Maintenance Tips for Locs
In the salon I’ve been receiving a ton of new clients looking to start their loc journey. Locs are a great way to grow out your hair in a protective style. If cared for they can grow to imaginable lengths. Locs can be dyed, styled and if you need some more volume or length, they’ve created loc extensions too! Locs are so versatile, I’m not surprised to see the rush of loc clients in my chair.
There’s a common misconception that locs are hassle free way of growing your hair. Those who are new to their loc journey are surprised when they learn how much maintenance is required, especially in the beginning. Like all hair, once a regimen is created, it becomes an ease to care for your locs and you can sit back and watch them grow.
If you’re new to locs or have been contemplating on starting your loc journey, then you need to know what you’re getting yourself into before making the commitment. It’s important to know that there are five different stages your locs will go through: starter, budding, teen, mature and rooted. Once you understand which stage you are in, you will know exactly what to expect and how to maintain your locs with the proper products and regimen.
Starter Locs
Starter locs are also known as “baby locs”. This stage lasts between the first two to six months, all depending on your hair type and how quickly your hair grows. Those with looser hair textures will find that it may take their hair longer to begin to lock that those with tighter coils.
In the beginning you can opt in for free form locs, with no sectioning or parts. With this look you can simply allow your hair to just be. Those who want a more uniformed, polished feel might decide to have more defined sections. For either look, it’s important to avoid sections that are too small as locs can break if they are too thin or dry.
The most frustrating aspect of the starter phase is that locs start to come undone when shampooing. To avoid having to re-twist constantly, grab a spray bottle and fill it with the astringent Sea Breeze. Spritz your scalp and hair and bolt away and excess with a towel. This will refresh your hair and scalp after the gym or a hot humid day. Follow up with a leave in conditioner to keep your hair and scalp moisturized.
Budding Locs
As your locs start to matte and form, you have entered the budding phase. You will notice at this stage that the ends of your locs remain intact after shampooing. At this point, it’s important to continue to thoroughly shampoo your hair to avoid product build up in your locs.
A re-twist routine will ensure that your locs are always looking good. Wether you re-twist at home or in a salon, don’t over do it. Re-twisting too often can lead to thinning and breakage.
Teen Locs
At the teen stage, your looks are formed and they have gotten thick. You hair is locked but they are not yet heavy enough to begin to hang. Styling may be difficult, but with he help of accessories such as scarves, bobby pins and head bands, you can tame this stage.
Mature Locs
After about a year your locs will start to enter the mature stage. At this stage your locs have gotten some weight and they are beginning to hang. Your locs are intact and they are firm.
At this point you can re-twist less often as your locs can now support themselves. You can enjoy regular shampooing and conditioning without the fear of your locs coming undone.
Rooted Locs
Rooted locs or the “adult” stage comes several years after your locs are firmly in place. You’ll notice your locs begin to hang differently as they are heavier and look slender. You can grow your locs to long lengths and even trim them to a shape for more styling options.
Maintenance
No matter what stage you are in you want to make sure your locs are thoroughly hydrated. Remember, dry hair leads o breakage. Hydrating locs on a regular basis is very important because the ends of the loss are the oldest parts of the hair and includes strands that are no longer connected to the scalp. Without moisture the ends of the loss will become excessively dry and begin to break off.
You will want to always keep your hair clean and free of build up while locking. If you do not regularly remove build-up it will become embedded into your locs. It’s also important to choose products that won’t sit in the hair and create more build up. Products such as heavy creams, waxes, gels and hair sprays should be avoided. These products attract dirt and debris and are difficult to remove from the hair later causing a smell and grime.
In the beginning you may have to make more frequent visits to the salon to make sure your locs do not come undone, aim for about every two weeks. While sleeping, simply cover your hair with a bonnet or scarf.
With appropriate cleansing, conditioning and maintenance, you can absolutely obtain the look you desire, for the long-term.