I have been ready for a while but creating samples, testing natural hair products and updating my websites made it nearly impossible for me to start locs. There is a bright side to this though, I had extra time to research. So if you’ve ever considered locking and want to join me on this loc journey,
read on to make sure you are well prepared to make a good start.Locs started with Twists As they say “A good start is half the battle.”
How to get started
First, think about the kind of locs you want before starting them. Do you want big, medium or micro locs, do you want free form or cultivated locs. There is no wrong here. It’s a personal choice. You know what you like, what looks good on you and what makes you feel comfortable. If you need help take a look at the fabulous images of dreadlocks , ask your friends, a stylist or a close family member.
Starter Locs
Once you know what type of locs you like to have think about how you like to get started. There are so many ways to get starter locs now, it can be confusing. What you should know is that your choice to select one of these methods to start locing should not only be determined by your hair type and the length of your hair but also, if not primarily, by your convenience and maybe most importantly by your budget.
Basically locs can be divided in three large categories micro, medium and big locs. Since micro and medium locs are the most common choices I will talk about these options. If you need more details on the different type of locs download or order my book Going Natural, How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair.
Singer Valerie June with her beautiful Organic locs
Medium sized locs
You can start medium sized dreadlocks with comb coils also called single strand twists, two strand twists or braids but also with extensions or by interlocking. Each of the methods that you choose has their own pros and cons. Except for the coils you’ll need at least one inch of hair to get started. Again, if you need more details on the pros and cons of the different type of locs download or order my book Going Natural, How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair.
Towel Rub
If your hair is shorter than one inch you actually have an advantage because you can start the locs yourself with the towel rub method. Search youtube for videos of people using a towel to start their locs. Rubbing a towel on wet short natural hair in one direction will create perfectly shaped coils. You can also do this with a special sponge type tool that Nu Dread offers. Videos on their website demonstrate how you can get those coils within a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that starting locs this way will actually create smaller locs than the regular medium sized ones.
Microlocs by Jessyca Marchall from Naturally Beautiful
Twists, braids, or interlocks
If you have at least an inch of hair and your choice is medium sized dreadlocks you have more options than just starting your locs with comb coils. You can also start your locs with twists, braids, interlocks or extensions. Simply explained interlocking is crocheting hair together with a tool like a latch hook tool.
It really depends on your hair texture but usually starting with comb coils and twists require more maintenance than starting locs with braids or interlocks. After every wash comb coils and twists will unravel and get frizzy. Braids and interlocks get frizzy after washing as well but it’s a lot less and more importantly a braid or a crocheted braid hold the strands of hair together so that it won’t unravel.
Micro locs
Micro locs are all dreadlocks that are smaller than pencil size dreadlocks. These are also the most fragile type of dreadlocks. Twisting hair too often may lead to breakage but especially with micros so you have to be extra careful and because the locs are so tiny, they should be maintained by interlocking rather than twisting. This is also the reason why you shouldn’t start tiny locs with twists or coils because they require more maintenance.
Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks is the most popular brand of micro locs but there are a few more tools and methods on the market now. There is the Nappy Locs tool but people often also use the latch-hook to create locs. The choice is really up to you given the time and budget you have available.
Budget
No matter your choice of locs, it’s always best to get started by a professional. Even if you have a very small budget and you want to maintain your locs yourself, I would recommend starting locs with an established loctitian. Consider it an investment.
It is important because the way your hair is parted and the size of the sections will determine the look of your future dreadlocks. If you are not satisfied when your hair begins to loc, you will need to start all over. Starting too small may cause loc breakage when your hair gets longer. A good loctition should know what size to part your hair depending on your density and texture.
So to get you started, I asked salons prices for starter locs. Depending on where you live, how long your hair is and the type of locs you want prices vary from $80 for comb coils to $200 for Sisterlocks. However, if you want to start your locs this is the best time because some of the nations most experienced and fabulous salons are offering specials for Going-Natural.com members during mother’s day week. Check out the Mother’s day Salons specials for starter locs and loc maintenance. Mention the website if you go and please let me know your favorite method of starting locs.
Going Natural Hair Care for Black Women, African American Men and Children
