If you’re retwisting your locs this weekend, read this first.
Most people think the retwist itself is what makes it last.
It’s not.
What you do before and after is what determines whether it holds or unravels in three days.
Here’s what I tell my clients.
1. Separate Your Roots Before You Start
This is one of the biggest mistakes I see.
Between retwists, new growth starts growing together. If you’re not following your parts and separating regularly, your locs will start matting at the roots.
It’s especially common with:
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Micro locs
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The nape area
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The back of the head (where you can’t see clearly)
Before retwisting, gently separate your roots so nothing is married together.
But here’s the important part:
Do not separate your locs dry.
Dry hair snaps. Slightly damp hair stretches.
Your hair has more elasticity when it’s lightly moisturized.
You can use:
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A light mist of water
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A pre-cleanse spray
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Your moisture mix (just enough to dampen, not soak)
Then gently separate. Take your time. This step alone prevents long-term damage.
2. Make Sure Your Retwist Is Fully Dry
Clients always tell me their retwists last longer when they see me.
The reason?
I don’t let it leave damp.
The back of your head is usually still wet — even when the top feels dry.
Here’s what to do:
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After applying clips, let the top dry for about 20 minutes.
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Remove the clips.
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Split your locs into two loose pigtails.
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Allow airflow to hit the back and the ends.
This dries:
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The nape
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The base of the loc
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The interior of the twist
If you don’t fully dry it, the retwist won’t last.
Period.
3. Section Your Hair So You Don’t Get Frustrated
A lot of people hate doing their own retwist because it feels chaotic.
Hair falling everywhere.
Sections mixing.
Clips getting lost.
Before you start:
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Set up all your tools
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Separate clips
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Have your moisture and oil nearby
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Keep a scrunchie handy
Work in sections.
If you start in the back:
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Put the rest of your hair in a top knot
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Focus only on the section you’re working on
Retwisting gets overwhelming when you’re fighting your own hair.
Control the environment. The process becomes smoother.
4. Use the Right Products
Moisture matters.
If your locs are dry before retwisting, they won’t move properly and they’re more likely to snap when manipulated.
I recommend using:
Both give light hydration without buildup — exactly what you want before manipulating new growth.
For a full at-home setup, the Founder’s Favorites set keeps everything simple and in one place.
Final Thoughts
Retwisting isn’t just about twisting.
It’s about:
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Clean parts
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Preventing matting
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Preserving elasticity
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Proper drying
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Controlled sections
If you master these, your retwists will last longer and your locs will stay healthy long term.
And that’s the real goal.
