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Dreadlocks, also known as 'locs', have been adorned since ancient times, bearing profound cultural and spiritual significance for many, such as Hindus and Rastafari. However, in contemporary times, they are often embraced for their aesthetic appeal. If you've harbored the desire to embark on the journey of locking your hair, seize this opportunity! Continue reading to grasp everything essential for commencing locs, including determining the ideal style, anticipating the hair growth process, and executing proper loc maintenance. Embrace the adventure!
Steps
Commencing Your Dreadlocks
Opt for comb coils for a straightforward method to initiate dreadlocks. This method remains prevalent for a reason—it's simplicity! After washing, detangling, and drying your hair, divide it into sections. Then, place the end of a section between the teeth of a fine-tooth comb and twist from the root to the tip, creating a coil. Repeat this process for each section until your entire scalp is covered.
- Best suited for: shorter hair (2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm))
- Advantages: ensures uniformity throughout all growth stages; simplicity in execution
- Disadvantages: potential discomfort during application; susceptibility to unraveling with water exposure; demands significant maintenance initially; prolonged process for longer hair
Create tangles by twisting and ripping straight hair. Divide your hair into sections using a grid pattern. Take each section and split it into two strands, twist them together a few times, then rip upwards to tighten the twist and form tangles. Repeat this process until the entire section is twisted down to the end, then move on to the next section.
Back-comb straight hair if it's fragile or damaged. Partition your hair into sections and back-comb each section using a fine-tooth comb. Begin near the roots and work downwards to the ends. Roll the back-combed section between your palms to achieve a more cylindrical shape.
Opt for two-strand twists for a tighter appearance. Divide your hair into sections and split each section into two strands. Twist each strand individually with a comb to create a coil, then twist the coils together in the opposite direction from how you twisted each strand. Continue until your entire head is covered.
Anthony Dickey, Renowned Celebrity Hair Stylist
Patience is paramount when embarking on your loc journey—rushing the process rarely yields optimal results. Take your time to select the method that suits your hair type and desired look. Whether it's coils, twists, braids, or freeforming, allow your hair to form locs at its own pace through a simple routine of gentle cleansing, minimal manipulation, and moisture retention. Embrace the journey and the authenticity that locs afford.
Gradually develop locs by sponging your hair. Purchase a curl or twist sponge and gently rub it over the ends of your hair in a circular motion. Apply minimal pressure and let the sponge do the work. Whether clockwise or counter-clockwise, maintain consistent direction throughout the process. Repeat this for about 10-15 minutes twice daily, and after a couple of weeks, natural locs will begin to form.
Initiate your locs with braids for enhanced manageability. Partition your hair into a grid-like pattern and craft a 3-strand braid for each segment. Proceed systematically to the subsequent sections. That's all there is to it! If braiding your hair is within your skill set, commencing locs with braidlocs is well within your reach.
- Best suited for: hair length of 5 inches (13 cm) or more; straighter, looser textures unsuitable for holding a coil or twist
- Advantages: braids withstand water, making them ideal for water activities; hair retains neatness throughout the loc journey
- Disadvantages: transition from braid to loc appearance may take time; braids may appear flat rather than cylindrical; installation time is prolonged due to extensive braiding
Opt for crocheting to attain nearly instant locs. Divide your hair into sections, twist each section to secure it, then employ a crochet hook to interlock the hair as you proceed.
- Best for: hair with finer texture; straight or wavy hair (although suitable for any hair type)
- Advantages: rapidly achieve desired appearance
- Disadvantages: potential for hair breakage and thinning roots; may leave lasting patterns in the hair; installation time can be lengthy (10+ hours for lengthy hair)
Interlock your hair for a crochet-like appearance sans tools. Secure the end of each section with a rubber band. Guide the tip of the section through the root's center. Subsequently, thread the tip through the roots once more in the opposite direction, forming a north to east, then south to west motion. Proceed upwards through the section until all hair is locked. While it may require practice, you'll develop a rhythm after a few locs.
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Best for: any hair texture or length
- Advantages: straightforward process; no necessity for tools or products; near-immediate locs
- Disadvantages: installation can be time-intensive; potential for breakage; places significant stress on roots and scalp
Embrace your hair's innate texture with freeform locs. Freeform locs represent perhaps the simplest loc style as they entail ceasing to brush your hair and allowing it to grow naturally. Coarse hair with tight curls will naturally interlock without intervention. However, commitment and patience are requisite for this natural progression.
- Best for: coarse hair textures with tight curl patterns
- Advantages: minimal maintenance; devoid of necessity for tools or products
- Disadvantages: may take up to 2 years for locs to manifest; relinquishes control over final appearance
Opt for sisterlocks for customizable locs. Sisterlocks essentially constitute microlocs—minute locs covering the entire scalp and offering styling versatility akin to regular hair. The term 'sisterlocks' denotes a trademarked procedure involving specific tools, grid patterns, and techniques. Installation of sisterlocks mandates the services of a certified brand consultant, although numerous locticians can install microlocs utilizing alternative loc methods.
- Best for: coarse hair textures with tight curl patterns
- Advantages: greater styling options compared to other loc types; suitable for relaxed or chemically treated hair
- Disadvantages: necessitates professional installation; installation time can range from 8-10 hours; may require up to 2 years for full loc formation
Opt for loc extensions for a less permanent commitment. If you desire the appearance of locs without the extensive effort, loc extensions offer a viable alternative. Purchase extensions in various hues and braid them into your natural hair. Subsequently, employ textured hair extensions, secure them at the roots, and wrap them around each braid. Alternatively, utilize goddess locs, pre-locked extensions for convenience.
- Best suited for: any hair texture or length
- Advantages: locs appear refined from inception; easily removable; opportunity to experiment with colors and textures; enhances hair volume; complete control over final appearance
- Disadvantages: potentially costly if professionally done; may exert weight and strain on the head and neck if unaccustomed to extensions
What to Anticipate
Your hair may not undergo each phase, but this guide aids in understanding what to expect during your loc journey.
Initial/Starter Phase—3 to 6 months. During this phase, your locs are more relaxed and open, retaining a spiral shape if initiated with coils or twists. Hair may exhibit increased shine but retains its original texture.
- If commencing locs using crochet or interlock methods, this phase may be bypassed as these methods emulate later stages of loc development.
- Use this period to establish a maintenance routine, ensuring hassle-free loc care and preempting potential issues.
Budding Phase—3 to 9 months. At this juncture, your locs begin to expand, forming buds that denote the onset of loc cohesion. Hair loses its glossy appearance, assuming the characteristic texture of mature locs. Increased frizziness may be observed, particularly for tighter curl patterns.
- If initiating locs with twists or braids, the initial pattern diminishes, potentially vanishing entirely.
- During this phase, periodic retwisting or palm rolling every 3-4 weeks aids in tightening and compacting locs, facilitating maturation.
Adolescent phase—6 to 18 months. Adolescence is often characterized by rebellion, and teenage locs follow suit! Referred to by some as the 'awkward' stage, this phase can be challenging to navigate. As your hair continues to bud and form locs, it contracts, giving the impression of stagnant growth.
- During this stage, doubt may arise regarding your decision to get locs. However, overcoming this hurdle is essential for achieving the desired locs.
- With budding complete, teenage locs offer insight into the thickness of your mature locs.
Mature/Adult phase—12 to 36 months. Locs mature, becoming dense and firm, with sealed ends. Post-adolescent shrinkage, locs begin to lengthen. Matting and frizz diminish, and locs maintain separation.
- Looser textured hair may not experience end sealing.
- By the adult phase's conclusion, your locs' appearance becomes uniform, devoid of initial method traces.
Long-Term Loc Care
Protect your locs with a satin or silk scarf during sleep. Primarily, this prevents lint accumulation, which is challenging to remove. The scarf also minimizes breakage risk.
- Consider a silk or satin pillowcase as added protection if your scarf slips off at night.
Hydrate your hair with a lightweight oil. Following the initial month, moisturize daily to prevent breakage and damage.
- Avoid coconut or olive oil, which lack sufficient moisture on their own.
Wait at least 4 weeks before washing your locs for the first time. Allowing this initial period permits your hair to settle, establishing a robust foundation for your loc journey. This precaution safeguards against potential water damage, preserving the progress made.
- Avoid submerging your locs in water, including swimming, during this period. Water exposure poses the risk of compromising your style, rather than the act of shampooing itself.
Wash your locs every 1-2 weeks with a residue-free shampoo. Wet your locs thoroughly, apply shampoo to the scalp, and create a lather. As you rinse, the shampoo will cleanse your dreadlocks.
- Residue-free shampoo is vital in early stages due to looser locs being more prone to debris accumulation.
- While specialized shampoos for locs exist, any shampoo rinsing cleanly without leaving residue is suitable.
- Avoid deep conditioners as they leave residues; opt for hair conditioning ensuring thorough rinsing.
Dry your locs with a microfiber towel. Utilizing a microfiber towel prevents lint transfer, crucial for preventing issues such as mold growth over time.
- Prior to towel wrapping, ensure thorough squeezing to expedite drying, particularly for dense locs or ample hair.
- If necessary, use a hairdryer for complete drying to prevent mildew development from prolonged dampness.
Palm roll your roots to maintain loc appearance. Monthly root maintenance ensures a neat look, except for freeform or neglect locs, which require less intervention. Expect mild scalp soreness post-retwisting, a normal response to increased stimulation.
- Initiate root maintenance after at least 4 weeks to allow locs to thicken.
Separate your roots monthly. Regular root separation prevents locs from merging, particularly common at the back of the head. Devote attention to this task to guide loose hairs into desired positions.
- Neglecting root separation can lead to painful entanglements, often necessitating professional intervention. Regular monitoring and separation prevent such complications.
Style your locs gently to avoid tension on your scalp, opting for large hair bands or headwraps for loose styles. Tight styles may cause breakage and damage, particularly for newer locs.
- Mature locs can withstand tighter styles.
- Enhance your look with jewelry for effortless style.
Protect your scalp with sunscreen and insect repellant when outdoors. Given the increased scalp exposure with locs, shielding from the sun and insects is essential. Additionally, hats or scarves offer further protection from environmental elements.
Exercise patience and cherish the journey. Unless opting for instant locs or extensions, the loc journey is lengthy and occasionally challenging. Anticipate a 2-year period for desired results, appreciating the transformative process along the way.
- Embrace the evolving nature of your hair during the journey.
- Knowing that locs can be combed out provides reassurance for those considering a change.
Tips
- Healthy hair yields the best locs. Avoid starting with chemically treated hair for optimal results.
- Reviewing photos of various styles aids in selecting suitable starting methods aligned with desired outcomes.
- Seek advice from individuals with locs to gain valuable insights and guidance for your journey.
Warnings
- To have your locs started professionally, ensure your hair reaches 2 to 5 inches (5.1 to 12.7 cm) in length. Professional locticians require sufficient hair for their specialized tools and techniques.
- Practice patience as achieving perfect locs takes time!
