There’s nothing sweeter than nurturing your hair and watching it flourish like the plant it is. Whether your hair is naturally locked or purposefully styled, the process of individual strands coming together to form beautiful locs is truly a sight to behold.
Dating back to 3000 BC, locs have held different meanings in different cultures. Sometimes, they symbolize unity, while at other times, they represent rebellion. Locs started as a statement but became a trend when legends like Bob Marley popularized the Rasta aesthetic. Today, locs are more popular than ever before. They can be low-maintenance and protective when cared for properly.
We’re excited to share some of our favorite loc styles with you and offer tips on maintaining healthy locs.
1). Starter Locs
Image Source: @DNM_LOCS
Starter locs are the leap of faith at the beginning stages of locs. It can take natural strands between 6 months to two years to conform into locs. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have short hair to begin this process. You can start at whatever length. Beginner locs are usually introduced using the comb coil method.
This method requires neat parting of the hair. You will section the ends of your moisturized hair between the teeth of the comb. From this step, you will twist the comb from the root to the tip and repeat this step throughout each part of the head.
Image Source: @LOCKSBYLOKELO
Product Recommendations:
African Pride Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel will keep hair locked and tight with a black castor and coconut oil blend to hydrate and repair your locs.
2). Traditional Locs
Image Source: @keishacharmaine
These locs are the most common. Traditional locs are also easily manipulated for curly styles similar to the featured photo. Retwisting these locs requires new growth to be combed from the root and then hand-twisted to conform to the rest of the loc.
Image Source: @nij.locdn
Product Recommendations:
Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Firm Wax-Resistant Formula provides a soft and gentle hold without leaving greasy residue for hard-to-hold-loc hair.
3). Sisterlocs
Image Source: @locsandthecity
Sisterlocs take the longest to complete, requiring concise weaving with a latch hook tool similar to a crochet needle. Due to the intricacy of this style, this is no DIY project.
We advise you to consult a certified technician regarding this method first. Preparing these locs is worth it, as they deliver beautiful results. This technique is flexible and looks great when curled.
Image Source: @SISTALOCS24_7
Product Recommendations:
Keep your locs hydrated and strengthened with the Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Refreshing Spray for Locs, for healthy-looking strands.
4). Faux Locs
Image Source: @locsbyshanta
This style is for my ladies who love how locs appear but are not ready to commit to or transition their natural hair. It consists of braiding your natural hair with synthetic braiding hair for a thick foundation. You then take faux loc hair and wrap it downward around the braid.
Faux locs give you the aesthetic of having locs without having them, and some women use them to begin starter locs. With new growth, they proceed to re-wrap around the loc using the retwist method.
Image Source: @BONITAREBEL
Product Recommendations:
I recommend MIELLE RICE WATER & ALOE VERA BRAID SET FOAM for my ladies who like to keep their protective styles long-lasting.
5). Wick Locs
Image Source: @ryanalexandra.petit
Originally a Florida fashion worn by Afro-Carribeans, wicks are becoming more popular. Wicks are locs that transform into fewer and bigger individual locs. One can accomplish this style by making wider parts start locs or combining parts for locs already started by having them retwisted together as one.
Image Source: @LOCDUPBYASH
Product Recommendations:
Although this style is low-maintenance, the thickness of each wick can make it difficult to penetrate. Loc Oil For Dreads is perfect for stimulating healthy roots and penetrating thick strands with natural ingredients to help with growth and reduce itching.
6). Freeform Locs
Image Source: @IREALLYLOVETIARA
Freeform locs are one of our favorite loc types because they have no method. They naturally grow your hair’s way without manipulation. It is beautiful to see how hair forms without styling; it’s a new personality.
Image Source: @JUSTAGIRLFROMTHE75
Product Recommendations:
As freeing as this style may seem, it is important to keep the roots fresh. Design Essentials Scalp & Skin Care Detoxifying Tonic with Eucalyptus & Lemon is perfect for cleansing, removing skin irritation, and removing product build-up.
7). Barrel Twist
Image Source: @NANA.COUTUREE
Another unique locs styling is barrel twist, which involves twisting locs in an under-and-over method. To achieve this look, you’ll twist two locs tightly together from root to tip until the entire head is covered in twisted locs. Many beauticians hold pieces using pins or clips while attending to other parts to prevent unraveling.
Image Source: @JORDANSLOCD
Product Recommendations:
Tightly twisted locs are a necessity for this style. Shop Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel to keep those locs nice and tight.
8). Lobster Braids
Image Source: @twisted_loc_lounge
Lobster braids follow a similar approach to barrel twisting with the under-and-over method. However, most lobster braids are braided downwards in a cornrow style. You will start at the top and pull in each loc over and under until locs form a bigger braid shaped like a lobster. This style requires precision.
Image Source: @LOCKSBYLOKELO
Product Recommendations:
You can use these duckbill clips to help section and keep your hair in place.
9). Petal Buns
Image Source: @LOCKSBYLOKELO
Petal buns blossom with creativity while giving traditional locs a floral spin. This style usually begins with the ponytail base. Then, you fold over the locs from the ponytail and tie them individually with a small rubber band or small tie. You do this throughout each ponytail and fan out each folded loop for a flower-like finish.
Image Source: @jj_braided_it
Product Recommendations:
We love the color vibrancy of this style. To accomplish this look exactly, shop Made For Locs Locs Color Care Shampoo, For Color-Treated & Grey Locs to help maintain vigorous color.
10). The Mohawk
Image Source: @LOCKSBYLOKELO
Another cool style is the loc mohawk. This particular look consists of two individual locs twisted together and then curled at the ends. These curls are then pinned into a mohawk style from the front to the back of the head.
Image Source: @locsgyal_
Product Recommendations:
Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products Lock It Up Tight Hold is perfect for helping maintain locs and twists and defining your natural curl pattern without flaking or build-up.
As your locs consistently evolve, visit our NC shop for tools to help you nourish them.
