Locs are a beautiful hairstyle for sure. But they’re more than that, they’re a lifestyle. For your hair to thrive while in a loc’d state, you have to commit to giving it the necessary care. The notion that locs are maintenance-free is a lie.
The most common problem you’ll encounter with fresh locs is them coming apart. Especially if your hair has loose texture. As such you need to retwist them. Do it when you have ample time and are relaxed- for instance when stuck in traffic or watching TV. If your hair is finely textured, the twists tend to hold quite well.
In an attempt to keep the twists intact, many people avoid washing their hair for long periods at a time. This leads to itchy scalp from dryness or odours in the hair. Your hair still needs moisture regularly. You could wash it every 2 weeks, being as gentle as possible while doing so. If the twists are intact after washing, there’s no need to retwist. You can do that on the next wash. For loose textured hair, wearing a nylon stocking over the locs while washing prevents unravelling.
Wash your hair with residue- free shampoo. Residue left in the hair reduces the bond between the strands hence the twists unravel. It also makes it harder for thicker locs to dry well.
After washing give your hair enough time to completely dry before tying a headscarf/ wearing a hat. Insufficient drying leads to odours and in serious cases, fungus. You may use a dryer on warm setting if in a hurry. Air drying is suitable for days when you have free hours.
Locs tend to pick up lint from our clothes and fabrics they come in contact with. Keep your locs styled in such a way that they are away from your tops/ t shirts. When going to bed, wrap them in a satin scarf. For extra protection use a satin pillowcase. These not only ward off lint but also protect the hair from moisture loss and friction.
