Erika Bethea: Local Loctician (TX)

This next loctician is a very good friend of mine and the lady who I intend to help me to learn to maintain my locs once I get started.

Meet Erika Bethea

Q: When and why did you decide to loc your hair?

A: Over 12 years ago I decided I wanted to learn how to take care of the hair God gave me. As a result I started the transition process and within six months I did the Big Chop. I learned so much about my hair and myself during this time. I wore my hair short for about 1 year, going to the Barber Shop for shape ups every two weeks. This was around the time I started teaching West African Dance and as a result I was surrounded by many friends who rocked beautiful locs. When they danced their locs danced with them. About a year or so into my natural hair journey I took my first trip to West Africa and started my locs during that trip.

Q: Did a professional start your locs and what method did you use to start?
A: I have always been able to do my own hair so my locs were started by myself and a girlfriend by simply two strand twisting and coiling from there. I am a big fan of palm rolling. It took almost a year for all my twists to loc.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your locs?
A: As a Natural Hair Stylist before I answer this question I must say that everyone's hair is unique. The size of the hair strand, number of hair follicles, and texture determine what type of products your hair needs to thrive. I love Joie MY Gel for a clean looking twists, Natural oils like Almond and Olive for moisture and sheen, and Dr. Bronner's Almond or Peppermint Castile Soap to clean my hair and scalp.

Q: When and why did you become a loctician?

A: The transition back to natural was very liberating for me. I now understand how to take care of the different textures of hair on my head and appreciate this new found beauty. Doing hair has been a passion of mine since I starting rocking a natural over 12 years ago. I became a professional loctician at the beginning of 2010. Being a natural hair stylists allows me to use my gifts and talents to help others on their hair journey. My goal is to assist my clients on how to take care of the hair God gave them and assist them with creating their own unique standard of beauty. I believe we are all here to glorify God by loving Him and loving others. For me, that includes knowing who I am. Part of who I am is my hair. Being able to embrace the hair God gave me means embracing how He made me. Embracing who I am helps me love and accept others.

Q: What's the most common question you're asked by clients or prospective clients about locs? And what is your answer?

A: Can I wash my hair if it is locked?

Yes, with any hair care regimen clean hair and a clean scalp are necessary for a healthy head of hair.

Do I have to cut off all my hair to grow locks?

There are several methods for starting locs including two strand twists, interlocking, comb twists and loc extensions. Let's talk about what method would be best suited based on your hair texture and lifestyle. Some do not require cutting off your chemically processed hair.

Should I use bees wax or products with bees wax to help my hair lock quicker?

I do not recommend any products with Bees wax or petroleum because they not soluble in water. As a result they can build up on your hair, weigh it down and take away your natural shine. Always ask what products are being used in your hair.

I don’t know why but my hair is thinning and I am not sure how to care for it?

I am seeing more and more clients chose a natural hair care option due to hair loss or thinning. The causes for hair loss vary and after my consultations with new clients some of the commonalities are medications for diabetes, thyroid, or high blood pressure, female reproductive issues, harsh braiding or weave practices and/or poor diets. By no means should you stop taking a prescribed medicine but you can consult with a medical professional including Internal Medical Doctors, Dermatologist, and Holistic Doctors about your hair loss.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about locking?

Or someone struggling with their locs?

A: I counsel my new loc clients throroughly. I'm interested in what their natural hair journey story is and why they choose to take the loc journey. I like to share the different stages of traditional locs. Specifically, the baby, teenage, adult and elder stages; how each one has unique characteristics, its challenges and ultimately builds self awareness and acceptance of their hair . Ex... Baby locks take patience and need to be nutured , teenage locks can be rebellious and are still in the developmental stage etc.... If you're having trouble with your locs, I would ask questions about diet, hair products used, health issues, work environment and expectations. Blogs like yours are an excellent way for newbies to establish a support network for their loc journey.

Q: How can we keep up with you, your journey, and your work?

A: You can email me at keepnappyreal@yahoo.com, check out my website at http://www.nappyreal.vpweb.com/ or call me at 214.994.3913. I would love to share what I have learned and what has been shared with me thus far.

If you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and are looking for a loctician or natural hair stylist,

be sure to check out Erika!