How To Do Your Faux Locs at Home

Faux locs, also known as fake dreadlocks or synthetic locs, are a type of protective hairstyle that takes the appearance of natural dreadlocks without actually locking the hair. Faux locs are typically created by wrapping or braiding extensions around sections of the natural hair, resulting in long, and textured strands that resemble traditional dreadlocks.

Faux locs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a low-maintenance alternative to traditional dreadlocks. They are often used as a protective style for natural hair, allowing individuals to experiment with the look of dreadlocks without the long-term commitment or potential damage to their natural hair.

How To Prepare Hair for Faux Locs

Preparing your hair for installing faux locs is an important step in ensuring a successful and long-lasting hairstyle. Here are some steps you can follow:

Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup or debris that may be on your scalp and hair. After washing, use a moisturizing conditioner to detangle and hydrate your hair. This will make it easier to braid and install the faux locs.

Washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo can be beneficial for removing buildup from hair products, hard water minerals, and excess oil from the scalp. Clarifying shampoos are designed to deep-clean the hair and scalp, leaving them feeling fresh and renewed.

Using a clarifying shampoo once a week or every two weeks can help to keep your hair healthy and prevent product buildup. However, it is important not to overuse clarifying shampoos, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness and damage.

When using a clarifying shampoo, follow the instructions on the bottle and rinse thoroughly with water after washing and use a conditioner afterwards to help restore moisture to your hair.

Allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer on a low setting to remove excess moisture. It is important to ensure that your hair is completely dry before installing the faux locs, as wet hair can lead to mold and mildew growth.

 If your hair is naturally curly or tightly coiled, consider stretching it using a stretching method like banding or braiding. This will help to create a smoother and more even base for the faux locs. Before installing the faux locs, apply a light oil like jojoba or coconut oil to your scalp to moisturize and soothe any irritation or itching.

How To Do Faux Locs With and Without a Crochet Needle

Installing faux locs can be made easy with proper techniques. Begin by parting your hair and applying Shine N Jam to give it a neater appearance while also moisturizing and managing your hair.

Next, braid each section by dividing it into left, middle, and right parts, crossing them over one another until your head is covered. You can choose to braid all the way or just halfway, and for a more convenient unraveling process, start with a braid at the root and twist loosely down by laying the halves over each other.

To attach crochet loc extensions, open the loop of the extension with your fingers and insert a crochet needle through the braid roots and loop, then pull the extension slightly to secure it.

Wrap wrapping hair around the locs but not too tightly or loosely. You can use premade faux locs or a combination of deep wave braiding hair and Marley’s hair, inserting the wrapping loc first and then the Marley hair through the braid root or a combination of both.

For the wrapping technique without a crochet needle, section your hair and apply Shine N Jam or braiding gel for a neater look.

Take a faux lock extension and braid it with your natural hair by crossing the left, middle, and right parts over each other until a few inches above the root of the braid.

Then, gently unravel the shorter end of the faux loc, wrap it over the natural hair and the loc, make a knot, dab nail glue to secure the locs, and palm roll afterward. This method doesn’t require additional braiding hair and still gets the job done.

Additionally, a crocheting technique that involves creating cornrows and attaching faux locs using crochet needles are often employed as it guarantees faster installation and yields beautiful results if done correctly.

Conclusion

Installing faux locs at home is possible with the many methods available, but it’s crucial to prioritize the health of your hair by preparing it adequately beforehand. Keep trying and practice with patience if you encounter any difficulties during the installation process. 

However, for those new to braiding, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a professional hairstylist to ensure proper installation. Poorly installed faux locs can cause significant damage to your natural hair, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.