Traditional Starter Locs: A Guide To a Successful Journey

Embarking on a loc journey is exciting and transformative. This guide covers traditional starter

locs, their phases, and home maintenance.

Understanding the Loc Process

The journey to fully mature locs typically consists of four main stages:

Starter Locs Stage (Months 1-3)

Hair begins to lock

Locs are small and neat with clean parts

High maintenance phase

Budding Stage (Months 3-6)

New growth appears puffy or fuzzy

Locs start to swell and become frizzy

Hair begins to matt at the ends

Teenage Stage (Months 6-12)

Locs become more defined

Frizz starts to decrease

Locs begin to hang more

Mature Stage (Year 1 and beyond)

Locs are fully formed

Consistent structure throughout

Lower maintenance required

At-Home Maintenance

Shampooing

• Wait at least two weeks before your first shampoo

• Aim to wash every 7-9 days once established

• Use a gentle, residue-free shampoo

• Dilute shampoo in a spray bottle for easier application

• Use a mesh cap to prevent unraveling during washing

Pro Tip: For shampooing starter locs, divide the hair into 4-8 sections, loosely braid each section, ensuring there's enough space at the roots to cleanse the scalp. Secure the ends with rubber bands to prevent slippage, and shampoo from the ends to the roots. Rinse, repeat, remove the bands, and blow dry.

Products to Use

Shampoo: Choose a sulfate-free, Gentle Clarifying, residue-free option

Moisturizer: Light, water-based products work best

Oils: Natural & Non-Comedogenic oils like Olive, Jojoba, Coconut.

What are non-comedogenic oils? These are products that are either natural or specifically designed not to block pores.

During the starter phase, refrain from using heavy products, conditioners, and detanglers, as they may lead to slippage.

Moisturizing

Spray locs with aloe vera juice, loc spray, or rose water to hydrate

Apply light natural oils on scalp only to seal in moisture

Moisturize as needed, typically when locs feel dry

Over-moisturizing can cause slippage

Retwisting

During the initial stages, retwist every 2-3 weeks based on the scalp's condition and hair texture to encourage natural matting.

As locs begin to mature, retwisting will be needed every 4-6 weeks

I advise against exceeding 8 to 9 weeks, as this may lead to breakage and matting at the root.

Additional Tips

• Protect your locs at night with a satin or silk bonnet

• Avoid excessive manipulation of your locs

• Be patient – the locking process takes time

• Keep styling minimal and low-tension during the starter phase

• Thoroughly dry your locs after washing to prevent mildew

Conclusion

Embarking on your loc journey demands patience, commitment, and attentive care. By adhering to these guidelines and responding to your hair's needs, you'll be on the path to achieving healthy, stunning locs. Keep in mind that each loc journey is distinct, so appreciate the process and relish the transformation of your locs over time.