Known as locs, dreads, or dreadlocks, this hairstyle is a beautiful way to accentuate your natural hair’s beauty. Like most natural hairstyles, locs need a consistent regime to keep them looking and feeling healthy. However, there are differences between taking care of natural hair and maintaining locs. So whether you are new to locs maintenance or learning more about making them shine, follow our seven essential steps below.
Understand How Often You Need To Wash Your Locs
When your locs are new, we recommend washing them every 1 to 2 weeks. We have found that washing your locs too much at the start can cause your scalp to feel dry, which can lead to other conditions such as breakage, itchiness, or flaking. After that, you can ask your loctician for further advice. Once your locs become more mature (usually after 15 to 18 months), you can wash them regularly. As part of your wash day routine, make sure you opt for a sulphate-free shampoo like our Hydration Shampoo With Manuka Honey. This formula can remove build-up on your scalp and contribute to combating frizz and bettering hair growth.
Moisturise Your Locs With Lightweight Water-Based Products
Our natural hair care products are primarily water-based and enriched with moisturising oils. If your locs do not get moisture, they can quickly dry and break. To give your locs a light infusion of moisture every day, try our Everyday Curl Refresh With Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils.
The properties of coconut oil will be helpful for locs as it can prevent breakage and split ends. Additionally, Jamaican black castor oil can improve blood flow to the scalp. Applying these oils mean that you can also grow longer, more robust locs.
Dry Your Locs With Care
After you wash your locs, it is essential to dry them thoroughly to avoid any mould or mildew forming. Rather than using a blowdryer, start by gently squeezing out the water from a section of your locs. Then, move onto another area of your locs and repeat this process until as much excess water as possible has been removed. When choosing which section to start with, we recommend beginning at your roots and then making your way down to your ends. Once this process is complete, wrap your locs in a microfibre towel and give it one final squeeze. Microfibre towels are more gentle for your locs than cotton towels as they don't have a rough texture, and they also absorb more water.
Make Sure Your Scalp Is Kept Moisturised
Wearing locs should not make you forget your natural hair and scalp. So, keep your scalp moisturised in between washes. Look for products that contain ingredients such as flaxseed oil and avocado as these oils nourish the scalp and are extremely moisturising.
Flaxseed oil also supports your scalp’s health by reducing inflammations associated with eczema and psoriasis. It can seal moisture to the hair, reducing split ends and breakage.
Wrap It Up At Night
Like your natural hair, your locs are susceptible to breakage and friction when sleeping at night. To avoid damaging your locs while sleeping, invest in a satin scarf or pillowcase to protect your hairstyle.
Condition Only When Your Locs Are Mature
When your locs are new, conditioning or deep conditioning can cause them to detangle. But once your locs have matured, you can condition or deep condition every 1 to 2 weeks to keep your locs hydrated and healthy. Then, you only require a small amount of our Leave-In Conditioner With Manuka Honey & Avocado Oil to moisturise and nourish your locs on the go.
Stay Patient With The Loc Process
When you begin using locs on your hair, it is easy to compare your journey to another. But just like the natural hair process, the journey towards healthier locs can take time. So as your locs mature, remember to enjoy the process of discovering new products and routines, and remember not to overdo any treatments or techniques.
Once you build and follow a simple regimen based on our steps above, you can achieve flourishing locs.