Loc Journey With Rebekah Elaine
You may have been warned that you won't get a job, accepted into a school, or just won't be taken seriously. Your loc journey may have all types of challenges that you don't know how to face, but we're here to tell you, you are not alone.
We sat down with Rebekah to learn more about her Loc Journey of 3 years. Below is what she had to say:
Do you remember what inspired you to grow locs?
“Yes, while on my first date with my current partner, he mentioned that I would look gorgeous with locs. I already had natural hair and had considered locs before, but that really inspired me to do so.”
What's the most important lesson you've learned along your hair journey?
“Patience and self- acceptance. I’ve loved my locs since starting them but I remember wishing they were longer to achieve various styles. Also remember feeling as though I always had to tame my edges to look good with my locs. I’ve since gotten over that thought process.”
What advice would you give to a person that wants to loc their hair?
“Everyone’s loc journey is different. It’s okay to have an idea of how you want your locs to look, or to even have someone as inspiration, but ultimately no one's loc journey will be exactly like yours and that’s the beauty of it.”
Do you have any hair tips you'd like to share?
“Love your hair from the inside out and it will flourish.”
What is your go to hairstyle?
“Probably a messy bun or a Braidout”
What does professionalism mean to you?
“Professionalism means being able to conduct oneself with a sense of confidence and poise. Being able to manage intense emotions in order to accomplish any given task.”
What Branch of the Military are you in?
“Navy”
I know that it was only a few years ago when the military lifted their ban against having locs while serving. Can you tell us a little more about your experience having natural hair while in the military?
“Being Natural in the Navy can be difficult. Hair has to be within standards which typically means pulling it into tight buns and using lots of gel to mold it down. When I chose to loc my hair, it was not yet authorized. I got away with it because I started with two strand twists and my hair took over a year and a half to start really resembling locs. Once it did, I was called out by someone who was a higher rank than me. She told me that I needed to either cover my locs with a wig or cut them off. I wasn’t cutting them so I wore wigs for about 6 months. In the summer of 2018 the Navy finally authorized locs and I threw my wig out that day! Ever since, I've been wearing my locs loud and proud. There are still standards that I have to abide by, but I don’t mind.”
What's something you enjoy doing or what's one thing you're passionate about?
“I’m passionate about interacting with others and helping people navigate difficult situations (I’m a therapist).”
What do you wish people understood about mental health?
“Mental illness is just that, an Illness. It’s no one's fault that they have certain illnesses and there’s no shame in getting help. Therapy offers individuals who suffer from mental illness, an outlet and a chance to learn how to manage and perhaps overcome their symptoms.”
Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
“I love being able to interact with others. Outside of my job as a therapist, I’m also an entrepreneur and I provide a product that allows me to speak to men and women about natural hair and the benefits of using natural hair products.”
Can you tell us a little bit more about your product?
“Sure. Elaine Essentials is a 100% pure natural oil blend, created to moisturize dry scalp and stimulate hair growth. I created it with a focus on natural hair, locs, and overall healthy hair. Since going natural in 2014, I’ve been gradually perfecting a specific blend of oils that has been instrumental in growing my hair, retaining my length, and providing adequate moisture in my hair. My passion for caring for my natural hair paired with my compassion for others, drove me to share a product with others. You can learn more about Elaine Essentials on our Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/elaine.essentials/ .“
Rebekah, thank you so much for sharing your Loc Journey with us and we especially want to thank you for your service both as a member of our military and for your work as a therapist.
Connect with Rebekah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebekahelaine
Elaine Essentials https://www.instagram.com/elaine.essentials/
Now It’s Your Turn!
Join us by sharing your loc journey and help people learn more about life with locs.
“Go for it, but be patient. Once you realize how it’s okay to be in the “ugly stage” or for your new growth to show l, you’ll embrace the beauty” - AYAM