Stages of Locs
Do you know there are different stages of Locs? If you've started your locs' journey or looking to start a locs it is always good to know what to expect on this beautiful natural journey.
Locs process takes patience, self-love, and maintenance as it takes time to go from the baby stage to the adult stage (approximately 21 months plus in total). Everyone has different hair types and diets so don't compare your locs' journey to someone else's journey.
Do you still love locs? Then continue reading to learn the different stages of locs and what to expect.
1. Starter Stage/ Baby Stage
Photo by Larry George II on Unsplash
The Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. The duration depends on your hair type and how fast your hair grows. There are different techniques used to start locs. You can choose which technique you prefer or one thats recommended by a loctician for your hair type. I mainly use 4 techniques to start locs;
1 Two Strand Twist
2 Comb Coils
3 Instant locs (with and without extension)
4 Freeform
Either way you choose to start your locs you have to prepare your mind body and spirit for your journey. Why is this? Because this stage can be rather trying as many people find their locs, become unraveled, or look ‘fluffy’ when washed or it can be very hard to maintain. But it’s important to remember that this stage is just part of the process and once your locs mature things will be slightly easier.
2. Budding Stage/ Sprouting Stage
image credit @Tía Sumia
The sprouting stage is where you start seeing results six to twelve months into your locs journey. By this stage, the hair will stop unraveling, and you will also see new growth. Your hair starts to intertwine at the tops of your coil after shampooing, and the locs will begin to have some thickness. This stage is when you must consistently and thoroughly shampoo your hair or clean it to avoid buildup, bumps, and weak spots. The budding stage for me is the phase where self-love is the key to taking you to the third step safely without being fed up or displeased with the natural look.
3. Teen Stage
The teenage stage is what most people consider the ugly stage of locs this is twelve to eighteen months into your journey. In this stage, the buds/sprouts genuinely begin to look like locs as they have swelled up to almost twice their original size. Locs at the teenage stage often look like they're not growing lengthwise or shrinking. I think this locs stage is the most exciting because this is where you can visualize the potential of your locs.
4. Mature Stage
The mature stage is where your locs become denser in size, noticeable in length, and there's minimal frizz; this is fifteen to eighteen months into your journey. You'll notice that you don't have to retwist your locs as much because your locs will have taken an excellent firm shape. At the mature stage, your locs are closed at the ends and are finally long enough to lie flat or hang down.
Adult Satge/Rooted Stage
The adult stage is the final stage of your locs journey; it is eighteen to twenty-one months into your journey. At the rooted stage, most of your locs would nearly be the same length and will feel heavier and more slender. After a few years of wearing your locs, there's a good chance that some locs may begin to thin and break off at the ends. Caring for your locs and being consistent can help minimize signs of age. So remember not to get too complacent and leave your locs without adequately cleansing and moisturizing them.
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