10 Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me About Locking My Hair

November 29th, 2012 - By Veronica Wells

 

Source: Shutterstock.com

Earlier this week this woman at Noodles and Company, (if you’ve never tried it, you better ask somebody!) complimented my locs. Before I could even say thank you she went into her story, telling me how she too had tried the lock thing but couldn’t make it past the rough patch. I nodded my head in solemnity and agreement. *Moment of silence for the rough period* It was a lot. And I can’t say I was exactly prepared for it. With that in mind, I thought about all of the things I wish (Cedric the Entertainer voice) somebody would have told me about the lock journey. So in an attempt to help another sistah, who’s considering taking this step, here the things you need to know before you lock it down.

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  • Minda

    I had locs for many years and now I don’t. Remember, locs are “dead” hair and that is why it is growing long. I didn’t like it after a while. To each his own. For some people, it is nice break from chemicals and processing though.

  • TeamMe

    The energy tip is so true!!! After I started getting my locs done by my current loctitian, my hair has grown ridiculously fast. My hair responds so well to her.

  • Natasha

    Love this post! I’ve been a loc wearer for almost 2.5 years (relaxer free for 5 years), and I do realize that this is the best decision that I’ve done not only for my hair, but also for my health. I like that one of the points that is TRUTH when doing your locs: make sure you have a stylist/loctitian who gets along with YOU and YOUR GOALS! That cannot be emphasized enough! And yes, Youtube definitely helped me to learn how to really deep clean my locs (baking soda and ACV, or ACV rinses…check it out!), and check out some really cool styles (shout out to Chescalocs!).

  • http://www.facebook.com/soils.minor Anita Baker Soils

    wow.. i better start moisturizing.. whats good to use out there?

    • Natasha

      I’ve gone through a lot of moisturizers and found myself mixing jojoba/olive oil and water, and spraying on both scalp and locs. Another one I’ve used is Coconut oil with Giovanni Direct Leave-In conditioner, after I wash my hair (the coconut oil helps seal in the conditioner). I tried to use oils with mineral oil, and all I ended up having was dry locs before the day was over. I hope this helps!

  • sweets

    I think everyone who has dreadlocks should research the “history of dreadlocks” there is an abundance information. Dreadlocks are not are definitely not dreadful

  • http://twitter.com/SassyPeaches_25 **Sassy Lil Star**

    I loved this post! My transition wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I had the 2 strand twist and because my hair is so fine people didn’t realize I was growing locs for a good minute. A year later and lots of growth to the point I’m getting it styled and people still think its just “twists”. I’m in love with my locs and I think it is the best hair decision I’ve made!

  • Ce1999

    I do definitely agree that it depends on the person as far as treating your locs with products. I don’t use much in my hair outside of when twisting it and I don’t see a lot of breakage. I moisturize every now and then, but my primary concern is being buildup-free and not making my scalp all itchy. To each his or her own though. I also consider locking my best hair decision. :-)

    • Tamz

      I use Taliah Waajid products on my hair and there is another line that I use that has mango and lime to moisturize my locs. My locs can get incredibly dry.

  • Denise

    I learned that you can wash your hair as often as you like and you don’t have to retwist every time you wash. I didn’t retwist for about a month and found styles that made my hair look neat and professional

    • ona2684

      HOW?!? I find myself washing and retwisting at least once a week and it takes me 3-4 hours each time. My scalp has also been pretty itchy as of late as well…

  • Tamz

    Yaaaaaassss!! Thank you so much for this article!! I am a loc head also and I started my locs with comb twists. I went through that ugly phase that I thought was going to last FOREVER. 2.5 years later, best decision I’ve ever made. YouTube is my best friend also!! #LocsRock