Faux locs are a popular protective hairstyle that can be a great way to switch up your look without damaging your natural hair. However, like any hairstyle, they require maintenance to keep them looking their best.
In this article, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for maintaining your faux locs, so you can rock them with confidence. From washing and conditioning to protecting your hair at night, we’ve got you covered.
What are Faux locs?
Faux locs, also known as “fake locs” or “goddess locs,” are a type of hairstyle that mimics the look of traditional dreadlocks without the need for the hair to be locked. They are typically achieved by braiding or twisting synthetic hair or yarn into natural hair and can be styled in various ways to create a unique look. They are becoming more and more popular because they are a protective hairstyle and also are versatile. It gives an option to those who want a locs look but are not ready to commit to the process of locking their hair.
Faux locs have been around for many years, but they have become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the reasons for their growing popularity is that they offer a way for people to experiment with the look of dreadlocks without the commitment of actually locking their hair. Additionally, faux locs can be a great protective hairstyle for those who want to give their natural hair a break from heat styling and other forms of manipulation.
Another reason for their growing popularity is the increasing representation of faux locs in the media, particularly in the fashion and beauty industry. Faux locs have been worn by celebrities and models on the runway, in music videos, and on television shows, which has helped to bring the hairstyle into mainstream consciousness.
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How to Maintain Faux Locs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maintaining faux locs can be a bit more time-consuming than maintaining other types of hairstyles, but with the right care and attention, you can keep your faux locs looking great for weeks or even months. Here are some tips for maintaining faux locs:
1. Keep them moisturized
To prevent your faux locs from becoming dry and brittle, it’s important to keep them moisturized. Use a water-based moisturizer or oil to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
Lightweight oils such as jojoba, almond, and argan would not leave the scalp greasy, and massaging these oils directly on the scalp, will aid blood circulation to the hair follicles promoting healthy hair development.
2. Protect them at night
To prevent your faux locs from getting tangled or unraveling while you sleep, make sure to cover them with a satin scarf or bonnet. These headwraps play a significant role in ensuring the longevity of the locs. Cotton sheet tends to tug or pull at the strands or locs due to their rougher texture thus causing frizz and tangles, but with silk or satin head wrap the reverse is the case due to the smooth and silky texture of the head wraps.
3. Wash Frequently
Faux locs can be washed and it is a necessity to do so because locs can be carried for a much longer duration than braids. Washing the locs is not as difficult a process as it might seem.
Start by wetting the locs in lukewarm water. Pour in a dollop-sized amount of mild shampoo in your palm, rub together, and massage into the scalp rubbing gently to avoid causing damage.
When it comes to washing faux locs, your scalp should be a priority. Rinse out the shampoo thoroughly afterward, and repeat the shampoo if needed. Next, add a conditioner to the locs in a similar manner as the shampoo, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse. Squeeze out the excess water with a microfiber towel and leave it to dry.
4. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Avoid hairstyles that pull on your faux locs, such as tight ponytails or braids, as this can cause damage to your natural hair and bring out traction alopecia – a condition characterized by hair loss caused by excessive stress or tension to the scalp.
5. Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Many naturalists argued that silk or satin pillowcases work better than head wraps. While that is debatable if you find that you are a crazy sleeper, then you’ll need that added protection the pillowcase offers.
6. Fight Frizz
The faux locs would frizz especially when it gets older and is in a natural state. However, combatting the frizz shouldn’t be a bother but it is in the state the locs seem to be more beautiful as it takes a liking to the actual dreads. Hair oils and hair spray such as locsanity daily moisturizing refreshing spray for locs and dreadlocks can help with the frizz.
7. Consult with a stylist
If you have any concerns about your faux locs, or if you’re not sure how to care for them properly, it’s always a good idea to consult with a stylist who is experienced in working with faux locs.
By following these tips, you can help keep your faux locs looking great for weeks or even months. Remember that it’s a protective hairstyle, but still requires proper care to avoid damage.