Learn how to maintain your locs to leverage the maximum benefits of this graceful hairstyle!
Loc (aka dreadlocks) have become a very fashionable hairstyle. But locs are more than just a hairstyle; they are a sense of individuality and a symbol of cultural heritage for many. More and more people are adopting this ancient hairstyle in this modern world because of its versatility, efficiency, and beauty. However, proper maintenance is necessary to retain the beauty of locs. Maintaining locs requires a blend of proper care, patience, and understanding. Whether you are new to the loc journey or trying to refine your look, this guide will walk you through how to maintain your locs and everything you need to make your locs fantastic and healthy.
A Comprehensive Guide On Locs Maintenance
Follow the below-mentioned steps to ensure your locs stay gorgeous.
1- Understand Your Hair Type
Knowing your hair type is the primary factor to consider when learning how to maintain your locs. Your locs will form and behave differently based on hair texture. So, the care of your locs will depend on the type of your hair.
Straight-Hair locs require frequent maintenance as they may loosen due to the hair’s straight and silky texture. Your loctician will usually use an interlocking or crochet method to tighten the locs and to hold the hair together as it grows.
Curly or Coily-Hair locs require less maintenance compared to straight-hair locs because the hair tends to coil around itself holding the hair together. Your loctician will usually palm roll or comb twist your hair causing it to intertwine as it is twisted.
The tangling of your hair causes it to “lock up,” so understanding your hair type will help you maintain your locs properly.
2- Wash Your Locs Properly
Clean locs are healthy locs, so washing them is crucial. Buildup oil and hair care products can damage them over time and prevent growth. It is very important that you only use products that are water soluble and can be washed out. Do Not Use beeswax as wax cannot be washed out of your hair. By washing your locs, you ensure their good health and looks. Washing your hair at regular intervals helps to avoid product buildup. Ask your loctician how frequently you should wash your locs. New locs should generally be washed every 4-6 weeks while fully established locs can be washed more frequently.
3- Moisturize Your Locs
The simple answer to your concern – how to maintain healthy locs – is to moisturize them properly. A dry scalp can damage your locs and inhibit growth. Moisturization is the key to preventing dryness and breakage in your locs. Incorporate these habits to keep the scalp moisturized and your locs healthy.
- Spray your locs with a light mist of water mixed with a few drops of essential oil (such as tea tree or lavender oil).
- Apply leave-in conditioner after washing for added hydration.
- Seal moisture with natural oils like jojoba, coconut, and argan oil.
4- Retwist Your Locs
As your hair grows, you will need loc maintenance to blend the new hair seamlessly into your locs. This will keep your locs looking beautiful and intact. It also ensures proper growth and protection, which is the main aim of loc maintenance. Retwist your roots every 4-6 weeks using a light gel or locking product. Again, avoid using any product that contains beeswax. Over-twisting can cause tension or breakage, so make sure that maintenance is done carefully. If you are unsure how to do a retwist, get professional assistance.
5- Avoid Heavy Products
Understanding how to maintain your locs using the right hair care products is essential to retaining a healthy appearance. Avoid using products that leave residue, like beeswax and creamy products that don’t dry clear, as they can weigh down the locs and make them harder to clean. Residue may also result in a dry and itchy scalp. So, avoid using waxes, thick creams, and heavy gels.
6- Protect Your Locs While Sleeping
Locs are prone to lint and frizz, especially during sleep. The tension caused during sleep may pull the hair and cause damage. This may also impact the appearance of your locs. To prevent damage and maintain a healthy appearance, wear a silk or satin scarf while sleeping or use a silk pillow cover to reduce friction and prevent damage.
7- Get Professional Care
While self-care is essential to keeping your locs healthy and gorgeous, visiting a professional loctician every few months can make a difference. A loctician – a specialist in loc care – will examine your locs properly and rework them to ensure that your locs stay in excellent shape. Your loctician can correct any irregularities – like making your parts clean and fixing locs that are thinning at the roots – to bring your locs back to a beautiful look. One of the most effective methods for maintaining your locs is getting professional help in maintaining your locs.
Things You Should Know About Your Locs
Locs are one of the trending natural hairstyles that can be created on any type of hair. However, knowing a few things about locs can help you make an informed decision.
- Locs can be formed using various techniques, including backcombing and twisting.
- They can be styled in various ways, such as braided, twisted, and buns.
- Locks take time to mature fully. Depending on the hair type, it may take several months to a few years for them to form completely.
- Locs are not a one-time process; the journey involves regular maintenance to keep them clean and healthy.
- Locs require washing and maintenance regularly to remain clean, healthy, and well formed locs.
- While self-care is crucial for locs, a visit to a professional is key to healthy and beautiful locs.
- Free-form locs are also beautiful but require washing regularly to maintain their health.
- You can add a sense of color to make locs more attractive.
Harlem Natural Hair Salon- Beyond The Care
When you are looking to maintain your locs, we at Harlem Natural Hair Salon are here to provide exceptional care for your hair. Harlem Natural Hair is your go-to natural hair salon in NYC, dedicated to celebrating the beauty of natural hair. We offer various services, including loc maintenance, repairs, extensions, and hairstyles. We also do great haircuts and color for locs. From locs to natural hairstyles, our hairstylists are experts in creating beautiful hairstyles for natural hair. Our services are designed to add vibrancy to your hair and enhance your hair health. Whether you need routine upkeep or intense repair, our skilled stylists use premium products to nourish, protect, and revitalize your tresses. At Harlem Natural Hair, we prioritize you and your hair, ensuring every visit leaves you feeling confident and radiant. Book your appointment today!