So You're Considering Microlocs—Here's What You Should Know

Are you someone who loves hair transformation? If yes, you must be aware of hair locs and their different types. One of the types of hair locs is the Microlocs.  It is one of the protective hairstyles that is gaining popularity with minimal efforts in maintaining the style. If you have been a fan of getting the dreadlocks but never dared enough to try this look, here is the beautiful style you can carry well.

A prevalent variation of locs offers a variety of customization from hair length to their thickness and angles. This article will guide you about the whole process, its different types, pros and cons, and aftercare of the Microlocs. Keep on reading to get idea of the style in all aspects.

What Are Microlocs?

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Microlocs is an essential hairstyle that helps in managing the hair. As the name suggests, locs are usually smaller in size and diameter than traditional locs. On average, the size of Microlocs ranges from the diameter of a shoelace to the diameter of a straw. Moreover, with a wide range of sizes available in this hairstyle, there are multiple ways to manage the Microlocs.

Microlocs is a journey that requires a long-term commitment to your hair. There are different phases in this hairstyle that keep changing the hair length. Each step of the Microlocs requires proper care and maintenance while washing, drying, and combing the hair. With the appropriate use of haircare products and maintenance tips, you can easily manage your hair.

One of the benefits of getting this fantastic hairstyle is getting the locs with customization. For instance, you can get the diameter of the dreads as per your style and personality. In addition, you can start from a smaller length and keep them increasing. Moreover, you can manage your hair in different hairstyles with increasing length. Furthermore, customize the look of your looks with a variety of hair colors and an array of different patterns.

History of Micro locs

The locs hairstyles have been depicted in ancient civilizations back in 1500 BCE. They were known for spiritual, religious, and cultural reasons and became popular in the modern era with some evolution. The techniques, styles, and sizes of the locs evolved with time. Nowadays, one type of locs, Microlocs, is emerging, and people love this look. History reveals that this hairstyle originated in Egypt, and many of the dead mummies were discovered with the locs on their heads. Meanwhile, some others believe that the locs style originated in India, and then its popularity extended to other countries such as Africa, Asia, and others. 

However, the historian is on the same page that Microocs originated from the people of the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia and its creators. When the African communities were busy with the dreadlocks and their types, the Hamar tribe contributed to transforming the dreadlocks into micro locs.

Microlocs Pros and Cons

Microlocs is undoubtedly a unique hairstyle that requires minimal effort in maintaining the hair. There are some advantages and disadvantages of each hair treatment. Likewise, there are some pros and cons to getting this hairstyle. If you are someone who wants to get the locs but is in doubt, here are the pros and cons of the whole process. Have a glance before making a final decision and choose the locs style that goes well according to your requirements. 

Pros

1: Appearance

The Microlocs are thin in appearance so they can be managed differently. Many people love to enjoy its appearance but some people like thick dreads. So, if you want noodle-like dreads on your hair that can be styled differently, this is your option. You can quickly transform your look by managing the locs into ponytails, braids, or hairstyles.

2: Weight

Microlocs are thin in diameter, are low in weight, and get longer but add no extra weight to the scalp. If you have an attendee scalp, you can easily manage them. Moreover, you can manage the number of thin dreads according to your hair texture and volume.

3: Low maintenance

The interlocking of the locs is a low-maintenance hairstyle, and it is a long-term process but requires less maintenance than traditional locs.

4: DIY hairstyle

The hairstyle is easy to manage. Even you can "Do It Yourself" and transform your hair at home. Begin with a two-strand or comb-oil and try at home. It is cost-effective if performed at home.

5: Volume

If you already have low-volume hair, you can add extra volume to your hair with the help of these Microlocs. Add more dreads to your hair and get high-volume hair without any extensions.

Cons

A coin consists of two sides. Here are some demerits of the process. Here are some cons of installing the Microlocs:

1: Advanced technique

Interlocking is a very specialized skill. It is not as simple as it may look. The process requires advanced techniques, from rolling your hair to choosing the right diameter. You can figure out the rotation by your hair professional and stick with it. The process requires advanced techniques and methods with excellent skills for a perfect look.

2: Number of locs

With micro locs, there are far more locs in the head than traditional dreads, which means that the process is time-consuming. From 300 to 800, you can get the locs in your hair according to your hair volume.

3: Time-taking process

Depending upon the number of locs, the installation time varies. If you want to get 300 locs, it may take 8-12 hours, whereas a higher number of locs requires more time. So, you must confirm your availability for a certain number of hours for the process.

4: Expensive

Microlocs vs Traditional Dreads

Microlocs are just another type of dreadlocks, but there are specific differences between Microlocs and traditional dreadlocks. 

Here are a few discrepancies between the two:

· Both types of locs vary in size. One significant difference is the lock diameter. Dreadlocks range 10mm in diameter. On the other hand, Microlocs typically range from 6-9mm.

· Microlocs can be managed easily into different hairstyles. Traditional dreadlocks thick in diameter are not easy to style, but the Microlocs can be styled differently. From ponytails to braids, you can manage them as you like.

· Traditional locs get less frizz while the Microlocs are more prone to frizz. Both types of locs face frizz and irritation.

 Microlocs vs Sisterlocks: What's the Difference?

Sisterlocks are another type of dreadlocks popular among girls and boys equally. Sometimes people who lack proper knowledge about both the hairstyles confuse the sisterlocks with Microlocs. But, these hairstyles are different in certain means. Let's have a glance at the significant differences between these two:

1: Size:

There is one significant difference between sisterlocks and Microlocs that is in size. Traditional dreads are thicker in diameter than the Microlocs, and Microlocs share a small diameter and hence are easy to clean.

2: Technique

The difference between the installation technique is another significant difference. Sisterlocks are more intricate to start, and they are installed by parting the hair in a specific grid or pattern. In addition, they require an interlocking tool. On the other hand, for Microlocs, a coil or twist is formed in the first step. Next, a hair product such as wax or gel is applied for tight locking.

3: Cost

Both the types of locs also differ in cost. From this aspect, Microlocs are often much more affordable than the sisterlocks. You can get the consultation from a hair loctician to know the price difference and then select the one which fits your budget.

4: Versatility

The small size of Microlocs often results in hundreds of loc. It means that the style shares endless styling possibilities compared to traditional locs. 

Keeping the versatility of this hairstyle, here are some points that you must consider:

· Microlocs when maintained with interlocking and retwisting, they stay neater. In this style, the head is divided into smaller sections, resulting in less frizz at the roots.

· Microlocs generally give a fuller look. Depending on the size of your head and hair volume, you can get at least 300-800 Microlocs. Moreover, they will instantly create fullness and add extra volume to your head.

What are the different types of Microlocs?

Regardless of the Microlocs that is itself a type of dreadlocks, there are more types of this style. Depending upon their styling and installation, there are various forms of Microlocs that you must consider before creating them.

If you feel unsure about a specific type of locs, you can show an inspirational picture to your loctician and get the locs. Remember to keep your expectations low at this stage because the locs result differently for different hair textures and volumes. Here are some types of microlocs:

Microlocs Started with Interlocking

Interlocking is a technique of microlocs that is great for fine-textured hair, and it is also suitable for those that desire the smallest version of locs. In this technique, the locs start by interlocking, which keeps on growing with the hair length—an excellent hairstyle for Microloc enthusiasts.

Microlocs Started with Braids

Starting micro-lots from braids is an everyday hairstyle that locticians find easy to install. You can adopt this when you have an extended length of hair for Microlocs installation. Additionally, if your hair texture is thin and twists will not hold longer, this is your style.

Microlocs started with Twists.

Microlocs starting with twists are ideal for medium to long hair. Moreover, they hold well in different hair textures. One more benefit to starting microlocs with twists is that you can manage them well in a variety of ways. You can use interlocking or Palm rolling techniques for their retwisting and retightening for long-term maintenance.

Microlocs Maintenance Tips

While styling the Microlocs, the possibilities are endless. Once the installation is done, the next step is their aftercare which is quite challenging. Waiting too long between maintenance appointments can damage the locs by weakening them. Locs get strength by the ability to encapsulate new hair growth.

Keep your Microlocs for an extended period by taking good care of them. If you are getting the locs for the first time, you can get the tricks and tips from your loctician. A hair professional can guide you well, depending upon the type and form of hair locs. Consider the following tips for holding the microlocs:

Wash

Washing and cleaning are essential, especially in the early stages of locs. Water encourages loc matting and maturation.

Any product that creates a residue on your hair should be avoided. Because locs gather oil and dirt, they wreak havoc on your hair's health.

Oil

Oiling is a vital component of haircare since it moisturizes the roots and decreases dryness, and it also provides nutrients to your new hair, growing correctly.

Using a hairloc growth oil can help your scalp reduce frizz and dryness. Moreover, it increases your hair growth in no time. Organic and light-weight lengthy Microlocs are also easy to style and they won't become a hassle for you.

Retightening of Microlocs

Retightening is a significant event that requires keeping the locs for a longer time. Micro Locs need to be retwisting after a while. The length of time it takes to retwist your locs varies depending on your hair development. However, it usually takes 4-8 weeks.

Following the interlocking process, you should retwist your hair when required. To sum up, Microlocs is a versatile hairstyle that has its own pros and cons. Moreover, it is easy to manage with a few tactics, so it is plus to get the style.

 

Conclusion

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