Locs are great because, once you have them, you can keep them for as long as you want. However, this isn't true if they start to unravel. In this case, your hair will need a little help, or your locs will not be able to stick around as you would like.
This article will cover some of the essentials of loc maintenance. We'll discuss how to prevent locs from unraveling and how to work on them when they start to. Read on to find out more.
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Why Do Locs Unravel?
Anyone with locs should understand why they unravel. Knowing why this happens will give you the tools to prevent it from happening in the first place.
One of the top reasons this happens is because the locs were not created right in the first place. You need to make sure you start your locs the right way. This gives them a strong foundation, to begin with. If you start them the wrong way, it puts them on the wrong path.
To ensure successful loc formation, it is important to maintain the twisting process, especially during the initial stages. This involves twisting your locs almost daily to ensure they hold properly and don't unravel. Another cause of unraveling is insufficient drying. It's crucial to twist dry hair, and after maintenance, allow your locs to fully air dry to prevent excessive moisture that can weaken their structure. By following these steps, you can help prevent and fix unraveling locs.
Your locs could also be damaged by what you are putting into your hair. There are a lot of products out there that contain chemicals that damage your hair. By doing this, they weaken your locs and can cause them to unravel.
Finally, heating your locs can hurt them too, yet many people do this regularly. Typically, this happens as people dry their hair with a hair dryer. You should generally avoid using hair dryers to dry out your locs in any situation.
Want to make sure your locs hold firm the way you want? Take a look at our versatile Loc Gel Moisturizer that gives you hold and moisture in one lightweight package.
Prevent Locs From Unraveling
To prevent your locs from unraveling, you should work against everything that causes your locs to unravel.
This starts with creating your locs properly and maintaining them well. This includes allowing them to dry after maintenance or after you wash your hair. There are plenty of guides online that will help you with this.
You should also avoid damaging your locs. Stay away from harmful products and hair dryers. Instead, use moisturizing products and blot your hair dry with a towel.
Performing Loc Maintenance
If your locs need it, you will need to do some maintenance. Sometimes, a little maintenance is all you need to get your locs to look like new again.
Start by working out any knots or tangles among your locs. You don't want your locs to bunch together, or your beautiful mix of individual locs can quickly become a clumped mess. If this happens, it is hard to undo and ends up taking a lot of time and effort. If you notice the individual locs are forming together, stay on top of the issue and work them apart regularly as they do so.
You can also do regular palm rolling. Simply take an individual loc into your hands and roll it between your palms. The intention here is to smooth out the loc and reshape it. This activity is great because you can do it almost any time you have free time. Sometimes, this is all a loc needs to prevent it from falling apart.
On top of all this, keeping your locs neat and clean is important. You should wash them at least once a week, using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner when you do so. In addition, be on the lookout if anything gets into your hair. If this happens, remove it as soon as possible to prevent it from hurting your locs.
If you want, you can even visit a loctician for help. These are people who know and understand what goes into maintaining healthy locs. They will also be able to look at you specifically and tell you what factors impact your situation. This is important because your hair type, the current condition of your locs, and plenty of other factors can make your situation different from everyone else's. The loctician will give you advice and help that suits you specifically.
Related: How To Tighten Your Locs
Retying Locs
If you encounter issues with your locs that require more than regular maintenance, you may need to retie them. Although it may sound like a significant step, it's a common occurrence and something you'll need to do regularly to keep your locs looking their best.
Start by making sure your locs are clean and dry. Shampoo and condition them with products that don't contain harsh chemicals. Then, dry them well. As we previously mentioned, tying wet locks is a great way to cause them to unravel again. In addition, make sure to dry them without a hair dryer.
At this point, you can comb out your hair slightly to work to address any issue. You can even change up the structure of your locs slightly.
Then, get your favorite locking gel and get to work. Start retwisting in a way that works for you. When you are done, you can clip the loc in place if you find that doing so makes the process easier for you.
After retying your locs, make sure to be careful with them. Don't lay down right away; instead, allow your locs to air dry slightly, as the gel probably caused them to get a little wet.
Want to make sure your locs hold firm the way you want? Take a look at our versatile Loc Gel Moisturizer that gives you hold and moisture in one lightweight package.
Maintaining Unraveling Locs
If you treat your hair right, you can minimize any problems you have with unraveling locs and give your hair its best chance at preventing this from happening. Proper maintenance also helps with this and can be a key part of keeping your locs strong and healthy. Plus, you can always retie your locs.
Related: The 7 Best Products For Loc Retwisting