When it comes to caring for locs, the mantra I preach to my clients is simple: less is more. As a professional who loves starting and maintaining locs, I’ve noticed that locs thrive when you leave them alone. Overcomplicating your routine or relying on an abundance of products can do more harm than good. Let me explain why simplicity is key and how following professional directions can lead to healthier, more beautiful locs.
Stop fighting against what makes your locs unique.
1. Weekly Shampooing: A Non-Negotiable
Shampooing your locs weekly is essential. This keeps your hair and scalp clean, preventing build-up from sweat, dirt, and oils. Many clients worry that frequent shampooing will dry out their locs, but that’s a myth. Locs are not “dry”—and neither is anyone’s hair. The issue is often a misunderstanding of what healthy hair looks and feels like. Clean locs are the foundation of healthy locs.
2. Say No to Over-Oiling
Over-oiling the scalp is one of the biggest mistakes I see. While oil is often marketed as a magical cure for “dry hair,” in reality, it can lead to build-up in locs, which act like magnets for lint, dirt, and even pollen. Instead of slathering oil all over, spot treat only if you experience itchiness. And please, avoid putting oil directly on your locs—it can weaken the hair over time and promote damage.
3. Water Is Your Best Friend
For maintaining moisture, distilled water is your go-to. Lightly mist your locs as needed to hydrate them, but don’t go overboard. Too much water can loosen your roots, which isn’t ideal for maintaining the integrity of your locs. And remember, locs are not meant to be shiny or “perfect.” Frizz is natural and part of the beauty of the journey.
4. The Myth of Perfection
One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing clients say, “My locs are dry.” This idea stems from years of marketing that suggests there’s something inherently wrong with your hair. Locs are not supposed to look like polished, shiny ropes—they are a natural, evolving style that embraces frizz and texture. Stop fighting against what makes your locs unique.
5. Leave Them Alone
Locs truly thrive when you stop manipulating them unnecessarily. Constantly pulling at your scalp, over-twisting, or using heavy products stunts their growth and leads to breakage. Daily racking at the scalp is only necessary as maintenance grows out, to ensure new hair doesn’t marry into surrounding locs. Otherwise, let your locs be.
6. Styling Made Simple
Once your locs are mature—typically six months after starting—you can incorporate a light styling foam for special occasions. Keep it simple and focus on maintaining the health of your hair instead of striving for a polished look every day.
The Bottom Line: Care, Don’t Complicate
Locs are a journey, not a race to perfection. They don’t need to be shiny, over-oiled, or heavily styled to look amazing. By following a simple regimen of weekly shampooing, light hydration with distilled water, and avoiding excessive product use, your locs will reward you with health, strength, and beauty.
When in doubt, remember the golden rule: Just leave your locs alone. Let them grow and evolve naturally—they’ll thank you for it!
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jekia lynne
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