Tips For Natural Loc Grooming

By Lena Stephenson


The natural hair trend has been growing in popularity in recent years. Dreadlocks, one of the oldest hairstyles known to man, are one of the most popular choices for a natural hairstyle. Loc grooming is actually quite simple and very necessary to keeping the hair clean and healthy.

Washing dreadlocks is the same as with natural hair. Once a week is generally enough but more than once a week is acceptable if an individual has a particularly itchy scalp. Tepid water is best for washing and the focus should be the scalp, with any excess lather running down the locs. Natural shampoos are always best for this type of hairstyle and shampoo bars are particularly popular. Shampooing helps to keep dreads tight and also promotes growth, but newly twisted locs should get a couple of weeks to set before being shampooed.

Rinsing is one of the most important steps that must be carried out after shampooing. Mix water with apple cider vinegar and use this mixture as a after-shampoo rinse. The mixture will rid the hair of any shampoo residue, which could make the scalp itch and also affect the strength of the hair itself.

Conditioning your locs is easily done with natural products, of course. Shea butter, jojoba oil, rosemary oil and olive oil are all options you can use to condition. You should condition your hair right after shampooing and then again after about three days.

Making sure that the hair is completely dry is absolutely crucial. Locs that have not dried properly can get musty and also acquire mildew, which will make the hair smell after some time. The locs themselves will also get weaker if left damp. Normal towels leave behind lint, and so it is important to use a microfiber towel for drying. Air drying can be a lengthy process, so it is fine to sit under a dryer as well.

Taking care of the scalp is probably the most important part of caring for one's locs. Massaging the scalp is of great benefit, stimulating the blood flow and also hair growth. This should be done about three times a week with a light, hydrating oil. Keep some salt water in a spray bottle to spritz on locs whenever they need a little tightening. It will also keep them clean until the next wash.

New growth requires special attention and maintenance. Keep new growth neat by twisting hairs that are loose into locs that already exist. This will help the loose hairs to integrate well into the hairstyle. New growth can also be treated by palm rolling or by using a latch hook to tighten the roots. Use a headscarf at bedtime to protect the hair and keep the style neat.

There are many experts in this hairstyle, known as locticians, who can help with styling and maintaining one's locs. Shaquora R'Bey is known as Loctician to the Stars having worked on celebrities like Stevie Wonder, known for his locs. Shaquora is located in Brooklyn, NY and can be contacted for a personal consultation.




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