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Dreadlocks — preferentially known as locs — are a popular hairstyle that includes sections of hair that have been matted and knotted together to create a rope-like appearance. Loc styles have been around for what feels like forever (historians have dated its origins back as far as 2500 BC, according to Ebony), but whether you've officially decided to try out a loc hairstyle or it's still something you're looking into, there's a lot you should know about the process and maintaining the look before you get started.
If you're interested in trying a new natural hairstyle like locs but unsure of where to start, read ahead for a quick and easy-to-follow breakdown of everything you need to know.
Loc'd Hairstyles That Are Jaw Droppingly Gorgeous
The locs hairstyle features ropes of hair also known as Jata (in the Sanskrit language), dreads, and locs. Though all the names are accurate, the most popular and preferred name of them all is locs, due to the negative connotation of the word dread. The origin of the term dreadlocks is believed to be associated with the slave trade, a period in time when slaves didn't have the time or resources to properly groom their hair. As a result, slave masters often referred to their slaves' hair as dreadful and were criticized for their hair, ultimately making the term a reminder of a traumatic history for African American communities all around the world.
1. Comb Coils: One method shown in the photo above is called comb coils, which is when you use a small-tooth comb to twist small sections of the hair until they form coils.
2. Palm Rolling: Palm rolling is when your stylist takes the hair in small sections and rolls it in their palms to help it tighten and lock up the hair, which will eventually give the traditional loc appearance.
Stylish Dreadlocks Styles For Ladies In 2023 (with Pictures)
3. Braids or 2-Strand Twists: If you're looking for loc styles for medium hair, you can start your loc journey with braids or two-strand twists, but keep in mind that it may take six months to a year for the braiding pattern to fully disappear if this is the method you choose.
Starter stage (lasts three to six months): Locs typically grow in five stages, and the first one lasts three to six months. In this stage, the hair is being started in coils, double-strand twists, or box braids, Gabriele Benjamin, a New York City-based loctitian, tells . If you leave your hair in one of these styles, it begins to tangle, and this is where your coils start to wrap around themselves, forming a loc.
Budding stage (six to 12 months): The second stage is when the hair begins to lock up and become matted. According to Benjamin, this stage is an easy one to grow frustrated with since your hair may end up being a little fuzzy as it grows out. But that's not to say you should worry, as it's all part of the process. Just make sure you're routinely shampooing and retwisting. (More on that later.)
Dreadlocks Styles To Try
Teen stage (from month 12 to month 15): During the third stage, your hair should experience a lot less unraveling when manipulated. In some cases, your locs may not be growing in the intended direction, but this part of the process will only last for a few months before your hair reaches the fourth stage.
Mature stage (from month 15 to month 18): This fourth stage is basically when your locs are long enough to hang and you have a clearer idea of how to clean and maintain them.
Rooted locs stage (from month 18 to month 21): Lastly, rooted locs are like the 30-somethings of locs. You reach this stage once you have had your locs for several years and are comfortable with managing them however you feel is necessary.
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Sisterlocks are more like microlocs; they're very small and the installation process is very time-consuming, so you'd be better off going to a professional to get them done. Because of their size, they're pretty versatile and easier to style since they mimic small hair strands. For this style, you should expect to have to retighten every four to six weeks.
Traditional locs, on the other hand, are standard-size locs that are usually no bigger than a medium-size box braid. The upkeep on these isn't super involved, which is why they remain one of the most popular kinds of locs.
As for freeform locs, these are locs that are created naturally, as in you'll have to clean and wash your hair as you normally would, then let it loc up over time. They require little twisting or manipulation and are probably the most low maintenance of them all.
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Two-strand twist and interlocking locs have almost more to do with technique than a style of locs itself. The former can be used to start traditional locs (but do bear in mind that these tend to look bigger and frizz up a tad more easily). The latter uses a pull-through method where you take the ends of your hair and pull it through the roots of the loc using either your fingers or a tool similar to a crochet needle. You can pull it through up to four times going north to south and west to east to keep the knot firmly in place.
That depends on what stage you're in on your loc journey. I recommend [people with] starter locs come in two to three weeks after their initial start, Benjamin says. Then after that, they can revert to four weeks in between retwists.
One of Benjamin's favorite products for locs maintenance is the African Formulas Super Grow Hair Gel ($7, originally $9), as it uses natural ingredients to strengthen the hair and promote healthy growth.
Trending Dreadlock Hairstyles For Women In 2023
A few other popular products include the Locksteady Tropical Dreadlock Tightening Gel ($16), an aloe-based formula used for controlling frizz; Jamaican Mango and Lime Resistant Formula Locking Hair Gel ($14), which provides a strong hold without the added product buildup; and Murray's Gel Loc-Lock ($7).
Loc maintenance also includes making sure your hair is properly hydrated, moisturized, and styled. Achieving optimal loc maintenance varies person to person, but basic hair-care rules still apply. Make sure you are hydrated and drinking water, give your hair clarifying treatments, and, alongside using water-based products and oils when doing your hair at home, make sure to incorporate professional hydrating treatments when visiting a salon.
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Fitness How the 988 Hotline Really Works — Plus, What's Being Done to Better Support Callers by Alexis Jones 3 weeks agoAt times, when you can’t be bothered with everyday styling, dreadlocks are like a breath of fresh air. They can protect your hair, maintain its health, and let it grow all while looking super cool in tight locs!
Hot Dreadlock Hairstyles For Modern Women
Drop whatever it is that you’re doing because you need to take a look at these 50 dread braid styles right now!
1. Side-Swept Braided Dreads. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of dreads. There is a multitude of hairstyles you can check out to keep your hair stylish and protected. Smaller twists can be braided or twisted to achieve a more interesting texture.
2. Browny Dreads in Puff Hairstyle. This style creates some flatness in the front with intricately plaited twists to only set off the volume and texture of the golden-brown bun sitting lordly on the crown.
Dreadlocks Hairstyles For Both Men And Women
3. Dreaded Halo with Highlights. A mixture of thick and thin twists and swirls adds a new dimension to this chic updo. Everyone will be mesmerized and crazy about looking closer at your complicated hairstyle. It is actually pretty simple, but thanks to variously sized dreads, accessories, and highlights, the crown look becomes something extra.
4. Short Dreadlocks Women Hairstyle. After numerous experiments with your hair, you may want to let it grow out while maintaining its health. Short and edgy loc hairstyles are the best for this purpose.
5. Yarn Dreads in Two High Buns. A great styling idea for students that allows room for creativity with a fun pattern in the back, and adds a few extra inches to your height too!
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6. Dreadlock Bantu Knots. Be ready for any event with braided dreads in cute, tight Bantu knots that look good at any time of the day.
7. Mohawk with Loopy Dreadlocks. Let’s see if there are any new interesting loc styles for women who are fashion-savvy and will stop at nothing to rock their dreads in statement hairdos. This hairstyle combines flat twists on the sides that work as an undercut and kinky dreads layered up in two heaps to form a funky Mohawk. Accessorize with cowries, beads, or fancy earrings to jazz up the coiffure.
8. Blonde Swirly Dread Bun. Among many creative hairstyles for girls with dreads, this is on the “simple, but it definitely works” side. Small dreads are versatile in different hairstyles and work well in updos. The sweep in the front looks like a side
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