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Locs are one of the most beautiful styles for natural hair.
You might be wondering, “aren’t they called dreadlocks?
@thevicstyles | Design by Zackary Angeline.
That doesn’t stop the fact that locs are a style that remains both cultural and historically significant.
Meet the Experts
Whitney Huntis a stylist at theOscar Blandi Salonin New York and an image consultant.
How Are Locs Created?
Jacopo Raule/ Contributor / Getty Images
Cultivatedlocs can be started bycoiling, braiding, twisting, or palm-rolling hair.
“They can be formed physically with: two-strand twists, interlocking, or the coil method.”
Typically, the tighter the naturalcurl pattern, the faster the hair will lock.
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Locs allow for a range of possibilities in styling, including playing around with color.
Loc-wearers can be incredibly creative, incorporating hair jewelry and shells into their styles as well.
How Do You Remove Locs?
It’s a common belief that locs are too tightly entwined to undo.
This is definitely the easier path, although combing the locs out is possible.
You may haveyearsof shed hairs to deal with.
If you’re unlocking your hair, invest in a dustpan and broom, or a vacuum cleaner.
It’s an alternative to salt-based sprays, which can actually damage locs and cause excess salt buildup.
This ultra-moisturizing gel contains olive andsweet almond oil, so it won’t dry hair out.
It still manages to lock hair in place, though, reducing itching and keeping strands healthy and hydrated.
Lanolin andshea buttersensure this cream (an alternative to dread wax) holds hair but never dries strands out.
It’s designed for both those maintaining their locs, and those just starting them out.
What is the Difference Between Freeform Locs vs. During thelocking process, hair tangles, which causes the strands to coil around themselves into fused units.
However they’re formed, there’s an art to ensuring they stay strong and healthy.
To get rid of buildup on your dreadlocks, use a clarifying shampoo once a week.
Many people roll their dreadlocks into a bun before bed.
If you’d rather keep them covered, you’re able to use a sleep cap.
