Question #1: How long does my hair have to be to start locs?
Your hair can be as short as an inch, depending on the technique you choose. For example, comb coils can be done on shorter hair, but you’ll need a lot of patience during the early stages. With short hair, it’s common for your locs to unravel when you wash them, which can be frustrating. That’s why it’s recommended to start your loc journey with a loctician who can see the back of your head and understand your hair’s needs.
Short hair is more likely to come undone, especially with interlocking or plaiting, while comb coils work better for curly hair. The key is patience, and working with a professional can help set you up for success.
Question #2: How much shorter will my hair be when I loc it?
The amount of length you’ll lose depends on your hair texture and the technique you use. If your hair has tighter coils, you might lose more length compared to someone with looser curls. In general, think about the last time you got a haircut or styled your hair. If you lost an inch, you can expect a similar result with locs.
Between the three techniques—comb coiling, interlocking, and plaiting—plaiting usually results in the least amount of shrinkage because it forces the hair to straighten a little. Interlocking falls somewhere in the middle, while comb coiling may lead to more shrinkage. After your hair gets used to the loc’ing process, it will start to maintain its length.
Question #3: How long will it take for locs to mature completely?
Locs go through several stages: the baby stage, where your hair doesn’t mat at all, the budding stage, where your hair starts to mat, and the teenage phase, where it’s still budding and growing. The timeline for maturity varies depending on your hair texture, but the process generally takes anywhere from 2 to 8 months.
Full maturity can take up to a year, but there’s no set timeline for everyone—it's a gradual evolution. Most people see their locs fully matured within two years.
Question #4: What is the difference between ‘locked’ and ‘mature’ dreadlocks?
There is no real difference between "locked" and "mature" locs, although people tend to use "locked" more loosely during the early stages. Someone might say their locs are "locked" even if they just started the process, but the term "mature" refers to when the hair has fully matted together—typically during the teenage or adult phase.
Question #5: Can I maintain my own locs, or do I need to go to a loctician?
You can maintain your own locs, but it depends on your patience and your willingness to commit to the process. The locking process can be tiring, especially when you're just starting out. Plus, you can't always see the back of your head, and retwisting can be time-consuming.
For the first year, we recommend visiting a loctician regularly. After that, maintaining your locs becomes easier and you might feel more comfortable doing it on your own.
Question #6: What products do I need for maintaining my locs?
To maintain your locs, retwisting is key. We recommend using a full grooming set, like our Dr. Locs bundle, which includes the Pre-Cleanse, Yasin Shampoo, Jinan Moisture Mix, Imani Locking Spray, and Yaya Oil. If you’re just starting out or want to try the products, we also offer a trial-sized Travel Kit.
For those who interlock their locs, we have a special Interlocking Bundle that excludes the Imani Locking Spray. This set is designed for the whole grooming process, and daily use of products like the Jinan Moisture Mix will keep your locs healthy.
Question #7: How often should I wash my locs?
You should wash your hair when it feels dirty, but everyone's routine will differ. Many people wash their locs every 6-8 weeks, but if you work in an environment where your scalp gets dirty more quickly, you might need to wash more frequently.
Keep in mind, if you’ve just had a retwist, washing your hair might cause it to unravel at the roots. For mature locs, this is less of an issue, but if you're just starting your journey, washing too soon can cause your locs to come undone. If you want to wash your hair more often, consider working with a loctician to learn how to maintain your locs during the process.
If you want to avoid washing altogether, you can use a pre-cleanse on a cloth and dampen it with water to clean your scalp and remove dirt without fully washing your hair.
Question #8: Can I undo my locs if I change my mind?
Yes, you can undo your locs, but it’s a process. Maturing (the matting stage) usually starts around 3 months. After this point, it becomes more challenging to comb them out, and it may lead to hair damage. If you change your mind, it’s best to make that decision before your locs mature. You’ll need to carefully detangle the hair and possibly restore its health after the process.
Question #9: Are there different types of locs?
Yes, there are several types of locs, each with its own style.
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Freeform locs are unique and natural, growing without much manipulation. The sizes and lengths can vary, and each loc is different from the next.
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Sisterlocks are created through a small interlocking process that follows a grid system. These require a trained Sisterloctician to start them.
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Traditional locs can be any size and are created using comb coiling, plaiting, or interlocking. Regardless of the technique, traditional locs will eventually look the same over time.
While there are many new terms popping up, like "brother locs" and "sister locs," they don’t always represent new styles—they're just different names for various loc techniques. Some locticians, like Chimere, owner and founder of Dr Locs have been in the business for decades and note that many of these new names are just variations on older styles.