I braid mine every night in 6-8 big braids and wear a satin lined cap. My hair is soft with loose curls, so it’s necessary to prevent raveling. I also trim my ends every 6-8 weeks. I wash my hair every two weeks while it’s braided and banded. I’m 5 months locked, and I’m doing it all on my own, including the install. Definitely no regrets!!!!
Some tips as someone who’s 7 months in w 350+ locs. 1. Slippage will decrease w time. You will need to interlock alllll the sections w slippage. It’s more study than a twist. In the beginning plan to retie the perimeter of your hair every 3-4 weeks until they get more solid. That’s what I did w my slippage prone sections! 2. Wash your hair with only clarifying shampoo. No conditioners. No leave ins. No oils. Wash when your hair is dirty, lather twice and RINSE IT WELL. 3. When you workout, braid or cornrow your hair down. That should help w slippage! 4. Buy a three way mirror for your reties so you can see the back of your head. In your case you’ll probably have to do a good amount of reparting. Hope this helps, and just know reties are the most time staking part of the process but you will get faster! This style is life changing and I also hope more people find out about it so our access to locticians increases! Edited to add: Bunching is absolutely *normal* and is actually part of the process. It’s only a problem when they get too big and make it hard to pull the loc through the roots during reties. Braiding and banding for 6 months at minimum will prevent excessive bunching and yield more uniform locs.
Loc journies aren’t for the weak! Might be time to fire your loctician though, she should not have charged you 1000 dollars if she was not able to teach you how to properly maintain this style.
Unfortunately there are MANY out here who have no real knowledge of hair and the stages of care. They just learn how to do the basics and start making money.
I love that everyone is sharing their knowledge and their journey, I wish I would’ve found this channel before having my micro LOC’s with extensions installed 🤦🏾♀️
@@TheMamaGreen I cut the rest of my extensions out because they were falling out and I now love my locs, but I have a lot of frizz on top of my head. I am trying to learn how to retie my own hair.
Sis, I got mine 1 month after you. I have decided to start to maintain my own as well. I go to my person every six weeks and ALL she does is wash and re-tie my hair. I have seen a couple of my locs with holes in them, she never mentions it, she never even seems to examine my locs. It is simply wash, re-tie and go and I pay almost $300 for that. I have found a new person who I will see at the end of this month. She seems to care about hair, but I don't think she likes installing micro locs. My goal is to get her to assess the status of my locs, possibly marry some of them, then take over doing it myself. I have decided to do the 2 point rotation and I researched every video about that process. I know to braid and band my hair when I wash it. I have reviewed the videos about how to repair holes in locs so after this consultation, I will start the process of doing my own locs. I am ordering the appropriate tool to retie microlocs and the 3 way mirror. If you're a praying person, pray for me.
I am definitely a praying person and I will pray for your journey sis. I want to say I so appreciate you asking if I am, shows that you respect that others may have different beliefs. I wouldn't worry so much about the holes so early. They'll close up. I have some holes naturally from my two-strand twists that have locked up.
I’m in Los Angeles also and I have micro locs but I go to a salon that specializes in sister locs. While they did not establish my micro locs, they maintain my hair quite well. I’ve been locked for 10 months. Like you said, micro locs are relatively new but sister locs have been around for many years and the final look of micro locs are essentially the same. The salon I go to is called Naturally You. It’s in Inglewood. The owner’s name is Connie. She’s very nice and knowledgeable. My suggestion is when searching for a stylist, look for some who is versed in sister locks. Hope this helps.
Thank you Sherrie! So happy to hear your journey is going well. I've found a salon near me. Self maintaining and visit a loctician 3-4x a year to check on hair health
I understand, as I am a hairstylist, with microlocs that installed my very own microlocs 4 times now, on my own head and hair. I've combed them out three separate times over a period of 3 years when the pandemic occurred in yr. 2020. I have been adamant about my own hair practices, and no one better to try them out on than myself. Sloppage is common and certainly normal. Especially if your microlocs were installed without interlocking the roots or starting them off with a braid, then going into a two-strand twist. YOU CAN DO THIS. IT IS POSSIBLE. The fact that I have done my own when I had no experience installing microlocs, tet O researched so much and was already equipped with styling hair; this was my advantage. I hope you are feeling better about your hair; it's beautiful! I know the excitement wears off when you find locs coming unraveled and the job of looking for an established/ seasoned stylist who knows exactly what they're doing. Keep The Faith in God, it will get better. This is only the beginning and you'll be so grateful for sticking it out.
I have traditional locs but I appreciate your vulnerability and transparency about your journey. Locs in any capacity is a journey of learning and re-learning your hair. Maintaining your hair yourself teaches you many things about your scalp, texture, needs, etc. If that's what you need, DO IT. Cheering you on! 🎉
I can definitely relate to this! I reached your level of frustration before finally combing out and re-doing my locs recently. I also didn't braid and band and it was a mess. I think one thing to keep in mind is just know that the first year will be rough with slippage, bunching etc. Finding a good loctitian thay genuinely cares for hair, has experience and isnt just doing it to make money. Going frequently (not even waiting 6-8 weeks) will also be key especially with how active you are.
Thank you so much for sharing! Yeah, this first 6 months have been challenging and having an encouraging and caring loctician is key. I found a new one who is local and she confirmed my loss are in good health. I just need more frequent reties. What ultimately led you to combing out your locs. I'm sure that was a difficult point to reach.
I am a cosmetologist with Sister Loc😢's on my head for 2 years . I do micro locks. Communication is a big key to every business relationship with a client.
I’m so surprised the loctitian did not educate you. I have my consults next month but I have a notebook full of tips just from watching videos like this. And I still have a ton of question s for her because she will be doing my reties! I really need to feel prepared because I also work out etc
She's new in her journey and hasn't had experience, but I do think she could have taken more initiative to educate herself instead of me having to lead myself given what I was paying her. but then again it is my hair. PLEASE share some of the tips xoxo congrats on your journey
Once you get use to having them and doing them yourself, you will be fine. This looks normal to me for the first few months. When you start them yourself, and maintain them as needed as opposed to going to a stylist, it's less stressful. You get into the journey of your hair and knowing it. I believe you will enjoy it more. Good decision to self- maintain. I see this video is 3 months old. Hopefully you've gotten into your rhythm. Peace
I also think that your loctician should interlock all the way down so that it won’t slip out due to your lifestyle. That way you won’t have issues in the Long run
That would be considered a sister loc. my hair has been reaally interesting. During my first follow up appointment, some of the locs were nearly interlocked entirely and they still unraveled. I figured out a solution that has helped and will share soon. This video is a few months old 😢
@@TheMamaGreen No sisterlocs are a specific size and grid. What you'd have are microlocs that are interlocd. Listening to your video it doesn't sound as if your loctician told you anything. With as much as you exercise you should have been scheduled for reties much sooner than you mentioned in your first video. Have you heard of Gym Wrap by Nicole Ari Parker? I believe they now sell these wraps in Target. You need to braid your hair down when you exercise and wrap your hair. The goal is to keep it dry as much as you can. if you must wash then braid and band and keep it banded until it is dry (use overhead dryer if you have one). Do you know what rotation loctician was using with your hair? Hopefully the new loctician should get you on better track with getting your grid back together. You said this was old video so I'm not sure if the new consultant explained what bunching is and how your lack of maintenance instructions were contributing to it. If not and if you haven't found video yet I can forward a few to you. Not sure who you followed before but bookmark the playlists of Queen Eleem2*, Kendra Kenshay, Josette Bianca, Tanish Fortson*, Khalila Tanae and Tay La Dawn*. They are all much further along in their microloc journeys but these are a few that I studied when I self installed my own microlocs. They have playlists outlining how they started and the various challenges along the way. The best thing is that you'll see that they all got through it to the various stages they are at today. You'll get through this beginning stage also and your journey will be your testimony to patience.
@@beingmichelleg You are very knowledgeable and everything you said is sooo true. When exercising and washing the hair, the hair has to be braided or put away for no to little slippage.
I am two months into my microloc journey. I have fine soft hair and I am also very active. I originally wanted 2-strand twists but my Locticians (yep 2 of them; they do tag team installs and reties) advised interlocking so I went with it. I didn’t love how much of my scalp was showing with this method but they have thickened up a good bit and I have had minimal slippage. Six of my locs slipped completely and another 2 or 3 slipped partially. All of my slippage has been around the perimeter of my head. I do braid and band on wash days but when I am working out, they gave me the ok to just tie it down.
I think we get into our heads too much when it comes to taking care of our hair. You can totally get a 3 way mirror (or use your phone, a tablet and video call yourself) so that you can see your parts and your locs. Take your time to retighten your hair. Choose a 3 or 4 point rotation because your hair is quite silky with a looser curl.
Hi sis. First, your locs look great. They appear to be doing well. It will take years for them to matre, so please don't freak out at 4 months! You will have to keep retieing your roots to combat slippage. It's 100% normal. Those locs in the back will have to keep being redone until they mature. Sections will do different things because we have different textures in our heads. Some locs will be perfect and some will have special needs. Work on each loc according to its needs. Your lifestyle will cause you to have to do more maintenance, especially in the first couple of years. It will get better. I'd suggest wearing them in twists, plaits or braids the majority of the time until they get more mature. Find a better loctician. If we can watch videos and give you good advice, the damn loctician should at least be able to do the same. Jeez! Follow some Sisterlock pages; their maintenance processing should give you some good insights. Finally, again, your locs look to be in good condition. I hope you don't give up! I bet they'll be the best thing for your active lifestyle in the long run. Good luck and much love to you. ❤❤❤
I had a lot of slippage that decreased over time. I’m now 6 months in. I workout 4-5 times a week. Braiding and banding or corn rolling is key. You may need more frequent reties even if it’s just the areas with a lot of slippage which for me was the back and perimeter.
Braiding you hair nightly will help with bunching! Also, slippage is the norm until your hair locks. I was frustrated a lot up until last month, but I’ve learned a lot on how to maintain it and prevent the slippage and bunching.
You would have to retie more often since your hair has a lot of moisture. Braid and ban before working out. That were learning to do it yourself will come in handy.
I’ve had microlocs started with twists for about 15 months and after the year mark decided to take down the twisted part and braid it. My roots are completely locked, but the twists just kept shrinking and bunching to the point where the locs were as thick as small traditional locs. My hair is fine and soft, but very coily, which means that it does loc, but the softer textures tend to slip out of the braids. During the first year I’d spent countless hours correcting slippage. My problem was that my hair is better suited for braidlocs, which I knew to begin with, but let my loctician talk me into twists because they loc faster. This is true, but I didn’t like the way the twists were locking. Interestingly enough, my loctician now recommends braids for finer textures (I follow her Instagram page). In any event, I’ve spent hundreds of hours correcting this mistake, but I think it was the right move. If I had to do it all over again, I’d just get braids. Just food for thought. I hope it’s useful and best of luck on your journey.
Ok so it sounds like your research was incomplete. Micolocs are not a hairstyle but a lifestyle. They work on all types of African hair but softer finer textures take longer to loc and they may need interlocking and not palm rolling, braidloc or twist locs. There is nothing wrong with your hair at all. Its perfect. Your loctican is a sweet crook to charge you that amount of money (veterans charge this) and didnt properly inform you of the process, hair education and all those questions you had. I pad $600 and my loctican asked me so many questions, did a survey of my hair to identify 3 types of hair textures and the health of my hair and any thing I needed to improve any areas of weakness , I had a phone face time and a in-person consult. Its suppose to be educational. We have to better vet these stylist. Im sorry you had this experience.
Your hair looks great I’m on my second set last one I had for tens years and I had a lot of energy I wanted to release. But with this second journey I’ve noticed a difference from my first but it definitely is a different journey. I say just take it in strides only you know your hair best and the locing process is different for everyone. You got this and it will get better ❤
Because of your lifestyle I would've suggested for you to start your process with braid locks then interlock at the roots. You would be good. Twisting, no matter the texture often comes down and experience tremendous slippage. Also, bunching is apart of the process. I know I'm 7 months late. So I hope you didn't comb that out. Your locks did not look that bad at this point to me. It looks salvageable. I hope you love them now. They're beautiful!
I would say your Loctician was not a real loctician. All the information you seek should have been answered or asked. Lifestyle, how you style your hair, do you apply heat, hair type/density, how often do you wash your hair, products you put in your hair. All that plays a factor. And then they should be telling you how to treat your hair until you get back in the chair for a retie. But the fact that you weren’t taught to braid and band is very telling on the person that did your hair. This video is old so I do hope your hair is thriving and you’re happy ❤
I've done temporary micro locs in my hair and I do my brothers' locs. One thing I did with my hair when I had temporary locs in is just finger twisting after I work out. The slippage is not that bad honestly you just need to make sure you keep the grid your loctician began. Also you should put your hair in two buns when you work out. This helps keep your locs stretched and helps reduce the frizz from the sweating. You should still finger twist almost immediately after you workout. I would recommend using other products to wash your hair if you absolutely HAVE to wash your hair once a week. A part of locing your is not washing it. You really shouldn't wash it twice a week. If you're worried about the smell maybe use hair safe essential oils.
If you had done a consultation where they asked you about your lifestyle, they would've likely recommended starting with braids instead of twists. Also, I'm a runner and I use a Bondi Band. Works great for absorbing sweat and reduced my slippage around the perimeter of my hair.
Girrrl, thank you so very, very, very much. My hair is doing the same exact thing. I feel the same way, and you are so right it was a lot of money and time to invest without the research first. Thank you for making this video because I'm going to also figure it out and do my own. Again, I say THANK YOU
This is an interesting video and very informative. Something that sticks out to me is the slippage, especially with interlocking. There should minimal to no slipping if interlocking is performed correctly. By definition, it would almost be impossible for a loc to "slip" if done correctly which is why I prefer it to crotechting. I'm curious to know have things gotten better?
😔 The start of your journey is heartbreaking. I truly hope you can figure things out. That bunching is no joke. And neither is getting through the first two years of the journey. Not for the weak thats for sure. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for watching and sending best wishes. Yes, I'm figuring things out and my hair is in good shape. Coming with an update soon. How long have you been loc'd?
@@TheMamaGreen My two year locaversary was October 10, 2023. My locs are 95 percent mature and I really like the appearance. I interlock using 2 point rotation. I have 176 small traditional or larger microlocs. I ended up cutting off the bunched ends. Combing out or cutting off the locs and starting over were not options for me. Some may say I compromised the integrity of my locs by cutting off the bunched. However, judging by the appearance of my locs today, I did the right thing and all is well. My locs are short due to the cut and the shrinkage... each loc only about 3-4 inches long... but the length will eventually come. It was like starting over without starting over. My only regret is that I should have started my locs with braid locs or interlocking all the way down. My hair texture did NOT do well with two strand twists.
Thank you for this videos and THANK all for the comments!! I’m going to start my journey 8.22.24 and I’m so excited. I’m going to color my hair prior to my install any thoughts or advice?!
awe! congrats. how did it go? enjoy the journey, don't compare, find a loctician you trust even if you self maintain and only see them from time to time.
There aren’t a lot of options for loctitions in LA? I honestly don’t know I’m up in Sac area and I have an amazing loctition. Def respect wanting to learn how to do your reties. I’d like to learn sometime
Thank you for sharing story. I'm doing extensive research last few weeks after 1st sisteroc consult. I've understood Knotted Locs is another option to retightening . Learned it's for folks that's in 💧 water gym . You can do yourself by following and listening to your hair path. Believe the creator is Melissa Blake that's in "London " with many TH-cam videos. ✨️ wishing you well in process❤
Try Loc Lov Salon in Los Angeles. I am contemplating going for a consultation. The only red flag is that the site says that you can go into the salon for a consultation but when you try to schedule online there are only video consultations offered.
Bunching is part of the locking process. If you want to avoid bunching there are a couple of things you can do. Also, what you are calling slippage looks like new growth. Your hair is growing fast. Maybe your hair needs to be re-tied every 4 weeks in stead of 6 to 8 weeks.
Thank you! I got the bunching together, but did realize most of what I thought was bunching was just a part of the process. I was absolutely experiencing extreme slipping. I started braiding and banding and it wasn't an issue. With that under control, I now retie every 6 weeks.
4:27 What more research could you have done? This is also why i kind want 2 loctition just in case one moves away or for me to also be able to do it myself
Bunching can be caused by a number of things. Could be the locking pattern they are using is not for your hair texture, maybe the maintenance habits are incorrect, the type of products are your putting in your hair can also cause bunching. That is why you need a loctician who understands natural hair, not just how to apply locs. An investment in your hair takes form in many ways.❤
Bunching is a normal part of the locking process! If they get too big then it’s hard to pull locs through the roots during reties. Braiding and banding will prevent excessive bunching!
Mmm that loctition did not seem as professional. She should have given you the guidance on how to take your hair in the first place. She shouldn't have just done your hair but assess it and give you guidance based on your hair.
Love your hair. Please don’t take this the wrong way but be modest with the upper area because it can distract some people. A dress as in the picture covers your torso and chest adequately
I have 3b/3c/4a mix thick soft hair and my 1st journey I learned coils 100% does not work for my hair it will unravel at the slightest things after 5 months I gave up. My 2nd journey I did instant locs with extensions it worked and looked good but the extensions were extremely heavy on my hair especially when they got wet it was causing a lot of tension on the roots after 1 1/2yr I did a big chop. I’m on my 3rd journey I did 2 strand twist and interlock the roots I’m absolutely loving this journey it’s the easiest and most freeing journey I’ve had 🥰 if at first you don’t succeed try try again. This is a learning process don’t be afraid to switch it up or try new different ways or techniques if something isn’t working sometimes you gotta experiment until you find something that works for you 🫶🏾
I braid mine every night in 6-8 big braids and wear a satin lined cap. My hair is soft with loose curls, so it’s necessary to prevent raveling. I also trim my ends every 6-8 weeks. I wash my hair every two weeks while it’s braided and banded. I’m 5 months locked, and I’m doing it all on my own, including the install. Definitely no regrets!!!!
Wow! Congrats girl! What products do you use?
Some tips as someone who’s 7 months in w 350+ locs.
1. Slippage will decrease w time. You will need to interlock alllll the sections w slippage. It’s more study than a twist. In the beginning plan to retie the perimeter of your hair every 3-4 weeks until they get more solid. That’s what I did w my slippage prone sections!
2. Wash your hair with only clarifying shampoo. No conditioners. No leave ins. No oils. Wash when your hair is dirty, lather twice and RINSE IT WELL.
3. When you workout, braid or cornrow your hair down. That should help w slippage!
4. Buy a three way mirror for your reties so you can see the back of your head. In your case you’ll probably have to do a good amount of reparting.
Hope this helps, and just know reties are the most time staking part of the process but you will get faster! This style is life changing and I also hope more people find out about it so our access to locticians increases!
Edited to add: Bunching is absolutely *normal* and is actually part of the process. It’s only a problem when they get too big and make it hard to pull the loc through the roots during reties. Braiding and banding for 6 months at minimum will prevent excessive bunching and yield more uniform locs.
Thank you for your guidance! Do you have any shampoo suggestions
Thank you for sharing 🥰
This is the best advice! Thank you! I am 2 1/2 months in..
the aveeno clarifying shampoo is my holy grail
Great tips.
Loc journies aren’t for the weak! Might be time to fire your loctician though, she should not have charged you 1000 dollars if she was not able to teach you how to properly maintain this style.
def not for the week! yeah, i was a bit bummed
Unfortunately there are MANY out here who have no real knowledge of hair and the stages of care. They just learn how to do the basics and start making money.
I love that everyone is sharing their knowledge and their journey, I wish I would’ve found this channel before having my micro LOC’s with extensions installed 🤦🏾♀️
I'm so happy I decided to post this video, I almost didn't. How's your journey going?
@@TheMamaGreen I cut the rest of my extensions out because they were falling out and I now love my locs, but I have a lot of frizz on top of my head. I am trying to learn how to retie my own hair.
Sis, I got mine 1 month after you. I have decided to start to maintain my own as well. I go to my person every six weeks and ALL she does is wash and re-tie my hair. I have seen a couple of my locs with holes in them, she never mentions it, she never even seems to examine my locs. It is simply wash, re-tie and go and I pay almost $300 for that. I have found a new person who I will see at the end of this month. She seems to care about hair, but I don't think she likes installing micro locs. My goal is to get her to assess the status of my locs, possibly marry some of them, then take over doing it myself. I have decided to do the 2 point rotation and I researched every video about that process. I know to braid and band my hair when I wash it. I have reviewed the videos about how to repair holes in locs so after this consultation, I will start the process of doing my own locs. I am ordering the appropriate tool to retie microlocs and the 3 way mirror. If you're a praying person, pray for me.
I am definitely a praying person and I will pray for your journey sis. I want to say I so appreciate you asking if I am, shows that you respect that others may have different beliefs. I wouldn't worry so much about the holes so early. They'll close up. I have some holes naturally from my two-strand twists that have locked up.
Your skin is soooo BEAUTIFUL.🤩
Awe thank you xoxo
I’m in Los Angeles also and I have micro locs but I go to a salon that specializes in sister locs. While they did not establish my micro locs, they maintain my hair quite well. I’ve been locked for 10 months. Like you said, micro locs are relatively new but sister locs have been around for many years and the final look of micro locs are essentially the same. The salon I go to is called Naturally You. It’s in Inglewood. The owner’s name is Connie. She’s very nice and knowledgeable. My suggestion is when searching for a stylist, look for some who is versed in sister locks. Hope this helps.
Thank you Sherrie! So happy to hear your journey is going well. I've found a salon near me. Self maintaining and visit a loctician 3-4x a year to check on hair health
I understand, as I am a hairstylist, with microlocs that installed my very own microlocs 4 times now, on my own head and hair. I've combed them out three separate times over a period of 3 years when the pandemic occurred in yr. 2020. I have been adamant about my own hair practices, and no one better to try them out on than myself. Sloppage is common and certainly normal. Especially if your microlocs were installed without interlocking the roots or starting them off with a braid, then going into a two-strand twist. YOU CAN DO THIS. IT IS POSSIBLE. The fact that I have done my own when I had no experience installing microlocs, tet O researched so much and was already equipped with styling hair; this was my advantage. I hope you are feeling better about your hair; it's beautiful! I know the excitement wears off when you find locs coming unraveled and the job of looking for an established/ seasoned stylist who knows exactly what they're doing. Keep The Faith in God, it will get better. This is only the beginning and you'll be so grateful for sticking it out.
Thank you so much for the encouragement! We in this!
I have traditional locs but I appreciate your vulnerability and transparency about your journey. Locs in any capacity is a journey of learning and re-learning your hair. Maintaining your hair yourself teaches you many things about your scalp, texture, needs, etc. If that's what you need, DO IT. Cheering you on! 🎉
I can definitely relate to this! I reached your level of frustration before finally combing out and re-doing my locs recently. I also didn't braid and band and it was a mess. I think one thing to keep in mind is just know that the first year will be rough with slippage, bunching etc. Finding a good loctitian thay genuinely cares for hair, has experience and isnt just doing it to make money. Going frequently (not even waiting 6-8 weeks) will also be key especially with how active you are.
Thank you so much for sharing! Yeah, this first 6 months have been challenging and having an encouraging and caring loctician is key. I found a new one who is local and she confirmed my loss are in good health. I just need more frequent reties.
What ultimately led you to combing out your locs. I'm sure that was a difficult point to reach.
I am a cosmetologist with Sister Loc😢's on my head for 2 years . I do micro locks. Communication is a big key to every business relationship with a client.
so big!
I’m so surprised the loctitian did not educate you. I have my consults next month but I have a notebook full of tips just from watching videos like this. And I still have a ton of question s for her because she will be doing my reties!
I really need to feel prepared because I also work out etc
She's new in her journey and hasn't had experience, but I do think she could have taken more initiative to educate herself instead of me having to lead myself given what I was paying her. but then again it is my hair.
PLEASE share some of the tips xoxo congrats on your journey
Omg is there any way I can purchase this notebook?!
Once you get use to having them and doing them yourself, you will be fine. This looks normal to me for the first few months. When you start them yourself, and maintain them as needed as opposed to going to a stylist, it's less stressful. You get into the journey of your hair and knowing it. I believe you will enjoy it more. Good decision to self- maintain. I see this video is 3 months old. Hopefully you've gotten into your rhythm. Peace
I also think that your loctician should interlock all the way down so that it won’t slip out due to your lifestyle. That way you won’t have issues in the Long run
That would be considered a sister loc. my hair has been reaally interesting. During my first follow up appointment, some of the locs were nearly interlocked entirely and they still unraveled. I figured out a solution that has helped and will share soon. This video is a few months old 😢
@@TheMamaGreen No sisterlocs are a specific size and grid. What you'd have are microlocs that are interlocd.
Listening to your video it doesn't sound as if your loctician told you anything. With as much as you exercise you should have been scheduled for reties much sooner than you mentioned in your first video.
Have you heard of Gym Wrap by Nicole Ari Parker? I believe they now sell these wraps in Target. You need to braid your hair down when you exercise and wrap your hair. The goal is to keep it dry as much as you can. if you must wash then braid and band and keep it banded until it is dry (use overhead dryer if you have one).
Do you know what rotation loctician was using with your hair? Hopefully the new loctician should get you on better track with getting your grid back together. You said this was old video so I'm not sure if the new consultant explained what bunching is and how your lack of maintenance instructions were contributing to it. If not and if you haven't found video yet I can forward a few to you.
Not sure who you followed before but bookmark the playlists of Queen Eleem2*, Kendra Kenshay, Josette Bianca, Tanish Fortson*, Khalila Tanae and Tay La Dawn*. They are all much further along in their microloc journeys but these are a few that I studied when I self installed my own microlocs. They have playlists outlining how they started and the various challenges along the way. The best thing is that you'll see that they all got through it to the various stages they are at today. You'll get through this beginning stage also and your journey will be your testimony to patience.
@@beingmichelleg You are very knowledgeable and everything you said is sooo true. When exercising and washing the hair, the hair has to be braided or put away for no to little slippage.
So many good insights thank you for sharing. Adding to my information bank@@beingmichelleg
@@Brownmahfun Learned a lot from the TH-camrs I mentioned above - have to share so she doesn't quit on her beautiful set!
Yes Go girl, Energy matters. Dont allow no negativity sprinkler do your locs. You'll see the difference, hun. Goodluck🎉
I am two months into my microloc journey. I have fine soft hair and I am also very active. I originally wanted 2-strand twists but my Locticians (yep 2 of them; they do tag team installs and reties) advised interlocking so I went with it. I didn’t love how much of my scalp was showing with this method but they have thickened up a good bit and I have had minimal slippage. Six of my locs slipped completely and another 2 or 3 slipped partially. All of my slippage has been around the perimeter of my head. I do braid and band on wash days but when I am working out, they gave me the ok to just tie it down.
Sounds like your journey is going well! and I love that you had two locticians. It's half the time and same amount of money. benefit for both
I think we get into our heads too much when it comes to taking care of our hair. You can totally get a 3 way mirror (or use your phone, a tablet and video call yourself) so that you can see your parts and your locs. Take your time to retighten your hair. Choose a 3 or 4 point rotation because your hair is quite silky with a looser curl.
thank you for the advice!
Hi sis. First, your locs look great. They appear to be doing well. It will take years for them to matre, so please don't freak out at 4 months!
You will have to keep retieing your roots to combat slippage. It's 100% normal. Those locs in the back will have to keep being redone until they mature.
Sections will do different things because we have different textures in our heads. Some locs will be perfect and some will have special needs. Work on each loc according to its needs.
Your lifestyle will cause you to have to do more maintenance, especially in the first couple of years. It will get better. I'd suggest wearing them in twists, plaits or braids the majority of the time until they get more mature.
Find a better loctician. If we can watch videos and give you good advice, the damn loctician should at least be able to do the same. Jeez! Follow some Sisterlock pages; their maintenance processing should give you some good insights.
Finally, again, your locs look to be in good condition. I hope you don't give up! I bet they'll be the best thing for your active lifestyle in the long run. Good luck and much love to you. ❤❤❤
Thank you so much! I appreciate you for the advice and encouragement Vanessa xo
I had a lot of slippage that decreased over time. I’m now 6 months in. I workout 4-5 times a week. Braiding and banding or corn rolling is key. You may need more frequent reties even if it’s just the areas with a lot of slippage which for me was the back and perimeter.
Thank you for sharing! At 8 months, I finally have stopped the slipping
Braiding you hair nightly will help with bunching! Also, slippage is the norm until your hair locks. I was frustrated a lot up until last month, but I’ve learned a lot on how to maintain it and prevent the slippage and bunching.
Thank you! and so happy you stayed patient in your journey
I'm thinking of getting microlocs soon and this video was soo helpful! thank you so much
you're so welcome! xoxox
You would have to retie more often since your hair has a lot of moisture. Braid and ban before working out. That were learning to do it yourself will come in handy.
Thank you for the tips!
I’ve had microlocs started with twists for about 15 months and after the year mark decided to take down the twisted part and braid it. My roots are completely locked, but the twists just kept shrinking and bunching to the point where the locs were as thick as small traditional locs. My hair is fine and soft, but very coily, which means that it does loc, but the softer textures tend to slip out of the braids. During the first year I’d spent countless hours correcting slippage. My problem was that my hair is better suited for braidlocs, which I knew to begin with, but let my loctician talk me into twists because they loc faster. This is true, but I didn’t like the way the twists were locking. Interestingly enough, my loctician now recommends braids for finer textures (I follow her Instagram page). In any event, I’ve spent hundreds of hours correcting this mistake, but I think it was the right move. If I had to do it all over again, I’d just get braids. Just food for thought. I hope it’s useful and best of luck on your journey.
I wish I would've known about braid locs and requested them.
Ok so it sounds like your research was incomplete. Micolocs are not a hairstyle but a lifestyle. They work on all types of African hair but softer finer textures take longer to loc and they may need interlocking and not palm rolling, braidloc or twist locs. There is nothing wrong with your hair at all. Its perfect. Your loctican is a sweet crook to charge you that amount of money (veterans charge this) and didnt properly inform you of the process, hair education and all those questions you had. I pad $600 and my loctican asked me so many questions, did a survey of my hair to identify 3 types of hair textures and the health of my hair and any thing I needed to improve any areas of weakness , I had a phone face time and a in-person consult. Its suppose to be educational. We have to better vet these stylist. Im sorry you had this experience.
You are so right. I do take accountability in that I was so excited to get my locs that I didn't properly vet my stylist
Your hair looks great I’m on my second set last one I had for tens years and I had a lot of energy I wanted to release. But with this second journey I’ve noticed a difference from my first but it definitely is a different journey. I say just take it in strides only you know your hair best and the locing process is different for everyone. You got this and it will get better ❤
thank youuu love xoxox and cheers to your journey
Because of your lifestyle I would've suggested for you to start your process with braid locks then interlock at the roots. You would be good. Twisting, no matter the texture often comes down and experience tremendous slippage.
Also, bunching is apart of the process. I know I'm 7 months late. So I hope you didn't comb that out. Your locks did not look that bad at this point to me. It looks salvageable. I hope you love them now. They're beautiful!
I would say your Loctician was not a real loctician. All the information you seek should have been answered or asked. Lifestyle, how you style your hair, do you apply heat, hair type/density, how often do you wash your hair, products you put in your hair. All that plays a factor. And then they should be telling you how to treat your hair until you get back in the chair for a retie. But the fact that you weren’t taught to braid and band is very telling on the person that did your hair. This video is old so I do hope your hair is thriving and you’re happy ❤
I've done temporary micro locs in my hair and I do my brothers' locs. One thing I did with my hair when I had temporary locs in is just finger twisting after I work out. The slippage is not that bad honestly you just need to make sure you keep the grid your loctician began. Also you should put your hair in two buns when you work out. This helps keep your locs stretched and helps reduce the frizz from the sweating. You should still finger twist almost immediately after you workout. I would recommend using other products to wash your hair if you absolutely HAVE to wash your hair once a week. A part of locing your is not washing it. You really shouldn't wash it twice a week. If you're worried about the smell maybe use hair safe essential oils.
If you had done a consultation where they asked you about your lifestyle, they would've likely recommended starting with braids instead of twists. Also, I'm a runner and I use a Bondi Band. Works great for absorbing sweat and reduced my slippage around the perimeter of my hair.
I do wish I started with braids. I will try the Bondi band
Your hair is so full I love it I’m scared mine will look thin 😫
It won’t! I thought mine would but it’s all good!
I LOVE your skin tone!
Thank you so much babe!
Girrrl, thank you so very, very, very much. My hair is doing the same exact thing. I feel the same way, and you are so right it was a lot of money and time to invest without the research first. Thank you for making this video because I'm going to also figure it out and do my own. Again, I say THANK YOU
you're welcome! braiding and banding saved my life
It’s your hair texture. My hair is like yours and you need to just trust the process it will be beautifyl
Thank you so much for the encouragement. how long have you been locked?
It’s your loctician, I’m in Los Angeles and I have a great loctician. Right here. I’ve only been loc’d for 3 months. Let me know if you need her.
I found a good local loctician
This is an interesting video and very informative. Something that sticks out to me is the slippage, especially with interlocking. There should minimal to no slipping if interlocking is performed correctly. By definition, it would almost be impossible for a loc to "slip" if done correctly which is why I prefer it to crotechting. I'm curious to know have things gotten better?
the slipping was unavoidable because of my active lifestyle. braiding and branding was the solve
😔 The start of your journey is heartbreaking. I truly hope you can figure things out. That bunching is no joke. And neither is getting through the first two years of the journey. Not for the weak thats for sure. Best wishes.
Thank you so much for watching and sending best wishes. Yes, I'm figuring things out and my hair is in good shape. Coming with an update soon. How long have you been loc'd?
@@TheMamaGreen My two year locaversary was October 10, 2023. My locs are 95 percent mature and I really like the appearance. I interlock using 2 point rotation. I have 176 small traditional or larger microlocs. I ended up cutting off the bunched ends. Combing out or cutting off the locs and starting over were not options for me. Some may say I compromised the integrity of my locs by cutting off the bunched. However, judging by the appearance of my locs today, I did the right thing and all is well. My locs are short due to the cut and the shrinkage... each loc only about 3-4 inches long... but the length will eventually come. It was like starting over without starting over. My only regret is that I should have started my locs with braid locs or interlocking all the way down. My hair texture did NOT do well with two strand twists.
Thank you for this videos and THANK all for the comments!! I’m going to start my journey 8.22.24 and I’m so excited. I’m going to color my hair prior to my install any thoughts or advice?!
awe! congrats. how did it go? enjoy the journey, don't compare, find a loctician you trust even if you self maintain and only see them from time to time.
Hang on in there. Our hair as African-Americans can pose many challenges, but know you’ll find a way somehow to care for your hair.🙂
Thank you for the encouragement!
@@TheMamaGreen You’re welcome.🙂
There aren’t a lot of options for loctitions in LA? I honestly don’t know I’m up in Sac area and I have an amazing loctition. Def respect wanting to learn how to do your reties. I’d like to learn sometime
I've found a pocket of locticians!
I’m the Sac Area too. Could you please share the info of your loctician if you don’t mind? Thanks
Thank you for sharing story. I'm doing extensive research last few weeks after 1st sisteroc consult. I've understood Knotted Locs is another option to retightening . Learned it's for folks that's in 💧 water gym . You can do yourself by following and listening to your hair path. Believe the creator is Melissa Blake that's in "London " with many TH-cam videos. ✨️ wishing you well in process❤
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your tips. When is your install? I need to look up knotted locs. I've never heard of this term
I've had somewhat of the same happen but I'm taking control watching videos and doing mine myself
The “bunching” is probably from the change in locking technique. I also wonder if you only have a 2 point interlock.
Try Loc Lov Salon in Los Angeles. I am contemplating going for a consultation. The only red flag is that the site says that you can go into the salon for a consultation but when you try to schedule online there are only video consultations offered.
Bunching is part of the locking process. If you want to avoid bunching there are a couple of things you can do. Also, what you are calling slippage looks like new growth. Your hair is growing fast. Maybe your hair needs to be re-tied every 4 weeks in stead of 6 to 8 weeks.
Thank you! I got the bunching together, but did realize most of what I thought was bunching was just a part of the process. I was absolutely experiencing extreme slipping. I started braiding and banding and it wasn't an issue. With that under control, I now retie every 6 weeks.
Girl me too! I felt you on this. ❤❤❤
Hang in there! we got this!
TH-cam has retie tutorials and pretty much anything you have questions about.
Your locs are beautiful.
thank you!
Interlocked or twisted?
4:27 What more research could you have done? This is also why i kind want 2 loctition just in case one moves away or for me to also be able to do it myself
I follow with the things I would have researched but I will definitely follow up with a video
Anyone knows what causes “ bunching” of the hair?
Bunching can be caused by a number of things. Could be the locking pattern they are using is not for your hair texture, maybe the maintenance habits are incorrect, the type of products are your putting in your hair can also cause bunching. That is why you need a loctician who understands natural hair, not just how to apply locs. An investment in your hair takes form in many ways.❤
thank you for explaining😊 @@viennagriffin
Bunching is a normal part of the locking process! If they get too big then it’s hard to pull locs through the roots during reties. Braiding and banding will prevent excessive bunching!
Look up bunching vs budding
Learn how to do them yourself!! I love mine and they are micro locks and it's my tenth time locking them. It's been almost a year. It takes time.
I've been maintaining my own hair since posting this video and things are going well
They did you dirty - I’d definitely go back for a free hairdo after the drama I’d cause infront of other clients…
Please let me know if you find someone in LA. I'm in The same boat
You should research the company, Belle Microlocs (Braid Locs).
Thank you!
Mmm that loctition did not seem as professional. She should have given you the guidance on how to take your hair in the first place. She shouldn't have just done your hair but assess it and give you guidance based on your hair.
She's new in her journey. I'm sure she'll grow.
This is a good video
thank you!
Sounds like you need a new loctician that’s specializes in Sisterlocs. Most if not all Sisterloc specialists also specialize in microlocs.
Love your hair. Please don’t take this the wrong way but be modest with the upper area because it can distract some people. A dress as in the picture covers your torso and chest adequately
Learn to mind the business that pays you.
It sounds like you dont have the right texture of hair for this style.
This style is for any hair texture. My hair texture can just have more obstacles in the process
I have 3b/3c/4a mix thick soft hair and my 1st journey I learned coils 100% does not work for my hair it will unravel at the slightest things after 5 months I gave up. My 2nd journey I did instant locs with extensions it worked and looked good but the extensions were extremely heavy on my hair especially when they got wet it was causing a lot of tension on the roots after 1 1/2yr I did a big chop. I’m on my 3rd journey I did 2 strand twist and interlock the roots I’m absolutely loving this journey it’s the easiest and most freeing journey I’ve had 🥰 if at first you don’t succeed try try again. This is a learning process don’t be afraid to switch it up or try new different ways or techniques if something isn’t working sometimes you gotta experiment until you find something that works for you 🫶🏾
Oh wow! I admire your dedication queen. cheers to your third journey being fruitful thus far. I figured it out. I hit my 1 yr in a few days.
You are just beyond stunning🗣🩷