Nickname:  MANDINGO

Zodiac: Virgo

Relationship Status:  Involved

Favorite Musicians:  Musiq, Carl Thomas, Joe, Glenn Lewis, Stevie Wonder, ... many others

Favorite Songs:  "If this world were mine" by Luther Vandross

Hobbies:  Rollerskating (indoor), Motorcycles, Cars, Computers: Internet Junkie, Eating Out:  too often, need a good homecooked meal.

How was your hair styled before you dreadlocked?
I have done everything from Bald to fades, to texturizers, cornrows etc.

What did you like/dislike about your previous hairstyle?
I liked them all but my barber was hard to get in touch with. I am picky about my hair

How long did you have a long natural/Dreadlocks?
5 years - Sept 16, 1997

Why did you decide to go grow locks?
I couldn't find my barber when I needed him

How did you start your locks (palmrolls, twists, braids...)? Why did you choose this method?
I started when my hair was about 2-3 in. Started with twist and then in to 2 strand and once that got difficult to maintain, I separated the 2 strand into single strand. They are palm rolled.

Who maintains your locks/natural hair (you or a stylist)?
Mainly me. But I have 2 stylist that I trained and they put a lot of Luv into them. I keep them done at least every 2-3 weeks

What particular challenges have you faced as a male with dreadlocks?
None, maybe keeping the ladies off me. lol :)

How did your family/friends/lovers react to your hair initially?
Well, I guess it doesn't make a difference to the haters. I'm a GROWN ASS MAN (Cedrick) How do they react now? Everybody likes them.

What problems with your locks have you encountered in the workplace/social settings?
None

What do you love most about your hair?

What bothers you the most about your hair?
When it gets in my face. I just put it in a ponytail

Have you ever colored your natural hair/dreadlocks?  Do you still color it? What were the results?
Yes, I just use a dark brown to get rid of the fading and give it richness

List your favorite styling tips.
I like to cornrow then and when I take them out I like the crinkly look.

What products do you use?
I like to use Beeswax. However people frown on it because they say it attracts dirt and all that. Well, if you use the right kind you won't have those problems. I just show them my hair and they can't deny how good mine looks. My hair is soft and I sweat a lot so I need some holding power.

Which ones can't you live without and why?
I need Beeswax. The other products like Shea Butter won't work well for me. But It's a personal preference for the person who wears them. I have clients that like Beeswax and then I have clients that like Shea Butter or softer products for there Loc's.

If you could lock all over again, what would you do differently?
I would make them a little smaller. It gives it more versatility.

What has having a natural/locks taught you about yourself/others?
That I am beautiful.

What's your advice to those interested in going natural/locking?
Get 1 stylist that knows how to maintain them. When you jump around to different people, they all do them differently and then it shows a messed up pattern in your locks.

If the same person does them all the time, you keep a uniform pattern in your locks. Get them done at least every 3-4 weeks.

What's your list of do's and don'ts when it comes to natural/dreadlocks care?
Whatever works well for you, stick to it.

If your hair had a name and a personality, what's its name and describe its personality.
Mandingo, because it's sexy, strong, passionate, sensuous and smooth.