Healthy locs are beautiful locs, which is why the best loc maintenance routines focus on keeping your strands strong, hydrated, and comfortable. Developing a care routine that not only enhances the natural beauty of your locs but also strengthens them starts with knowing what healthy locs look like and how to maintain them.
Locs look different at every stage, but here are three signs that mature locs are healthy and thriving.
Here are a few signs that your locs are healthy and tips for keeping them that way.
Resilient Texture
While the shape and texture of locs depend on what stage they’re in, mature locs should have a firm, but relatively flexible texture.
- If your strands feel dry and brittle or heavy and filmy, this may be a sign that it’s time to switch up your hydration products.
- A silk amino acid-infused rosewater for locs spray is a great way to add a resiliency-boosting dose of nourishment and hydration to your loc care routine.
Clear Scalp
If you dealt with a flakey, dry scalp during the early stages of your locs, you’re in good company. Experiencing minor scalp irritation in those stages is common, as new products, a different wash schedule, and tension can disrupt your scalp’s natural balance. However, with time and nourishing loc maintenance products, your scalp should feel hydrated and appear clear.
A healthy scalp should be free from flakes, product buildup, and visible inflammation. It should also look clear and feel free from itchiness or discomfort.
Strong Edges
When you picture yourself with strong, healthy hair, you probably envision a thick, full hairline. You know how fragile edges can be, so the health of these delicate strands is a great sign of how your scalp is reacting to different styles, including locs. Healthy edges are thick, full, and even, with minimal shedding or breakage. With proper loc care and maintenance, locs shouldn’t cause strain on your hairline.
Everyone’s hairline is a little different; plenty of factors can cause temporary damage to the health of your baby’s hair, from hormonal changes to seasonal transitions. However, if you start to notice excessive breakage or thinning, this may be a sign that you’re retwisting or retightening your locs too frequently or wearing them in high-tension styles too often or for too long.
Bonus: Misconceptions About Healthy Locs
Ultimately, healthy locs are about strong hair and a balanced scalp, but there are plenty of misconceptions about what locs “should” look like. However, since the size and shape of locs vary based on sectioning patterns, starting methods, and hair types, healthy locs aren’t necessarily uniform! Whether you’re rocking freeform locs or carefully manicured tresses, as long as your scalp and hair are healthy, pay no mind to anyone who tells you how your locs “should” look.
Remember: Your locs are a celebration of your inherent beauty. As long as your crown is strong and healthy, your locs will be too.
How to Maintain Healthy Locs
Great habits and high-quality ingredients are two main ways to keep locs healthy. Here’s what to know about a few key loc care practices, as well as what ingredients to look for in loc care products.
The two main ways to keep locs healthy are great habits and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what to know about a few key loc care practices, as well as what ingredients to look for in loc care products.
- Hydrate Wisely:
While a great moisturizer cream for hair styling is a staple of any textured hair routine, some products are better for loc care than others. When hydrating your locs, look for lightweight, water-based products made with naturally nourishing ingredients.
Since certain synthetic ingredients, like non-water soluble silicones, can actually block your strands from receiving moisture, choosing water-based moisturizing products can keep your locs hydrated and healthy.
- Dry Locs with Love:
Start your wash day early in the morning to give your locs plenty of time to dry. After you’ve washed your locs with a clarifying shampoo, section them and squeeze out any water with your hands and a microfiber towel. Be careful not to wring your hair, as this can cause damage.
Letting your locs fully dry is the best way to keep them strong, healthy, and happy. Going to bed with, styling, or applying moisture-trapping products on wet locs can cause mildewing and lead to an unpleasant odor. While air drying your locs is ideal, if you’re pressed for time, you can use a blow dryer on low heat with a diffuser attachment to speed up the process. Once your locs are dry, nourish them with your favorite scalp and strand oil.
- Treat Yourself to Beauty Sleep:
Consistent, deep sleep is truly the secret to beauty and health, but there are a few additional ways to maximize your beauty sleep for hair health. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or in a silk bonnet might sound like a no-brainer, but this is especially important for loc care.
Silk causes less friction, minimizing frizz and breakage from occurring while you sleep and helping your locs maintain their shape.
- Get to Know a Loctician:
Regularly visiting a trusted loctician is a great way to maintain your locs, understand natural changes in your hair, and choose great products. Locticians are trained to spot thinning and breakage, as well as scalp concerns, making them great resources for product recommendations and care advice.
A great loctician can help whether you’re wondering if the ingredients in a leave in conditioning milk are safe for your locs, want to make sure your locs are strong, or need a trim.
A great loctician can help whether you’re wondering if the ingredients in a leave in conditioning milk are safe for your locs, want to make sure your locs are strong, or need a trim.
Ideal Ingredients:
An ideal loc maintenance routine clarifies, hydrates, and nourishes your hair with high-performance ingredients like:
Citric Acid
This natural compound balances your scalp’s pH levels and acts as a gentle exfoliant, helping to clear away dry skin or product build-up. Plus, this ingredient gives locs a boost of shine while reducing frizz.
Argan Oil
Thanks to its high fatty acid content, this nourishing ingredient offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective benefits, making it incredible for scalp and hair health.
Rosewater
A vitamin-rich rosewater for locs spray is one of the best ways to provide your hair with a boost of hydration and nourishment throughout the day. Since rosewater naturally contains vitamins A, B3, C, and E, this ingredient is a great way to nourish your locs without weighing them down.
Calendula Extract
This restorative ingredient has been used to address a variety of skin concerns, like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. By promoting circulation and providing a soothing experience, this ingredient can help keep your locs and scalp nourished.
When you know how to spot healthy, happy locs, it’s easier to keep your wash and styling routines on the right track and vice versa. With these tips and ingredients for healthy locs, you can feel confident in your crown.