Thinking of starting your loc journey? It helps to know what to expect allong the way. Locs journey have different stages. The loc journey is one that takes time, patience and maintenance. It can take approximately 12 to 24 months deppending on the method used to start your journey and your hair type.
Don't let the time it takes discourage you, locs are beautiful and worth it.
When starting your journey there are different stages you will have to go through.
1. Starting Stage
The starter stage will last about six months, deppending on how you choose to start your locs, your hair type and how fast your hair grows.
This is the most challenging stage. After your first wash you will notice that the loc will get fluffy or become unravelled. This is normal. Once the locs grow and get more mature you will love it.
When starting your locs bear in mind how you want your locs to look, the thickness of your loc and if you want a specific parting pattern.
At BeautyLane Studio we offer three ways to start your loc journey, twist starterlocs, comb coils and crochet starterlocs.
Depending on how you want your locs to look, the length and your hair type we will discuss which methode will be best for you.
TIP:
Startinglocs can be washed, prefferbly wait 2-3 weeks before washing your starterlocs,
Keep your locs hydrated
Put natural oil on your scalp to keep it moisturised
Do not retwist too often give your loc time too mature.
In the locs process, the Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. But how long this stage lasts depends on a couple things, such as your hair type and how fast your hair grows.
Typically, this stage also can be rather trying as many people find that as they wash their hair, their locs can become unravelled or look ‘fluffy’. But it’s important to remember that this stage is just a stage and once your locs mature things will be slightly easier.
When ‘installing’ or starting your locs, bear in mind what type of locs you want (freeform, braided, twisted, comb coiled, palm rolled and interlocked) and their size, and take into account your hair type and if you want to have a parting pattern.
Often it’s down to personal preference, but remember that if you create large locs that your individual locs will be rather weighty when they get longer and likewise, if you make your locs very small you’ll need to make sure you keep an eye on their moisture levels as locs can easily break when they are thin and dry.
2. Budding Stage 6 - 12
The budding stage is when you start noticing your new growth. Your hair will not unravel when washing and the new growth will look fluffy. Creating a routine for yourself will help you maintain your locs and keep the original partings.
There are differen ways to retwist and maintain your locs. At BeautyLane Studio we offer palm roll retwist en crochet retwist.
TIP
- Create a routine for yourself
- Do not retwist too often to prevent thinning and breakage.
- Retwist your locs once in a month or every 2 months depending on your growth
The Budding Stage (also known as the Sprouting Stage), occurs roughly six to twelve months into your locs journey. This is when you’ll start to notice that your hair isn’t unravelling when you wash it and notice your new growth, which will look a bit fuzzy and fluffy.
It’s during this stage that you’ll want to incorporate retwisting into your routine. This will help you keep your original partings and help maintain the style of your locs. Again, how you do this is down to personal preference, many people retwist, palm roll or interlock their own ‘roots’ at home, while others prefer to get their new growth managed by locticians.
NB: Creating a routine is really important. And we know it will be tempting to want to retwist your new growth as soon as you notice it coming through, but be careful that you don’t over do it as over manipulation can lead to thinning and breakage.