I have been growing my free-formed locks out since December 2007, and while I know it's a bit premature to think my hair won't naturally lock up completely...I admit I'm struggling. I kept an afro from July '06-December '07 and used an array of products on my hair. Some products were what I now consider to be the WORST for my hair--containing damage-agents like urea/formaldehyde, while others were the more healthy route to promote natural growth--like tea tree oil.

Prior to making the decision to lock my hair, I bought this amazing moisturizer product to detangle my afro and make it easier to manage; in addition, I bought a conditioning shampoo to aid the process. I noticed, however, that the afro detangler seemed to cause my hair to shed badly (falling out in tufts at times), so I immediately stopped using it and switched to water and an "African" blend of natural oils--it was legitimately natural oils.

The natural oils seemed to promote hair growth (despite occasional shedding) as I noticed a great difference in hair length within 1 month of use. When I began the locking process, I mainly just used water and the natural oils; but for approximately 1 month (the month of May, about 5 months of growing out locks) I began using the afro detangler again, and immediately stopped again after reading an article on this site informing natural hair growers that products with avocado--used a lot in conditioners--and any products with conditioning effects should not be used for natural hair growers who are still in the premature stage of growing locks. I think my biggest mistake in product use during the start of growing my locks was not just my continued use of the afro detangler, but using a conditioning shampoo--usually bi-weekly--too often has ailed the process for me.

Currently, my hair just will NOT lock like it's supposed to. Some areas on my head are so obviously locking well, while others still look like they're in the stage of afro instead. So, to help myself, my nerves and my hair, I invested in 100% pure Coconut Oil, which I was informed by a knowledgeable sales clerk helps aid in preventing breakage and baldness. Thus far, I'd say the coconut oil has been pretty great; I have very little shedding/breakage and my locks are extremely soft and relatively easy to manage. However, there are still these patchy areas that just WONT lock, and the ultimate questions are: Am I freaking out too early? Do I just need to give it a bit (or lot) more time to do the "right" thing? Am I using the wrong ingredient(s), and if so, which ingredients are the best for free-formed locks?

Thank you to any and all who can help and offer any sound advice!

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