Locs can add texture and depth to your look, but require patience and special care in order to thrive. Your hair will progress through various stages during its journey toward locs: starting, budding, teen, and mature or rooted stages.
Stage 1: Baby Stage
The starter loc phase can last three to six months and typically involves fuzzy locs that unravel quickly after washing. There are various ways of starting locs such as braids, two-strand twists, or comb coils. Chimere Faulk of Dr Locs recommends these durable options as ways of starting locs for beginners.
Stage 2: Sprouting Stage
Dependent upon your hair type and loc design, the budding stage could last six months to one year. At this stage, your starter locs have begun to expand in size and may appear frizzy or fluffy as they mature and grow out. Avoid over-twisting or interlocking your hair as too much retwisting can cause it to matte down into unruly clumps.
Stage 3: Locking Stage
Locs begin to thicken and appear puffier at this stage. It typically lasts six to twelve months depending on your natural hair growth rate and texture. Incorporate retwisting into your routine when necessary to maintain the locs. Choose natural pre-cleansers, gentle shampoo and conditioner products, and an effective loc care product to help avoid build-up.
Stage 4: Ugly Stage
This is the longest part of the journey for new locs and can last one to two years. You may have established a parting pattern at this point, but alternatively, you could opt for a free-form look. Your locs may experience temporary swelling, but be patient as they will eventually mature. In this stage, retwisting should only need to occur every three to four weeks.
