Innovations | More on the McGriff's Original LockGroomer
The McGriff’s Original LockGroomer is the world’s first patented professional thermal tool designed to groom locs. The LockGroomer is the invention of Alphonso McGriff, III of Hartford, Connecticut.
“The LockGroomer is for people with locs wanting to keep it groomed and neat,” says McGriff, a 20-year hair professional. “You put a little oil, a little holding spray, and it packs hair intentionally along the loc shaft.”
The LockGroomer works with heat. Not unlike the old-fashioned marcel iron of days-gone-by, the LockGroomer is placed in the stove. Once heated, the loctician slides it along the loc shaft, —using emollients and keeping the heat moving.
“Most people doing natural hair are not used to using heat. A lot of people called me the 'Anti Christ'. To them it was appalling to put heat on locs. If embraced, locticians would just need to learn how to use it.”
The entire process to retouch new growth and groom existing locs includes: shampooing, conditioner, applying liquid oil or a water-soluble waxy oil along the entire loc shaft from the end to root, then a very light spritz, then using the LockGroomer. Roots can still be palm-rolled with gel and clipped to hold in place as usual beforehand.
“I made the LockGroomer for people who wear locs in a professional setting. It lasts longer, even with shampooing the hair. The packing process also accelerates the locing process. It stays tighter and tighter each time.”
The LockGroomer comes in 3 different diameters and two other sizes for starter locs. Again, it’s for professional use. The entire set costs around $700. And now through April, McGriff will also include training upon request: he will fly out to you, (with paid transportation, food and lodging) with purchase.
For more information, see our story and his facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Osnohpla). To purchase, send him an email at Thinkingworks@aol.com.