KEINIKA I grew up in a household that valued straight hair higher than any other type of hair. LOCKING WAS THE BEST DECISION THAT I'VE EVER MADE WITH MY HAIR. I simply love them. I can't stop looking at them. I can't keep my hands out of them. I love the way they smell, feel. I love the way they swing when I dance. I love the crown they form when I get them styled. I love the way they feel across my bare back. I love how the contribute to my sexiness, my mystery. I simply love my locs for what they are	ADONNIS My mother has always associated long hair with "thuggery." For me they mean beauty and freedom. Black women should be more concerned with releasing hair treatment that not only damages their hair and causes it to grow short and brittle, but shows a lack of true pride in our heritage. I've grown to also learn that locs are originally a symbol of rebellion and that's personal to me because my locs are truly a visual/physical representation of my rebellious nature	ALLIE I was in a really dark place in my life. I regularly used my hair to get attention during that time; chopping it off, bleaching it to extinction, damaging extensions, all just to make me feel better about myself. Simply put, every time I hit a rock, I changed my hair. Then, one day, I just said "to hell with this I'm locking" which really meant, "to hell with this depression, I'm gonna take control of my life."The longer my locs grow, the more I realize how far I've come in my emotional growth.	AMILASHON When I decided I wanted a more permanent strong natural long hair style, the choice was locs. Each strand locking into another to form a bond. People used to look at my hair and twist their noses and frown. I knew they didn't understand. It wasn't a popular 20+ years ago but it was a statement I gladly made.	ANDREA I am sitting in the chair in the salon, and all of the customers are looking at me. She is running her hand thru my hair and assessing it. She says... "You want twists?, Your hair is already locked. I would have to cut it all off. You should just get it locked." It started chatter in the room about how long it was taking for their hair to Loc! I was too ashamed to tell the lady that I combed my hair that morning. Now my locs make me feel exotic, sexy, current and relevant.
ANGELA As a teenager I would gaze in awe at my sisters and brothers with locs. My mind would say, but it's so permanent! Let's wait until you're 30 you'll be more stable. Well I've had them for six years and it's one of the best decisions I've made. My hair is the longest it's ever been! Since then I've changed a lot of things about myself, I'm loving the skin I'm in, let the new journies begin!	ANITA ANITA - My son wanted me to get my locs. I used to just braid my hair. My nephew said he was going to lock it for me. That was about 3 years ago. I like them because I know I look good for 60 years old. I also like it because I don't have to get up and do anything to them.	ANTHONY When I was in my early teens, I kept getting bad haircuts, so I stopped and started getting braids. Those were too much work. I tried to figure out what I could do to make it easier to deal with my hair, plus I wanted long hair. So then I got locs. It felt like I was born to have locs. They fit my personality. I had them now for 5 years. This is my 3rd set. Locs are a part of our culture. There is no vulgar or bad nature to it. My hair has never been in a better state.	ARTTY I've had my locs for about 5years. I got them because growing up I didn't like change and this was the first step in order for me to get over that hump. I love my locs because they are a reflection of me. They helped me practice patience and care. I don't like how the media tries to portray locs as something negative. Im obsessed with locs & think everyone should have them.	ASADAH My daughter asked me why I didn't have myself up in here, with my LOC LOVIN CHICAGO self. Well I guess it's because I'm the woman behind this very rugged camera, marveling at all the loc'd souls I come across here in Chicago. My locs suit me and I will always have them. I cut them once, but no more! They connect me to a movement now and have more importance than they ever had before!
BASIL Where I live, locs were traditionally looked down upon as a hairstyle that was linked to being poor or primitive. I was compelled to grow locs because I linked hair to my spiritual connection to the world. I found hair to be like antennas which draw in ethereal energy. I believe this energy gives me greater mental and spiritual capacity. The look shows a seriousness about myself. They show that I do not care to comply to the social standard of being clean cut in order to be successful in society	B. HILL Yoooooo my name is B. Hill! I originally had a really kinky afro but the maintenance was just too much for me, though I loved the look. I needed a protective style so I tried faux locs and fell in love. It was then that I knew that locs were for me. Three years later I made the transition and it's been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It's been about 4 months now and I've never been happier with my hair. . I have never felt so me! *smile*	BE LOVE I started my locs November 1998. Since then I've trimmed them twice, about 15-20 inches each time. I decided to let my hair grow and explore longer styles. Then it became an Afro, Bantu knots, corn rows, pony tails, and eventually it got to that point where I asked what was next? How long could I grow my hair? I went to the man who taught many people how to do natural hair and locs. His name was Biko. he told me my locs fit my spirit, and he was right.	BE ROSS I am a Detroit native living dreams in this city we call "Windy". I've had my locs a little over a year now. I won't lie, as artist, singer/songwriter I wanted them to for my image alone. I had no idea how much it would effect me all the way around. Locs have taught me patience, and the will to see the outcome of the process. I feel like more of a Man with my locs. It's become a part of my identity. They will grow until they're gray. Peace and Art good people!	BRANDON G I'm 25 years old, Born and raised on the south side of Chicago. I have locs because they represent where I come from & the people I connect to (spiritually). The blood that runs through my veins, and the hair that grows out of my head is the same blood and hair of my ancestors. Warriors before me. People who have suffered great struggles. I want everyone who sees me to know that. Rather with me or against me, I am what I am. And my hair represents that. I love my locs, I love my people.
BRYAN KEITH I've always considered myself to be an extremely spiritual individual. Beginning my Locs almost 18 years ago was the most humbling experience for me. Although most thought it was for fashion it was not. It was something that I felt on the inside was the right thing to do. With such a responsibility wearing Locs they have given me more strength to endure the heartache that life sometimes brings. I love my Locs, they hold wisdom, love and positive energy which is also within my soul.	CATHERINE I'm 26. it will be 2 yrs. that I have had locs in Dec. I first got locs because I couldn't maintain my natural hair. I didn't want any chemicals, so I decided to go with locs to stay natural. It's less frustrating for me. I feel that wearing locs has helped me to see my true beauty. Before locs I covered my hair with wigs not knowing what to do with my hair. Now I'm truly comfortable.	CHANDRA I got tired of going to the salon and sitting there all day. My hair stopped processing on the left side and my best friend loc'd her hair and that inspired me to lock mine. It has boosted my self esteem and confidence. I really love my locks!	CHERYL My loc journey started way before I actually had locs. I went natural at a time when there were no products for natural hair (circa 2003). In about 2005, I went to a friend for flat twist weekly. So I wore a wrap for five more years but still natural. In 2009 she moved to NY and I couldn't find a stylist. I then decided I was brave enough to start my locs. I was excited and scared. I did it and it was the best thing I did in my life. I went to stylist one day and said cut it off I can't do it.	CLAUDETTE Locs enhance my personal ability to ‘move out’ and get into life easily and effortlessly. “I look good waking up and going to sleep.” My lifetime goal is to work with other people who are willing to contribute their time and energy to create solutions for our issues of concern. My belief in the strength of God, my family and community have guided many of my life’s choices. My locs represent it all. My locs are practical and I have better hair experiences because of them.
CM! I am a Librarian (college) and working mother of four techies. I began my Locs shortly after meeting my spouse; it was part of my self-covenant. Over the years my Locs and that relationship has grown. And these days, my Locs help keep me grounded. My Locs make me feel beautifully empowered and connected, especially when I style them. I am really looking forward to when the silver is in its entirety.	DEANDRE I am a happy carpenter. I try to follow HIS image. I grew my locs to be closer to God. I am happy all the time and just a positive person.	DELLA I love locs! I think they are magical. Before I had them I had a secret affinity for those who did. I am low maintenance in every sense of the word, and my locs allow me to be that while still being expressive with them. I feel absolutely free because I can style them and be versatile with my look. And though this is not my aim for having them, many girls/women are encourage to give their natural hair a chance because they see how amazing our hair is in its natural state	DEREL I am 26 years old, have lived in Chicago for 15 years and had my locs for 2 years. My locs give me power and a grateful look!	EKLIPSE I am an underground Hip Hop/Rap Artist born & raised on the south side of Chicago. I have locs because I am aware of the crown I possess, & I felt I had the face for it & the patience of maintenance. I never felt @1 until I was blessed to loc my head. Mad love to the older Rastas who mentored me & never once pushed me to get locs. For some reason they knew that I would come into my own someday & crown myself.
ERIC I wear my hair in locs because it defines who I am. It represents the Lion of Zion. It represents Liberia, where I'm from. It defines my strength. Through length it defines the amount of years I've committed to the struggle. It stands for empowerment and wisdom. I chose to live a life of peace and positivity and it represents that. I am not a criminal despite what the stereotypes are. I am a student at Columbia College and work part time for the University of Chicago center for research.	ERIC I have locs because locs represent my cultural heritage. I'm half Jamaican and my mother passed in 1995. Ever since then, I've been holding on to different parts of her. Most of all, I wear locs like the rastafarai she wanted me to be all along. With my life as a CPS teacher, and as a father, a guy who's active in charitable communities, as well as loves to hang out and listen to house music and dance, the locs just fit every side of my cultural self.	HARRY I've had locs over 10 years. I cut out my 1st set after 8 years and started my current locs 1 week later. I have them because I've wanted them since I first saw them while in the 3rd grade. We had a transfer student come in with them. I just knew those were for me. I didn't get them until I was an adult though. I feel free, even more so after I removed my 1st set. I don't style my hair so color is my way to breakaway from the herd. Loc'd,vegan, and on my way to becoming a professional artist	IYONNA I began to grow my locs in 1999, grew them through the birth of my son in 2002 and cut them on my 30th birthday in March of 2003. I missed my locs. In 2008, I returned to the hairstyle that now defines me. I cannot imagine a more natural state of being. I now work in a corporate environment and I’m encouraged that more women are claiming the rightful inheritance of their hair in all of its kinky, curly, and beautifully loc'ed wonder.	JAKOOR I met Jakoor on the 63rd street bus and liked the way he carried himself while holding a conversation with a friend of his. His locs were neat and when I got a chance to speak to him, he told me all about the different types of designs one could get in styling their locs. He told me that he was tired of getting his hair cut and wanted to experience something new. He told me about how some of the designers on the streets were better than those in the hair shops.
JASMINE I was 19 and faithful to puffy pony tails, Kinky twist and an occasional flat ironing. My senior year of hs in 2009, I took a very nervous and exciting step to get sister locs. I didn't want to be trendy or join in the "fad," but I began to appreciate the versatility and maintaining them wasn't a hassle for me. I've never regretted this decision, even when I have to remind people that locs are natural too and yes it's all my hair. Locs have been one of the best things I've done for my hair.	JEBRELL The reason why I have my locs is because its my strength.. its my mane which is ironic cause imma Leo. To me having locs is more than just a hairstyle, it's who we are as a people of Judah. Having Locs is a privilege I will never cut my locs NEVER !! Its my strength and my mane just like Samson in the old testament. That is why I have my Locs.	JEFF "From baby thin vellus to thick adult terminal - hair grows. Mine twists and tangles giving way to a texturally complex bond, structured heartily and far tougher than any one strand alone could ever hope to correspond. My hair is my wish for communities of lives that twist and tangle to a nexus of meaningful action. Action that is thoughtful, reasoned, forward looking and forward thinking. My hair is my wish for a place, where locked in twist and tangle, we stand as mountains."	JOHN My locs are just wash and go. I don't have to worry about paying to get my hair braided. There are no combs taking out my hair and my scalp can breathe.	JOHN GRADY III Hello. My name is John Grady III Aka Tre. I started my Locs about two years ago. I was away at school in Wisconsin and I was really missing home (Chicago). My Mom used to tell me that my hair was my antenna to the universe and that it held power. So I decided I needed to connect with that part of self and tap into that energy. So I started my loc journey. I am happy to say I'm so glad I did.
KAMREN The reason I have locs is because I saw my auntie with locks and I liked the way they looked. I started my locs in 1st grade and now I am in the 6th grade. There are variations of styles you can have with your locks. I like the way mine feel when I play sports. I also like the spin action when I run at recess. If you took a slow motion picture of my hair moving it would probably look cool.	KB My Name Is KB And I Love My Locs. I Started My Locs Because I Wanted To Go Natural. My Locs Give Me Power And Courage. I'll Never Cut My Hair Off Because They Mean A Lot To Me. They Define Who I Am And I'm A Strong Black Women With A Natural Mind.	KENTAY I grew my locs because I like my hair long and locs grow fast.	KING SOLOMON King Solomon has his Locs to honor his brother David, affectionately known as Day day who was gunned down one summer morning. Day Day had his locs all of his life and virtually everyone loved his locs, he kept his locs fresh and styled and was a locs Model. This is my fifth set though and in honor of day day, my lil bro who had his locs all his life, I will try my best to keep them forever.	LOLA HOWARD At the age of 6, Lola Howard announced to her parents that she would like to have her hair locked. As both of her parents wore their hair in locs it was something that she was used to seeing and she also had the positive reinforcement of both her preschool and kindergarten teachers who wore their hair in Locs. Lola enjoys the fact that she is sticks out from the crowd and understands that her own natural self is beautiful and vital at a very early age, which helps with life long self esteem
LYNETTE AND LANDON 2 My journey started when I was 23 years old. My pivotal moment came when I discovered I would birth a man into the world. I teach science so making biochemical connections to what African hair really is, its resilience to every climate, and coily strength, surpasses any other species. I'll never cut my strength. My son began his journey at 3yrs old. He loves his hair. He doesn't like tightly 'manicured' styles and just lets it go and grow.	MARCELL My story is simple, I love my locs and the people who dread them. I'm 23 yrs of age and from Chicago. I let my hair grow because I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid to show the power, the beauty, spirituality... The Life	MARY I love my hair , One day I just decided I wanted to go back to my natural hair you know, no perm . So I asked a friend of mine from work and here I am I'm loving my hair . The style , the color , the way I feel when I wake up everyday it's me I just feel like I'm home!! Going natural was the right move for me .	MICHELLE My journey began in 2000 on a a dare from my best friend. She knew I loved my long tresses and dared me to cut it. We were both tired of being slaves to the perm so I asked her to meet me at the barbershop and cut my hair to a high top fade. It was freeing. The cut was so fly, she cut her's too. My hair grew so fast I decided to start the loc process. My locs are my crown and a testament to my love of everything cultural and sisterhood.	MENETTI I've always had a great sense of pride when it comes to my heritage and culture, thanks to my nationalist mother and growing up in the 60's! This pride reflects in my love of natural hair. My many natural hair transformations over the years led me to large fros, short fros, curly fros, boy cuts, blow outs, corn rows, and two-stranded twists. Proud! The final frontier that tickled my fancy were locs, nothing "dreadful" about this natural style!
MYONIE Since the prime time of Lauren Hill I wanted to get locs. I began my locs in late 2009 in preparation of the birth of my second child (sitting on my lap).My mother sitting next to me, started her locs in 2005, mainly to achieve low maintenance however she did do her history on locs before committing and has loved them since. My son wanted a mohawk however his father also has locs and wanted the same for him, so he has a lochawk, lol.	NATAKI I began my "Locs Journey" over 6 years ago on July 12, 2009. I've worn my hair natural since I was age 16 years old (48 years ago), and alternated from a Fro, to braids and twists. I felt that Locs were naturally the next stage. There is such a freedom in wearing Locs...I love the feel of my hair, love the energy, and love the way they look. There's also a freedom in accepting our own standard of beauty and frame of reference, and not conforming to others' standard of beauty.	PATIENCE I think I got my locs when I was five years old. I told my mom I was ready to get them. Locs are good because they are easy to wash, plus you can put them in different styles. I personally think it is better than straight hair, because I don't have to brush it everyday.	PEARLENA My name is Pearlena Mitchell.I like to call myself [Pearl The African Goddess]. I have been growing my locs for 8 years. mMy locs are very special to me. They symbolize my journey in reaching different goals in my life. My locs are my pride and honor unto my ancestors for paving the way through their struggle to be able to walk the path bestowed before me. These 8 years have been bittersweet through life’s ups and downs. My locs have taught me perseverance. Locs always! Pearl The African Goddess	PETER I got locs cause i thought it was time for change. By me locking my hair, it grows with my progression. I didn't want to be like everybody else with their locs so i only got mine on the top so that i separate myself from most other people.
Q Locs show culture. That is something I think lacks in our community. I used to want to change perceptions now I couldn't care less. These locs are an extension of me, dedicated to those who came before me, and those who will come after me. My definition of GOOD HAIR.	RACQUEL I think I have had just about every hairstyle but the jheri curl. In 2011, I turned 40 and something happened where I began reflecting on my life in terms of things I needed and/or wanted to change, so I decided to start with my hair. I made sure I did my research on how to maintain and care for delicate locs by a Rasta Loctologist. I had a reservation about how I would be received in the Corporate world. It took almost a year before my hair finally loc'd. Three years later I am still in love	RAVEN I started my natural hair journey as a means to save money. But it quickly evolved into something entirely different. Constant perming and wearing straight extensions left me feeling like I was chasing a mirage. Going natural was not just the best money decision I've ever made, but the best personal development decision I've ever made. I've been natural for 10 years and loc'd for about 8 years and have never felt more beautiful or empowered!	RAY At first I had twists. I saw locs and thought they were good looking. I decided to go from twists to locs, and now I have had them for 6 months	ROB first started to grow locs in 2009, but unfortunately was arrested and had to cut them. When I regrew them in 2011, I asked myself "Do you really want to grow them back?" I begin to think, and thought of the word GROWTH. As they grow I grow mentally and physically. I can say I am definitely a better man since I regrew them. I can't lie it also doesn't hurt when the ladies ask if they could rub them. Lol. If I could give advice to anyone that have locs I would say, grow them for a purpose.
ROMELL I have my Locs because of the struggle to be different. It showed me that anything you want takes time. I also grew my Locs because I was born different than your typical black man. I embrace my original being. Thanks to the Creator for this blessing. I love my Locs so much that I wanted to learn how to do them, how to make product, how to keep them healthy, and now I am a Loc stylist myself. These are some of the reasons I went on this journey. I embrace it. My people love it. It's a blessing.	SAMUEL I’ve had my locs since I was 1 or 2. As I grew older, that's when I started to appreciate my locks and understand the labels that society brings with them. What I don't like is how society puts a thuggish look on people with locs. It is tough to live with locs, but I won't change them, because even with these obstacles, I still succeed. I understand the stereotype, but don't accept it. In short, I love my locs and I won't be cutting them anytime soon.	TERRY I arise 1 day, and an impetus toward allowing my hair to grow takes hold of my curious psychic; the journey begins. My aversion toward the zombiesque existence of weekly hair removaI, otherwise known as weekly barber visits, had come to a head; pun intended. I no longer wanted to ascribe to the fallacious notion of a “clean cut” Black Man, which I suspect far too many place false ensconcement in. A newly Afrikan centered inculcation has arisen in my psychic, and my frabjous loc journey continues	TONY I've been locking my hair for the most part of 10yrs. A locticion of mine once told me to address my hair as locs not dreadlocks. There's nothing dreadful about them, so I embrace my locs. It's my culture, heritage, identity... #life #locgame #kings #queens #therightwaythough	TYIESHA The reason i have chosen getting locs is because they are natural and are an expression my style, through my hair. I wear it anyway I want to wear it. I get them colored or whatever the case and I just love em'!
TYTUS 1997, I'm standing in a record store in Atlanta. I'm looking at the cover for Eric Benet's first solo cd. I'm like THAT'S ME! It took me until 2002 to finally make the commitment. But u haven't regretted it once. My hair holds so much energy it's scary sometimes. I call it the Samson effect. I feel strong. It's not even about the look anymore. It's a way of life. I consider myself a rastagOD. Having locs is definitely a huge commitment. And I'm committed! Can't wait till they turn grey.	VICKI I have locs because I always knew I would...I love my hair! They make me feel perfect, happy, and in tune with the universe.	WILL I've had my hair locked since fall of 1993. I was seeking to be more rooted and grounded in my culture as an African American and decided that growing Locs was a good outward expression. I initially had to endure a lot of questions like "what are you doing," because in my social circle I was one of the first non rasta/Jamaican nationals to have Locs. Recently I cut my hair much shorter and let the natural color show as I've accepted that I am moving into another level of maturity."	YAKINI My hair and the style i wear it is a direct reflection of my culture, , my heritage. It reflects my pan afrikan approached to life and my inherited traditional Afrikan values.Your culture dictates your beliefs, how and who you worship, how you dress, how you honor your ancestors etc. My hair lets the world know that im proud of my Afrikan origins/culture.