Why I decided to loc my hair
Written by Jailynn Taylor
I never really had an issue with my hair growing up. I have a semi-loose curl pattern and my hair is very fine — thanks, mom and dad.
I loved experimenting with different colors and styles. I’ve gotten silk presses and done a variety of braids, twists and loc styles that were trending. I have dyed my hair blonde, red, ginger and black. I cut it into a pixie cut and I have grown it down my back. I tried tons of natural styles like Bantu knots and twist-outs. I loved all of these styles and truly enjoyed the versatility of my natural loose hair.
Here are a few iconic looks I have pulled off over the last few years. Everything from short hair to color to braids.
So why did I decide to loc my hair?
I loc’d my hair for a couple of reasons. I was tired of paying $200+ for protective styles. I constantly struggled to find a new stylist that I could trust to take care of my hair. I was mentally exhausted with trying to stay up to date with the latest curly girl hair technique or product, and the products that I didn’t like were burning a hole in my wallet and were taking up space under my bathroom sink.
When I moved to New York, I realized the water was harsher, and my hair texture began to change as a result. I was having issues with dryness, and my hair felt brittle after I washed it. I started struggling with detangling my hair which had never been an issue before, causing severe matting at the center of my hair, and I was even beginning to form locs.
I was exhausted with the maintenance of my natural hair to the point I wasn’t taking care of it. I started to lose confidence in myself and my appearance. I found myself just throwing my hair up into a bun on most days between visits to my stylist.
This was the last photo I had taken earlier in 2021 of my silk press, showing my growth from 2020. I only silk pressed my hair in the winter.
My hair was growing long and healthy; I assume from me just leaving it alone because I couldn’t be bothered with it. But if it wasn’t straight or in a protective style, I didn’t know what to do with it, nor did I have the patience to continue managing it myself.
Weighing my options
Did I want to perm it and risk damaging it? Maybe a texturizer to make things a bit more manageable but still risk messing up my curl pattern? What could I do that wouldn’t cause damage down the line if I changed my mind?
I had debated for years whether or not I wanted to loc my hair. It seemed like a low-maintenance style, and you still get tons of versatility in how you can style it. I was only nervous about the stigma behind locs. Could I commit to such a permanent style, and would it work for my lifestyle?
Chloe and Halle had blown up over the last few years, making locs appear elegant and versatile. It made me seriously consider locs as a long-term option.
I often did faux locs when they first popularized a few years ago and got tons of compliments and people saying I should do it, but that was with hair added for length and thickness. I didn’t like how they looked down on me, and they were much too heavy. I knew I would need to look at something with smaller sections, just wasn’t sure how small.
Microlocs? Sisterlocs?
I continued to look through my options and stumbled across this girl on TikTok, Keke.j_, and I noticed that her locs were much smaller and looked like twists. I fell down the rabbit hole watching all of her videos to learn what this style was.
They were called microlocs. Not to be confused with Sisterlocs that have to be installed by a Certified Sisterloc Loctician who maps a very technical grid when doing the parting for your loc install.
I loved how these smaller locs (twist or braids) looked good from the beginning. So, no “ugly stage,” and they still offered tons of versatility while almost giving the appearance of loose hair.
I began researching the install process. How much would it cost? Could I install them myself? How to maintain them?
I quickly learned that having microlocs installed was an investment, easily running you anywhere from $800 to over $2,000. Not to mention, cost only goes up if your hair is past four inches. Mine was 17 inches long. Additionally, the install could take anywhere from two days to a week.
I was willing to invest, but only so much, and I knew I couldn’t afford to take off nearly a week to have my locs installed. So I concluded I wouldn’t have my locs done in NYC, where prices were inflated, so I looked elsewhere.
While scrolling on TikTok, I came across a loctician based out of Maryland near my hometown. Braidsthaspeak had availability, and even though it was pricey, it was still within what I was willing to invest. She also offered human hair extensions, which no one else offered, at least not for microlocs.
I’m actually doing this!
I made an appointment for a Belle Microloc consultation and met with Tatiana, the founder of Belle Microlocs. Her energy was so amazing, and she was so kind in explaining the process and what would work best for my hair type.
I wasn’t a recommended candidate for the Microloc twist as my hair was too soft and frizzy and would need a lot more upkeep, so I opted for the Belle Microloc Braids.
At first, I was bummed about it. I wanted the twists because I felt they would style better, but I had to remind myself that the end goal would be the same, and that was that they would eventually turn into locs.
I made my official loc appointment for Sept. 20 to get the 16-inch Microloc braids. I chose to add in the 16-inch microloc extensions to my hair because my hair was so fine and soft. I was nervous it would be difficult for my hair to loc up, so I got the extensions to help with it loc’ing faster.
Fresh out the chair after having my Belle Microloc Braids installed by @Braidsthatspeak.
It has been a little over a month since I decided to loc my hair, and I know for a fact that I have made the right decision for my hair and my lifestyle.
Reclaiming my confidence ✨
When I wake up in the morning, all I have to do is spritz my hair with my water, aloe vera juice and peppermint oil mix, shake and go. When getting ready for bed, I oil my scalp, spritz my water mix, braid my hair down and slap my bonnet on, and I only have to braid it once a week because the braid lasts a whole week!
My wash days are a breeze now. What used to take me upward of an hour to wash and detangle now takes me a solid 15 minutes! I have minimal shedding and take zero time having to detangle.
Some of my most recent styling showing how versatile and elegant my braids (soon to be locs) are. Taking them from work to date night.
I no longer take 30 minutes to an hour stressed over bad hair days before work. Or worrying about my hair looking completely different due to frizz or sweating it out on my morning commute.
There is so much versatility in how I can style my hair. I have yet to get bored with it.
I had my first retie on Oct. 22, which is when they interlock your new growth at the roots. My hair looks as fresh as it did when I first got it installed. No damage to my locs and minimal sliding. I have experienced a bit of frizzing, but that was to be expected with my hair type and why I opted for braids.
My most recent photo 1 month after my install and a few days after my first retie.
I believe that loc’ing my hair was the best decision that I have made in a long time. I feel so much more confident and empowered by hair. I’m excited for the whole journey of my locs, from them just being tiny braids to the budding stage to having full-blown microlocs.
I also have inspired my family to start their loc journeys. So excited to have a support system and people to share my experience with.
If you are on the fence about loc’ing your hair, just go for it or try faux locs. If you don’t end up liking them, you can comb them out or cut them off. It’s only hair!
I am just happy that I found my forever style that’s perfect for me!
Header photo by (Jessica Felicio / Unsplash)
