Loc Stages

Yep, I was reminded by a FRIEND that my locs are in the teenage phase. I remember obsessing about the different stages when I started the journey. I read every loc blog I came across, and I looked forward to passing the baby stage. But I forgot about it after a few months. I only remembered it again when a friend started her own traditional loc journey and asked me about them. So here’s a recap, and info for any newbies that may read this while searching for loc info.

Do note, people’s hair is different and there’s no hard and fast rule for everyone. This is what generally happens, it’s a rough guide. Some have had their loc within 6 months, while other have 2 year old locs that aren’t fully loced yet.

BABY PHASE- This generally lasts from 1 month to 6. The finer your hair, the longer it will take. It’s best not to condition your hair is this may cause even more slippage than normal. Slippage (unravelling) during washing is very common. Some choose to braid the locs and band the ends together to try avoid this. After washing, gently separate any hair that crept out of the loc and married another. Also avoid heavy, thick products. Less is definately MORE in this process. Most ladies I know use light spritzes. Avoid oily ingredients in this process. At this stage, some don’t use shampoo, choosing to use a cotton bud to smooth on an astringent on the scalp to keep the itch away. Did I forget to mention that? You will probably get an attack of the itchies. It will pass. If possible, you should sleep with a cover on your head to avoid lint and damage caused by friction. Those who begin the journey with long hair sometimes tie up the hair or braid gently before putting on a cap. Baby locs are still thin and keep the pattern you used to install them.

TEENAGE PHASE- can go from 6 months-2 years. (Yep, I might have a long time yet!) This is when the hair is starting to matt together and starting to loc. Creeping may still continue, though mine has stopped. Don’t forget as well that you may still be forming new baby locs as the hair in between your locs grows, or as damaged parts of your scalp begin to heal. The locs are in their rebellious stage. Standing up whichever way they want. Be patient, some already start to use conditioner (ensure your products don’t contain ingredients like parabens and sodium lauryl sulphates) The harder your loc is inside, the less likely it is that there will be slippage during washing and/or conditioning. Buds form and the hair starts to loc from the bud going towards the end of the loc and then towards the scalp. Gradually the locs start to hang-as some of mine are. Some go through a stage of little apparent growth as the hair starts to condense and coil in the lock.

MATURE STAGE- Begins at about 1 year- 2 years. At this point, most of the ends are closed and the hair is tightly interwoven. The lock is in a cylindrical shape and it’s now able to withstand conditioner. Now you can really see the growth.