Loc Talk
As loc culture continues to evolve new terms, methods and descriptions surface all the time.
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Adult Locs: Adult locs occur between 18 and 24 months. Locs are no longer puffy and begin to grow exponentially. At this point your individual locs are completely meshed and intertwined together. Consistent growth occurs during this stage and your locs have distinct shape. New growth is also no longer scattered all over but is more constrained to the base of each individual loc. Re-twisting your locs becomes easier and typically less frequent at this stage.
Baby Locs: aka “Starter Locs” The beginning phase of your loc journey, the stage where you initially get your locs installed. Starter locs are easy to identify because they are typically very neat. You might also notice the hair looks quite “patchy” or “spaced” out at this phase. If you have thin hair this will be even more noticeable, but it will thicken up or “swell” over time. Hair is undone easily undone and prone to unraveling, particularly during washing. This is normal until your locs begin to develop more. Some of the more popular ways to start locs are two strand twists, comb coils, freeform, braid locs and microlocs and sisterlocs. This stage can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months and sometimes longer, depending on hair texture and rate of growth.
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Backcombing: Backcombing is the process of guiding the hair up in a backwards motion to the root. In doing so, creating more volume and adding thickness and texture to the hair. Backcoming is both a loc installation method and a loc maintenance method. It works particularly well with silky, finer type textured hair.
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Braidlocs: Braidlocs is a loc installation method that is started from braided hair. The loose hair is sectioned to the desired size and is braided. Over time, and with regular maintenance, the braid pattern
Brotherlocs: Along with Sisterocs, Brotherlocs are trademarked type of microlocs, created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. Distinguished by their small and uniform size, they are created using a precise grid pattern with a special interlocking technique that essentially builds the loc from the end of the hair to the root.
Budding: The budding stage, also known as “sprouting”, is the second stage of locs. The timeline for budding will vary by individual based on hair texture, length, density, and thickness. In this stage, the budding loc will be smooth and uniformed at the root until the mid shaft at which point small knots or buds begin to take shape. It is common for some sections to be loose while others start to form tighter knots and bumps.
​Comb Coils: A popular starter loc method created using a small comb to twist sections of hair into a tight, cylindrical shape.
Congo: Congos are formed when two or more locs naturally merge or are intentionally combined to create thicker locs. This type of lock often occurs in freeform or semi-freeform styles where sections of hair are not regularly separated. Congos have a distinctive look, with multiple locs joining at the base or along the length. They offer a unique, fuller appearance and are particularly low-maintenance, suitable for those who embrace a more natural aesthetic.
Dreadlocks or Locs: At one time these terms were used interchangeably. However in recent years, there has been some disassociation with term “dreadlocs” as it carries a negative connotation. Many in the loc’d community do not identify with the dreadful association and do not use the term. Locs refer to a hairstyle in which sections of hair are intentionally matted or knotted to form rope-like strands. This style can develop naturally over time by refraining from traditional combing or brushing. It can also be cultivated using various techniques like twisting, braiding, or backcombing, and interlocking to encourage the hair to become loc'd
Faux Locs: A temporary loc hairstyle, often used as a protective hairstyle. They can be installed with synthetic or human hair by either the braid-in or crochet method. Type of faux locs include:
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Genie Locs: Faux locs that are made from yarn. The yarn is then wrapped or braided into your natural hair.
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Goddess Locs: Faux Locs made with human hair. The installation method varies and can include crochet, twisting and braiding the human hair into your natural hair
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Freeform: Freeform locs develop naturally with little to no manipulation, allowing the hair to loc on its own over time. With freeform locs, the hair is not separated into specific sections, resulting in a more organic, irregular appearance. They can range from thin to very thick and may form in clusters. This style is ideal for individuals who prefer a low-maintenance approach, as freeform locks require minimal intervention beyond regular washing and moisturizing.
Interlocking: A loc maintenance method that involves threading the ends of your locs back through new growth at the root of your loc. This process creates a firm foundation, enabling your locs to mature securely. Interlocking can also be used as an installation method.
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Instant Locs: A starter loc method using back combing (teasing) and crocheting to create individual locs. This method is normally used for straighter hair textures or for those who want to skip the initial locing phase. This method creates locs that appear be mature from the very beginning of the installation.​
Latch Hook: A a type of crochet needle that is used to tighten or start locs. It has a handle and a wide “needle/hook" end that opens and closes. This tool is sometimes used to retighten locs.
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Locs: Locs refer to a hairstyle in which sections of hair are intentionally matted or knotted to form rope-like strands. This style can develop naturally over time by refraining from traditional combing or brushing. The hair eventually locks to itself. It can also be cultivated over time using various techniques like twisting, braiding, or backcombing, and interlocking to encourage the hair to become locked.
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Loctician: A hairstylist who specializes in the care, maintenance, and styling of locs, They are trained and experienced in various techniques specific to locs, including cultivating, maintaining, and styling them. The provide services such as consultation and education, installation, cleansing and conditioning, maintenance and repair
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Loc Anniversary: This is the annual day in recognition of when you started your locs or began your loc journey. It is also sometimes referred to as your loc birthday.
Loc Extensions: The process of adding hair (human or synthetic) to your existing locs, adding length, fullness and volume. The extensions can be added as loose hair or can be a pre-made or hand made loc. Loc extensions can be permanent or temporary styling option.
Loc Installation: This is the firsts step of beginning your locs. It is the literal process of getting locs installed or put in. Installation can be done by using one or a few of the loc starter methods on your loose hair or by adding loc extensions.
Loc Journey: This is a chronicle of your loc experiences. It encompasses feelings, changes ( both physical and emotional) that you will go through locs take form. The journey has a distinct beginning but continues on and will ebb and flow as you make life and loc choices.
Loc Maintenance: Loc maintenance refers to the regular care and upkeep required to keep locs healthy, clean, and well-groomed. This process helps maintain the shape, strength, and integrity of the locs while preventing issues like buildup, thinning, breakage, or unraveling.
Microlocs: Microlocs are much smaller than traditional locs, often similar in size to natural hair strands or braids. They offer a lightweight and flexible style with a high level of versatility in styling. Microlocs can be created using a variety of methods, such as interlocking or two-strand twists, and are suitable for all hair types. They require regular maintenance, typically involving retightening every 4-8 weeks. Due to their smaller size, microlocs can create the appearance of loose, natural hair while still being fully locked.
Palm Roll (Rewtist): Palm roll also commonly known as retwist, is maintenance technique used to help shape and tighten locs by rolling them between the palms of the hands. This method is commonly used to smooth out frizz, encourage uniform loc formation, and keep the locs neat and well-defined.
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Retightening (Retie/ Tightening): A loc maintenance method by tightening the new growth at the roots to keep the locs health, secure and groomed. The process involves weaving the new growth back into the loc using a tool like a latch hook, interlocking needle, or by hand.
Retwist (Palmroll): Retwist also commonly known as palm roll, is maintenance technique used to help shape and tighten locs by rolling them between the palms of the hands. This method is commonly used to smooth out frizz, encourage uniform loc formation, and keep the locs neat and well-defined.
Sisterlocks: Starter locs are the initial stage of one’s loc journey. They are formed by gathering loose hair into sections of varying size (depending on preference) and manually reinforcing the natural process of tangling, matting, and encasing to eventually form a mature loc.
Starter Locs: Starter locs are the initial stage of one’s loc journey. They are formed by gathering loose hair into sections of varying size (depending on preference) and manually reinforcing the natural process of tangling, matting, and encasing to eventually form a mature loc
Teenage Locs: Teenage locs are one of the four stages of locs. This period is characterized by unruly semi formed locs that typically do not lay flat. They tend to stick up and out in various directions in defiance of being refined of controlled. Their headstrong and rebellious nature lends itself to the name “teenage” where the hair seems to have a mind of its own.​
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Traditional locs: Traditional locs are the most common type of locs. They are characterized by medium to large sized locs that can range in diameter from pencil to parker size. They can be started using various methods and are quite versatile allowing for a range of styling options.
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As loc culture continues to evolve new terms, methods and descriptions surface all the time. Help us keep our glossary current by suggesting an addition.