What are the 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.

What are the 4 stages of 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.

What are the stages of growing locs?

There are five stages of locs, namely the starter stage, budding stage, teen stage, maturity stage, and rooted stage. The entire stages can take 18-24 months upwards, after which you will be able to have the long, thick, and shiny locs you desire.

How long is the budding stage for locs?

2. Budding Stage/ Sprouting Stage. The Budding Stage (also known as the Sprouting Stage), occurs roughly six to twelve months into your locs journey. This is when you'll start to notice that your hair isn't unravelling when you wash it and notice your new growth, which will look a bit fuzzy and fluffy.

How do you tell if 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

How often should you Retwist 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.

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.

Will my starter locs get thicker?

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.

How do I know my locs are budding?

The Budding Phase

In all likelihood, the new growth will look frizzy or puffy, but don't panic, because it's a great sign. It means you're well on your way to having the locs of your dreams.

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.

What does the teen stage of locs look like?

You'll know you're in the teenage phase when your locs appear frizzy but feel and look bigger than they did during the baby phase. After you wash your hair, your coils will feel more solid, more like locs, but still have their frizzy appearance. The good news is, the form is on its way.

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.

What happens if I don't Retwist my locs?

Usually, with soft, curly or fine textures of hair, not retwisting your locs is damaging. One of the biggest problems you'll encounter if your texture is not able to semi-freeform is your hair growing away from your locs. As the hair grows away from the locs, you will experience thinning and sometimes breakage.

Why are my starter locs so frizzy?

Frizz is an inevitable part of the loc journey and process. Frizz is a sign that your hair is growing and maturing in a healthy manner. Your frizz is needed to continue to form the loc as the hair begins to take the shape, form and mat itself together.

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.

How often should you oil your 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.

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.

Should I wrap my dreads at night?

Should you cover your dreadlocks when you sleep? We recommend covering your dreadlocks while you sleep. You'll minimize the risk of breakage. If you toss and turn while sleeping but your dreadlocks are exposed, you might accidentally pull them during the night.

How long does it take locs to mature?

Mature: 15-18 Months

"The mature stage could begin as early as 1 year after beginning your journey depending upon the texture of your hair," Faulk tells us. Don't worry if you're over a year in and you don't feel your locs aren't mature yet, though; looser hair textures often take longer.

How often should I steam my locs?

You can opt for a hand-held steamer and steam your scalp and roots once a month. Twice a month is also okay, if you absolutely love it and your locs need it, but twice a month is really more than enough.