Maintaining locs is really about balance—keeping them clean, moisturized, and not doing too much. Whether you're just starting out or your locs are mature, here’s how to take care of them in a way that actually works and keeps your hair thrive
1. Clean Locs Are Happy Locs
You don’t have to wash your locs every day, but you do need to keep them clean. Most people wash theirs every 1 to 2 weeks. Use a shampoo that won’t leave a bunch of residue—nothing creamy or super thick. Think clear, lightweight shampoos.
After you wash, make sure your locs are fully dry—like bone dry. Damp locs can smell weird and grow mold (yes, mold), and nobody wants that. A hooded dryer or just air drying in the sun works fine, but take your time with
2. Moisture is Everything
Locs need moisture to stay healthy, but not too much heavy stuff. A good routine is to lightly spritz them with water (you can mix in a bit of aloe vera juice or essential oils), and seal in the moisture with a natural oil like jojoba, argan, or a light version of coconut oil.
Don’t drown your locs—just enough to keep them from feeling dry and brittl
3. Retwist or Re-tighten, But Don’t Overdo It
If you’ve got traditional locs, you’ll want to retwist every 4–6 weeks. If you interlock (like with Sisterlocks or microlocs), it’s usually every 6–8 weeks.
Here’s the key: don’t go too tight. Tight re-twists might look neat at first, but they can pull on your scalp and edges, leading to breakage over time. Let your scalp breathe in between.
4. Protect Them at Night
You’d be surprised how much damage can happen while you sleep. A satin or silk bonnet or scarf is a game changer—it reduces frizz, keeps moisture in, and helps your locs keep their shape. If bonnets aren’t your thing, just sleep on a satin pillow
5. Say No to Product Buildup
The biggest mistake people make with locs is using too much product—especially waxes, thick creams, or gels that flake. Those products get trapped inside your locs, and over time they make your hair heavy, dull, or even smelly.
Keep it simple.
6. Don’t Forget Your Scalp
Healthy locs start with a healthy scalp. Massage your scalp a couple of times a week to get that blood flowing—it promotes growth. If your scalp is dry or itchy, a little oil can go a long way
7. Go Easy With Styling
Loc styles are fun—barrels, buns, loc petals, braids—but don’t pull your hair too tight or keep styles in for too long. Give your hair breaks. Your edges will thank you
In short: Wash when needed, moisturize just enough, retwist on schedule, and don’t overdo it with products or styles. Treat your locs like the crown they are—they’ll grow stronger, thicker, and healthier over time
0 Comments