Haircare & Styles

Ultimate Guide To Dreadlocks: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need To Know To Get Fabulous Dreadlocks

Dreadlock FAQS

Look around you. Locs seem to be all the rage. Are you fascinated by this beautiful natural look? Do you have questions about how to get started on your own Loc journey? Well, BoomZip has the answers in this Ultimate Guide To Dreadlocks: Frequently Asked Questions! (Please note: The words “Dreadlocks” and “Locs” are used interchangeably in this guide.) Click HERE to Get Dreadlocks, Hair Extensions, and Faux Locs installed for you at Your Home.

Ava DuVernay knows how to rock the loc!

1.First things first! What are Locs?
Locs are a hairstyle. The style is started by taking one’s hair and dividing it into sections. Each section is usually braided, twisted or palm rolled (more on what that means below). Then the hair is left to grow on its own – no combing or brushing the sections. Eventually, the hair Locks to itself creating the familiar style you desire.

2. How long will it take for my hair to lock?
The answer to this question is variable. It can take 6-12 months for the hair to Loc. Generally speaking, the thicker and more coarse your hair, the quicker it will lock.

Mature Locs, which are Locs that are fully locked and capable of lying down flat, usually take 18 months to develop.

3. How long does my hair need to be in order to get Locs?
Your hair should be at least four inches long to start your Locs. If you want to avoid a spiky look with your new Locs, wait until your hair is six to eight inches long before getting started.

4. I don’t want to wait for my Dreadlocks to grow out. Is there anything I can do to get long Locs immediately?
Yes! You can get Loc extensions. Loc extensions are made from human hair that matches your own hair’s texture and color. Loc extensions are meant to be permanent and stay in as your natural hair grows.

5. What’s the difference between Loc Extensions and Faux Locs?
Great question! Loc extensions are made from human hair. They are installed and designed to stay on your head as your natural hair grows.

Faux Locs are meant to be temporary. These are for people who have not committed to locking their natural hair. Faux Locs can be made from human or synthetic hair. They are installed by braiding or twisting your natural hair. Then the faux Locs are wrapped around the braid or twist.

6. What about Faux Locs and Goddess Locs? What’s the difference?
Faux Locs and goddess Locs are created the same way. Goddess Locs refer to faux Locs that are created with human hair. The key advantage to human hair is that it is lighter weight than synthetic hair. Human hair also provides a more natural look – although it can be pricier.

7. What method should I use to start my Dreadlocks?
This is a super tricky question. The answer depends on several factors including the length of your current hair, your hair texture, and the ultimate size and appearance you want for your Locs.

Here are methods to consider, pros and cons.

i. Two-Strand Twist. Two strand twists are the preferred Loc starter method for thicker, longer hair. This style creates a sturdy foundation for your Locs. The only drawback is that it can take 6 months to 2 years for the lines from the twists to disappear. Also, you have to be vigilant in monitoring and maintaining your ends as they are prone to unraveling.

ii. Braids. Braids can be used to start Locs for hair of any texture. The braid pattern may persist as your hair Locs. In some cases, the braid pattern may never disappear. In addition, the Dreadlocks that form tend to be flat rather than circular. As with two-strand twists, you need to pay close attention to your ends to prevent unraveling.

iii. Comb coils. Comb coils can be used to start Locs for hair of any texture. A comb is used to create uniform coils around your head. This is the go-to-technique for starting pencil sized Locs. Hair locks fairly quickly using this method for hair that is short – 3ish inches. Longer hair has more difficulty locking. This is because the coil is hollow and must lock internally. This method looks like Locs the fastest.

iv. Backcombing.Backcombing is the best way to start Locs for those with hair that is naturally straight. This method involves teasing the hair and then palm rolling it into the shape of a Loc.

v. Interlocking. This is a method for starting Locs as well as maintaining them. Interlocking involves starting your Locs with a tool. It is usually recommended for people with fine hair and those who have an active lifestyle that requires frequent shampooing.

Interlocking creates a dreadlock with a strong base. With Interlocking, a small section of hair is
crocheted into what looks like a braid. Then, the hair is locked counter clockwise to maintain roundness of the Loc. These Locs can take 6 months to 2 years to mature and require maintenance every 6-8 weeks. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about them coming out with shampooing.

vi. Loc Extensions. Loc extensions are permanent Locs made from human hair. They are designed to help you get a quick start on your Locs, avoiding all the Loc stages and jumping ahead to mature Locs. Note, your roots will still need to go through the locking phases.

vii. Freeform. Freeform Locs are created by allowing your natural hair to do its own thing. Shampoo your hair. Don’t comb, detangle, or separate your hair. Just see where your Loc journey takes you!

viii. Palm rolling. Palm rolling works well on coarse hair. Hair should be twisted in one direction – clockwise or counter clockwise – prior to using the technique.

8. How are Locs maintained?
The younger your Locs are, the more maintenance they will require. If you didn’t start your Locs using the Interlocking method, they are also very delicate and prone to separating.

How do you combat this? Locs should be palm rolled every 4-6 weeks – especially if your Locs are less than 6 months old. If your Locs are less than 6 months old, you should also be vigilant about tucking stray hairs back into your Loc so that all of your hair locks.

Regardless of your Loc starter method, your Locs should be Interlocked four times a year to strengthen your Loc base.

9. Can I use Palm Rolling and Interlocking to maintain my Dreadlocks?
Yes. Consistent palm rolling helps create smooth Locs that don’t have lots of lumps and bumps. Palm rolling should be done every 4-6 weeks. Interlocking strengthens your Loc base to support the weight of your Locs as they grow. Both methods can and should be used for the healthiest Locs.

10. How often should Dreadlocks be washed?
New Locs shouldn’t be washed for 2 weeks. This will allow them enough time to begin locking. When washing new Locs, focus on washing your scalp. Manipulate your Locs as little as possible so that you do not disturb the locking process.

After the initial shampooing, Locs should be washed at least weekly. After washing your Locs,, make sure that they are completely dry by using a hair dryer. Locs that aren’t dried properly can develop dread rot. This is when mold develops inside your Loc.

11. What type of shampoo should be used on Locs?
Use a cleansing, sulfate free shampoo on your Locs that provides hydration without residue.

12. What conditioner should be used on Dreadlocks?
Locs are made from matted hair. If you use too much or the wrong type of conditioner, you will leave residue on your Locs. This may even cause unraveling if you make your hair too soft with over-conditioning. Stick with natural oils like coconut, olive and argan. Even with these, use them sparingly.

13. Which is better for Locs – Butter or Gel?
Butters and gels perform different functions. Gels help to hold Locs together. They also help with smoothness and shine. Butters tend to be more moisturizing, but they can cause buildup and residue.

14. Should Beeswax be used on Locs?
Beeswax is sometimes used to help starter Locs. It’s sticky, waterproof nature helps keep starter Locs in place so they can lock more easily. However, beeswax on Locs also promotes buildup and residue. So, if you want to use beeswax on your Locs, use it sparingly.

15. What are Microlocs?
Microlocs are Locs that are waaaay smaller in diameter than a traditional dreadlock. These Locs are often the diameter of a shoelace or less.

16. What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are a trademarked, more expensive form of microlocs.

17. How long does it take to get Dreadlocks installed?
This depends on your hair type, how many Locs are being installed, and the size of your head. For the average person, this can take 4-5 hours. But, it can take longer. (We know of a celebrity for whom it took 3 locticians a full 7 hours a day for 3 straight days to install the desired dreadlock look!)

18. Can Locs be colored?
A professional stylist can color human hair Locs. Synthetic hair cannot be colored. Colored Loc extensions/faux Locs can also be purchased and installed.

19. How long does Loc Maintenance take?
This depends on your hair type, how many Locs need to be palm rolled/retwisted/Interlocked and the size of your head. For the average person, this will take 1-2 hours, but it can take longer.

20. Can Locs be removed without having to cut your hair?
Yes. However, just like growing your dreadlocks, this is a process. First, you want to cut off your most damaged ends. This gets rid of damaged hair and gives you an opening to work with. Next, working one Loc at a time, saturate your hair with a high quality natural oil. Then, spray it with water and use a rat tail comb to separate the Loc.

Depending on the length of your Locs and how mature they are, this process can take 30-45 minutes per Loc. Once the Loc is detangled, comb through the Loc – gently. When all your Locs are detangled and combed, you can shampoo, condition and style your hair.

21. What are SE and DE Locs?
SE stands for single ended. DE stands for double ended. Both of these Locs are synthetic. SE Locs attach one Loc to a section of hair. DE Locs attach 2 Locs to a single section of hair. SE Locs look more natural. DE Locs are more efficient for installation and are often used in the back of the head where they aren’t as noticeable.

22. How can I fix flat Dreadlocks?
Flat Locs can be a problem early on. The best way to address this problem is with palm rolling.

23. How much hair shrinkage occurs with locking?
Typically, hair shrinkage is 10-30% with Locs. Shrinkage is dependent on hair length, texture and Loc style. Straighter, longer hair usually experiences less shrinkage.

24. Will Faux Loc extensions damage my hair?
The answer to this question depends upon the state of your hair when you install the faux Locs. You want to make sure your hair is healthy before installing faux Locs. Your natural hair is covered for at least 8 weeks with faux Locs. This leaves your natural hair vulnerable to dryness and matting.

25. When should Dreadlocks be trimmed?
Locs shouldn’t be trimmed if they are less than 18 months old. You should only consider trimming your Locs if they are mature. There is a real danger of your Locs unraveling otherwise. Even mature Locs can unravel if your hair is fine or thin.

26. What are the stages of Locs development?

There are 4 Loc stages. Here they are:

Stage I – Starter: This stage lasts 3-6 months. Starter Locs are characterized by Locs with neat parts – unless you are going freeform. In this stage, you are waiting for buds to form. Buds are pea sized clumps of hair that can form anywhere along the Loc.

Stage II- Baby: This stage lasts 6-9 months. Once you start to see buds sprouting everywhere, you are in the Baby Loc Stage. In this stage, you will notice buds and a lot of frizziness. If you started your Locs with twists or braids, you will notice the twist and braid lines starting to disappear during this stage.

Stage III – Teen: This stage lasts 6-18 months. This is sometimes called the “Ugly Stage” of Locs. In this stage, your hair is fully budded across the entire length of your Loc. Your Locs have swelled up to almost twice their original size along the entire length of your Loc.

You may feel like your hair is actually losing length and not growing. This is because your Locs are growing internally, tangling inside. Your hair will be very unruly – like some teens! To tame your hair and the natural swelling, you can experiment with compression styles like rope twists.

Stage IV – Adult: Most people achieve the adult Loc stage between 18 and 24 months. In this stage your Locs will normalize. They are dense, but not puffy like they were in the Teen Stage. They start to grow exponentially and are no longer frizzy. The ends are also sealed.

Click HERE to Get Dreadlocks, Hair Extensions, and Faux Locs installed for you at Your Home.

Want to know more? Click to check out the Ultimate Dreadlock Glossary

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