Locs Hairstyles: The Complete Guide Best Locs Ideas
One of the most unique hairstyles in the world is the loc. The most commonly known kind of locs is called a traditional locs.
There are various kinds of locs, though. Every loc type is different in terms of appearance, traits, and upkeep requirements.
You should take into account various loc types if you’re interested in beginning your loc journey.
Locs meaning ~ locs braids
Dreadlocks, sometimes referred to as locs or dreads, are braided or mangled hair strands that resemble ropes.
African hairstyles known as locs are made out of hair strands that have been twisted, braided, coiled, or palm-rolled to resemble ropes.
People of many ethnicities and religions, including the Hindus and the ancient Israelites, have worn locs since the time of ancient Greece.
Although loc hairstyles have been around for what seems like forever—historians have even traced the style’s origins to 2500 BC, according to Ebony—there are a few things you should know about the process and upkeep before you begin, whether you’ve made the decision to try a loc hairstyle or it’s still something you’re considering.
The history of locs
Though the question of who should wear locs is never really settled, historically, people of African origin haven’t been the only ones to sport the look.
People of many nations and religions, including Hindus and ancient Israelites, have worn locs for a very long time—at least as far back as ancient Greece.
That being said, wearing locs is not appropriate for people from any culture, especially if one disregards the style’s more recent past.
Throughout the 1600s and 1800s, the transatlantic slave trade was rife, making it impossible for Africans brought to America and other parts of the world to maintain their usual hairstyles.
As a result, they arrived appearing disheveled. It’s not unexpected that their hair looked matted and locked after spending months aboard ships with no access to hygienic facilities.
According to legend, references made by slave masters to the “dreadful” appearance of the prisoners are where the term “dreadlocks” and its negative connotation came from.
Though many loc wearers—like novelist Tomi Adeyemi, who rocks a two-tone look above—proudly refer to themselves as “dreads,” there is disagreement over the term’s historical origins.
Dreads will convey the term’s respected connotation as well as how it’s used to indicate spirituality in some regions of the world, rather than its negative connotation.
Dreads vs. Locs
The locs hairstyle consists of dreadlocks, locs, and ropes of hair, also referred to as jata in Sanskrit.
Even though either term is correct, “locs” is the most well-liked and widely used one since “dread” has a negative connotation.
The phrase “dreadlocks” is thought to have originated during the slave trade, when slaves lacked the means or time to properly style their hair.
Due to the criticism and frequent references to their slaves’ “dreadful” hair, slave masters eventually became associated with a horrific past that still affects African-American communities globally.
How to start a locs hairstyle
You have a few options for how to start your locs, but ultimately, it is up to you. Locs starter styles are listed below:
Braids or 2-Strand Twists: If you’re searching for medium-length loc styles, you can begin your loc journey with braids or two-strand twists.
However, if you decide to use this method, be aware that it might take six months to a year for the braiding pattern to completely disappear.
Comb Coils: One technique depicted in the image above is known as “comb coils,” and it involves twisting little sections of hair until they form coils with a small-tooth comb.
Organic/Freeform: This refers to completely giving up on detangling your hair and allowing it to lock up on its own with minimal styling.
Palm rolling: To assist the hair in tightening and locking up, your stylist should take little sections of hair and roll them in their palms.
This will eventually give the hair a conventional loc appearance.
Other kinds of starter locs include:
- Braids
- Freeform Locs
- Sisterlocks
- Instant Locs
- Loc Extensions
- Goddess Locs
- Backcombed
- Interlocked
- Microlocks
- Florida wicks
Locs hairstyle stages
Starter stage: Locs normally go through five phases of growth, the longest of which is three to six months.
The hair is now being started into box braids, double-strand twists, or coils.
Your hair starts to tangle if you leave it in one of these styles, which is when your coils start to wrap around one another and form a “loc.”
The second stage, known as the budding stage: Lasts for about six to twelve months, which is when the hair starts to get matted and lock up.
Your hair may become a little fuzzy during this stage, which makes it easy to become discouraged.
It’s all part of the process, so you shouldn’t be concerned. Just be careful to re-twist and shampoo your hair regularly.
Teen stage: Your hair should unravel much less when manipulated in this period, which lasts from month 12 to month 15.
Before your hair reaches the fourth stage, this phase of the process will only take a few months, even if your dreads might not always be growing in the desired direction.
Mature stage: This fourth stage, which lasts from months 15 to 18, is essentially when your locs are long enough to hang and you know more about how to take care of and clean them.
Stage of rooted locs (from month 18 to month 21): Finally, rooted dreads are similar to locs in their 30s.
After having your locs for a few years and feeling confident in your ability to manage them the way you see fit, you reach this point.
Locs hairstyle
Check out some loc hairstyles below:
Faux locs
In a faux loc, your extensions—not your natural hair—are loc’d for a brief protective style.
Thus, you won’t need to be concerned about any potential harm that genuine locs can do. There are two ways to put faux locs:
The braid and wrap technique entails plaiting your hair and then encircling each braid with hair extensions.
The cornrow and crochet method entails using a latch hook to crochet the faux locs onto your natural hair after you’ve braided it into cornrows.
The wrapping technique creates the illusion of actual locs coming out of your head, and the results are more realistic than the crochet method, even though the crochet method is quicker (four to five hours to install).
Therefore, use the first way if you’re ready to invest the time necessary to achieve extremely realistic-looking faux locs; nonetheless, both approaches will still look nice in the end.
Butterfly locs
Faux locs and butterfly locs are comparable.
Both are made with the crotchet technique, which involves using a crotchet needle to loop wavy hair into a braid and then loosely attaching it to strands of your hair that are already braided.
They are really lovely and have a fantastic protective look that you can wear all year.
The hair’s natural bouncy curls are what create the loops that are distinctive of butterfly locs.
When should you wash your locs?
Washing your hair will still be a part of your natural hair care routine, even if it is tucked away.
It’s important to wash, moisturize, and protect your dreadlocks to maintain healthy hair growth.
To get rid of any products, oil, or debris stuck in the hair strands and scalp, you should wash and detox your hair regularly (every two to three weeks).
Of course, washing more regularly than every two to three weeks can be desirable if you work out frequently.
Cleaning will also aid in reestablishing the pH equilibrium required for sound development.
To clean dreadlocks, thoroughly moisten the scalp and locs. You should have completely wet hair.
Next, take a small amount of shampoo and rub it through your hair with your hands.
Add extra if necessary, but remember that water is more important than the product.
After using shampoo, give the scalp a thorough yet gentle massage. After that, rinse your hair until all the residues are gone.
How do dry locs get dry?
Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “What is the best way to dry locs?” The solution is quite simple: continue using air drying.
Dreadlocks are susceptible to harm from direct heat, but air drying will adequately dry hair and keep it free of mildew and bad odor.
But because of their structure, drying and ensuring that locs don’t unravel or hold water can be challenging, particularly when they’re just starting.
Squeezing dreads after washing and using a microfiber towel to absorb part of the water before styling or wrapping hair are good practices.
Another fantastic thing about microfiber towels is that they won’t leave lint in your hair as ordinary cotton towels do.
The good news is that dreads are convenient and a terrific technique to avoid mildew because they will start to dry faster and faster after each washing.
Once adequately air-dried, dry locs will have a brighter sheen.
How can my dreadlocks be maintained at home?
Like most natural hairstyles, dreadlock maintenance at home will depend heavily on moisture.
Dry hair is, after all, more prone to breakage and brittleness.
To prevent dryness, your best option is to use hair oil on top of a moisturizing spray.
Since the scalp is skin, it needs the same kind of protection as the rest of your body or face.
Choose thin oils, such as the Sacred Strengthening Serum from Monoi Oil.
Just remember to sleep with a pillow and a silk or satin hat.
Dreadlocks will stay in place and help avoid frizz, filth, and debris if they are wrapped at night.
Make sure that all of your fears are twisted in the early going. If not, twist them just a little bit till there is some tension.
Apply some dread cream to the dread and twist the loc in a clockwise manner to create a twist.
Once twisted, secure the dread in place with a pin or other attachment until it dries.
Repetitive twisting of the same locs might lead to breakage; therefore, try to avoid doing so.
How do you take out locs?
“Do you have to buzz your hair off after getting one?” is probably the most often asked question regarding the hairstyle.
The widespread perception is that they are too deeply woven to be undone.
While it is feasible to remove them, this is unquestionably the simpler route.
The process of unlocking hair that has been locked for an extended period (decades, for example) may take hours or days to complete.
If you decide to unlock, be prepared for a lot of shed hair since nearly all of the hair that typically falls regularly becomes trapped
You might have to deal with years’ worth of hair loss. Invest in a vacuum, a dustpan, and a broom if you’re unlocking your hair.
Conclusion
Locs are distinctive hairdos that come in a variety of forms and attributes.
They differ in terms of appearance, size, and even upkeep and will keep changing as long as stylists and opticians keep creating new methods.
FAQs
Why are sunglasses called locs?
Locs sunglasses were a major youth fashion statement in the 1970s and 1980s and helped define the L.A. look.
All of the L.A. gangsters eventually started wearing these after they first became popular with cholos.
The Spanish word “loco” (crazy) served as inspiration for their names, which are Hispanic in origin.
Are dreadlocks good for men?
Locs men:
A man with an oval or round facial shape, regular hair type, and no expressed concerns will look great with dreadlocks.
Men with curly hair will appear incredibly stylish with this hairdo.
How long do butterfly locs last?
You can wear this style for four to six weeks if you take great care of it.
Although others claim that the style can stay even longer, it’s not the best option for your hair’s health.
If you try to keep your hairdo in place for too long, you run the danger of your hair getting matted.
How frequently should your locs hairstyle be re-twisted?
That is contingent upon where you are in your loc journey.
Two to three weeks after their initial commencement
They can then go back to having four weeks between retwists following that.
Locticians advise patients with previously locked hair to wait five to six weeks before re-twisting.
What are the best Locs ideas to start with?
Start your journey with the best style for you with any of our six beginner-loc styles.
- Two Strand Twists
- Comb Coils.
- Backcombing
- Braids
- Sponge Method for Short Hair
- Kickstart Your Journey with Faux Locs.
Are locs and dreads the same thing?
Dreadlocks are not cultivated but locs are.
Additionally, Rastafarian beliefs—which use dreadlocks to set their adherents apart from the general public—are frequently the source of dreadlocks.
Physically speaking, locs appear more well-maintained and tidier than dreadlocks, which have a more organic aspect.
How are locs spiritual?
Due to their placement around the head and face, locs are symbolic of devotion to purity and serve as a continual spiritual reminder to their wearer that they possess strength and wisdom and are required to bestow goodness upon others as well as oneself.
Are locs good for natural hair?
The loc method is one of the most popular and useful methods for natural hair.
Curls are left moisturized, defined, and frizz-free with this three-step technique that prioritizes moisture retention.
Are locs healthy?
Overall, dreadlocks and other protective hairstyles help shield your hair from outside stresses.
The only ways that loc styles might damage hair are if they are improperly dried or frequently re-twisted.
Which is better, dread or locs?
Physically speaking, locs appear more well-maintained and tidy than dreadlocks, which have a more organic aspect.
Furthermore, locs have a better-defined root than dreadlocks. Natural hair is not the sole reason to wear locs or dreadlocks.
What are girl dreads called?
Dreadlocks, also known as locs, dreads, or Jata in Sanskrit, are braided or matted hair strands that resemble ropes.
Rolling, backcombing, and the “twist and rip” method are additional ways to create dreadlocks.
The Curl Centric Kira Byrd Dreadlocks: Dreadlocks, braids, and natural hair loss
Which Bible verse talks about dreadlocks?
What is written in the Bible regarding dreadlocks? 16:13–19 in Judges (KJV) Delilah then addressed Samson, saying, “Tell me where you might be bound.
Up until now, you have mocked me and told lies.”
And he addressed her, saying, “If thou weavest the web through the seven locks of my head.”
Who wore dreadlocks in the Bible?
Why are Samson’s dreadlocks relevant, and who is he?
As everyone knows, Samson was a man whose strength and power were attributed to his dreadlocks.
However, that is only the surface of the story.
One half of a five-chapter story is told when we read about Samson’s locks, and that’s only Samson and Delilah.
What is the benefit of locs?
Locs encourage excellent hair growth and little shedding.
There is far less wear and tear on your hair strands because your hair is in a permanent protective style and you won’t need to manage it frequently.
You can just let your hair grow and flourish.
What do locs symbolize?
Since locs are placed around the head and face, they serve as a constant spiritual reminder to their wearer that they possess strength and knowledge and should radiate goodness toward others as well as themselves.
Locs are symbolic of a devotion to purity. In Hindu culture, Shiva was reported to have “Tajaa,” or twisted locks of hair.
What are the disadvantages of dreadlocks?
Negative aspects: a highly torturous process of creating dreadlocks. The unwinding is impossible.
You will probably have to simply chop them off if you wish to get rid of your dreadlocks for whatever reason.
Are locs better than braids?
Dreadlocks might be a better alternative if you have the time to dedicate to them and want a more put-together look.
It’s also vital to note that, compared to braids, dreadlocks are more permanent.
Can eggs be used for dreadlocks?
People with coarse, wiry hair may naturally have dreadlocks, the lengthy, matted hairstyle that is becoming more and more popular on campuses.
However, inciting fear in the eyes of those with silky, slick hair is no simple task.
Some people construct their twisted strands with glue, egg whites, molten Jell-O, or beeswax.
Should I spray my locs with water daily?
Especially if your hair doesn’t require it, there’s no reason to moisturize your locs daily.
Only do it when necessary, that is when they feel brittle or dry. Moreover, you must utilize the appropriate product.
Can you undo locs?
It is possible to comb out dreadlocks, especially if they have had good care throughout their life, such as frequent shampooing and conditioning. This is crucial! If you choose to comb out your ‘locks, you must do so very slowly.
Are locs permanent?
Protective styles like locs last for a good reason.
You won’t need to have your hair styled into braids, twists, or wigs because your hair is already gathered into locs, which help to retain strength and moisture.
Do dreads grow faster than hair?
It’s important to remember that hair with dreadlocks grows at the same rate as hair that isn’t dyed; the only difference is in how quickly the length of the dreadlocks increases in comparison to the length of undyed natural hair.
Put another way, your hair grows at the same rate when it’s in dreadlocks—it simply needs more time
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