Locks gone Wrong!

I just want to know what a person should do when they grow long locks and they start to pop off. I grew locks 3 times in my life so far and I have came to the conclusion that I do not like the composition of them. They are made of 1 part dead hair, 1 part lent and the remaining is particles from the atmosphere. I know this because I combed out a few of mine that I had been growing for 8 months (YES they can be combed out) and when I finished that is what I had in my hand. Your hair is dead anyways, the only live part is the follicle it comes out of. Don't get me wrong, I love them just because of the natural twist they take on at the root, and there are people that have beautiful, long locks. I just want everyone to have a clear understanding of what they are committing themselves to. Do you agree?

old braids, take them down!!

I am a braider and I am used to taking down braids that have been up for months. Since we can be open in the nappy head party, well how do I say this......some of these braids have such a build up!!! and smell!!! and its the part about braids that I think we need to discuss. I know that braids sometimes get messed up when you wash them, and even then...they don't get all the way clean (which is why you get that light brown build up that looks like paste) Now as a braider I would rather you come and let me take them down, especially if you think you are ganna damage your hair if you take it down yourself, but oh lord! Am I alone in this?? Any thoughts???