Emergency Surgery for Dreadlocks

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Kristine Castagnaro

So, remember when Mgazi tried to cut out four of her dreadlocks? (See Dreadlock Carnage.) Well, she was successful with three, but for some reason she couldn’t get the scissors to completely cut through one loc in the back of her head.

This dreadlock is barely clinging to life

I posted to my Yahoo Group (Adoption Hair & Skin Care) warning other parents about the possibility that their children may change their minds about whether or not they want dreadlocks. And worse yet, they may take action, as mine had. A wonderful woman named Deanna, suggested I sew the fourth lock back together! Brilliant idea, Deanna! THANK YOU !

Here’s how it looks.

I didn't use regular thread. I used a very thin dark nylon that is supposed to look invisible.

You ca see from certain angles the loc is thicker where it is sewn together. But nobody is going to see this.

Kinda wishing I had stuck with the twists I started back in Africa. But I imagine they would look very similar to the locks and Mgazi would have been hot and cold on them too.

Dreadlock Carnage

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Kristine Castagnaro

The total is four. It’s the official and final body count – although none of the bodies have been recovered. I’ve investigated Mgazi’s head row by row, inch by inch, individual lock by individual lock. I’m proud to report I did not once give in to the persistent urge to scream while doing it.

Here’s how the cookie crumbles:

One: the number of locks that she cut completely out, at the root, leaving a blank spot.

Dreadlock Carnage

Two: the number of dreadlocks that she cut in half. They now stick straight out of her head, like antennae.

One: the number of locks she attempted to cut out but failed. I guess she couldn’t get the angle right. Or maybe her fingers were getting tired. Regardless, she managed to cut through most of the lock but not all of it. The lock is now dangling perilously by 6 or 7 individual hairs. It’s only a matter of time before it gets caught on a button or zipper as she’s undressing and gets yanked out. At which time, in case you are wondering, I will have NO SYMPATHY!

Recommended wine: I’ve heard that omega-3 fatty acids can help fight depression. Mussels are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Know what goes great with mussels? Sauvignon Blanc! If your child ever cuts off her hair, be it her bangs or the dreadlocks that took you NINE WEEKS to put in, I suggest the 2006 Ferrari-Carano Sauvignon Blanc. You can learn more about this lovely wine out of Sonoma County at the Ferrari-Carano website.