In an era where self-care and DIY beauty routines are on the rise, it’s crucial not to overlook locs in the process. The escalating costs of salon visits for loc maintenance, coupled with the challenges of securing a timely appointment with a preferred loc specialist, have led many to seek alternatives. Just because your go-to loc-tition may be booked for months or their schedule doesn’t align with yours doesn’t mean your locs should miss out on the care they deserve. Fortunately, much like the straightforward daily styling routine for locs, the process of re-twisting them is equally accessible, empowering individuals to maintain their locs with ease and confidence.
Tools
There are many ways for one to re-twist their locs, but for beginners, palm rolls will be the easiest. Make sure you have all of your tools before you begin. The tools you will need are as follows:
- Shampoo-conditioner (optional)
- Leave-in conditioner (preferably a spray)
- Gel (specifically for braiding or locs)
- Metal Clips (plan for at least one per loc)
- Clips or hair ties (to hold back unworked hair)
- Hooded hair dryer (consider a hood attachment for your blow dryer)
- Mousse (look for one made for Black hair)
- Oil (your favorite choice)
- Rattail comb (for parting)
Steps
Here’s a step-by-step guide for your re-twisting process:
- Wash Your Hair: Start by washing your hair with shampoo, focusing on the scalp and roots. Allow some shampoo on the shaft of the locs but be mindful, as it may make rinsing more challenging.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Whether you go row by row or follow a different pattern, use clips or hair ties to hold back the hair you’re not working on.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner: Spray each section with leave-in conditioner to keep the locs moisturized, promoting growth and overall hair health. This also helps revive parts that may have dried while you worked on other sections.
- Isolate and Part Your Locs: Select a loc, ensuring it’s not attached to others. If needed, use a comb to part the hair according to your preference.
- Apply Gel to the Root: Add a small amount of gel to the root of the loc, typically the section that hasn’t fully loc’d yet. Be cautious not to use too much; gel is optional and can be substituted with water and conditioner for a natural look.
- Roll the Loc: Between both hands, at the center of your palm, roll the loc in one direction. Aim for consistency in the direction for each loc.
- Secure with a Metal Clip: Once the loc feels tightened to your scalp, use a metal clip to hold it in place.
- Repeat Steps 4-7: Continue steps 4-7 for the rest of your locs.
- Optional Sleek Look: If you prefer a sleek appearance, use edge control and gel for the row(s) of locs closest to your hairline.
You can find all of these steps on our TikTok, @mefeater.
Tips
- Be careful of the products you choose, especially the gel. Do your research! Some budget-friendly options may harm your hair, especially if you have a sensitive or dry scalp. Watch out for products that can cause flaking and itching. Prioritize your hair health when making selections.
- When your locs are not freshly re-twisted, embrace them! Re-twists are suggested every 4–8 weeks, depending on how your hair grows. If you re-twist your locs too often, they will become weak at the root and may eventually fall out.
- Maintaining your locs doesn’t always require a re-twist. Washing and detangling without re-twisting is perfectly fine. Shampoos are vital to the health of your hair, not re-twists. It is very common for people with locs to go years without a re-twist.
- If you find that your locs attract a lot of lint, this doesn’t mean you need to shampoo the shaft of the locs! Using a brush, like a wave brush (avoid paddle brushes), can be effective in reducing lint without the need for additional shampooing.
- If you are thinking about putting a product in your locs, think about whether it will be hard to rinse it out. A good rule of thumb is: if it’s hard to get it out of your hair, it shouldn’t go in it! This includes conditioners. Leave-in conditioner sprays are recommended.
- Oil your scalp at least twice a week, three times a week, if possible. If you have a dry scalp, use the leave-in conditioner spray before oiling your scalp.
Planning to follow these steps for your next hair re-twist? Share your experience with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.