Are you looking for ways how to start locs on natural hair? Well, there are different methods to start your loc journey. Not every locs installation technique or method works for all hair types or hair textures.
Choosing the proper hair loc installation method according to your lifestyle and hair type is necessary. The best way is to get help from the hair experts such as a hair loctician or a hair expert with previous experience in locs installation. In addition, you must know various methods to start your loc journey and their ins and outs before starting the locs. This article will guide you about various locs installation techniques and their pros and cons. Continue reading to learn different methods of locs installation.
1: Start with Braid locs
Are you looking for a DIY starter locs technique? Braiding is an excellent technique for installing locs without using hair-setting products and tools. The braid locs are easy to install. In this technique, the first step is to section the hair into three braided strand plaits, resulting in locs. Although the braid locs are not perfect, they can be made perfect after a while.
A perfect locs installation technique for people who have an active lifestyle and go to the gym. The braids are resistant to unravelling quickly. Further, the braid locs acne be easily maintained by palm rolling or interlocking techniques. Here are some pros and cons of starting locks with braids:
Pros:
- Braid locs hold up better than any other type of locs.
- You are free to wash the braid locs whenever you want.
- The braid locs stay stretched out for longer.
Cons:
- The pattern can take years to disappear.
- It requires a length minimum of six inches to develop the braids.
- Your locs may not look like locs until you get the professional locs after braiding.
2: Start with freeform locs
Freeform locs are gaining popularity above other loc installation techniques. As more people realize the mental and emotional benefits, they are opting this technique. The freeform locs help you create the locs without any hair care routine or installing the locs using any professional technique. The freeform locs doesn’t even require combing. Your tangled hair develops into locs. Further, you can go freeform with several inches of your hair. Here are some pros and cons of the process that you must take a look at before selecting this method of locs:
Pros:
- Freeform locs don’t need retwists or interlocks for maintenance.
- Freeform is the technique that develops locs without caring much about the hair products and retwisting methods.
- An inexpensive method of starting locs at home.
Cons:
- Freeform locs take extra time to create the locs.
- You are unsure about how your locs will turn out.
3: Start with two-strand twist dreads/locs
Are you wondering how to start locs with two twist strands? Two-strand twists are another best technique for installing the dreadlocks. The incredible thing about this method is it can be started in small lengths such as 4 inches of hair. Moreover, it provides a style to your hair that stays for long. In this period, you don’t need to style your hair. Starting locs with two strand twists gives the locs a solid foundation and results in thicker and stronger locs. Here are some pros and cons of the process that you must know before opting for this technique for locs:
Pros:
- The best method for starting the locs in lengthy hair.
- You don’t need to set the locs in any hairstyle as it already gives you the perfect style for a long duration.
- The locks are easy to maintain with palm rolling and comb twisting.
- No hair setting product is required for setting the locs.
Cons:
- It takes a longer time to develop into professional locs.
- The two-strand twists may take six months to 2 years to disappear from the pattern.
- The twists unravel a lot in the beginning.
- Excessive unravelling requires the maintainenace of locks from roots to the ends.
4: Start with interlocking locs
Interlocking is a locs installation method widely known for starting the locs. The method involves pulling the hair through the roots and creating a base for your loss. This technique is mainly used for installing the sisterlocs or microlocs that are thinner. This technique is perfect for all who prioritize neat hair loss. The interlocking method comes with variations, including 2 points, 3 points and 4 points. You can choose the variation according to your hair texture and hair type. Some pros and cons of starting locs with interlocking include the following:
Pros:
- Interlocks can be washed anytime you want.
- The locs don’t require any gel or setting product.
- Interlocks don’t unravel quickly.
- After watching some videos, you can even do it yourself.
- The interlocking technique is good for all hair types.
Cons:
- Interlocks can be the root cause of hair breakage if done incorrectly.
- The installing method leaves a pattern in the locs that takes years to disappear.
- The locs may feel burdensome if you fail to moisturize them properly.
5: Start locs with Comb Coil
One of the standard methods to start your loc journey of starting the locs is comb coils. The comb coils give the best cylindrical base from which the locs develop over the length of the hair. For creating the comb coil, you need a comb, preferably a rat metal comb and some styling gel or cream. Create the coils by twisting the comb in a circular motion as you move down the length of your hair. It is an ideal method for people who want traditional locs. Here are some pros and cons of the process:
Pros:
- Anyone can do this technique easily at home.
- It requires some practice to create the perfect comb coils.
- The comb coil gives the perfect clean cylindrical locs.
- This technique can help you save some money by starting locs at home.
Cons:
- Wet comb coils unravel quickly, which is one of the disadvantages of choosing this technique.
- Comb coils get easily ruined by the shower steam.
- It requires a lot of preventive measures to keep the comb coils in their real shape.
6: Start with Instant Locs
Instant locs are easy to install with a push and pull method. A modern way of starting locs without much effort. The locs are easy to create with the help of a tool named a crochet needle or hook. It helps in knotting the hair, which instantly develops into locs. It is necessary to take care of the locs to make them look good and protect the natural hair. Before choosing this style for starting your locs, here we guide you about the benefits and drawbacks of this process. Read thoroughly to learn more about instant locs.
Pros:
- The locs develop in no time.
- The pattern of loss disappears immediately.
- Instant locs allow you to skip the budding phase of locs.
Cons:
- The locs require several inches of hair to create the logs.
- Instant locs can’t be made at home.
- The instant loss requires a professional to install the locks.
- By taking professional help, the locs installation can be expensive.
7: Start with sisterlocks
Sisterlocs is one of the best techniques for starting the dreadlocks. This is the best method for people with an active lifestyle. In this technique, the locs are weaved into the natural hair with a patent tool rather than hand-rolled hair products. The sisterlocs must be installed with the help of s sisterlocs consultant to get professional results. Let’s have a look at some pros and cons of starting the locks with the help of sisterlocks:
Pros:
- Sisterlocs require low maintenance.
- Sisterlocs are easy to install with the help of tools.
- The locs excessive in number give your head a fuller look.
- Sisterlocs require no hair product for installation, such as beeswax or other hair setting products.
- The locs look great without any style and give you the hairstyle for the initial months.
Cons:
- The locs may result in thin locs compared to the traditional locks.
- The sisterlocs being thin in texture, take hours of installation.
- They can take six months to more than two years to develop fully.
8: Start with wicks locs
Wicks are another technique for installing locks. The wick dreads are thicker than traditional dreads and range from 4 to 10, covering the entire head. This is one of the ancient dread styles that take its name from candle wicks which stand straight up. A very versatile dreadlocks style in which there is no separation, and the locs are joined at the end of the head. Here are pros and cons of installing the locs with wick dreads. Let’s dig in.
Pros:
- It only takes 4 to 10 wicks to cover the whole head, which makes it easier to start the locs.
- Freedom of getting locs of any type.
- Starting locs with the wicks method is cost-effective.
- Easy to install as compared to other locking methods.
- No need to set new hair look every day.
Cons:
- Drying the wicks after washing can be a real pain in the ass.
- Take long hours of drying.
- Require a high level of hair care and maintenance.
9: Start with traditional locs
The traditional locks are easy to install and get professional locks. It takes from six months to two years to grow the locks. In the traditional locs, the locs develop bypassing the five major stages of locs development, including the starting stage, budding stage, teen stage, maturation stage, and final stage. The traditional locs can be installed by crocheting the natural hair. In addition, it requires a lot of hair care and maintenance to stabilize the locs. The pros and cons of starting locs with traditional locs are as follows:
Pros:
- The traditional locs are slightly bigger than a pencil in diameter.
- The locs are low-Maintainance and require a simple hair care routine.
- This technique helps in creating the locs without damaging the natural hair.
- Traditional locs keep the hair healthy.
Cons:
- To get the perfect locs requires a lot of moisture.
- The process takes from six months to even years.
- To install the traditional locs, you will need a hair expert or loctician.
10: Start with Goddess Locs
Goddess locs are the hair extensions that are available in the freeform locs. The locs are often named faux locs, available in different forms, such as faux locs made from natural human hair or synthetic material. Goddess locs are another best technique for starting the locs. Faux locs cannot damage the natural hair and can be added temporarily. Add the faux locs to your natural hair for a specific item and get them removed. The locs installed into the hair transform your natural hair into locs. The pros and cons of getting the locs using goddess locs are:
Pros:
- Offer the freedom of styling your locs in different ways.
- It can be installed in every hair type.
- Add extra length and volume to your natural hair.
- The locs mimic the natural hair locs until you get the natural loss in your hair.
Cons:
- The scalp may get extra stress or tension.
- Require a lot of hair care during washing, sleeping and cleaning the locs.
- You must keep the natural hair cleansed, moisturized and conditioned well.
11: Start with loc extensions
Among all the methods to start your loc journey, another method of starting locs is using hair locs extensions. The loc extensions allow you to have your locs by attaching real human hair or synthetic loc extensions. The loc extensions are available in various colors, hair textures, widths and lengths. You can select the loc extensions according to your natural hair. The pros and cons of installing locks with extensions are as follows that you must take in consideration:
Pros:
- Loc extensions work for all hair types as long as they are not damaging the hair. ‘
- Loc extensions available in variable colors and textures to choose from.
- With the loc extensions, you don’t have to go through the dreaded ugly stage.
- Loc extensions give you the freedom to avoid loc maturation.
- Loc extensions allow you to take locs off anytime.
Cons:
- It is an expensive method of starting the locs.
- Size matters a lot in this technique as it can affect the roots.
- The loc extension helps you skip the maturation stages, so you may lack the whole experience of getting the locs.
Starter Locs: Dos & Don'ts from a Loctician Advise
We have compiled the locticians advice that can help you kick start your loc journey and progress with healthy hair locs. All the points covered in this blog are authentic and genuine. So if you want long, strong, and well-moisturized locs, follow the dos and don'ts of the process.
Don'ts of a locs journey
There are some things that you must avoid with dreadlocks. A hair loctician is the professional who guides you about certain things that can be damaging to your locs. Here are some don'ts that you must follow to get professional locs.
1: No heavy products on locs
Using hair products such as hair butter, beeswax, and other heavy products results in causing a buildup in the locs. As a result, the locs become stiff and don't remain fluffy. There are many hair loc products available in the market that can cause potential damage to the locs.
According to certified locticians, avoid putting any heavy product in your head. Specifically, avoid beeswax, heavy butter, and conditioners. No doubt the locs look neat with the hair butter and other products, but you must prefer your hair health over neatness.
2: Don't wash as normal
One major mistake most people make is washing the locs like normal hair. Don't do this. Wait for at least four weeks after the locs installation to perform the first wash. The deep conditioners are made to detangle the hair but try to avoid using conditioner in your baby locs. Conditioners can quickly unravel the locs, which can be problematic.
3: Don't retwist too often
Many people think that their locs won't survive without retwisting. Undoubtedly, retwisting is a significant hair loc maintenance technique but remember that excessive retwisting can be the reason for hair thinning. So, don't try retwists on your locs sooner than four weeks. In the case of baby locs, wait for one month and get the retwisting done by a hair professional.
4: No Tight styling
Nowadays, people prefer styling baby locs to keep them in place. However, the starter locs are problematic initially due to the frizziness. If you also want to style your locks, go for an effortless style on your scalp. Avoid such tight styling, which creates tension and stress on your scalp.
Dos of a loc journey
Loc journey is an exceptional experience of life comprising different phases accompanied by different locs length, thickness, and other side effects. Therefore, it is essential to note the things necessary to keep your locs in good condition. Follow the following things to get perfect locs at the end of your journey.
1: Protect your locs at night
One of the important things from the dos & don'ts of a loc journey is hair protection. Tie your locs at night as it is essential and imperative. It helps you decrease the length of the locs that you have. In addition, the locs pick up the lint and dirt very quickly. The locs become overloaded with lint and dirt in no time. Dirt is easy to remove with the help of shampoo, but lint becomes harder to remove. Tying your hair in a satin scarf or cap at night helps to keep the hair protected. No matter where you lay down, blankets, pillows, and even carpets are the source of lint. So, try to tie your hair while sleeping.
Further, protecting hair at night helps you decrease the amount of breakage due to dryness. The hair, if not moisturized, becomes dry and prone to breakage. So, an effortless way to avoid their breakage is protection. It takes time to build a habit. In the beginning, you may forget to tie your hair, but once it becomes a habit, it seems weird not to cover it.
2: Use a lightweight oil
Always keep your hair well moisturized. It is one essential thing that makes your locs soft and shiny. Use a lightweight oil to keep them hydrated. You can pick any of your favorite essential hair oil such as peppermint oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, coconut oil, or any other oil you choose.
Moisturizing your hair with oil adds shine throughout the journey. Additionally, it keeps the locs soft and maintains their shape without turning into brittle strands.
3: Wash with a cap or bands
Wash your locs using a cap or bands. If you are unaware of these hair accessories, search them on YouTube. Find a video of washing locs with a wig or banding method. The video will add to your knowledge that why it is necessary to wash locs with a cap.
Washing the locs with a cap reduces the chances of hair breakage. In addition, it prevents unraveling after hair washing which is a common issue.
4: Separate your locs
One of the significant problems that people with dreadlocks face is the merging of locs. This process is also called mating. The locs are prone to matting in the teen phase. The fact is that dry locs are prone to merge. So, follow a strict moisturizing routine and get professional help to separate your locs.
5: Get a style
The loctician advises getting style with starter locs. One significant benefit is that getting styles with short locs helps you keep your hand out of your hair. In addition, it aids in keeping the parts intact. Further, the locs with style become low-maintenance throughout the journey.
One significant advantage is that styling the locs reduces the amount of effort to keep the locs in good condition. The locs don't unravel quickly. The locs become easy to moisturize daily. Further, Last but not least, getting a hairstyle with dreadlocks transforms your whole look.
Make sure the styles are not tight. Don't get the style if your locs are short and you are uncomfortable getting a style. Always prefer health over looks. It helps in the longer run. After all the wait, you can style them as much as you want later at any other stage. Be patient and allow your locs to grow.
6: Embrace the journey
Among all the dos & don'ts, one is to embrace your locs journey. Regardless of the length, thickness, and type of your locs, be comfortable in your locs. The locs journey has different phases that come with many challenges. So don't lose your heart and carry your locs confidently. Style them to get new looks at events.
Final Words
Summing up, it is essential to know what you can do with your locs and what you should not. In the end, it helps you from many of the problems and helps you get professional locs after investing your time, effort, and money.
