Macon Styles & Locs

Embracing the short stage of your loc journey is all about patience and self love. I enjoy accessorizing and dressing up so that my entire aesthetic
compliments my locs at this stage. I also love simple styles that elevate my look. There’s so much versatility. Make sure you join The Loc Doctress TikTok live Streams for faq’s, exclusive loc methods and much more.

Instant locking straight hair requires a different crochet approach, and many people haven’t gained the skills. I’ve been instant locking all hair types since 2009. As a Loctician, I focus on method and proper tools to get the job done. Straight hair doesn’t loc the same as coily hair so the approach is also different. It takes longer for straight hair to fully loc. I completed this job in 7 hours. I also do crochet training. Visit the link in my bio to start mastering your crochet skills today.

Now accepting new loc journies in our new location. Book today and enjoy the experience.

If you have traditional Locs, don’t randomly switch between interlocking and retwisting without a system to your routine or understanding of what your locs need. Otherwise you will begin seeing inconsistencies in your locs. Interlocking creates a different locking pattern than a retwist. Retwisting is a twist and turn temporary method, while interlocking is a permanent method that pulls the loc through the new growth so it doesn’t unravel. You should retwist in between interlock intervals.

For traditional-sized locs, I usually recommend interlocking only once there is sufficient new growth. This allows the new growth time to thicken before it’s interlocked. For many traditional loc clients, that can mean interlocking only 3–4 times a year, sometimes up to 5, depending on growth and density. This helps maintain the original size, texture, and pattern of the locs.

This advice does not apply to microlocs that are being retied on a 6-8 week schedule. That’s why the terminology is different. With microlocs, we refer to it as a retie, not an interlock, because the system and maintenance needs are completely different.

Retwisting, interlocking, and crochet all form the hair differently. Maintenance should never be one-size-fits-all. It has to be customized to the loc size, density, and locking system being used.

Interlocking creates double coils. Case and point: this interlock looks like 2 Locs twisted on the roo rather than one. Locs can split like this when the interlock is pulled through one space more than 3 times without alternating. The loc will separate at the base if done incorrectly. Alternatively, modified 2 point interlocking will create 1 coil from the root so it looks like a retwist rather than an interlock pattern. I’ll post more on that soon. Good news, this issue can be corrected without cutting it off.

Your parting system is your foundation.
Once locs mature, parts can be groomed but not completely redesigned without compromising the locs. I’ve seen people start their entire loc journey over just because they didn’t like their parts. For this reason, it’s best to know your parting preference before you get started.

Everyone who’s not a Loctician says “go months without a retwist and you’ll be fine” because they haven’t been behind the chair to see that the neglect method isn’t for everyone.
There are times when it’s recommended to go months without Retwisting. Primarily when the client has been exposed to tension and now the hair needs time to thicken up.

So retwisting too much (and tightly) can thin locs. But going too long between retwists can also cause problems. Excess growth allows new hair to revert back to loose natural hair, creating separation at the base and making locs appear thin or weak.Loc care is about balance, not extremes.

Tension related thinning can’t be fixed in one appointment.
Overgrowth, however, can be corrected by properly crocheting the loose hair back into the loc and then establishing a loc care routine.

There is no one size fits all schedule.
Your hair type, density, loc size, and growth rate determine how often maintenance is needed.

Healthy locs aren’t about doing more or less.
They’re about doing what’s right for your hair.

A level 2 crochet was done on this client. Level 2 offers security but not so hard/stiff that the locs lack flexibility. This is what many people are afraid of when it comes to crochet on their locs. You have to have control over crochet so that it’s not too stiff or too soft.

Crochet worked wonders in getting rid of frizz and bunching for this client. Some length was lost but not excessive. Approximately 1” shrinkage from crocheting which is minimal. Shrinkage is expected but it shouldn’t result in losing almost all your length.

2-strand twists are not locs yet. They are a protective style training to become locs. Until the hair matures, it is still prone to unraveling. This is a good thing for those who don’t want their hair to loc, and only want a temporary style. However its frustrating when starting your loc journey.

If you are washing often without banding or protecting the strands, the twist may start loosening up.

This happens even more with softer textures and finer density. Those hair types just need more support in the beginning.

Here are your options if unraveling keeps happening.

Interlocking the strand for reinforcement
This secures the hair from the inside so washing does not undo your progress. It is great if you want stability early on.

Crochet reinforcement
This helps pull loose hair back into the strand, control frizz, and help the loc mature without starting over.

Resetting and re two stranding the loose hair.

Starter locs will test your patience a little, but adjustments are part of the journey.

The goal is not perfection.
It is choosing the method that works best for your hair and your lifestyle ✨

Drop your tips and advice below.