Faux locs can be a great protective style, but they come with their own set of considerations. Many people opt for faux locs to get a feel for what having real locs might be like. However, it’s important to understand that faux locs don’t always provide an accurate representation of what your locs can and will look like.
The Illusion vs. Reality of Faux Locs
Faux locs allow you to customize the thickness, length, and appearance without factoring in your natural hair type. If you have thin hair and get faux locs to make it appear fuller, it won’t necessarily reflect what your real locs will look like when you start the locking process. Real locs form based on your natural hair texture and density, which faux locs do not replicate.
No one can predict exactly how your hair will lock and mature over time. So while faux locs can be a fun way to experiment with the style, be mindful that they are not an exact preview of permanent locs.
The Lifespan of Faux Locs
Faux locs are not meant to be a permanent style. While they are often more affordable and customizable, wearing them too long can cause tension on your scalp and lead to hair thinning or breakage.
How Long Should You Keep Faux Locs In?
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Ideal timeline: 1-2 months
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Maximum recommended duration: 3 months, but it's not recommended.
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Leaving them in longer can lead to gradual hair breakage, especially around the perimeter, where hair is finer and more fragile.
If you have starter locs and want to install faux locs over them, keep them in for no more than a month to prevent damage to your roots.
Potential Drawbacks of Faux Locs
While faux locs offer a low-maintenance and stylish option, they come with some risks:
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Hair Thinning & Breakage – Over time, the added weight can weaken your natural hair.
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Scalp Tension – Tight installations can put stress on your roots.
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Difficult Removal – Some installation methods involve glue or other adhesives, making removal tricky. Befor eintalling faux locs make sure to ask the stylist how they're installing the locs and what the removal process looks like. Avoid styles that require cutting the hair out.
Choosing the Right Installation Method
The way faux locs are installed can significantly impacts the health of your hair. Some stylists use glue or other quick-fix methods that may make takedown more difficult. To avoid unnecessary damage:
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Ask your stylist about their installation process.
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Check their previous work and client reviews. Try to speak to someone you know whose gone to that stylist before and has had fuax locs installed. If not, do a deep-dive into their social media to really see what people are saying and their experiences.
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Ensure they use a method that allows for easy removal without cutting or excessive pulling.
Final Thoughts
Faux locs are a stylish and protective option, but they should be worn with care. Understand that they don’t fully represent what real locs will look like on you, and avoid keeping them in too long to prevent hair damage. Be mindful of how they’re installed and removed, and always prioritize the health of your natural hair.
To keep your natural hair and locs at their healthiest, consider using Dr Locs Products, a buildup-free product line created and designed by a loctician with the health of your hair and body as THE number one priority.
