Locstories | Tiaybe: Rocking locs in more ways than one
by Gail Mitchell
Loc’d Life Magazine had a chance to sit down with songstress and mobile loctician Tiaybe in Chicago. She updated us on her current projects and events, and she gave us her locstory. Read on…
Tell me about yourself. What do you do? Your type of music?
I am an artist. I’ve had my own band for 9 years. I believe my sound can be described as neosoul. I have one album out: Soul Odyssey (To purchase, go to iTunes or through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Tiaybe/e/B001LI5ST8/
ref=ntt_mus_dp_pel). I’m working on a second CD which is due winter 2010.
How long have you worn locs? How did you start with them?
I’ve been wearing locs since January 2001, about 9 ½ years. At the time, I wanted to change my hair. When I got married, I cut off my hair, cut off the perm. After a few years, I went to locs. Along the way I learned what makes me beautiful, what I like, what I don’t like. My hair doesn’t have to be a certain way or to look a certain way to look beautiful.
Why do you wear locs?
One, it’s easy. Two, I’ve seldom had a bad hair day or moment. Three, it expresses who I am. And four, it’s a part of my spiritual and creative expression.
You also do locs?
Yes, for about 6 years. I’ve done it so that I can do my own self-maintenance. When I started out, I wanted them nice and clean. Originally, I was going to the salon every 3 weeks, but that got to be financially taxing. So. I took some classes at Amazon Natural Look Salon, and apprenticed there. When I left, I took some clients, with me. A lot of my clients work multiple jobs or have a lot of odd hours, so I’m a mobile loctician. I go to them.
What is the best way to start locs? Any favorite method?
I like comb coils, but what works best is finding the symmetry of a person’s hair texture with the best technique. You get the best results for the long term.
What are some of the myths and misconceptions that you’ve seen or heard about locs?
People assume that you smoke weed, you’re a vegetarian, assume its even more of a spiritual expression than it is, that you don’t clean your hair and that you aren’t a clean person.
What do you think can change those misconceptions?
The more celebrities wear them, the more acceptance there will be for locs. For people in general, your hair is not a reflection of who you are. However, how you wear your hair is just that. It doesn’t have to mean anything.
What products do you like the most?
I like products with olive oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, products with natural ingredients. Right now, I am currently using the Organics line. I also like Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioners. I find that their shampoo cleanses without over cleaning. It leaves my hair moisturized. It has the right balance.
What advice would you like to tell our readers about their locs?
I’d like to tell anyone who’s interested in natural hair to take a chance and embrace it. There’s no magic pill, no magic look. I’m not judgemental, but I don’t like loc extensions. That’s my preference. I feel that you should be patient and watch them grow.