Locs, also known as dreadlocks, are a beautiful and versatile way to carry your natural hair. However, there is a common misconception that locs require no maintenance when in reality, locs like all hair require care. So, whether you’re new to locs or just want to know more about how to make your locs thrive, read on for our 6 tips for how to take care of your dreadlocks.
Washing Your Locs
It’s important to clean your scalp as well as remove any build up, lint, excess oil, in your locs. And for that reason, avoid shampoo and conditioners that leave residue on your hair and use a sulphate-free shampoo. With regards to frequency, this will depend on you, your lifestyle and your locs. For example, if you workout a lot you might feel the need to cleanse your locs more frequently.
Drying Your Locs
After washing your locs, drying your hair is a key step. Gently wring out as much water as possible and then take a manageable handful of your locs and again, gently squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Start at the near the roots and slowly work your way down to the ends. Finally, we suggest wrapping your hair in a microfibre towel or giving your locs a final squeeze using a microfibre towel.
Microfibre towels absorb more than your average cotton towel and more importantly, they tend not to leave any lint in your locs. But whatever your preferred method, please make sure that your locs dry properly as no one wants mould or mildew to build up in their locs!
How to Moisturise Your Locs
Moisture is still important when you are looking after your locs, because as we know when hair is dry it’s prone to brittleness and breakage – and no one wants their locs snapping! We recommend using a moisturising spray and then using a hair oil on your locs to keep dryness at bay.
Looking After Your Scalp
Just because you have locs, doesn’t mean you can forget about your scalp health. As we mentioned before, your scalp is still skin and will still need some TLC. Just remember to use a lightweight oil that won’t clog your pores.
Our natural scalp oil, Soothe, is lightweight and easily absorbed. It penetrates the scalp to promote hair growth and relieve itchiness without leaving any build up.
Night Routine For Locs
We recommend sleeping on a silk/satin pillowcase or wrapping or covering your locs when you sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet. Like we mentioned earlier, brittle locs can break/snap and cotton absorbs moisture. That means your locs will be zapped of precious moisture.
Styling Tips
When styling your locs, it’s important to think about your edges. As your locs get longer (and in turn heavier), this will put more tension on your hair and your delicate edges can be at risk, especially if your locs are styled too tightly. Avoid thinning, bald patches and traction alopecia by varying hairstyles and considering the tension you’re putting on your hair when styling.
Editor's Tip: Whether you’re new to locs or just starting out, our set is designed to help your locs thrive! The Afrocenchix Locs Care Set contains a curated selection of products from our award-winning range to help you cleanse and moisturise your locs so they stay lovely.
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