How to start locs: Pros and cons of various locking methods (2024)

FAQs

What is the best method to start locs? ›

There Are Different 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. Yet another method is instant locing.

Locs can be started with two strand twists with as little as 4 inches of hair, and it is often the go to method for longer hair or highly textured hair. Starting locs with two strand twists will give the locs a solid internal foundation and create thicker locs, depending on the size of the two-strand twists.

Two strand twists allow the locs to mature with a solid internal foundation in contrast to comb coils, and are likely to end up as thicker locs, depending on the starting size.

Interlocking Cons

If not done by a specialist loctician, it can cause locs thinning, discomfort, splitting, as well as grip alopecia.

Any product that is meant to help detangle your hair can cause your starter locs to loosen and unravel. Avoid manipulating your locs. We know, all you want to do is touch them! But leave them alone and they'll be able to grow.

Backcomb and twist each dread at least once a day.

Get in the habit of backcombing and twisting your dreads while you're watching television, listening to music, or talking to friends. The more you do it, the faster your hair will lock.

Starting locs with the interlocking methos is a great way to go without extensions. Yhe kinkier the hair the better it looks but all texture end up locked eventually.

Dreads and locs are not the same thing. While both are created by wrapping, twisting, braiding, or coiling the hair, locs are more polished than dreads. Locs have a neatly defined root structure, while dreads are randomly formed and have a dry, matted look.

Use comb coils for an easy method to start locs.

There's a reason this is one of the most common ways to start locs—it's easy! Just wash, detangle, and dry your hair, then split it into sections. Place the end of a section of hair between the teeth of a comb and twist it from root to tip to create the coil.

Ensuring your hair is in its most natural state is essential as you start your loc journey. The time it takes for hair to lock varies based on hair texture, typically ranging from 10 months to two years to reach the mature stage.

Why is interlocking so expensive? ›

The cost of interlocking, which typically refers to interlocking pavers used in landscaping and hardscaping, can vary widely. The expense depends on factors like the type of pavers, the size of the area to be covered, labor costs, and any additional materials needed.

Always interloc freshly shampooed and cleaned hair. You'll want to start interlocking on damp hair, after you've separated each loc into their section. You can also have a spray bottle with water at hand in case you need to dampen up the hair as you go.

The repeated tension and pulling on your hair is the main reason for traction alopecia. Twisting your locs tightly, placing them in high buns, and pulling your hair back in ponytails are common reasons. As your hair grows, the weight of the hair can cause thinning and breakage.

Always loc wet hair and then dry it thoroughly. Drying together will help the strands fuse, and wet curls or kinks are easier to handle.

1) Two-strand Twists

Two-strand twists are a quick starter loc style that over time will result in twisted locs. They have a fuller, thicker texture and feel, which is a popular style for locs. This style works with both shorter and longer hair, but hair that's around 4 inches long is recommended.

Use comb coils for an easy method to start locs.

Just wash, detangle, and dry your hair, then split it into sections. Place the end of a section of hair between the teeth of a comb and twist it from root to tip to create the coil. Repeat with each section until your entire head is covered.

Allow it to grow with little to no manipulation

At the loc installation stage, starter locs are groomed to keep form until it needs to be refreshed through retwisting. Due to this, starter locs, in their initial stage are most frail so it is important to touch your hair less and allow it to freely grow out.