How to Start Your Locs at Home

Locs, also known as dreadlocks, have been a popular hairstyle for centuries, and they continue to be a symbol of cultural heritage, fashion, and self-expression today. If you’re interested in starting your own locs, there are several methods to choose from. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Before you start your locs, it’s important to do your research and understand what you’re getting into. Learn about the different methods for starting locs, the maintenance required, and the various stages of the process. 

Talk to people who have locs and ask for their advice and recommendations. With dreadlocks there is no going back, it is a long term commitment and if you know you don’t have what it takes it is best not to begin the process or better yet install a faux loc.

How To Start Locs: 5 Methods To Begin The Loc Journey

There are several methods for starting locs, and the best one for you will depend on your hair type and lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular methods:

1.Freeforming

The free-forming method of starting locs, also known as neglect, is the most natural way to begin the process of growing dreadlocks. With this method, you simply stop combing or brushing your hair and allow it to grow and tangle on its own.

To start free-forming your locs, you will need to prepare your hair by washing it with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup or residue. After washing, allow your hair to air dry completely, or use a microfiber towel to gently blot it dry.

Once your hair is dry, begin by sectioning it into small or large sections, depending on the size of the locs you want. It’s important to remember that with free-forming, the size and shape of your locs will be determined by your natural hair texture and growth pattern.

Next, leave your hair to grow and tangle on its own without combing, brushing or manipulating it. Depending on your hair texture, it may take several weeks or months for your hair to start to tangle and form knots.

During this process, it’s important to keep your hair clean and well-maintained by washing it regularly with a mild shampoo and conditioning it to keep it soft and healthy. It’s also a good idea to use natural oils like coconut or olive oil to moisturize your scalp and hair.

As your hair continues to grow and tangle, you may notice that some sections of your hair begin to form more easily than others. You can encourage the locking process by twisting or palm-rolling the sections that are starting to tangle to help them lock and hold their shape.

Over time, your hair will continue to tangle and form knots, eventually creating the dreadlocks you desire. With free-forming, your locs will have a unique and natural look that reflects your hair texture and growth pattern.

It’s important to remember that free-forming is a gradual process that requires patience and commitment. It may take several months or even years for your locs to fully mature, but with regular maintenance and care, you can enjoy your beautiful and unique dreadlocks for years to come.

2. Comb Coil Method 

The comb coil method is a popular technique for starting locs, and here are the steps to create comb coils:

Start with clean, dry hair. It’s important to begin with hair that’s free of product buildup, oils, or residue. Part the hair into small, even sections using a comb. The size of the sections will depend on how thick or thin you want your locs to be.

Take a small section of hair and apply some styling gel or locking cream to it. This will help the hair hold its shape when coiled. Use a small-tooth comb to create a tight, spiral coil from the base of the section to the tip.

Repeat this process for each section of hair until the entire head is complete. Let the hair air dry or use a hair dryer on low heat to speed up the drying process. The comb coil method can be time-consuming, but it’s a great way to achieve uniform, well-defined locs.

3.Twist and rip

The twist and rip method involves dividing each section of hair into two parts and twisting them in opposite directions until they form a knot. Then, you rip the knot apart to create a tangle. This method creates a more textured and varied look to the locs.

To start the twist and rip method, you will need to wash and condition your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. After washing, allow your hair to air dry completely or use a microfiber towel to blot it dry.

Next, divide your hair into sections that are about the same size and shape as the locs you want to create. It’s best to start with smaller sections, as larger sections may not lock as easily.

Take one section of hair and divide it into two equal parts. Twist each part of the hair in opposite directions until it starts to tangle and knot. Then, rip the knot apart by pulling the hair in opposite directions. You should hear a popping sound as the hair separates and the knot tightens.

Repeat this process with each section of hair, making sure to twist and rip each section in the same direction to create a uniform look. As your hair starts to lock, you can use a locking gel or cream to help hold the shape and promote the locking process.

Once you’ve twisted and ripped all of the sections of hair, allow your hair to air dry or use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to help speed up the drying process. You may notice that your hair looks frizzy or messy at first, but don’t worry, this is normal and part of the process.

4. Braiding

Braiding involves dividing each section of hair into three parts and braiding them tightly. As the hair grows and the braid loosens, the hair will start to lock and form dreadlocks.

5. Two Strand Twists

The two-strand twist method is another popular technique for starting locs. Here are the steps to create two-strand twists:

Start with clean, dry hair. It’s important to begin with hair that’s free of product buildup, oils, or residue. Part the hair into small, even sections using a comb. The size of the sections will depend on how thick or thin you want your locs to be.

Take a small section of hair and divide it into two equal parts. Begin twisting the two sections of hair around each other, starting at the base of the section and working towards the tip. Make sure to twist tightly so that the hair holds its shape.

Continue twisting the hair until you reach the end, then secure the end of the twist with a small hair elastic or rubber band. Repeat this process for each section of hair until the entire head is complete.

The two-strand twist method can be a bit faster than the comb coil method, and it creates a more natural-looking loc. However, it may not be as uniform or well-defined as the comb coil method and is easy to maintain.