Welcome to the “Locd” side and thank you for choosing us to start this amazing journey with you. While locs are extremely low maintenance they still require a lot of intentionality and dedication.
Here are a couple of pointers that’ll maximize the health of your locs.
To minimize unravelling, we suggest that you only wash your hair once or twice before your first retightening in about 6-8 weeks (that is, once in between and another time with us on your first retightening). If you find that your scalp is extremely itchy or flaky, you can wash 2 more times before your first retightening appointment. You can also consider using alcohol-free witch hazel to wipe your scalp in between washes.
The best way to wash your MicroLocs is to braid/twist it very loosely (where possible) into 6-12 sections, band it at the tips with the ends tucked in (to protect the ends with small rubber bands)and to use a clarifying shampoo. Please water down the shampoo by mixing one part shampoo to two parts of water and ensure you rinse thoroughly after shampooing.
See detailed tutorials here https://youtu.be/bMm5Apa-ftE
It is advisable that you do not use oils, creams, and lotions on your new locs. This is because locs are basically your “hair tangled” and products typically aim to moisturize and/or detangle your hair which in this case is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with your new locs; we want the hair to matt-up and tangle up. Products can also sit on your locs, and ultimately get into hard to reach areas can ultimately lead to product build up which is not as easy to get rid of in locs as it is in loose natural hair. However, if you find that your scalp is extremely dry, please use very light oils on your scalp (jojoba oil, grape seed with a few drops of tea tree or peppermint essential oil). It is also helpful to moisturize your locs with Rosewater, two to three times a week.
Your first retightening appointment will be in exactly 6weeks after installation (please ensure the appointment is scheduled on the installation date or soon after) and a maximum of between 6-8weeks subsequently depending on how fast your hair grows. It is advised that you do not exceed this maintenance period as it leaves your locs susceptible to thinning and breakage. Kindly note that you are responsible for scheduling your maintenance appointments. Bear in mind also that there are additional charges for exceeding the advised time frame as it will take longer than usual to complete your retightening.
A few things that can happen along your journey:
- Your locs can get very itchy and your scalp can get unusually flaky. Itching is very normal as your scalp requires time to get used to the change in your hair routine and reduced products and moisturizers. To help with this, use the products recommended or wash your hair as directed.
- The locs along your edges or nape area may unravel; this is also expected as those are the areas that are most exposed to moisture (from bathing, washing your face, sweat and manipulation). Unraveled locs will be re-established at your follow up appointment.
-For locs started with twists, locs may be frizzy and this will continue until the locs are fully formed. This is all part of the locking process. We advise that you avoid over manipulation to minimize unravelling and frizz.
- Slippage or excessive unraveling at the base may occur and these may be due to excessive moisture, improper washing techniques, excessive manipulation, use of conditioners, excessive oils, and creams, etc. If the unravelling or slippage is excessive, we will charge for repairs; depending on how much extra time is required for repairs.
Some other points that are worthy of note
Using a satin bonnet/silk pillowcase at bedtime helps to minimize lint attaching to your locs.
It is important that you separate your locs after washing to ensure that each loc is separated at the base from the surrounding locs. Please be mindful of your nails, so that they don’t get caught in your locs.
Avoid coloring your locs until your locs are settled, please ensure you have the go
ahead of your loctician before you proceed.d. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact do not hesitate to contact us.
On a final note, the loc journey is a journey, and the best way to see how far you have come is to document the journey; take lots of pictures! It also helps to understand what to expect at every point in time, do your careful research and if ever you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
Some shampoos to consider
Design Essentials Oat and Henna
Suave Clarifying shampoo
Aunt Jackie's Power Wash
Eden Beauty Peppermint Clarifying shampoo
For Flaky/Itchy Scalp
Nizoral, T-gel, Heads and Shoulders
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