What to Consider When Trimming Your Locs

What to Consider When Trimming Your Locs


It may be that time of the month, or year where you need to change everything in your life, or one drastic change to tuck you into a safe new place. Many of us rearrange our houses, buy new clothing, or change our hairstyles. If you feel like it’s time to go for a short loc look, here’s the heads up on what to consider.

Loc Stage

Before you take the time to decide what length you desire, make sure your locs are at the right phase to alternate and fuss with. If you’re only a few months into your new natural look, better wait some more time, otherwise you risk your locs unraveling. Even with mature locs you risk the possibility of unraveling, if not all the way, than at least close to the tips. Some find loose ends desirable, and they are an attractive look, but make sure to consider the length and the look together.

Wash And Dry

One of the stronger motivations behind trimming locs is the amount of time it takes to wash and dry. With shorter locs, you’ll have less locs to wash carefully during each rinse. All in all, you’ll save on the products you use, since the shafts will be shorter, which also means less oil, less pre-cleanser, and less conditioner. Plus, your hair care routine will shrink in size with your loc length, depending on just how short you go.

Time is A Double Edge Sword

As we mentioned above, shorter locs means more time on your hands, literally. Now comes the BIG but. On the flip side, it does take painfully long to get your locs reaching somewhere naturally way past your shoulders. All major decisions come with a sacrifice, we’re in no way trying to put out your flame for shorter, cute locs, we just want to prepare you for the future as best we can. Maybe you’ve had long locs for as long as you can remember and you’re ready for that feeling of freedom change offers, well then, we say go for it. Just know, there is also much wisdom in moderation, but perhaps less thrill.

Remove the Old

Many natural loc’ers gravitate towards cutting their ends after they’re satisfied with their unified growth. The beginning of the journey can be awkward and uncomfortable, but with resilience and confidence most of us make it to the other side. However, you’ll notice that after a year or so, your locs are more unified at the top than towards the ends. Many opt for trimming off their beginning phase to keep their locs looking healthier and homogenous(er).

Another reason to trim your locs is if you’ve used wax or other build-up agents in your locs. Rather than starting all over again, the lucky ones are able to trim out the old and walk the new natural path. All the possibilities are up to you, all it takes is settling on what you want and going for it! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes — locs can be started on virtually any hair texture. The technique that works best and the timeline you can expect will vary depending on your texture. Finer hair typically takes longer to lock and may require more patience in the early stages.

Sisterlocs is a form of interlocking — they use the same foundational technique. The difference is size and a proprietary pattern. Interlocking can be done in a range of sizes and is not limited to the Sisterlocs system.

Loc extensions should be placed as a permanent technique by a qualified loctician. When done correctly, the extension integrates naturally into the hair over time. When done incorrectly, the hair often can't sustain them and the client removes them early.

Yes — comb coils are one of the most common ways to start locs. As the hair grows and matures through the baby and teenage stages, the coil gradually locks into a permanent loc.

Interlocking and loc extensions are generally considered the most durable and fastest-to-progress techniques. If skipping the baby stage entirely is the goal, loc extensions with a qualified loctician may be the right option. However, understand that with all processes, you will go thru a process.