If you would like your picture to be added to this let I know and I will add it.

Maintaining Locs

Maintaining locs is very different from maintaining other hair styles. Locs don't need to be brushed and don't require regular trimming. Like other hair styles locs to need to be kept clean. Contrary to popular belief clean locs lock up and tighten faster than dirty locs. While other hair styles require combing to put stray hairs back in place, locs need to have stray hairs tucked back into the dred so they can dred up and lock with the rest of the hair.

Using the right Shampoo

The tighter the locs are, the fewer stray hairs you will have and the smoother the locs will look. Washing locs with the proper soaps and shampoos is essential to keeping them tight. The problem with the majority of shampoos, natural or otherwise, is that they leave residue in the hair after they are rinsed out. You can easily detect this residue by smelling the hair, or your hands, after you have used the shampoo. If the shampoo has left a scent, it has left residue behind. These residues can cause itching when they build up inside your locs and they can make it hard for thicker locs to dry properly. Above all the residues act as a lubricant making it very hard for the hairs to lock and the locs to tighten. This is why it is highly recommended that you use only residue free soaps and shampoo's on your locs.

Residues also cause scalp irritations. Many of the reasons our scalps are dry and itchy is because of residues whether they come from shampoos, conditioner, or chemicals. Using a residue free shampoo will give you a healthy scalp.

Wearing a head scarf

Locs do tend to pick up lint and fuzzy's even if they are very clean. This is usually a big problem when you are sleeping. Pillow cases and sheets that don't shed a lot of fuzzy's will help. Wearing a head scarf on your head will keep fuzzy's out of your locs while allowing your locs and scalp to breathe. Head scarves also have plenty of room for longer locs to stretch out and they can be bought larger so they don't squish your locs down too much.

Washing Locs

Whenever you wash your locs get them as dry as possible afterwards. Don't leave them covered in such a way that they can't dry completely. It is good practice to squeeze as much water out of them by hand as possible before wrapping them with a dry thirsty towel for about 10 min and then finally letting them air dry or drying them with a hair dryer. This will ensure that the locs dry all the way through. Leaving them wet will cause them to smell like a wet towel. Nasty.

Healthy Scalp and moisturizing

It can take a while for your scalp to adjust to having locs. This is mostly because your washing schedule will suddenly change and your scalp will no longer be stimulated by brushing. One common problem is dryness. For this reason it is important that you keep the scalp and locs properly moisturized.
Breakage is another concern because locs can get pretty heavy as they get longer. It is possible for them to break off at the root if they are not properly moisturized. If you know that your hair is prone to breakage it is a good idea to start out with locs that are a bit thicker. If your locs are thin you can keep them at a reasonable length to avoid breakage.

Using oils is unnecessary

If you have a healthy scalp, free of damage by chemicals and braids, your scalp should be able to oil your locs naturally to the tip. Consider not using bottled oils on your hair. It is a myth that we need to use oils. The only reason our scalp is sensitive is because of the damage from harsh chemicals that are forced on us as children. If your scalp itches, the best treatment for your scalp is to mist some water, it will keep your natural oils flowing.

Using Rubberbands

Rubberbands can be very useful when you are starting and maintaining locs. While putting rubberbands on too tight can hurt your locs, wearing them snug, to gather the hair at the roots of your locs, can help your locs tighten faster than they normally would. Rubberbands are also handy for keeping new locs separated.

Loose hairs and Latchhooking/Interlocking

Latchhooking/Interlocking is a new method for taking care of loose hairs at the root and throughout the loc. The important thing to remember with latchhooking/Interlocking is that you need to twist your locs after you have used the latchhooking/Interlocking method. If you do not twist your locs afterwards the loose hairs will fall out of the locs.

Latchhooking/Interlocking hairs in the middle of the loc

1. Take the latchhook and push it through the middle of the loc where the loose hair is. Make sure you push the hook in until the little latch is post the other side of the loc and loose hair.
2. Thread the loose hair through the hook and flip the hook into the closed position.
3. Now pull the loose hair through the middle of the dread.

Latchhooking/Interlocking hairs at the root of the loc

1. Take the latchhook and push it through the middle of the loc at the root where the loose hair is. Make sure you push the hook in until the little latch is post the other side of the loc and loose hair.
2. Thread the loose hair through the hook and flip the hook into the closed position.
3. Now pull the loose hair through the middle of the locs.

If the loose hair is long you may need to repeat steps 1-3 again until the loose hair has disappeared. It helps a lot to insert the hook sideways the second time so there isn't a pattern to the way the loose hair is sewn into the loc.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to twist the hair once it is in the loc so it will lock up and it won't fall out.

This is a good routine:

1. Wash your locs once a month when they are new. Once they have formed you can wash them once to twice a month if you need to.

2. Make sure your roots are separated.

3. Apply Cream/natural hair products after each wash once your locs are dry.

4. Allow your locs and scalp to "breathe", don't keep them covered all the time. You're beautiful and you shouldn't hide your natural hair, you should be proud of it and flaunt it.

5. If you want to wear something while your out wear a 100% cotton scarf or tam when out.

6. Don't use oils!

7. Sleep in a satin cap during the locking process.

8. Be patient . . .



Alopecia

Alopecia areata ("baldness in spots") is a form of hair loss from areas of the body, usually from the scalp. Because it causes bald spots on the head especially in the first stages, it is also called spot baldness. Hair loss can extend to eyebrows, eyelashes and facial and nasal hair and create more bald spots elsewhere in the body.
Signs:

Broken hairs, or hairs easily removed
Female diffuse baldness. A gradual thinning of hair, especially on the top of the head. Hairline generally remains intact.
One or more round or oval bald patches
What are the main causes

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a genetic tendency for certain hair follicles to produce a substance that reacts with male hormones. As you get older, this reaction eventually causes the follicle to shut down.
Pulling from curlers or hairstyles that are too tight
A hereditary form of hair loss in which women progressively thin at the top of the head
Temporary hair loss may result from any shock to the body's systems, including starvation, systemic infection, childbirth, thyroid or immunologic disorders, drugs (especially chemotherapy for cancer), or stress.
Treatments:

Topical medication such as minoxidil lotion,
Alopecia areata— Cortisone injections
Hair transplants are a feasible option.


Hair Loss

Baldness , includes a set of disorders which involve the state of lacking hair where it would normally grow, especially on the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair thinning condition called androgenic alopecia or 'male pattern baldness' that occurs in adult human males and some primate species. The severity and nature of baldness can vary greatly; it ranges from male and female pattern alopecia (androgenetic alopecia, also called androgenic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica), alopecia areata, which involves the loss of some of the hair from the head, and alopecia totalis, which involves the loss of all head hair, to the most extreme form, alopecia universalis, which involves the loss of all hair from the head and the body. Treatment for alopecia has limited success. The more hair lost, the less successful the treatment will be.
Signs

Thinning of hair
Breakage
No re/growth
Patches
Possible Causes:

Too much heat from hair dryers, hot rollers, and curling or flat irons
Trichotillomania
Hair braids/weaves
Medication
Too frequently applied hair relaxers
Treatments:

Stress reduction techniques can increase blood flow to the scalp
Thin Hair Formula by Organic Root Stimulator's
There are other very expensive products on the market like Rogaine and Tricomin, however I am not 100% sure how well they work with Afro/Kinky hair. However you can find out more information here http://www.tricomin.com/
Exotic Allure has a range of Vitamins and Shampoos for fast and healthy hair growth. See here for more info http://www.exoticallure.com/
Biotin (300 mcg per day) and trace minerals, such as those found in blue-green algae (2 to 6 tablets per day), help hair growth
Scalp massage using essential oils of rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, and cedarwood may be helpful in increasing circulation. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 1 tbsp. of jojoba or grapeseed oil. Massage into scalp daily.


Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) or "trich" is an impulse control disorder characterised by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, beard hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair. It may be distantly related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, with which it shares both similarities and differences. Trichotillomania has been mentioned as a disorder in very early historical records. Onset generally occurs at puberty. There is a strong stress-related component, that is, in low-stress environments some stop pulling altogether. Pulling resumes when one leaves this environment. 80% of those afflicted are female. Evidence is now starting to accumulate pointing to TTM as being genetic in origin.

Signs:

A behavioural problem or a bad habit that is often done unconsciously.
P laying with your hair by pulling on it or twisting it.
Feeling of pleasure or gratification, immediately following hair-pulling
Possible Causes:

There are many theories Psychoanalytic and Biological, but neither draws a concrete solution to its cause. For example, hair-pulling may begin as a response to stress and then develop into a habit.

Treatments:

Psychoanalysis focuses on childhood experiences
Medications such as antidepressants with serotonergic properties
Hypnotherapy

THE RECOMMENDED RASTAFARI CODE OF CONDUCT

-------------------------------------------------------------

DRAFT 2

PREAMBLE

Human Diversity

"The very diversity of the worlds peoples today constitutes one of mankind's great resources; the different philosophies with which nations approach their problems lead inevitably to a vast array of methods and techniques. These variations are necessary, for each people must find solutions which are responsive to its particular needs... each nation will inevitably pursue that course which appears best suited to its own unique characteristics…

We seek Africa's economic growth and development, the betterment of the way of life of Africans and all men.

HIM Haile Selassie 1

Whereas the People of The Rastafari Nation worldwide:
a. have affirmed that the Nation of Rastafari is founded upon Kingciples that acknowledge the Divinity of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1st Emperor of Ethiopia, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God and Light of this world, and Empress Wayzero Mennen
b. faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, in a world of free people and the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator;
c. respect the Kingciples of justice and integrity;
d. recognize that people remain free only when freedom is founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values.
e. recognizing that African Liberation must be the concern of all Rastafari people.
f. desire that the Rastafari Code of Conduct should enshrine the above mentioned Kingciples for ensuring the protection of fundamental human practices and freedoms;
The following provisions shall have effect as the Code of Conduct of the Rastafari Nation

~O~
THE RECOMMENDED RASTAFARI CODE OF CONDUCT
"By word and deed, we have sought to inspire Our beloved people to retain the past - to cleave to its faith, to preserve its tradition, to cherish its self respect; and to acclaim the present to recognize its challenges, to work diligently, to attain higher levels of achievement."
(The Law of Life, .Haile Selassie I)
O Most high Jah Rastafari INI have love the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy honor dwelleth
Gather not INI soul with sinners or INI life with bloody men: In whose hand is mischief and their right is full of bribes.
But as for INI, INI will walk in INI I-tegrity
Redeem INI and be merciful unto INI
INI foot standeth in an even place: in the congregation will INI bless the Lord Most High

PSALM 26
GENERAL CODE
Rastafari Family must:
1) Accept the divinity of Haile Selassie I & Empress Wayzero Mennen
2) Defend the sovereign rights of Africans at home and aboard.
3) Abide by the laws and teaching of Haile Selassie I (in that, INI must always read and overstand the selected speeches of Haile Selassie I and apply their relevance to INI daily lives for the betterment of humanity)
4) The collected word of Emperor Haile Selassie I are the true and Ivine foundation of righteous governance.
5) I n I must uphold the Kingciples of African Unity, Justice and Freedoms
6) It is the sacred duty of I and I Rastafari sons and daughters to commit I and I selves wholeheartedly to the cause of African Liberation and Black Reparation, and to labor with all I and I talents and mental abilities to achieve this goal
7) Any nation aspiring to be known as Rastafari must make African Liberation it’s first priority as stated by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie.

Abstinence

Sexual Activities:
SEX;

(1)Homosexuality
(2)Sex with children
(3)Sex with animals
(4)Rape
(5)Oral sex
(6) Whoredom/Prostitution
(7) Never enter into a relationship knowingly aware of a person’s intimate situation with another, as such to cause a break up or instability of the family
(8) Never enter into a sexual or intimate relationship with woman or man, causing disharmony, grief, or strife
(9)Never enter into a sexual/ intimate relationship involving multiple partners.
(10)Never enter into an activity in public that depicts sexual actions.

DO NOT COMMIT:

1) Abuse, slander or disgrace any Rastafari, brethren or sistren or others in public places either through the Printed Press, Radio, Television or the Internet.
Suggested Resolutions-
A Rastafari Idren or Sistren should refer any of the above situations to:
a. One’s house, mansion or organization.
b. One’s peers.
c. One’s Elder.
Note: One should abstain from using the methods of Justice of the system, except in extreme situations where the social law advocates the outcome of situation.
One should abstain from using methods of vigilante justice or any action that would endanger the security of the Rastafari family.
1- Theft.
2- Money- Laundering
3- Drunkenness.
4- Drug use.
5- Sale of Drugs.

Suggested Resolution:
Note:
a- Drunkenness/Drug Use – One is advised to seek counseling and prepare to stop.

DIETARY PRACTICE
"And every creeping thing upon the earth shall be an abomination, it shall not be eaten, whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever have more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat, for they are an abomination"
Lev 11:41-42
Jah said, behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, To you it shall be for meat"
Genesis 1:29
"The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nation"
Rev 22:2
What is Ital?
ITAL IS FRESH ORGANIC, UNPROCESSED FOODS.
The highest form of dietary practice is the consumption of naturally grown foods.
Rastafari who defends the ITAL way of life accept a more holistic and nature- oriented life style that ones and ones sight to be more in harmony with the earth.
Ital diet cleanses and purifies the physical being, it also offers the most life-energizing way of sustaining the physical structure and the inner Irits in their original crea Rastafari who defends the ITAL way of life accept a more holistic and nature- oriented life style, that ones and ones sight to be more in harmony with the earth.
Ital diet cleanse and purify the physical being, it also offers the most life-energizing way of sustaining the physical structure and the inner Irits in their original creation.

For members of the Rastafari Family who, due to cultural or social background, may participate in the eating of fish, but should AVOID THE FOLLOWING

1) Animal products/ by products
2) Process foods /Genetically Modified foods
3) Sodium salt – (Sea salt can be substituted.)

RASTAFARI REGGAE MUSICIANS, SINGERS, PROMOTERS.MC’s DJ’s

SHOULD ALWAYS:
- Maintain the roots and cultural lyrics of the music and the standard set by the pioneers.
- conduct themselves with integrity while on stage and off, which includes activities while on tours, local or foreign.
- must consider making financial contribution to the social and economic development of the Rastafari Nation.

SHOULD NOT:
Create music and dance that epitomize a woman’s sexuality or trample on her I-tegrity and self worth, or even influence ones and ones to consider or commit acts of violence against her. Create music and lyrics that influence anyone to commit crimes against each other.

Not use His Imperial Majesty’s name casually or in vain while on stage or off.

AWARENESS
1) Be concerned with Re Education, Current Events, Politics of African Liberation, Repatriation and Reparation
2) I n I must defend the right of all Africans to Repatriate to Africa, including the descendants of those Africans taken into captivity.
3) Defend the rights to Repatriation granted by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I.
4) Always proud to be African or of African decent
5) Always proud to be a Rastafari Ingel
6) InI Rastafari will uphold the spiritual and cultural values of the ancient Ithiopians, and promote ital livity (culture) as the best and most appropriate lifestyle for Rastafarians and Africans alike.
7) Properly maintain his or her children, raising them in the order of righteousness
8) Must not enforce religious practices on any individual,
9) Should not take the name of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1st in vain or in casual conversation where it should not be used.
10) The Rastafari family should always strive to emulate the character of H.I.M Haile Selassie 1 and Empress Menen in their daily lives.
"As we guarantee to each the right to worship as he chooses, so we denounce the policy that set man against man on the issue of religion"
Haile Selassie I Nov 2 1966

AVOID RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
"Above all Ethiopia is dedicated to the principle of equality of all men ,irrespective of difference of race, color or creed .As we do not practice or permit discrimination within our nation , so we oppose I wherever it is found"
Haile Selassie I Nov 02 1966

Respect for the Flag of the Lion of Judah
The flag of Ethiopia the tricolor, Red, Gold, and Green, with the Gold charged with the crown lion, in natural colors supporting a cross-staff bearing a Red, Gold and Green pennon, known as the Lion of Judah is the accepted emblem of the Rastafari Nation
(Note the Green the uppermost color, the Gold in the middle, followed by the Red)
The Emblem must be
1) Present when representing Haile Selassie I and Empress Mennen
2) Present at all individual gates
3) Raised high at all times
4) Never flown beneath any other emblem.

The Emblem must not be
1) Torn, or in Rags
2) Must never be worn on feet
3) Used as decorations in nightclubs and dancehalls

HERB SMOKING
1) The Hola Sacrament must not be Abused
2) Not be used for recreational purposes nor given to minors nor mentally disturbed individuals
3) Always remember smoking is an individual choice
4) No foreign substance should be added to the sacrament while in tabernacle or places of worship during ises.

IMPORTANT RULES RELATING TO SPECIFIC AREAS

All rules that listed in the Nyah Binghi Guide Lines relating to the Priest, The Nyah Binghi Grounds, and The Alter of the Tabernacle, The Nyah Binghi Harps, and The Fire Key must be obeyed. Also the rules and guidelines of all other houses and organizations should be obeyed according to their guidelines; whether or not you belong to said house or organization.

Dress Code

-Modest clothing should always be worn. It is recommended that women cover their heads while at any function or celebration of Rastafari.

-In the case of the Nyahbinghi Order and the Boboshanti, specific dress codes are required when attending any and all administrative and ceremonial events. Nyahbinghi women and Boboshanti women are required to ALWAYS have their heads covered while in public.

-No shorts or bareback must be permitted at any Rastafari function
- All tattoos should be fully covered

note: it is not advised or encouraged to put tattoos on one’s skin, if one doesn’t have a tattoo.

SPECIFIC CODE
1) Always respect the decision of the Council of Elders ,I-ncients Guardians of the Faith.
2) Always acknowledge the contributions of the Patriarchs, Matriarchs and Founding Fathers of the Faith
3) Never use the I-ncients to obtain money for self benefits
4) Always acknowledge the contribution of African Leaders, African Liberators and Freedom Fighters, noting important dates and events.
Selon ena fiker igzee abiher yimmasgan
RasTafari guidance I-tinually
rasflako@hotmail.com
Ras Flako Tafari