Loc Styles: Explore New Loc Styles for all Hair Lengths - Loc Genius (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for your hair to fully Loc? ›

You know you've reached the mature stage (about 15 to 18 months) when your locs are finally long enough to lie flat or hang down. Faulk asserts that "maturing occurs when your locs are firm and there's no more reforming," so you won't have to re-twist your new growth as often during this period.

Every hair type can loc, but the kinkier the hair is the faster it will loc - in most cases that is. Finer or straighter hair can take longer to loc and might look different from someone with kinkier hair.

There are several ways to start your locs. Traditionally, people do the comb coil method. This method involves sectioning the hair and using the fine teeth of a comb to twist the hair into a tight coil. You can also do mini twists or braids and leave the hair to loc that way.

Additionally, you'll want to avoid washing your hair in the first four weeks as water and conditioning hair products will undo the twists. If you leave your hair in these styles (along with other protective styles like box braids) past the allotted time (three to five weeks), they will start to lock.

"It is not scientifically possible to speed up the loc'n process," she says. "When a product promises to speed up the process, the product is instead meshing hair together to give the illusion that the hair is matting. These claims are from products that are sticky in texture and will help cling together.

Wet hair is more elastic and malleable to twist, says Courtney, whereas twisting dry hair can cause breakage and damage. And by "wet" hair, we don't mean just misting your hair with a spray bottle and calling it good—we mean freshly-washed hair that's super clean and residue-free.

As for physical differences, locs have a well-kept and tidier look to them compared to dreadlocks, which have a more natural appearance. Additionally, locs have a more defined root compared to dreadlocks. Dreadlocks and locs don't have to be for only natural hair.

In addition, the length and thickness will fluctuate during the first couple of years as your hair becomes matted. Healthy dreadlocks are typically a little thicker when they mature than when you started them. How thick they will get depends mostly on your hair density, texture, and size of your parts.

The TikTok-loved style is meant to imitate locs from afar, but up close they resemble what's known as Senegalese or Marley twists. To achieve the look, hair is twisted at the root and then secured with a wrapped knot at the end. It combines the techniques of locs and twists to fuse the two aesthetics together.

Meaning, the starter locs will look like braids (very fuzzy braids) for a long time before they reach the mature stage (which can take 12 months). They also don't shrink as much, which means you will retain more of your length.

Which loc method locs faster? ›

But there are different pros for each. Two strand is recommended for loose textures /heat damage/ perm transitioning hair. It takes longer to look like a mature Loc but doesn't unravel easily. Coils looks like a mature loc faster and generally faster to complete.

Stop Spraying Your Locs With Water🚫 Spraying water on locs can have negative consequences on their health and appearance. Excessive moisture prolongs drying time, leading to potential mildew and odors. Moreover, it weakens the locs, making them susceptible to breakage and frizz.

Keep your locs healthy and happy with natural oils.

Use natural oils to keep your locs and scalp moisturized and healthy. Oils like coconut and olive will protect your locs from getting too dry, and diluted tea tree oil will help clean hair with its antifungal properties.

Getting the locs you have always wanted takes a process, and it's important to know the different stages of locs journey so you can know what to expect. There are five stages of locs, namely the starter stage, budding stage, teen stage, maturity stage, and rooted stage.

Follow a regular locking routine to encourage faster locking. Try to get in the habit of locking your dreads at least once a day so they don't get loose or fuzzy. You can backcomb, twist, or palm roll (or alternate using all of these approaches). Apply a small amount of wax once a month to help set your locs.

Instant locking is using a crochet needle to create little knots that instantly loc the hair. This method is great because it lasts long, doesn't cause damage (if done CORRECTLY) and gives a neat look to your locs.

A dread retwist can take anywhere from two to five hours—and where you fall in that range comes down to your skill level. Once you've been retwisting your own locs for months or years, you'll be banging it out in a couple hours. But if it's your first time doing it at home, settle in, since it can take some time.