD THE SAME CONSULTANT I FEEL YOUR PAIN SHE STARTED MY LOCKS AND I LIVED 2 MINUTES FROM HER. SHE NEEDS TO ATTEND PROFESSIONALISM 101. I LOVE HER BUT NEVER IN THIS LIFETIME AGAIN. BE ENCOURAGE IF THERE'S ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP YOU BEING THAT I LIVE VERY CLOSE TO YOU I WILL. I TOOK THE RETIGHTENING CLASS BACK IN NOVEMEBER OF 2006 AND IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL. YOU CAN DO IT TAKE YOUR TIME AND RELAX AND JUST KEEP IT MOVING (KIM)!
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