There's something undeniably fascinating about locs, also known as dreadlocks. For many, the style represents more than just a hairstyle — they represent identity, freedom, culture, and transformation. But before you start twisting or palm-rolling your way to a new hair journey, it's important to understand that locs are a commitment. From choosing the right method for your hair type to understanding the long-term care involved, your loc journey starts way before the first twist. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know a head of your loc journey.
Locs, are rope-like strands of hair that have naturally matted together. There's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to locking your hair. The best method for you will depend on your hair type, lifestyle, and how often you're able to maintain it.
Here are a few common methods:
Twist and rip / Two-strand twists: Ideal for type 4 hair. These require regular maintenance but are beginner-friendly.
Backcombing: Common with straighter hair textures; involves teasing hair into sections.
Freeform locs: Let your hair loc naturally with minimal manipulation. Low-maintenance and requires patience.
Interlocking: A crochet technique that pulls the end of the loc through the root to tighten. Great for active lifestyles.
Comb coils: Perfect for short, tightly coiled hair; this is one of the most popular methods to start locs in natural hair salons.
@naomii.nae How do u maintain ur locs?😅 Retwist, Crotchet, Interlock? #locs #locsoftiktok #braidlocs #interlocking #retwist ♬ original sound - N A O M I
The five stages of loc growth
Like any hair growth journey, locs don't grow overnight. They evolve through different stages. From the new, tightly coiled beginnings to the mature, fully-formed locs, your hair will go through five stages as it settles into its natural pattern.
Starter locs: This is the beginning stage where the hair is parted and styled into your chosen loc foundation — whether twists, braids, or coils. At this point, the locs are delicate and prone to unraveling, especially when washing, so gentle care is important.
Budding: During this phase, small knots or "buds" begin to form, indicating that the locs are starting to lock. The hair may look puffier or frizzier than before, which is normal.
Teenage locs: Here, the locs become firmer but still need consistent maintenance and retwisting to hold their shape and prevent loose strands.
Mature locs: At this stage, your locs are thick, strong, and fully developed. They hold their form easily, need less frequent maintenance, and can be styled more freely.
Rooted locs: This final stage marks complete maturity. Here, the locs are well-established and unlikely to change much in shape or size. They’ve fully settled into their natural structure.
@myerslocsoflove 5 stages of Loc Journey Stage 1 - baby stage Stage 2 - budding stage 3 - teen Stage 4 - Mature Stage 5 - Rooted/Adult #locjourney #microlocsalabaster #sisterlocksjourney #sisterlocksalabaster ♬ original sound - Myers Locs of Love (Tonia)
How often should you wash your locs?
How often you wash your locs depends on various factors like your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference. However, it's generally adviced that those with locs wash their hair once every one to two weeks
Factors to consider:
- Lifestyle: If you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to wash your locs more frequently to keep them clean and fresh as sweat buildup can cause an odour.
- Product buildup: If you use a lot of hair products to lay your edges or retwist, this can leave residue causing layers of buildup. In this case, washing your locs frequently is ideal to prevent buildup.
- Seasonal changes: As there's no one-size-fits-all loc routine, some people may wash their locs depending on the season. For example, one may wash their locs less frequently in winter than they do in summer.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer the clean look and feel of freshly washed locs, while others prefer the mature look and feel of locs that have gone longer without a wash.
@karamariesherelle Reply to @myre_stayonem my advice is to learn more about your hair and what works best for you 😊 #locs #loctiktok ♬ original sound - Karamarie Sherelle
Simple and easy wash routine
A simple and easy wash routine involves thoroughly wetting your hair and scalp, applying residue-free shampoo to your scalp and locs, massaging it in, rinsing thoroughly, and then drying your locs completely. It's important to use a gentle shampoo and focus on the scalp during washing.
- Wet your hair and scalp: Thoroughly soak your locs and scalp in lukewarm wwater, ensuring all parts of your hair are wet.
- Shampoo: Use a gentle, residue-free shampoo by massaging it into your scalp work your way down the length of your locs.
- Rinse: Thoroughly rinse your locs to ensure all the shampoo is removed.
- Dry: Squeeze out excess water with a towel, dryer, or by letting your locs air dry.
- Add product: For healthy hair and scalp, finish off with your desired products like scalp serum, hair treatment, hairline repair, etc.
@pamela.manana Hair wash day has never been more easier with the Vida Is Life hair care range! With their Sensitive Scalp Spray Treatment, Hair Growth Treatment and Hair Serum, you can officially say you have a hair salon at home! 🌱🤍 Available around South Africa, Dm @VIDA…is life® for more about the stores! Vida is life products can be found in Spars EC, @Cosmetic_Connection , PEP, International Cosmetics, New Look Cosmetics, Takealot, select Clicks and more #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #haircare #vidahaircare #hairwash #hairwashday #hairroutine #dreadlocks #dreadhead #locstyles #locsjourney #locstyles #locstutorial #SAMA28 ♬ original sound - YT: Pamela Manana 🤍
Styling options
Your locs can be styled in various ways, offering both practical and fashionable options. Popular loc styles range from buns and ponytails to braids, twists, and unique styles like half-up styles or ones decorated with hair accessories. The best style for you will depend on your locs’ length, thickness, and your personal preference. Below are a few hairstyle ideas.
@pamela.manana Here are 3 simple locstyles made using the @VIDA…is life® Moulding Gel - Maximum Hold & the Style and Set Foaming Mousse to set and style. Now @Cosmetic_Connection ,get yours online and in store” #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #simplehairstyle #locstyles #locstylesforwomen #locstylesformen #locstutorial #locs #locsjourney #locsoftiktok #locslife #dreadlocks #dreads #dreadhead #dreadlockshairstyle #dreadlockstyle #dreadstyles #SAMA28 ♬ Risk - Victony
@_bikeshhhhh Part 3 of trying easy loc styles!! Lmk if there’s anything else ya’ll want me to try☺️ #locstyling #fashiontutorials #dreadlockstyles #hairtutorial #locinspiration #fypシ゚ #locs ♬ 212 x america has a problem - 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘭
@lettherebekhanyi Here is a tutorial on how I did koroba braids on my locs. 😍 #fyp #locs #blackgirlmagic #simplehairtutorial #lochairstyles #korobahairstyle ♬ original sound - Zuks
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