Locs are not new to many people as people have worn them since ancient times. And by locks, I don’t mean faux locs. I mean the real dreadlocks achieved with your natural hair. In this case, starter locs, often referred to as baby locs or budding locs. They mark the beginning of an incredible natural hair journey.
For many cultures like the Rastafari and Hindus, dreadlocks holds a cultural and spiritual meaning. However, many people rock them to look good in today’s world, not for their spiritual connotations.
If you’ve always wanted to install starter locs, here’s your chance. Keep reading this article to learn everything you need to know about this unique hairstyle.
What is Starter Locs?
Starter locs are the first stage of dreadlocks. During this period, your hair strands begin to mat and form into individual locs naturally. This process can take several months, and the duration varies depending on your hair type and texture. Despite the misconceptions that often surround locs, they’re a versatile and beautiful way to wear natural hair. With proper care and patience, starter locs transform into mature, well-defined locs over time.
The Cultural Significance of Starter Locs
Locs have a rich cultural history across various societies, symbolizing spiritual growth, strength, and unity. They have been worn for centuries by different cultures, including the ancient Egyptians and certain Indian ascetics. In recent times, locs have gained popularity as a form of self-expression and a celebration of natural beauty within the African diaspora.
So, embracing starter locs is not just a personal choice but also a way to connect with this deep cultural heritage.
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The Five Stages of Growing Starter Locs
Beauty experts have divided the period of growing out your locs into five stages. However, these stages do not have a specific timeframe as some may take weeks, months, or even a year. They are:
- Starting/ Baby Phase
- Budding Phase
- Teen Phase
- Matured Phase
- Rooted Phase
Starting/Baby Phase
Now is the time to decide whether to grow locs or not. And the most common ways loc’ers start their locks are with braids, plaits, comb coils, backcombing, or two-strand twists.
This period may take three to six months, or possibly longer, depending on your hair growth and hair structure. It is also the most difficult aspect of establishing healthy, natural locs. But if you keep at it, you’ll definitely succeed.
Budding Phase
Your locs begin to bloom during this stage and now is the time to begin your maintenance schedule. Additionally, you can gently repeat the twists to give the delicate locs a boost. But keep in mind that you cannot do this frequently because doing so frequently will weaken your locs and break your hair.
Teen Phase
When you reach this stage, you can taste some success, because your locs are now in motion. But this time, you ought to exercise extra caution. For instance, you shouldn’t detangle the delicate locs while performing regular care routines, like shampooing.
Furthermore, your locs may not develop exactly the way you hoped. But you should relax and understand that it is a lengthy process.
Mature Phase
At this point, you have entered the mature phase of your locs. You can now decide to personalize your locs by wearing them in any style you want.
Your newly developed locs will be growing in the appropriate direction and also lengthen during this phase. Ensure you have a good maintenance regimen by now, and follow it through. You can maintain the health of your newly grown locs by using products like shampoos, conditioners, and pre-cleansers.
Creating Starter Locs
Starter locs can be achieved through various methods, including the twist and rip method, palm rolling, or simply allowing the hair to naturally coil and form into sections. Many people choose to start their locs with the assistance of a professional loctician who’ll ensure the sections are uniform and well-maintained from the beginning.
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Caring for Your Starter Locs
Proper care is fundamental in nurturing healthy and beautiful starter locs. Here are some key tips for maintaining them:
Regular Washing
Contrary to common belief, locs require regular washing to keep the scalp clean and promote healthy growth. To do this, use a residue-free shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent build-up.
Moisturizing
Hydrating the locs is essential to prevent dryness and breakage. You can apply natural oils like coconut oil or shea butter to your locs and scalp to keep them moisturized.
Gentle Maintenance
Be gentle while styling and maintaining your starter locs to avoid unnecessary stress on the hair strands. Over-manipulation can lead to thinning and breakage.
Patience and Time
Understanding that the journey to mature locs takes time and patience is vital. Avoid the urge to rush the process; let your hair evolve naturally.
Interlocking Helps Your Starter Locs Last Longer
When you first started your loc hair journey, you may have noticed that your loc was lasting long. This is where interlocking becomes beneficial.
This technique involves pulling the end of your locs back through the roots. It ensures your locs form smoothly without lumps. Compared to palm rolling, using this technique makes your retwists last longer.
In addition, instead of retwisting your hair once a month, by interlocking, you can wait up to 8 weeks because you won’t have to worry about them unraveling or becoming frizzy.
Interlocking is ideal if you have to wash your hair frequently. Additionally, it’s perfect for people with finer hair structure since it may take longer for hair to lock fully.
Embracing the Journey of Starter Locs
This coiffure is not merely a hairstyle change but a transformative journey. It’s a testament to patience, self-discovery, and embracing one’s natural beauty. So, if you’re considering this natural hair venture, remember: it’s not just about the destination; it’s about embracing and celebrating your look every step of the way.
