What are the 5 stages of locs?

They're high-maintenance at first, so you should know what you're getting into. That said, before embarking on your loc journey, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the five different stages your strands will go through: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted.

How do I know what stage my locs are in?

How many stages are there in locs?

The 4 stages of locs that you experience as you grow through the hair locking process are the starter lock stage, the baby lock stage, the teenage stage, and the adult stage.

How long is the starter LOC phase?

In the locs process, the Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. But how long this stage lasts depends on a couple things, such as your hair type and how fast your hair grows.

How do you know your locs are growing?

The most noticeable sign of matured locs is that they lie flat against the scalp, and hang down. They're firm to the touch, and can't be unravelled easily at their tips. Because they're mature, you won't need to retwist your new growth as often since the untwisted hair will be weighed down by the locs themselves.

The 5 Loc Stages You Should Know

What does it mean when your locs start to bud?

When your locs start budding that means your hair is beginning to tangle inside the loc and form its own internal loc matrix. The internal Loc matrix is essentially a net within the locs that catches all of your naturally shed hair.

How often should I oil my scalp with starter locs?

There is no need to introduce moisture to your locs every single day, especially if your hair doesn't need it. You should only do it on a need-to basis, meaning when they start to feel dry or brittle. You also need to use the right product.

Do starter locs get thicker?

When you leave your hair alone, your locs are able to flourish and thicken up because they're not constantly “made” into condensed retwisted or interlocked bundles. The ideal timeframe for a retwist is between 4-6 weeks— no earlier!

How often should I Retwist my starter locs?

Retwist frequency depends on whether you are in the starter loc phase or you have mature locs. It also depends on the type of locs you have, your hair type and your retwist method. Starter locs should be washed monthly or no more than every six week. If you interlock, you can go as long as eight weeks between retwists.

How long does 4c hair LOC take?

Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from 10 months to two years to get to the maturest stage of locs." The process of hair "locking" and the process of these locs maturing are different.

Does parting starting locs matter?

Your Parting Pattern Matters

Some people with thinner hair go for diamond parts because it can give the appearance of having a fuller head of locs. Section size also influences the size of your locs.

Do locs grow faster?

The good ole “do dreadlocks grow faster” confusion. At first glance this may seem like the case, but it's really not and no matter how much evidence seems to prove otherwise, locs do not inherently grow faster than any other style of natural hair.

Can I wash my starter locs after 2 weeks?

You can try to wait at least two weeks before your very first shampoo with your new locs, but it is not completely necessary. On average, I shampoo my hair every 9 days and have done so since I first started them.

How long does it take for locs to thicken?

As long as there are enough hairs per square inch on your scalp to make a bundle of hair as big around as a pencil or so you should have plenty of hair density to make dreads. The dreads will generally phatten up a bit as they mature so you'll gain some thickness/fullness in the first 3/4 months.

What should you not do with starter locs?

Say no to deep conditioning

Moisture is important to healthy hair but skipping this step will avoid locs from unravelling. So, say no to deep conditioners in the starter loc stage and you'll be on your way to healthy and defined locs in the future. Consider deep conditioning only when your hair begins to lock up.

How many locs should I start with?

On average, people who are going for microlock-sized dreadlocks should shoot for a minimum of 150 locs. If you want your microlocks to be really small, go for 400 locs or more. Keep in mind that it will take quite a bit of time to start with such a high number of locs.

Should you spray your locs with water?

In fact, water is the most effective ingredient for keeping your dreadlocks moisturized. A spray bottle filled with mostly water and a few essential oils will be your best defense against dry locs.

Are dreads and locs the same?

A notable difference between locs and dreadlocks is that one is a hairstyle and the other is a lifestyle. Locs are cultivated, but dreadlocks aren't. Dreadlocks also often stem from Rastafarian beliefs, which use the style to separate believers from the rest of society.

How long do starter locs take to lock?

The starter (AKA "baby") stage of the loc process can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on your hair type and how fast it grows. There are several styles—such as braids, two-strand twists, comb coils and palm rolls—that you can choose from to start off your locs.