Best Locs Hair Styling near me in Smethwick, Birmingham

Locs are a traditional African hairstyle that sees sections of hair coiled, braided, twisted, or palm-rolled into rope-like lengths which vary in width according to the style result you want to achieve.

It can take anything from 3-8 hours to create the locs; and another 18-24 months to achieve the end goal.

There are many different types of locs, but six styles you’ll want to know are: Sisterlocs – 2-3mm in diameter, these are one of the smallest types of locs. Microlocs – l2.3mm in diameter , microlocs resemble loose hair or microbraids. Traditional locs – 5-14mm in diameter, traditional locs are probably the most recognisable type of loc. Semi-freeform locs – 5-14mm in diameter. Freeform locs – 15mm+ in diameter; they grow from the natural matting of hair without styling intervention. Florida wicks locs – sections of thick locs of 2-5 inches in diameter.

Initially locs should be washed once every 1-2 weeks; any more than that could make your scalp dry and itchy. Mature locs can be washed, conditioned and moisturised regularly to help maintain hair health and prevent drying and breakage. You should moisturise your scalp, too (preferably with a natural, plant-based oil). And dry your locs thoroughly after washing, by squeezing out excess water section by section and wrapping them in a microfibre towel to dry. Avoid blow-drying your locks, which could damage your hair.

Yes, you can undo and restyle locs. Although it can’t be done in a day – they’ll need to be combed out over time.

There are many misconceptions about locs, but here are four of the most common: Locked hair grows more slowly – that’s not true, but because of the density of locs, hair growth takes longer to notice. Hair with locs is dirty – nope, locs are regularly washed and conditioned, so they’re not dirty at all. You have to start locs off from short hair - many people do opt to start the loc process from short hair, but it’s not essential. They have to be shaved off – don’t fret, if you no longer want your locs, they can be trimmed then unravelled, or simply combed out.