Locs, often referred to as "dreadlocks," represent a hairstyle with a rich history, spanning diverse cultures across the globe. Entering the world of locs involves a commitment to maintenance, patience, and specialized knowledge. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, particularly for men with long hair, navigating the journey from starter locs to mature, established dreadlocks.
Locs and the process of locking or matting the hair requires maintenance, patience, and a great deal of know-how. There are 5 primary stages that you'll experience as you go through your loc journey. In this guide, we walk you through that process from starter locs to rooted locs.
When you first 'loc' your hair, your new locs will be in the starter loc phase. This is a very vulnerable stage, since your hair will naturally want to untangle and revert to its loose form. Be careful when washing and conditioning during the starter loc phase, as unraveling can occur.
Starter locs, also called beginner locs or baby locs, are the first stage of the loc process, where hair is grouped together to form locs. In the beginning of the starter loc process, the locs are not fully loc’d. Starter locs for men are pretty easy to install as men have short hair, so it is no big deal.
Starter locs can stay in for three to six months, depending on your hair type and growth. The locs in the initial phase are known as baby locs or tiny locs.
Read also: Creative Loc Ideas
When you are starting your locs, there are several things you should consider. One of the first decisions you must make about your starter locs is how you will start your locs. The way you start your locs impacts the appearance and the ease of your loc journey.
Starting locs for men is tough as they hesitate to adopt the change in the starting stages. But, once you prepare your mind, you can easily choose the type of dreads.
You will need some basic things to establish the locs in the hair, such as a metal rat comb, castor oil and some clips of different sizes. The rate comb is an ideal tool to section the hair in the right size. In addition, castor oil keeps the hair well moisturized while installing the locs.
The first step is to get clean hair before starting the process. It is advised to wash the hair with a hair residue-free shampoo and an excellent conditioner to remove any buildup. In the next step, divide the head into various sections. For instance, completely divide your head into the front, middle, and back areas. Once the head is divided into different sections, it becomes easy to continue the process of creating dreadlocks. Take the portion of hair that you want to deal with in this step. Grab the metal rat comb and take a small amount of the hair. Use the comb to create a crispy separation of the hair. Evenly comb the hair and then take the natural castor oil. Apply castor oil to get the sleek hair for twisting. The last step of the Starter locs is twisting. Once you partition your hair and oil them, use the palm rolling or simple twisting technique to get the Starter locs. Start twisting the hair from the slap and continue twisting till the bottom. Keep the hair twisting until you get the desired twists for the Starter locs. From the back to the front, cover the head with starters. Firstly, complete the Starter locs at the back of the head, from the back section move to the next section, the middle section. After covering the middle area, get to the front and complete the front side thoroughly. Look for any hair that requires retwisting.
Explore all loc types and decide what type of locs you would like to have. Select a starter loc method. There is no one type of locs that works best for everyone. You should consider how you want your locs to look, how your hair is growing, and how you can maintain your locs before picking a type.
Read also: Locs Care Guide
Each loc type has its own way to start locs. Your hair texture and hair condition also determine how you start your locs. Consider which loc type you prefer and the suggested starter method for that loc type. Each loc type has a range of loc counts. You should consider the number of locs you want when starting your loc journey. Your loc count determines the level of maintenance and time commitments you may have to make to maintain your locs. Root maintenance for interlocking or re-twisting are impacted the most by loc counts.
Once you have selected your loc type, you have to select a starter method. You should select a starter method that is best for your loc type and your hair texture to ensure an easy loc’ing process. Every loc’ing method has its own characteristics and time it takes to fully loc.
The final loc maturity depends on several factors such as the hair texture, individual genetics and care regimen. The loc journey progression can be short-term or long-term. In addition, you may experience extra frizz and other hair issues during your loc journey. Whether your goal is to have traditional locs, sisterlocks or achieve freeform locs, all types of dreadlocks begin with the Starter locs.
Locs can be started using multiple techniques. The main concern is usually parting. Having parts that are too small can result in locs that are too thin and thus break off easily as they mature. Just as with all hairstyles, length and texture can be the deciding factors in how your hair will lock, the best method to form them, and time the locking process will take.
Freeform Locs: When locs are started without hair parting or styling interventions we describe this as freeform. Many people often free form by accident as the spiraling of curls matt together. This matting is referred to as budding, where tiny pieces of matted hair form at the ends of the loc. These small pieces of matted hair eventually form locs. Starting your locs using the free form method usually occurs with natural hair rather than chemically relaxed hair. Freeform describes a method to start locs and a loc type (freeform). Freeform locs, as their name suggests, form all on their own. Once locked, this chunky style can be manipulated further to defy gravity completely, and form incredibly thick “wicks” or combined locs that hold their form.
Read also: Learn About Boho Locs
Backcombing: Backcombing is a technique where knots are created on the hair shaft to encourage tangling and knots. These knots form locs. The backcombing method works with straight hair and curly hair. This starter loc method results in a version of instant locs. These backcombed, starter locs can unravel once you wash your hair. This happens because the loc has not loc’d.
Interlocking: The interlocking method is a technique where locs are threaded through the root of the section of the individual loc. This weaving of the loc through the new growth binds the loose new growth hairs together. This method of root maintenance incorporates new growth to each loc.
Braiding: The braiding method is a technique where loose hairs are styled in braids.
Two-Strand Twists: The two-strand twist method is a technique where loose hairs are styled in two strand twists to loc hair.
Comb Coils: Comb coils is a loc starter method where hair is twisted into coils.
Loc Extensions: The method is a technique where extensions (human hair or synthetic) are crocheted into hair to create locs.
Rubber Band Method: This is a starter loc method where loose curl hairs are gathered with rubber bands to encourage matting over time.
According to the hair loctician and people’s reviews, two-strand twists are among the finest starters locs for men. With as little as 4 inches of shirt hair of men, it is easy to install, and often this method goes longer than any other locs technique. It gives the locs a stronger foundation and results in thicker locs.
Loc parts create sections of hair that combine to create locs. Loc parting determines the size of locs and appearance of certain hairstyles. Some loc types are less flexible and require a specific parting type. For instance, Sisterlocks require square parting.
In the budding phase, hair begins to form “buds” at the ends of the sectioned strands which hold the hair together. During budding, the hair is just beginning to loc and demands that the strands be kept intact. This makes it very important to resist retwisting your new growth too often, as it can result in bumps and weak spots as the hair further grows and locks. Embrace this stage, as it’s a part of your hair’s beautiful transformation. You’ll know your locks have left the budding stage once they begin to swell, and maintain their shape on their own while looking more cohesive in texture.
As locs develop and grow, you will notice changes. This list describes the changes you will see as your locs mature.
Like loose hair, locs require trimming where weak points exist. Keep in mind, trimming is not mandatory.
To get good hair locs, it is mandatory to take care of the Starter locs for men, and they can be easily managed with simple aftercare tips. The Starter locs are baby locs that require special attention and after acre compared to other traditional locs. To get healthy locs after beginner locs, keep Starter locs men in place.
The loctician suggests using silk or satin caps or headscarf at night to save your Starter locs from tangling. In addition, keeping them well covered also helps them protect from weather conditions and dust particles. Movement while you sleep and friction against your pillow can cause your locs to unravel. So, protect your locs while you sleep. You can wear a satin cap or scarf.
Don’t use any rubber bands on the locs that add extra tension or stress to the scalp. Most people try to secure the locs with rubber bands, resulting in broken hair and additional strain on the scalp.
Using natural supplements with a healthy diet is another way to get beautiful healthy locs with Starter locs. Supplements promote healthy regeneration at the cellular level, which is necessary for long healthy dreads.
Loc care is an essential step of the whole journey. The loctician suggests washing the Starter locs men once or twice a week. Use residue-free shampoo to avoid any residue or lint buildup in the locs. Additionally, use conditioner to get the locs without any clumps.
When and how often to shampoo your starter locs is one of the most significant issues you’ll face early on. This is because if you wash your hair too soon in the process, you can easily undo your still-forming locs. So, you should wait for at least four weeks before you shampoo your hair. If your scalp is itchy before then, you can clean your scalp with witch hazel on a cotton ball. When you shampoo your hair, do it carefully. Focus on the roots and try not to disturb your locs. Then you can shampoo every four weeks until your locs are fully formed.
Many people think that it is impossible to comb the locs as they can loosen up. But the reality is that you can easily comb your dreads and detangle the locs to avoid matting using the metal rat comb.
You may have liked deep conditioning your hair when it was loose, but it’s not a good idea with baby locs. The purpose of creme conditioners is to soften your hair. But when your locs become too soft, they will unravel. Moisture is essential, so find something lightweight if you must. When it comes to loc care products, keep it simple and minimal. Too many products will cause buildup in your budding locs. Buildup is hair product that doesn’t wash out but remains in the middle of your locs. In the beginning, you can be fascinated by your new locs. They aren’t even formed yet, but you can’t keep your hands off of them. But try not to manipulate them very much. Use a natural oil to lock in moisture and give your locs a soft sheen. Try coconut oil, olive oil, or Jamaican black castor oil.
Unless you’re going for the freeform look, you will want to cultivate your locs by grooming them regularly. You can retwist or palm roll every time you wash your hair or once per month. You may choose to interlock as a method of tightening and neatening your growing locs. The benefit of interlocking is that it doesn’t come undone like retwisting will when you wash your hair. Avoid the temptation to twist daily as it can damage and break your hair.
You should not wet your start locs for at least a week after you’ve installed them. When you wash your locs, you should use a loc-specific shampoo and apply it to your scalp, not your locs. Go section by section, massaging the shampoo into your skin, and avoid getting excess water or shampoo on your locs. You can wear a stocking cap to cover your locs while you massage and wash your scalp. You should be careful when sleeping with your starter locs, as you risk unraveling them. You should wear a cap or scarf around your head and sleep on a smooth pillow. Do not overwash or lather your locs, especially during your first month of wearing them. No, you do not need to oil your starter locs every day. Oiling them once or twice a week should be fine, especially if you are cleaning your scalp adequately.
Some people notice their starter locs getting thicker over time, though how thick and when the thickness appears can vary. Your locs can get thinner if your hair dries out or if oils build up inside them. If you can wash your scalp at least once a week and keep your locs clean, you should avoid thinning locs. Your locs can get hard or stiff if you twist them too hard or don’t moisturize them enough. You should twist your hair just enough to keep your locs together but not so tight that your follicles feel stiff.
Different types of locs cost differently. The cost range differs for the sisterlocks, traditional dreads and other types of locs. On average, getting the Starter locs ranges from $100 to $150. The price range differs for both genders. In addition, many other factors affect the rates of Starter locs. The price varies depending on the hair texture, length, and technique used.
Starting the locs at home is a good idea as it does not require any fancy equipment for the process. A pro tip is that before beginning the locs, consult an excellent loctician to get an idea about your hair. Get an analysis done if your hair is compatible to get the locs or not. Moreover, you can get a concept of the right Starter locs technique that will suit you best.
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