loc care 101

Shampoo at least every 4 weeks but for most people every 2-3 weeks is best.*
- Do a triple shampoo (shampoo then rinse, repeat 3 times) to ensure scalp and locs are clean; should take at least 20 minutes. 

- Use gentle to moderate pressure to avoid scratching the scalp (causes microscopic tears) and avoid breaking roots. 

- After shampoo, generously spray leave-in conditioner to hair. 

- Do NOT use traditional creamy conditioner. 

- If possible, shampoo locs with sprayer at kitchen sink for a more thorough cleaning and comfortable experience. 

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    *If you sweat heavily in your scalp and/or are in environments with strong odors you may need to shampoo more often. 

- DO NOT AIR DRY! SIT UNDER HOOD DRYER.

How often you decide to retwist depends on your personal aesthetics but it is suggested you Shampoo & retwist at least every 4 weeks if you are in the repair process or if you like a neater look.* 

- Only retwist damp/wet hair.

- Retwists should always be gentle to moderate to avoid excessive tension and stress on roots that will lead to breakage, thinning, or bald spots (traction alopecia).

- Do NOT retwist more often than every 2 weeks or you will get breakage. Keep in mind that retwisting and/or neatening your edges counts as a retwist. 

    - You may use edge control to slick down edges; limit this to once a week. 

- All locs MUST BE RETWISTED IN THE SAME DIRECTION!

​    - Usually locs are retwisted to the right/clockwise,

- Use locking gel. Do not use wax, styling gels, edge controls, or shea butter. 

*Keep in mind that retwisting helps train the hair to lock faster, stay neater, and lay down.

It is important to properly dry hair to stop mildew from growing (yikes!) and prevent brittleness (dry and breaks easily). 

- Sit under hood dryer until locs are at least 85% dry. Roots and the majority of the length must be dry, only the tips may be slightly wet. 

- Dry hair under hood dryer. 

- Hand-held blow dryers and bonnet dryers are only suitable for those with short and average density/thick hair. 

- After locs are dry, spray leave-in conditioner to hair and oil /grease scalp.

- Hood hair dryers can be purchased from online retailers (e.g. Amazon) or from beauty supply stores. Get the highest wattage you can for $50-$75. 

Immediately after Shampoo & Retwist and then starting 2-3 days later

1. Lightly MIST LOCS DAILY using leave-in conditioner spray 
2. OILil/GREASE SCALP WEEKLY or as needed. 

    - Leave-in conditioner spray may be used several times a day if needed but slowly work your way up. Make sure you lightly mist locs and do not over saturate or mist too often to avoid buildup. 

    - Clients with really dry scalps may need to moisturize more often. Start by oiling scalp once a week and work your way up to 2-3 times a week. If your scalp is still dry, consider using a grease (translucent, not creamy, not waxy) 1-2 times a week. Make sure you do NOT get grease on roots or locs to avoid buildup.

To freshen up between shampoos*, consider using a liquid dry shampoo product, witch hazel, or diluted Sea Breeze. 

    - Be sure to lightly moisturize scalp afterwards  with leave-in conditioner spray, if needed. 

     *Ideal for clients who sweat in their scalp, work out, and/or are in environments with strong odors (smoke, pets, etc.)

It is strongly suggested to use recommended products or products made specifically for locs until you gain experience in selecting products. 

    -  NEVER use products that are creamy, contain wax, or excessively thick or you will get buildup. Avoid these types of products even if they are made for locs.