I’ve been rocking locs for over five years now, and I’m still in love with them! When I first started my loc journey, I had so many questions. Let me share what I’ve learned along the way.

What are locs?

Locs, short for dreadlocks, are simply strands of hair that lock together to form thick, rope-like coils. You create locs by allowing your hair to knot and tangle naturally over time, without brushing or combing it out.

Some people start their locs with methods like braiding, twisting, or using a special tool to interlock the hair.

Locs aren’t just a hairstyle – for many, they hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. I chose to loc my hair as a way to enjoy my natural texture.

Locs have been worn by many different cultures around the world for centuries, and are often viewed as a sign of strength and spirituality. In recent years, locs have become increasingly popular in Western culture, with celebrities like Erykah Badu and Rihanna wearing them.

The Origin Of Locs

Locs have a rich, diverse history that spans continents and cultures. The earliest depictions of locs can be traced back to ancient civilizations, showcasing their deep-rooted significance.

In ancient Greece, the god Shiva was often portrayed wearing locs, symbolizing his spiritual power and wisdom. Locs were also worn by the Spartan warriors, who believed they embodied strength and valor on the battlefield.

Similarly, in ancient Israel, the Nazirites, a group of individuals who took a vow of devotion to God, grew their hair into locs as a symbol of their spiritual commitment. The most famous Nazirite was Samson, known for his incredible strength tied to his uncut hair.

Hinduism also has a strong connection to locs, with many sadhus, or holy men, wearing them as a sign of their renunciation of worldly possessions and desires. The god Shiva is often depicted with matted hair, representing his detachment from material concerns.

In more recent history, the Rastafari movement, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, embraced locs as a symbol of their African heritage and resistance to colonial oppression. Rastafarians view locs as a natural, unaltered state of being, in line with their spiritual beliefs.

However, the history of locs also has a painful chapter rooted in slavery. During the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans were forced to wear locs due to being denied basic grooming tools and products. Their matted hair was viewed as “dreadful” by European colonizers, leading to the derogatory term “dreadlocks.”

This term was later reclaimed by Rastafarians, who wore their locs with pride as a symbol of their identity and resistance to oppression. Despite this, the negative connotations of the term “dreadlocks” persist in some contexts, with many people preferring to use the term “locs” instead.

Today, locs continue to hold significant meaning for people of various cultures and backgrounds. They can represent a connection to one’s heritage, a spiritual journey, a form of self-expression, or a rejection of societal norms and expectations.

Twisted Locks of Hair

The word “jaTaa” originates from Sanskrit, which is an ancient language of India. In Sanskrit, “jaTaa” (जटा) means “twisted locks of hair” or “matted hair”. It is often used to describe a hairstyle where the hair is twisted or knotted into locks. The term is also found Vedas, the Puranas, and the Mahabharata.

The practice of wearing jaTaa is deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition, particularly in the Hindu religion.

One of the most significant references to jaTaa can be found in Hindu mythology, where the god Shiva is often depicted with matted hair. According to legend, Shiva used his hair to absorb the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk during the creation of the world. As a result, Shiva’s hair became matted and tangled, and he began to wear it in a jaTaa style.

The tradition of wearing jaTaa is also associated with the Sadhu sect of Hinduism, who are known for their ascetic lifestyle and renunciation of materialism. In addition, the practice of wearing jaTaa has been adopted by some other cultures and religions, including Rastafarianism.

Types of locs

When I started my locs, I had no idea how many different types there were! Here are the main styles of locs:

• Traditional locs: These locs are started with methods like backcombing, twisting, or interlocking. They take several months to mature but can be styled in tons of ways.
• Sisterlocks: These super thin, uniform locs are created with a special tool. The process is time-consuming but results in a full head of neat, even locs.
• Freeform locs: The most low-maintenance, natural type of locs. You simply let your hair lock on its own, without any precise parting or patterns. Think of Bob Marley’s iconic look!
• Instant locs: Don’t want to wait for your locs to grow? You can attach loc extensions to your hair for an instant loc look. Just be cautious, as this method can cause damage if done incorrectly.

Loc Size and Parting Options

When starting your locs, you’ll need to decide on the size and parting pattern you want. Locs can be thin, medium, or thick, depending on your preference and hair density. Thinner locs are more versatile for styling but require more maintenance, while thicker locs are bolder and lower-maintenance.

As for parting, you have a few options:

• Square parts: The most common parting method, creating a grid-like pattern.
• Diamond parts: Diagonal parts that create a diamond shape, ideal for those with a widow’s peak.
• Brick lay parts: Similar to square parts, but staggered for a more natural look.

Your loctician can help you choose the best size and parting for your desired look and lifestyle.

What to Expect

I remember being so impatient in the beginning of my loc journey! It takes time for locs to fully mature. Here’s a breakdown of the stages your hair will go through:

1. Baby stage (0-6 months): Your baby locs will start to coil and knot, but they’ll be puffy and frizzy. Resist the urge to mess with them too much.
2. Budding stage (6-12 months): Your locs will start to look more cylindrical as they mature. Keep them moisturized to prevent dryness and breakage.
3. Teen stage (12-18 months): Your locs will continue to grow thicker and hang down more. Enjoy the added length!
4. Mature stage (18+ months): Your locs are now fully locked, long, and luscious. You’ve made it to loc adulthood!

In my experience, coarse, kinky hair tends to loc faster than finer, straighter textures. But trust the process – with patience and proper care, all hair types can transform into beautiful locs.

Combining and Separating Locs

As your locs mature, some may naturally want to combine due to hair texture, lifestyle, or maintenance habits. If you prefer a neater look, you can separate combined locs with a tool like a rattail comb or tweezers. Gently pull the locs apart, working from the ends to the roots.

On the flip side, if your locs are thinning or uneven, you may want to combine some for a fuller appearance. A loctician can help you safely combine locs without causing damage.

Whether you keep your locs combined or separated is a personal choice – the goal is healthy, balanced locs that make you feel confident!

Loc Care 101: Moisturize, Cleanse, Protect

Having healthy, shiny locs takes some TLC. I swear by these loc maintenance tips:

• Moisturize your locs and scalp regularly with light oils like jojoba or coconut. Spray with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner for extra hydration.
• Gently wash your locs every 1-2 weeks with a sulfate-free, residue-free shampoo to avoid buildup. I like to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
• Protect your locs while you sleep by wearing a satin scarf or bonnet, or using a satin pillowcase. This helps minimize frizz and friction.
• Visit a loctician every 6-8 weeks for a professional loc retwist or maintenance session to keep your parts and roots tidy.

Remember, over-twisting or putting too much tension on your locs can thin them out or cause damage over time, so be gentle!

Accessorize and Customize Your Locs

One of the things I love most about my locs is the versatility. I can style them up, down, braided, bunned – the options are endless. Adding accessories like loc jewelry, wraps, or beads can elevate any look.

Some of my go-to loc styles are:

• High or low ponytails
• Half-up, half-down styles
• Braided updos
• Two-strand twists
• Loc buns or topknots

Experiment to find styles that make you feel confident and authentic!

Enjoy the Loc Lifestyle

Locs are a personal journey of self-love and acceptance. This hairstyle has taught me to embrace my natural beauty and live on my own terms.

Starting locs isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Surround yourself with support, educate yourself, and trust the process. Most of all, enjoy watching your crown flourish!

I hope my story inspires you to consider locs or love your locs even more. Embrace your roots, celebrate your unique beauty, and wear your locs with pride.

As you reflect on your hair journey, consider how your choices can empower you. How will you let your locs symbolize your individuality?