Starter Locs: What Is The Best Way To Start Locs? An Expert Guide To Beautiful Locs

Introduction:

When you are starting your locs, there are several things you should consider. One of the first decisions you must make about your starter locs is how you will begin your locs. The way you start your locs impacts the appearance and the ease of your loc journey. In this article, we will discuss each choice you make. We will explore how to start locs and loc types. Then, we will discuss loc parting and loc stages.

What is Starter Locs?

Starter locs are the first stage of the loc process, where hair is grouped to form locs. At the beginning of the starter loc process, the locs are not fully loc’d. As time passes, the ends of the loc will begin to matt and form the start of the loc.

How do you start locs?

The best way to start locs is to:

Explore all loc types and decide what kind of locs you would like to have. You can choose among six loc types that include Sisterlocks, macroblocks, traditional locs, semi-free form locs, freeform locs, and wicks.
Select a starter loc method. Eight starter loc methods include free form, backcombing, interlocking, braids, two-strand twists, comb coils, loc extensions, and rubber band methods.
Select a parting style.
Learn the loc phases to understand how your locs will mature.

What Kind of Locs Do You Want?

Each loc type has its way to start locs. Your hair texture and hair condition also determine how you start your locs. Consider which loc type you prefer and the suggested starter method for that loc type.

Loc Type	Starter Methods
Sisterlocks	Braiding with interlocking
Microlocs	Braiding with interlocking
Traditional locs	include backcombing, interlocking, Two-strand twists, and loc extensions.
Semi-free form locs	Backcombing, Interlocking, Two strand twists, loc extensions.
Freeform locs	Free form
Wicks locs	Rubberband method, loc extensions, combining existing locs

Number of Starter Locs per Loc Type:

Each loc type has a range of loc counts. Consider the number of locs you want when starting your loc journey. Your loc count determines the level of maintenance and time commitments you may have to make to maintain your locs. Root maintenance for interlocking or retwisting is impacted the most by loc counts. Having 400 locs and needing a retwist every three weeks is higher maintenance than having 20 locs and never retwisting.

Loc Types	Number of Locs
Sisterlocks	More than 400
Microlocs	150+
Traditional Locs	20-150
Semi-freeform	20-150
Freeform	N/A
Wicks	3-12

How Do You Want to Start Your Locs?

Once you have selected your loc type, you have to choose a starter method. You should choose a starter method that is best for your loc type and your hair texture to ensure an easy loc’ing process. Every loc’ing method has its characteristics and the time it takes to loc fully. Locticians and loc care providers often suggest a starter loc method based on their experience of how your hair may behave over time.

Method 1- Free Form:

When locs are started without hair parting or styling interventions, we describe this as freeform. The free form describes a method to create locs and a loc type (freeform). Many people are often free from by accident as the spiraling of curls matt together. This matting is referred to as budding, where tiny pieces of matted hair form at the ends of the loc. These small pieces of matted hair eventually form locs. Starting your locs using the free-form method usually occurs with natural hair rather than chemically relaxed hair. We recommend you start your locs with natural hair because curly hair locs are better than loose hair.

Method 2- Interlocking:

The interlocking method is a technique where locs are threaded through the root of the section of the individual loc. This weaving of the loc through the new growth binds the loose new-growth hairs together. This method of root maintenance incorporates new growth to each loc. It is also known as “root flipping” & “latch hooking.”

Method 3- Backcombing:

Backcombing is a technique where knots are created on the hair shaft to encourage tangling and knots. These knots form locs. The backcombing method works with straight hair and curly hair. This starter loc method results in a version of instant locs. This backcombed starter can unravel once you wash your hair. This happens because the loc has not been loc’d. Over time, the ends of the loc will matt and form.

Method 4- Loc Extensions:

The method is a technique where extensions (human hair or synthetic) are crocheted into hair to create locs. Starting your locs using the loc extension method results in instant locs. This starter will not unravel during a wash. However, as your hair grows, it will take time to lock in the roots.

Method 5- Braids:

The braiding method is a technique where loose hairs are styled in braids. These starter loc twists can unravel during a wash. Usually, this happens because the loc has not been loc’d. Over time, the ends of the loc will matt to form the loc.

Method 6- Comb Coils:

Comb coils is a loc starter method where hair is twisted into coils. This method results in coil curls. These coil curls can unravel during a wash. This happens because the loc has not been loc’d. Over time, the ends of the loc will matt to help the entire loc form. Comb coils are usually used for short hair (less than two inches). We recommend this method for concise hair.

Method 7- Two Strand Twists:

The two-strand twist method is a technique where loose hairs are styled in two-strand twists to lock hair. Often, these starter loc twists can unravel during a wash. This happens because the loc has not been loc’d. Over time, the ends of the loc will matt to help the entire loc form.

Methods 8- Rubber Band Method:

This is a starter loc method where loose curl hairs are gathered with rubber bands to encourage matting over time. The rubber band method creates the wicks loc type.

Understand the Stages of Your Loc Journey:

As locs develop and grow, you will notice changes. This list describes the changes you will see as your locs mature.

Starter Locs (Month 1-2): The first two months of the loc process. Hair grows from the starter locs and begins to have a fro-fuzz look. Locs may unravel after washing. If locs do not separate, the loc is matted.
Budding Locs (Month 3-23): The first two years of the loc process. The inside of the loc begins to take shape. The frizzing from the new growth and loose hairs of the loc begin to condense. Locs bud (matt) at the ends of each loc and form the entire locs.
Teen Locs (Year 2-3): Locs show a solid, consistent structure. Shedding happens in the form of hairballs at the end of the loc.
Mature Locs (Year 3): Locs maintain a solid structure but may show shedding or breakage toward the ends. Like loose hair, locs require trimming where weak points exist. Keep in mind that trimming is not mandatory. Weak points in loc eventually shed.

Conclusion:

Starting your loc journey is an adventure filled with excitement and questions. This guide was created to answer all the questions beginners have about locs. Although the amount of information provided in this article can seem overwhelming at first, we encourage you to use as much information as you need to make a sound decision. Your locs are unique to your hair, so the advice we provide is general.

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