Locs are known and loved for being a low-maintenance and mostly hands-off protective style. However, if you want them to remain healthy and thrive at every stage, it is important to keep them clean and properly nourished. In this article, we’ll be discussing all you need to know about treating your locs to a good wash day.
How Often Can You Wash Locs?
How often you wash your locs will vary based on how sensitive your scalp is. However, one of the main perks of locs is that they do not need to be washed as frequently as loose hair. Ideally, you only need to wash your locs 1-2 times a month.
What Do You Put On Locs After Washing?
After washing your locs, it is important to apply a hydrating spray like Sofnfree's Everyday Curl Refresh to help replenish them with moisture. Then follow up with a few drops of Sofnfree's Hair & Scalp Oil to seal in the moisture and keep your locs shiny.
Wash Routine For Locs And Dreads: A Complete Guide
Fluff And Brush Your Locs
Before starting your locs wash day, gently brush through your locs with your fingers. This will help remove any lint and release any matted sections in preparation for the washing process.
Drench Your Locs
Locs are thicker than loose hair, so it can take a while for them to become properly wet. You will need to spend some time waiting for them to become fully soaked with water.
Shampoo Thoroughly
Once the locs are fully drenched, apply some of our Hydration Shampoo and scrub your scalp. Let the shampoo run down your locs as you wash and use your fingers to squeeze the foam into your loc before rinsing thoroughly.
Use A Lightweight Deep Conditioner
Although it is not always necessary to use a deep conditioner on locs, you can follow up your wash with a nourishing deep conditioner like our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask at least once a month. This will help strengthen your locs and keep them from breaking. Apply a little bit of the deep conditioner from the roots to the ends of your locs using the prayer hands method, but be sure to pay more attention to the ends as they are the oldest and most likely the driest part of your locs. Leave the conditioner on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.
Dry Your Locs Carefully
Once you're out of the shower, use a microfiber towel to dry your locs and squeeze any excess water. It is extremely important to do this with care to avoid making your locs look frizzy and rough. You can use a blow dryer to speed up the drying time if you can not wait for it to air dry.
Moisturise With Leave-In Conditioner
After drying your locs, apply a generous amount of Sofnfree's Everyday Curl Refresh Spray to replenish them with moisture and keep them from looking brittle and rough. Then, follow up with a little bit of our Hair & Scalp Oil to seal in the moisture.
Nourish Your Scalp With Oil
It is extremely important to make sure your scalp gets adequate nourishment to strengthen your locs from the roots and help them grow. To do this, apply a little bit of Sofnfree's Strengthening Oil on your scalp and massage your scalp for a few minutes to let it sink in properly.
Retwist And Style With Gel
Your locs may need a retwist to tighten the roots and keep them neat, depending on what phase they are in. So the final step of your loc wash day routine should be to retwist them from the roots with our Twist & Braid Gel. After retwisting, style your locs into your desired look and slick down your edges with the gel for a cute and flawless finish.
Locs do not require as much effort as loose hair when it comes to wash days, so it is much easier and quicker to get through. Whether your locs are mature or still in the budding phase, just follow the steps we’ve discussed above, and your locs will get the best treatment.