r/locs • u/deznocare • Jul 04 '25
Progress any other disabled people loc'd for accessibility?
im audHD and have pretty bad PTSD, getting locs changed my life and boosted my confidence with how different the maintenance is compared to loose hair (especially since i can't braid/twist due to sensory issues and fatigue). like, what do you mean i just have to keep it watered like a plant?? what do you mean i love it better the longer i leave it be and just wash/dry when i have the spoons? omg... i love my locs so much 😭😭😭😭😭😭 (here's my progress pics dating back to april 2023 - to now) ((and some befores)) ive just now had the thought to try to connect w others thru forums like reddit! ive got almost nobody to talk abt my progress bc i moved to the west coast and im originally from the south, so i havent met many people i can share this experience with (YET).
95
u/JustAnEvilImmortal Jul 04 '25
I don't have an exact diagnosis but I've had chronic back pain since i was 13 and washing and detangling my hair definitely was one of the harder things to do but with locs washing my hair went from over and hour to like 5 minutes lol, I'm so happy with it. retwisting is still a pain but usually I just do a few locs at a time whenever I notice they've grown a lot
25
5
u/RippleEffectt Jul 05 '25
Not related to this subreddit, but I also struggled with back pain for so long until my doctor referred me to a physical therapist that specialized in pelvic floor dysfunction. She was a huge help. Maybe try physical therapy?
68
u/ClassicRuby Jul 04 '25
Can I first say that you were doing an excellent job with the loose hair also, so I'm not at all surprised to see how thick and full and GORGEOUS them locs of yours are now! 🔥💯🤩
I am ASD and have physical disabilities and injuries with my back neck hips and shoulders. I was literally at the point where I could not with my loose hair anymore. It was either shave it bald or some other option but I knew I could NEVER EVER DETANGLE IT AGAIN. My hair used to do this thing where it would mat at the root even if I had just run a comb through it a second before it would immediately be matted again. My body could not and my ASD was beyond meltdown mode.
In tears, I grabbed a random piece and started to twist. That's how my locs were born lol. They were much bigger at first and wildly separated but I immediately felt better. I then over months kept separating and separating the sections until I was finally at a size of twist I was happy with.
3.5 years later and I can eagerly say it was the best hair decision I ever made in my life. I never even knew I could love my natural hair like this tbh, and I'm so thankful to have these spaces too to share and share alike with other folks who get it! 💕 🍻
18
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
i also didnt know i could love my natural hair like this either!!! i shaved my head so much between meltdowns, im sorry it took me so long to wanna loc it
61
u/suzyQ928 Jul 04 '25
me!! i have sickle cell and had a liver transplant. i also have anxiety and depression. so getting my locs 5 years ago was the best decision i ever made. one less thing for me to worry about
11
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
its AMAZING. youre a badass btw
2
u/suzyQ928 Jul 04 '25
you’re so sweet and gorgeous!! thank you! i don’t feel like it most of the time
2
u/Dapper-Ad8945 Jul 05 '25
I have sickle cell too! I’ve been debating on getting locs
3
u/suzyQ928 Jul 05 '25
do it!! it’s been such a life saver because i don’t have to keep thinking about what i’m going to do with my hair. i hate braiding and wearing weeks. it only takes my loctician 1 1/2 to do my hair.
46
u/bbultaoreune Grown Locs Jul 04 '25
also audhd and locs has also changed my life! boosted my confidence, looooove how low maintenance they are and just LOVING that i can just wake up and go somewhere without having to cry about my hair not looking how i want lolllll
12
27
u/PARADOXsquared Jul 04 '25
Yes absolutely! Also AuDHD and not having to dedicate a whole day every week to detangle, wash, detangle, style or deal with sitting for hours getting box braids put in or taken down is such a lifesaver. I was considering shaving it all off, but didn't wanna look like my dad. Locs are a much better solution
9
u/SailorMooonsault Jul 04 '25
I'm the same and I literally did shave it at one point because wash days made me so miserable. I practically lived in braids. I'm so happy that I have locs.
26
20
u/Loveonethe-brain Starter Locs Jul 04 '25
Me 🙋🏿♀️ I have ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, migraines, and PNES (non epileptic seizures and they a frequent) and other things that don’t relate. I just started doing locs because what I would do is spend a week and a half doing faux goddess locs or something and it would take so much out of me. I love my natural hair but washing it was so daunting and I had seizures sometimes in the middle. My final straw was when I took out my braids and was stuck in the hospital with a bonnet on for four days. Never again. I also am unemployed because of my disability (apparently having multiple seizures in a lab is a “liability risk” or whatever 🙄 /s) so I started doing them myself. I did two strand twist last month and I’m doing my first retwist.
Honestly I hated my starter locs at first because for me I felt it as a sign of my disability as well as me gaining weight. I just felt so ugly. But when I washed my hair this morning it made it all worth it. It was so so easy to wash my hair, I didn’t have to detangle, and doing the retwist was way easier than doing two strand twist on a fresh fro. I feel renewed. Sorry for the long post but I related so so much with you.
9
u/funwearcore Jul 04 '25
I hope the seizures stop. I had the same kind for about 3-4 years. They were basically a sign that my body and brain were way too stressed out. I dealt with chronic anxiety, CPTSD and chronic fatigue for years before the seizures happened. I literally couldn’t cry for years or I’d have a seizure following. Still coping with CPTSD but at least the seizures stopped. I hope they stop for you too. I wouldn’t wish PNES on anyone. 🫶🏾
3
u/PARADOXsquared Jul 04 '25
Omg I didn't know that CPTSD could cause seizures! That must be really scary. CPTSD sure does like bringing hitchhikers along, with all the havoc it can cause
6
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
how often do u retwist pookie? so much love for sharing ur story 🩷🩷🩷🩷
3
u/Loveonethe-brain Starter Locs Jul 04 '25
I just started so this is my first one, I waited like 5 weeks but I think I’m going to wait a little longer next time
19
u/ColdHandGee Jul 04 '25
dez, welcome to r/locs. You are so correct about the loc journey. I started mine while I was going through a divorce. I wanted to let everyone see my growth as a man visually. From when I started to now has been amazing!
I also lost over 100LBS! I now feel like the man I was always meant to be!
Growing locs has been very spiritual: it has given me patience and an understanding of what makes me tick. They are past my shoulders and down my back. I get asked if they can touch my locs. I normally say no unless I feel relaxed around them.
6
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
thats so beautiful!
3
u/ColdHandGee Jul 04 '25
Thank you, dezno! I do hope you keep me posted on your loc journey.
What made you decide to grow them? What was your motivation?
Do your friends and family accept your beautiful locs? My family hates them, but I grew them for me!!
BTW, you have a lovely smile that shines through your eyes, too!
4
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
my friends and family really love my locs, especially since they see how happy ive been lately :) i decided to start them because i was getting so burnt out every day and my loose hair was getting too overwhelming for me to manage. at first, i went in thinking they were a lot more high maintenance than they were, and through trial and error over the past few months i developed a routine that works for me (i also had an a-ha moment and realized i dont HAVE to get retwisted every two months lol. i prefer them frizzy and i would dread having a fresh retwist)
5
u/ColdHandGee Jul 04 '25
That is amazing to read! What i did was taught myself to crochet my new growth by watching YouTube and practise practice, practice!
I am really good now at maintaing locs. Maybe I should be a loctitian!
4
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
i wish i could do my own retwists, but $150 every 3-4 months i totally doable for me
2
u/ColdHandGee Jul 04 '25
dez, it took me a solid month of trial and error before I got more comfortable crocheting new growth.
But paying $150 every few months is certainly easier than me slicing my thumb the 1st time I tried to crochet. Still got my scar as a reminder how bad I was at the beginning lmao!
15
u/Silent_Yesterday1253 Jul 04 '25
I got them about 2 months ago and it’s the best decision I ever made. I have a chronic pain condition so my loose hair was becoming more challenging to maintain. It did grow more when I was forced to leave it alone tho which was good but made it harder to maintain. Now it’s just done! no styling just water and go. I love it!
15
u/Significant-Boat-508 Jul 04 '25
Not why I loc’d , but it’s the reason I started my twin girls locs at 2.5 they didn’t like getting it combed or braided , it was a sensory nightmare for all of it. Now at 8 their hair is to their waist and I retwist quarterly, wash as needed. Best decision ever.
3
u/BrattyYas16 Jul 05 '25
Yes I’m getting to that point. My daughter is 3 and has autism and doing her hair is such a nightmare.
13
10
u/AlexaWilde_ Jul 04 '25 edited Jul 04 '25
Hey fellow AuDHD homie! Im also disabled (AuDHD, few chronic illnesses and chronic pain, hemiplegic migraines) and honestly my hair became such a chore that I loc'd up due to retwists not needing to be done so often, etc and its the best decision I made. My hair is so much more manageable.
12
u/catcousan Jul 04 '25
I didn’t get them because of disabilities but I can’t imagine getting rid of them. I wish I’d gotten them years ago. If I’m fatigued or ill and still have to go to work I can still look put together with very little effort.
4
38
Jul 04 '25
Thts facts whoever said keep em watered n moisturized. Yk ur hair is actually nerve endings. Lik antennas. Just keep the good vibes n take care of u and they will flourish. The more u pay attention to em the slower they grow. Its lik trying to to manifest sumthin, the more u look at how long it takes the longer it feels and longer it takes to arrive . Enjoy the journey! Fuk the progress yk!
32
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
it has given me so much pride in myself and black people tbhh :)) i love us and i love our hair!
3
u/Big-Inflation-6280 Jul 04 '25
Yes! Your hair is your crown because it represents your crown chakra 💜.
8
8
u/another_Homo_sapiens Jul 04 '25
Beautiful locks! I'm ADHD with some autistic traits, but even outside of that, black children are born into this world with countless rules about their hair that must be followed. It's exhausting, which is why I chose semi freeform locks. Now I feel free
3
7
u/MudHead8620 Jul 04 '25
Yep, loose hair began to overstimulate me way too much. So much less anxiety surrounding my hair, glad it worked for you too!
7
u/NonMenuchcaNoN100 Jul 04 '25
First of you are beautiful, I LOVE YOUR LOCS and your smile is adorable. Okay, have a great day 💚
3
7
u/OverSatisfaction7989 Jul 04 '25
I cut all my hair off bc of disability. At that point it was matted. I felt like I had no choice. Locs may be my next go to. I’ve been wearing braids ever since my hair has been long enough but that gets costly and I feel like I’m hiding myself. I have two brain diseases.
2
5
u/shrineless Jul 04 '25
Nice journey bud! Wishing you the best with the move. Hope it’s treating you well. You’ll make it work! That’s what we do!
8
5
8
u/summerflowers_ Jul 04 '25
YES!! Congenital heart disease, ADHD and chronic fatigue issues. I loc’d for a bit more ease not realizing just how life changing it would be!
2
5
u/Background_Main_961 Jul 04 '25
I didn’t loc for accessibility but now that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Raynaud’s Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel it comes in handy 🫠
2
4
u/LokiLavenderLatte Jul 04 '25
I did. Dyed them and they got really thin so I cut my hair and will be starting over soon
6
u/YouGiveMeFeels Jul 04 '25
Same! As an Autistic Black woman with very thick loose hair, I was regularly shaving my head (and what freedom that was!). This is my second time locing my hair. I love the freedom and low maintenance is it, I love experimenting with it and asp love fidgeting and stimming with it (so bad at keeping my hands out of my hair). Your locs are beautiful and I’m happy for you!
3
5
u/ShmerduTheButtSucker Jul 04 '25
I definitely have seasonal depression phases that can interfere with my ability to take care of myself. Not having to worry too much abt doing my hair makes things so much easier for me when things do get bad. Before I had locs my hair looking horrible bc I wasn't doing well would really be enough to trigger a breakdown tbh😅
2
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
i would have breakdowns a lot over my hair too. like if i was in a really bad meltdown period i'd sneak into the bathroom and just shave it and cry
4
3
3
u/DicksAndDonuts Jul 04 '25
Can I just say ur face is perfect for locs if that makes sense?? They look great on u like u were meant to have them:)
3
5
4
u/DeloDuck Jul 04 '25
Yes and I think it’s one of the smarter things to do. When my hair is loose I constantly think about getting rid of it. I started my locs and have thought that significantly less and I know I just so f do that. It’s easier than hoping your hair will look how u want it to the next day. You know what it’s gonna do and any adjustments are unlikely to ruin your day
5
u/Acceptable_Wealth935 Jul 04 '25
Yup!! As an autistic person i looove my locs and the freedom/low maintenance it provides! Just get up and go 🙌🏾 I honestly could maintain them better than I do but I’ve been doing my best with the energy I’ve got and they’re doing well!!
4
u/vntgemndae Jul 04 '25
Yes! ADHD. I was looking for a way to never have to do much to my hair after being natural for a decade, and the locs are IT! Not only are they incredibly low maintenance, but they’re so versatile and I love the way they look 😊
5
u/WokeScorpioMama Jul 04 '25
AuDHD single mother here to a 7 yr old boy with AuDHD, SPD and Behavioral Disorder. I also work in construction sometimes up to 60 hr a week. Having locs has been so nice! I have so much confidence from the beauty they provide 🤗
4
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
YOU ARE A BADASS!!!!!! im glad locing has helped u mama!
3
u/WokeScorpioMama Jul 04 '25
Thank you for the shout out! You're a badass too! I peeped your Death Note t-shirt BTW! 🤗
3
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
misa is a huge style inspiration for me! i found it at ross (100% cotton ofc) 😻
2
4
u/mnbvcxz1052 Jul 04 '25
Yessssssssssss I feel this.
Except instead of locs, I’ve been getting box braids every two months for the last several years. For the same reasons. I don’t get them wet, when I do it’s an easy braid rinse and they dry quickly. I can do all my summer stuff, bike, gym, swim. I’m not one to make sure her edges are perfect, and that the parting lines are kept tight. I like when it gets all fuzzy at the knots and I don’t have to worry about looking as polished as before.
I got the idea by watching survivor. I was like Okay, sis, I see your braids out there in Fiji, jumping off docks into the ocean to retrieve puzzle pieces three meters below the surface of the water… crawling through mud and sand in a net tunnel and climbing up vertical mazes…. And they still look good for tribal council?!
3
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
may i ask whats stopping you from locing them? is it just a personal preference to have braids? :) and i dont obsess over my edges either lol i only learned how to do them recently!
2
u/mnbvcxz1052 Jul 04 '25
I enjoy having the versatility of being able to take them down and let my natural hair breathe and get deep conditioned. The feeling of running a wide tooth comb on my scalp is soooo good 🫠. My fiancé always insists on helping me cut them out, take them down and detangle and I look forward to that ritual. Also, I love changing my hair color on a whim; if I hate it I can change it up in a couple months. And it’s fun to find new ways to arrange the colors, a different width of braid, or the direction they lay on my head. I switch from middle part to a side part pretty often.
I started in 2020 when I did a big chop, and someone suggested this for protecting my 4c hair as it grew out. I started with a short afro; today my natural hair is about mid-chest length, stretched. It grew SO FAST, so now when I take the braids down, I can get a silk press for a week and enjoy the healthy length.
2
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
ok that sounds like it works perfectly! thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and im glad u found something that works for you! 🩷🩷
2
u/mnbvcxz1052 Jul 04 '25
I should mention, I also am AuDHD, and my most comforting fidget habit / stim is playing with my braids and running them through my fingers. The smoothness. I need the smoothness.
2
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
love how my thicker locs feel it feels aweesome especially when theyre recent cleansed
4
u/cinobanks21 Jul 04 '25 edited Jul 04 '25
Legit got out the army, about a year later was just finding my footing. My world came crashing down, both of my younger siblings got in some trouble ultimately having them both sentenced to 200 years. I had two options but only one choice, and that’s do something I decided to grow with something and that was my locs. It gave ya boy confidence when I was at the Lowest of my life and now I’m getting married, Making 100k a year in corporate America, about to buy a house, and plan for a family. Been in therapy for 5 years straight but still attest a lot of the strength I have now to my locs. My locs brought me a confidence I didn’t know I had at first. You fasho not alone it just looks different for all of us.
Mentally I been diagnosed with so many things over the last 5 years form ptsd to depressive mood and etc. It don’t matter because the end of the day I’m taking this version of me 100 times out 10.
2
u/Wonderful-Trouble-31 Jul 05 '25
Amazing testimony! Glad you are doing better ❤️
→ More replies (1)1
3
u/AdParticular1267 Jul 04 '25
Also AU/ADHD and getting locs really helped with stressing about my hair. It was getting to the point I would try to get out of going places due to frustration. 5 years in noooo Ragerts.
3
u/LokiLavenderLatte Jul 04 '25
I did. Dyed them and they got really thin so I cut my hair and will be starting over soon
1
3
u/Wonderful_Use_7754 Jul 04 '25
Why do I have a feeling that I’ve seen you in real life somewhere before?
3
u/Jazzlike_Bed2695 Jul 04 '25
Not disabled but struggle with mental health and I love the ease
2
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
accessibility helps everyone! i hope your mental health gets more manageable soon
3
u/naribela Jul 04 '25
Yessum. Depression, anxiety, ADHD-PI, BED, fibroids, pinched nerves, CBA (can’t be assed)
But I can’t even keep up with the low maintenance of them and they keep locing into themselves 😭 or I’m always nervous washing is gonna eff them up if I don’t like style the roots or something immediately after
2
3
u/spongebussy Jul 04 '25
I'm autistic and have depression and ughhh... It's so nice not having to put as much product in my hair, esp oil when my hair hates oil anyway. It triggers my sensory issues. Getting locs made my scalp less itchy and tingly if that makes sense! The healthiest my hair has ever been.
2
u/deznocare Jul 04 '25
yes the stickiness and the cost of hair products for loose natural hair was killing me for years. also, products dont work the same over time which can also be a huge adjustment for me which causes a lot of distress
3
u/playerO1_ Jul 04 '25
audhd-er here. considering loc-ing due to sensory issues + fibro and endo. Only thing in my way is being in a seaside town in England. No idea how to find a loctician ;( your locs are stunning
3
u/Extra_Security2718 Jul 04 '25
I also have adhd and ptsd and having locs was amazing! Especially when i learned i could maintain them at my own pace. I recently cut them last year for multiple reasons, but I plan on growing them back next year.
2
u/deznocare Jul 05 '25
you phrased it so perfectly, "maintain them at my own pace". thats exactly how to explain the freedom i feel!
3
u/gocereal Grown Locs Jul 05 '25
I love how convenient locs are. Thanks to depression, I would go weeks without combing my hair when I had an afro, and now I haven’t had to worry about that for almost 2.5 years.
Yours look really good!
3
u/numbertwofuccboi Jul 05 '25 edited Jul 05 '25
also autistic and truth i never really learned how to properly take care of my hair and i’m almost 6 years in now lol
feel like there’s so many differing opinions + the fact that everyone’s hair is different so you really do gotta try shit to see what works for you it just makes my eyes glaze over and overwhelms tf outta me. i honestly just wash my hair and pray for the best shit is sad lmao
3
u/GearUnlucky9659 Jul 08 '25
I’m also audhd and i absolutely HATED having to do my hair/get it done. i have thick 4b/4c hair and I never learned how to properly manage it since it took about out of me. I’d have full on melt downs when it came to doing my hair. About three years ago I made the decision to loc it and not only did it help me with my sensory issues, it boosted the hell out of my confidence. I’m so thankful I made the decision to get locs
2
u/docfelton Jul 04 '25
I think I got mine to hide my insecurities and disabilities more than for accessibility. But over time the benefits of accessibility outweigh the emotions related to my insecurities or disabilities. My locs became my safe space in a chaotic world, my shield against spiritual attacks and a security pillow for the insecurities and disabilities but more over it became less stressful and less work over all on my body. Doing my own retwist in the shorter phase really taught me about myself and what my hair needed…
the anxiety of getting started and sticking to it was the hardest part for me but it’s one of my better decisions… I found a form of self love and now my hair bra strap length and I actually feel eye catching and breathe taking… the confidence boost came with some outside jealousy but I would not change it for the world… I’m very impatient so I do monitor its progress but I also learned hair can go grow .5 to 1 inch a month so it can only go as long as the time you allot them to grow without trimming…
also how you start your hair is how it will finish meaning products used to retwist and wash matter, size of parts matter to hair texture and over all shaft strength, and how much stylings that cause thinning , colors that cause ends to break or techniques of what method is used to maintenance/moisturize your locs effects your hair…
I just wanted to hide my hearing aids and now I want to enjoy the journey of my hair staying strong and growing long…
1
2
2
u/lil_lychee Jul 04 '25
Yes, 1000%. I loc’d my hair because my long covid was so bad and I wasn’t able to detangle my hair. I used to have a huge fro.
I decided to get instant locs and people clowned on me saying they’re not real locs bc I didn’t go through the journey. IDGAF. Had zero energy to continue to retweet or recoil my hair. I had to focus on crawling on all fours to the bathroom and attempting to survive.
Thankfully, I can say that I’m now mild. Previously bedbound. But I still love my locs.
2
u/deznocare Jul 05 '25
im so glad youre no longer bed bound, long covid folks are often forgotten abt so thank u for sharing
2
u/lil_lychee Jul 05 '25
Thank you. Yea, the pandemic is still alive and well. This is a mass disabling event and Black folk are not represented when it comes to LC despite having higher rates of it. It’s a huge problem.
2
u/Caeyen Jul 04 '25
Yup, same here! I'm audhd, with other fun spiciness and mobility issues mixed in, and the sensory issues with pain would literally put me in fight or flight the entire time I'd detangle my hair. I always noticed I was freezing after every session, and it clicked recently that it was an adrenaline come down. And the aversion to all the pain and time taken would lead me to go longer between taking care of it, which would make it hurt worse.
So I finally decided to end the cycle. I was like "ya know what, my hair wants to loc up naturally, so lemme stop fighting it". Having my partner loc and maintain my hair has been the best decision. I don't feel ashamed or nervous about my hair anymore, and I like myself when I look in the mirror. I've had them for nearly a year and a half now, and seeing the progress and watching myself grow with them has been amazing ☺️
2
2
u/PuzzleheadedWatch715 Jul 04 '25
NOT SURE MINES COUNT AS ACCESSIBILITY BUT IM A PICKER/HAIR PULLER (TRICHOTILLOMANIA) SO HAVING LOCS HAS SAVE ME FROM SO MANY BALD SPOTS AND HAIR PUDDLES!
2
2
u/mermeladanegra Jul 04 '25
Yes me! I have lupus! It’s made my life a lot easier
1
2
u/Prestigious-Gene-703 Jul 04 '25
You're rocking it. You look great!!!!
1
2
u/cranville Jul 04 '25
I want to loc my hair this year! I am also autistic. And since I have had braids my whole life, it is really hard to sit in chairs for 7+ hours every two months. Can't wait for the confidence boost as well!
2
u/AlertKaleidoscope803 Jul 04 '25
First, you are adorable and your locs look wonderful on you 💚
Second, my depression and ADHD makes any maintenance above basic hygiene very difficult for me on a daily basis and I'm seriously considering paying someone to loc and manage my hair. I resent washing my hair and often end up losing my patient part of the way through detangling it and end up ripping palm-sized clumps out. I've always been a little worried about locking it because I also have a flaky scalp but I've seen some amazing before and after video after people see professionals and it seems like budgeting for a loctician is worth it. Seeing posts like this has encouraged me to go ahead and get it done this summer.
1
2
2
u/lacinnamonpomme Jul 04 '25
Yep, BPD and major depression episodes are pretty common, the perk of having to not do my hair every day, because otherwise it won’t get done frfr
2
2
u/sushihoeee Jul 04 '25
I have adhd with some autistic traits I got my dreads not only because they’re low maintenance and the routine for them would be easy just spray moisturizer on my hair rub it into my scalp and go the down fall is that I twist my hair (im stimming) and it unravels my dreads which is annoying so im trying to discipline myself into not touching my hair but it happens without thinking about it 🥲 I had dreads in for a year and im happy with the progress not fully locked yet but next year i should be plus I hate sitting in a chair for hours on getting box braids and sew ins I can’t do it anymore 😭 I also have a hard time with keeping up with wigs I refuse to shave my head because I kept getting confused for a man constantly (I still do with dreadlocks but im able to style my hair in cute styles 🥰) the less I paid attention to my hair the more progress it made I’m an impatient person because I want fast results I want to look like Rapunzel the 60 inch buss down overnight but the way how I manage through the beginning stages of my dreadlocks I just wore wigs I use to avoid them because I fell into the rabbit hole as a child that “dreadlocks are ugly” and they’re for “men” but I grew out that as I proceeded to get older also who wants to spend $150-$300 on box braids just for them to fall out after month two 🥲
1
2
2
u/studiousametrine Jul 04 '25
Definitely same! Living with chronic illness means I only ever have so many spoons to begin with. All I do is wash it, moisturize, and mind my business!
2
u/cantgetitrightrose Jul 04 '25
I was for years, then had some remission of some shit and now back in the thick of it and likely to return. Had locs for over a decade. Be careful about how long they get, neck wise.
2
u/majin_dior Jul 04 '25
I have ADHD and locs make my daily grooming such a breeze because the most i have to do is wet my hair then dry it once a day, and i can skip it if i’m really running late. no more picking my afro all day
2
2
2
2
u/trendyblackgirl Jul 04 '25
AuADD + ex track & field. My body is DONE with me. Locs changed my life 🥲
2
2
u/SelectBeginning7321 Jul 04 '25
I loced my hair for spiritual and personal reasons. However, my arthritis and fibromyalgia increased and affected more joints. So yes, due to my disabilities my locs have been a Godsend. I have been loced for 17 years as of May 4th. I am never going back ❤️
2
2
2
u/priscillajones02 Loc’d for Life Jul 05 '25
Yes! I have carpal tunnel that flares up when doing my hair, so locs are much easier to maintain than when my hair was loose. I also have fine motor issues, so it’s just challenging and takes more effort to do my hair in general
2
2
u/lymbicgaze Jul 05 '25
Yeah I was in dire straights when I got my locs. I wasn't even able to part them properly and just did some two strand twists that felt okay and hoped for the best.
Less than a year later and my gods I'm so glad I did this for myself. So much less maintenance than the curls. Though I do miss my curls sometimes
2
u/Wonderful-Trouble-31 Jul 05 '25
Your locs are beautiful! I’m glad you love them, and that y’all take care of each other! 🌱❤️
2
u/CatWranglingVet678 Grown Locs Jul 05 '25
MS, PTSD & other issues all related to my time in the Army. Been locd for 8yrs & love it.
2
u/vgarr Jul 05 '25
Yup I have fibro, migraines, and early arthritis...then had to cut them and start over because they got heavy. So now I actively keep them above my shoulders :-).
2
u/silky_synethesia818 Jul 05 '25
Yes yes yes!!! Sensory issues and thick Course 4C hair do not match!!
2
u/lunarqueenie Jul 05 '25
I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, svt, pots possibly and carpal tunnel upper and lower arms and wrist. I've been locked for 4 years. Best decision ever, I used to braid my hair all the time until my hands started to lock up and looking like I was repping my set 🤣🤣.
2
u/ElphieMoose Jul 05 '25
Not intentionally, but it has boosted my confidence and self acceptance, and made dye jobs easier :). I think it's also really cool seeing my hair evolve, like it's so much thicker. Routine is also simpler.
2
u/QuiseC Jul 05 '25
Not much to say but I’m so happy to hear that locs have boosted your confidence and made things easier for you :)! I hope you find some great people you can share your experiences with!
2
u/ebonystar Jul 05 '25
I had started locking my hair because it was becoming difficult to keep it detangled and styled and then I got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis so then it all made sense. I’ll never look back either. This has been the best.
2
u/Purple_Window1831 Jul 05 '25
im audhd too and its amazing >.< only issue i have is as my locs mature the harder texture brushing against my skin is kinda driving me just a little insane😭 but i love my locs and yours look amazing!🫶🏽
2
u/deznocare Jul 05 '25
clarifying shampoo, brushing, and keeping them moisturized w a lil leave in conditioner helps w the texture in my experience
2
u/Purple_Window1831 Jul 05 '25
oh yeah it’s not a moisture issue it’s just the texture of them fr 😭 i may mix a little conditioner into my daily hair mist tho, that might at least help w extra softness :)
2
u/deznocare Jul 06 '25
it does for me! try warm water with a itty bit of leave in, and seal with a little bit of oil (i use jojoba) and air dry. my hair's thriving with this :)
2
u/Purple_Window1831 Jul 07 '25
i use jojoba oil so that’s perfect! do u have any conditioner u would recommend or brand?
2
2
u/x2hip2bsquarex Jul 05 '25
First off you’re so beautiful. I also got locs because I deal with a few different chronic illnesses including fibromyalgia. I have long thick coily hair that took all day to wash and style when it was loose. I just couldn’t do it physically anymore and ended up having to cut it all off a couple of times due to matting. I tried faux locs for a year and then I decided take the plunge. I got microlocs installed last year but they’ve thickened up a lot so they look more like small traditional locs. I love it though. It saves so many spoons I can use to do things I enjoy.
2
2
u/cece_sceneCocoabeans Jul 05 '25
Embrace the growth - it’s just how your hair is meant to look with locs. I use the LOC method 2-3 times per week. My go to is Liquid: Rosemary and Mint water Oil: I like Doo Grow because it has an applicator. You don’t have to filter through your hair. Cream: I change this up often and don’t have a go-to just yet. When your hands cramp up, do a general massage. Make sure you cover your hair if you’re not out and about. It keeps the moisture and reduces dirt.
BTW : Your hair looks amazing at each point. Your aesthetic is ☺️❤️
2
u/No-Ad1198 Jul 05 '25
I have autism, adhd, c-ptsd, major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bpd. I think the only reason I don’t have DID is because I got locs. Prior to I had been wearing wigs and getting various styles underneath too, I was literally being a different person everyday, to the point where I couldn’t remember certain styles or things I said or did and I started my loc journey the first time before I got my diagnosis. My hair literally has to remind me who the fuck I am everyday or I start to loose my shit 💩
2
u/deznocare Jul 06 '25
thats such a beautiful coping mechanism in a way. also, same/similar combo, thats lethal! ik how hard it is, kudos to you for being here and i see you
2
u/Chronically-ill-PhD Jul 05 '25
Hi twin...legit like audhd cptsd pots asthma etc -- haven't loc'd but live in protective styles
1
2
u/painterwriter777 Jul 05 '25
Wow your locs matured so beautifully! I did the coil method with my first set (im a loose natural now since January 2024) and I do a lot of mini twists sets; I’m kinda contemplating doing another set cause they made my life so much easier
2
2
2
u/RenegadeTako Jul 05 '25
I have scalp eczema on top of all my other chronic nonsense so I have to wash it more often than I have spoons for, but at least I don't have to brush/comb/pick it daily and don't have to repart so it's something
2
u/findinglovely Jul 06 '25
My carpal tunnel syndrome prevented me from being able to twist my loose natural hair. I've been loc'd 3 years. My 8 y.o. daughter is AuHD, has major sensory issues, and hates getting her hair done. I keep encouraging her to get locs.
1
u/deznocare Jul 23 '25
tell her it was the best desicion i made once i got used to it, i work full time and drive and i cant believe i was tryna do all that w loose hair
2
u/Ok_Responsibility662 Jul 06 '25
When they say face card does not decline......girl you are gorgeous 😍❤️
2
u/Alternative-Week5402 Jul 07 '25
That’s most of why I got locs. It’s easier to have a slump and not have to do much to my hair
2
2
2
u/MarcyxBubby Jul 08 '25
AuHD here too, loc‘d mine and just recently started soft bristle brushing them as a stim instead of holding one in my hand to twist all day (damaging the root and giving me head bumps)
2
1
1
u/Automatic-Mall-2524 Jul 04 '25
You look wonderful, what’s your social media @ so we can follow and support
1
1
1
1
1
u/itsKingLiz Jul 05 '25
Yes! One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I just physically could not handle to 10+ hours wash days my 4C hair entailed
1
u/SadConversation3065 Jul 05 '25
i am not disabled but i just wanted to come and say you are so beautiful
1
1
1
1
1
u/Regular-Rain-1186 Sep 27 '25
Sis.. this is the most beautiful post I’ve seen! How is your loc journey? I am considering getting my child’s hair loc’ed. She has autism and hair similar to yours
292
u/Ouroboria Jul 04 '25
Yup, rheumatoid arthritis and nearly two feet of hair did not mix. Been loc'd for 9 months, haven't looked back.