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

November 29th, 2012 - By Veronica Wells

That Starting Phase is no joke

As I alluded to earlier, the starting phase, the time before you hair has formed into locs is the most shocking, most unpleasant part of the experience. If someone had told me how… unbecoming this initial phase was going to be, I certainly would have waited longer to lock my hair and might not have done it at all. Now, everybody’s experience is different; but when I decided to lock my hair, I had just cut it so when my beautician spun me around after she had carefully coiled my hair, into what’s known as “starter locs” (aka two strand twists), the shrinkage was so real. I still thought I was cute…just a cute little boy. By the time I got used to the shrinkage, “the fuzzies” started to appear. Since my hair had not locked properly yet, the twists were constantly slipping and I’m sure several people thought I was just too lazy to retwist. (It took almost a full year before people realized I was locking my hair.) And that sad part about it was, for the first couple of months, I really couldn’t do anything about it. I had to wait for the beautician to even wash my hair, let alone retwist it. Sigh Thank God I got past that phase. Now, whenever a woman tells me she’s thinking about getting locs, I warn her by saying it’s not going to be easy; but if you can get through this phase, you’ll love it.

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  • 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