In this article, we will guide you about what is traditional locs? How are they different from other locs, and what are the significant differences between traditional locs and sisterlocks? Keep reading to get some fresh knowledge about different types of locks.
What are traditional locs?
Traditional locs are one of the basic types of locs created mainly by the simple techniques known as palm-rolling or matting the hair strands. In this hair locking style, the loc size is more significant than in other types. In addition, the hair section taken for locs is medium to large, and the hair is locked using hair wax or hair balm. Traditional locs are popular with standard sizes ranging from small to large in width.
There are many methods for keeping the loc hair locs in their shape, such as retwisting and interlocking. One benefit of getting the starter locs is that they can be started with baby locs or starter locs on hair lengths as low as 4 inches and up. However, the locs are created for different hair textures that vary in size and shape, and locs are not identical.
It is one of the easy-going hairstyles that require less hair maintenance. In addition, there is an array of sizes from which you can choose according to your hair texture and length. It is the only protective hairstyle in which you can freely use the hair products to keep them in shape. Unlike other types pf locs, traditional locs are quite bulky to give a fuller look.
How do you start traditional locs?
Traditional locs can be started quickly with the help of some unique yet straightforward methods. The locs are started by applying the hair products such as hair gels or hair wax. Meanwhile, the twisting is started from the roots and extended throughout the hair length. A metal clip is applied at the end of the loc to secure its shape. You can get the traditional locs with these methods such as:
1: Finger coils
Finger coils are best to start the traditional coils. However, the coils can be quickly started by parting the hair in different sections by applying coconut oil. To get perfect starter locs, use coconut hair oil, wrap the hair on your fingers, and rotate in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, giving curls, pulling down, and letting the locs bounce. There is no need to use any hair product in the starting phase as it can start hair breakage.
2: Comb coils
Comb coil is a popular method of hair locking for short hair. One single hair strand is twisted and made in smaller to medium sections. They create a cylindrical base for starting the locs. To get the perfect starter locks for traditional locs or any other type of locks, create the coils by twisting the comb circular. The locs may start unraveling in this method, but they can be fixed with hair products. Moreover, anyone can easily perform this method to gain the best locks.
3: Two-strand twists
Two-strand twists are one of the finest methods to start the locks. They are super easy to perform at home. Moreover, the locs are easily undone well at home. To do two-strand twists, you need to partition your hair into sections according to the type of dreads you want to create.
There are more methods of starting the locs, such as freeform, braid locs, and more. For getting the traditional locs, the comb coil is the perfect method to get the locs.
Number of Traditional Locs
The locs are installed according to the hair texture and volume. It also depends on many other factors such as hair length, hair thickness, and more. Some people have greater hair volume, so they will require more locs to get a fuller look. On average, the locs number ranges from 40 to 75. You can customize the number of hair locs depending on your hair volume.
How long do traditional locs last?
Like the other types of dreadlocks, the traditional locs take time to mature. The starter stage of hair locs takes almost three to six monthsto attain the desired shape. It depends upon different factors such as your hair type, hair growth, and hair care. Moreover, different stages of the loc journey take different time frames. Overall, the traditional locs take almost 18 to 24 months for a mature look.
Can Traditional locs be undone?
Most people think that it is a permanent hairstyle. But the reality is that if you don’t like your hairstyle in the first months or think it doesn’t suit your lifestyle, you can unravel the locks. You can easily comb out the locks by using the right technique. It is important to approach a locticianif you decide to take this step to get the natural hair back in the right condition.
Traditional locs VS Sisterlocks
Traditional locs and sisterlocks are two different types of locs with pros and cons. Many people keep them mixing due to the same styling, but they are different in many ways. As said earlier, traditional locs have different size arrays and larger loc sizes. On the other hand, sisterlocks are lightweight and have flatter roots. In addition, sister locs are small in size, making it possible to style in intricate styles. When the locs are small initially, they are difficult to style. Here are some significant differences between the traditional and sister locs:
1: Styling versatility
Sisterlocks allow you to style your hair in versatile styles from braids to ponytails depending upon your hair locs length and texture. As they are thin and have small locs, they are easier to style than other loc types. They look beautiful hanging down, but making the perfect hairdos requires practice. In addition, with growing length, they become heavy and can affect your styling ability to style your locs.
Traditional locs, on the other hand, don’t old in different styles easily as they have large loc sizes. From small length to medium length, they look good without any styling. If you like lengthy dreads, you can style traditional locs into ponytails.
2: Length
The length of traditional locs varies as you can start the locs from 4 inches of hair length onwards. Generally, they look good with medium shoulder length. On the other hand, sister locs can be as short as an inch and a half or longer.
3: Hair texture
Traditional locs are natural hair that is converted into locs. They don’t have any specific texture. You will grow your traditional locs in the same condition as you have a natural hair texture.
Sisterlocks are lighter and flatter, being thinner in texture. As a result, they appear thin and flat in hair texture.
4: Hair products
Traditional locs are easy to set using some hair products such as hair wax and hair gels. However, in sisterlocks, you don’t need to buy hair fixing products. Instead, a good-quality residue-free shampoo is enough to give your locs a fresh and neat look.
5: Customization
Sister locscome with the freedom to customize them according to your hair type. You can customize the length, loc size, and several locs ins sister locs. They are also called designer locs as they can be efficiently designed according to your hair texture and condition. Sisterlocks are medium maintenance locks that need a touch-up procedure and barely look like locks.
Traditional locs, on the other hand, have fixed criteria to give a standard look to your hair. As a result, the locks look perfect when crafted by hair professionals from medium to larger width.
6: Cost
Sister locks are expensive to get.You must consider your budget before getting the locs. Sister locs price range anywhere from $500 to $800 for installation. In addition, they also require additional charges for retwists and maintenance. In terms of cost, traditional locs are inexpensive to get. They range from $50 to $100 for starter locs, and their maintenance depends on the stylist
Pros and Cons of Traditional Locs
Traditional hair locs are easier to start and maintain as well. However, the process comes with some advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you must consider the merits and demerits of the hair locs before starting them. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of getting the traditional locs:
Pros
1: Low maintenance styleThe locs are easy to maintain with simple hair care products and retwisting process. Re-twisting or retouching sessions help preserve the hairstyle for longer. In addition, you can learn the process and perform it at home easily.
2: Array of sizesOne of the advantages of starting traditional locs is that you can choose from various sizes. From smaller to medium to lengthier locs, you can choose whatever style suits you best according to your hair type. In addition, you can manage the look by growing or cutting off the length afterward.
3: Use hair productsMostly the hair loc types don’t allow using the hair care products. Instead, you can set your traditional locs with hair gels and wax. Try to use organic products that keep the locs safe and don’t have side effects.
4: Inexpensive hairstyleThe locs are easy to begin within a low budget. However, if you have a low budget to style your hair, it is the best hairstyle to choose. As low as $50, you can start the locs and then maintain them at home with great care.
Cons
1: Limited styling optionsThe traditional locs are thicker as compared to other hair loc designs. So, there are limited styling options for this hairstyle. The styling options are less due to the loc size and parting of the hair.
2: No established standardOne of the defects of getting this style is that you will not have a proper idea about the hair locs maintenance. There is no standard hair care protocol to keep the locs in shape. In addition, you are free to use any hair products, so you are prone to be a hair products junkie. Once your hair gets used to the hair products, they are not easy to handle without hair products.
3: Frizzy hair
Hair frizziness is common in almost all types of hair locks. For example, sister locs being thinner give a neat and sleek hair look. However, while the traditional locs are thicker, they look frizzing in most stages of the hair loc journey.
Pro tip:
As traditional locs have no maintenance protocol, it is important to ask your loctician or hairstylist about the maintenance tips. You can easily take care of the locks while washing, cleaning, and sleeping with dreadlocks just like your natural hair. For instance, use residue free shampoo to get clean hair locs. Perform detox or deep cleansing hair care procedures once in a month to prevent build up. Use head cap or scarf to cover the dreads while sleeping. A loctician can also guide you better about styling your traditional locs according to your style and personality.
To sum up, traditional locs are a perfect hair transformation style with low maintenance and different installing methods while staying within your budget. Complete your personality by getting the locs that go well with your style and enjoy a transformational journey.
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