Firstly, congratulations on starting your loc journey.   We know starting your loc journey is not easy. With any new journey, there are highs and lows.  Here are 5 things to expect with starter locs.

   1.  Your Locs May Unravel

Your locs may unravel because of many reasons.  Starter locs that were started with comb coils often unravel in the beginning stages.  They unravel for many reasons.  One of the reasons may be because of the texture of your hair.  Softer hair often has a difficult time, keeping the coil shape.  Another reason may be because of the technique used to start your loc.  Another reason may be you were not gentle when you washed your locs (yes, you can wash starter locs).   Locs can unravel at any time.  They may unravel at day one, week 1 or even a month in.  Regardless of the reason, do not be dismayed. Once you identified the reason for the unravelling, you are able to figure out a solution or realize that this may continue to happen until your hair decides to loc.  A few ways to prevent some of the unravelling include, sleeping with a satin bonnet or loc sock, asking your loctician for suggestions or being more gentle when you wash your hair. 

2. 3 to 9 Months Wait

 You will be in the "baby" stage for approximately 9 months. It will be shorter or longer depending on your hair type.   So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this part of the journey.  You know we believe in embracing your uniqueness and enjoying every stage of your loc journey.  There is no such thing as an “ugly” phase.  Remember, your locs will never be this length again (unless you cut your locs).  Each length comes with their own struggles to maintain, so embrace this starter phase.  There are a ton of cute hair styles for starter locs.  Grab one of our headbands or headwraps and "jazz" it up.

3. Washing Locs is Not the Same as You are Accustomed

After installation, your loctician will advise you of the appropriate time frame to wash your hair and they should also teach you how to wash if you are going to self-maintain.  If you are accustomed to washing your hair weekly prior to locs, this shift make time some time to get acclimated.  It is important that you take your time when washing your hair.  Use a net or cap to keep them in place, use the balls of your fingers, and be gentle.  Focus on the scalp and gently massage in the shampoo.  When rinsing out the product, it is important to take your time to ensure all of the shampoo has been rinsed out of your locs.  Locs tend to hold product on the inside like a sponge, so take your time to run your fingers gentled down each loc with the water running through it to get everything out.  Keep rinsing until the water is clear.  to not wash your hair for approximately 2 to 4 weeks. He/she should know what is best for your locs given that they installed it. If you are used to washing your hair every week, this will take some time to get used to. However, you can consider it as free time to do something else like rest.

4. Your Hair May Look Different

In the starter loc phase, your locs will go through many different phases and change shapes and texture.  They develop what looks like “bumbs” or change it’s initial shape.  They may swell up and get fatter or they may elongate and get slender.  Many of these changes are all part of the journey and will vary depending on hair type.  Do not be discouraged by comparing your locs to other people. Your locs will develop and grow into their true form in it’s own time so that’s why it is important to embrace every faucet of your journey.  Locs aren’t developed overnight (unless you instant loc or get extensions), so patience is a virtue.  We promise it will be worth it. 

5. Locs May Become Frizzy

Some people are often shocked at the amount of frizz that comes with the starter loc phase.  If you are someone who loves the very neat look, you may have a difficult time embracing how much frizz that may come during and sometime beyond your starter loc phase.  You can do things to minimize your frizz; however, you may not be able to get rid of it all together.  So, embrace your frizz.

Now that you know what to expect, do not be afraid.
Your loc journey will be a beautiful and prosperous one!

Recommended Products:  Starter Loc Kit & Durag Bonnet