Faux Locs: A Complete Guide To Types, Installation & Care
Introduction to Faux Locs
Faux locs, your go-to protective style, have surged in popularity, and for good reason! These temporary locs offer a fantastic way to switch up your look without the long-term commitment of permanent dreadlocks. Guys, if you're looking for a versatile, stylish, and protective hairstyle, faux locs might just be your perfect match. They mimic the appearance of mature locs, giving you that gorgeous, textured look instantly. Whether you're aiming for a bohemian vibe, a chic urban style, or just want to give your natural hair a break from daily styling, faux locs are an excellent choice. But what exactly are they, and why are they so beloved in the hair community? Let’s dive in!
Faux locs are essentially an imitation of dreadlocks, created using various techniques and materials. Unlike traditional locs, which form naturally over time, faux locs are installed strand by strand, often using braiding hair or extensions wrapped around your natural hair. This method allows you to achieve the look of locs without the years of maintenance and commitment required for the real deal. One of the best things about faux locs is their versatility. You can choose different lengths, thicknesses, and colors to create a look that’s uniquely yours. From short and sassy to long and flowing, the possibilities are endless. Plus, they're a fantastic protective style, which means they help shield your natural hair from damage caused by heat, styling, and environmental factors. This makes faux locs a great option for anyone looking to promote hair growth and maintain healthy strands. Another reason for their popularity is the relatively low maintenance they require. Once installed, faux locs are incredibly easy to care for, making them perfect for busy individuals. A simple wash and moisturizing routine can keep your locs looking fresh and fabulous for weeks.
Types of Faux Locs
When it comes to faux locs, different methods and materials yield diverse styles, each with its unique aesthetic and maintenance needs. Understanding the types of faux locs available is crucial for making an informed decision that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and desired look. Let's explore some popular options. Crochet faux locs are a favorite for their quick installation and natural appearance. This method involves braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then using a crochet needle to attach pre-made loc extensions. The result is a seamless, uniform look that closely resembles mature locs. Crochet locs are particularly great for those who want a fast and relatively easy installation process. They also tend to be lighter in weight compared to other faux loc methods, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, the pre-made nature of these locs means that customization options may be slightly limited. Next up are the wrapped faux locs, which are perhaps the most traditional and customizable method. This technique involves wrapping braiding hair around individual strands of your natural hair, creating a loc-like appearance. Wrapped locs allow for a high degree of customization in terms of length, thickness, and texture. You can use different types of braiding hair to achieve various looks, from smooth and sleek to more textured and bohemian. This method is more time-consuming than crochet locs, but the result is often a more natural and personalized style. It's also a great option for those who want to closely mimic the look of real locs. Then there are the goddess locs, known for their soft, textured, and slightly undone appearance. Goddess locs are a type of wrapped faux loc that incorporates curly or wavy braiding hair to create a more free-spirited and romantic look. They often feature loose, flowing strands that add to their bohemian vibe. Goddess locs are perfect for those who want a style that’s both protective and effortlessly chic. They require a bit more maintenance than traditional wrapped locs, as the loose strands can be prone to tangling, but the stunning aesthetic is well worth the effort for many. Finally, we have soft locs, which are gaining popularity for their lightweight feel and soft texture. Soft locs are created using a combination of braiding hair and a softer material, such as yarn or Marley hair, to wrap around the natural hair. This results in a loc that’s gentle on the scalp and feels incredibly comfortable. Soft locs are an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps or anyone who wants a more relaxed and natural-looking style. They also tend to be less prone to slippage and unraveling compared to other faux loc methods.
Preparation for Faux Locs
Before diving into the installation of faux locs, proper preparation is key to ensuring a flawless and long-lasting result. Think of it as laying the foundation for a beautiful hairstyle. Taking the time to prep your natural hair not only makes the installation process smoother but also promotes the health and integrity of your strands underneath the protective style. So, what steps should you take to get your hair ready for faux locs? First and foremost, a thorough cleansing is essential. Start with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup from products, oils, and environmental pollutants. This will create a clean slate and allow for better moisture absorption. Focus on your scalp, massaging gently to stimulate blood flow and remove any dead skin cells. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth, so this step is crucial. After cleansing, it’s time to replenish moisture. Use a deep conditioner to hydrate your hair, paying particular attention to the ends, which are often the driest and most prone to damage. Deep conditioning helps to strengthen your hair, making it more resilient and less likely to break under the added weight and tension of the faux locs. Leave the deep conditioner on for the recommended time, or even longer for extra hydration. You can use a hooded dryer or steamer to enhance the conditioning process. Once you’ve deep conditioned, it’s important to detangle your hair thoroughly. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently remove any knots or tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, being patient and avoiding any harsh pulling or tugging. Detangling prevents breakage and ensures that your hair is smooth and manageable for the installation process. After detangling, consider doing a protein treatment to further strengthen your hair. Protein treatments help to repair and fortify the hair shaft, reducing the risk of damage and breakage. This is especially important if your hair is already weak or damaged. However, be mindful not to overdo it with protein treatments, as too much protein can make your hair brittle. Follow the product instructions carefully and use protein treatments sparingly. Finally, before installing your faux locs, it’s a good idea to stretch your hair. Stretching helps to prevent shrinkage and makes the installation process easier. You can stretch your hair using various methods, such as banding, braiding, or using heat tools on a low setting. Be sure to use a heat protectant if you choose to use heat. Stretching your hair also helps to create a more seamless and natural look once the faux locs are installed.
Installation Techniques
Now comes the exciting part: installing your faux locs! There are several techniques you can use, each offering a slightly different look and level of complexity. Understanding these methods will help you choose the one that best suits your skills, time commitment, and desired outcome. Let's explore some popular installation techniques. The crochet method is a favorite for its speed and ease. This technique involves braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then using a crochet needle to attach pre-made faux loc extensions. The needle is inserted into the cornrow, the loop of the faux loc is hooked, and then pulled through, creating a secure attachment. Crochet locs are great for achieving a uniform and polished look quickly. They’re also relatively lightweight, making them comfortable to wear. However, the pre-made nature of the locs means that customization options might be limited. Wrapped faux locs, on the other hand, offer a high degree of customization and a more natural appearance. This method involves wrapping braiding hair around individual strands of your natural hair to create the loc. You start by braiding a small section of your natural hair, then wrapping the braiding hair tightly around the braid, working your way down to the ends. This technique requires more time and patience but allows for a more personalized look in terms of length, thickness, and texture. You can use different types of braiding hair to achieve various styles, from smooth and sleek to more textured and bohemian. For those seeking a soft and lightweight option, soft locs are an excellent choice. This technique combines elements of both crochet and wrapped methods. You start by braiding your natural hair, then wrapping it with a softer material, such as yarn or Marley hair. The yarn or Marley hair is often pre-sectioned and looped, making the wrapping process easier and faster. Soft locs are known for their comfortable feel and natural appearance. They’re also gentle on the scalp, making them a good option for those with sensitivities. Another popular technique is the individual braid and wrap method. This involves braiding individual sections of your natural hair, then wrapping each braid with braiding hair to create a loc. This method provides a lot of flexibility in terms of parting and styling. You can create different patterns and designs with your braids before wrapping them, adding a unique touch to your faux locs. It’s a more time-consuming method, but the results can be stunning. Regardless of the technique you choose, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First, ensure that your braids or wrapped sections are not too tight, as this can cause tension and damage to your natural hair. Second, use a lightweight braiding hair to avoid adding excessive weight to your scalp. Third, take breaks during the installation process to prevent fatigue and ensure that each loc is installed correctly.
Maintenance and Care
So, you’ve got your fabulous faux locs installed – now what? Proper maintenance and care are crucial for keeping your locs looking fresh and ensuring the health of your natural hair underneath. Think of it as nurturing a garden; with the right care, your faux locs will flourish. Let’s dive into the essential maintenance tips to keep your locs looking their best. Washing your faux locs might seem daunting, but it’s a necessary step to maintain cleanliness and prevent buildup. The key is to do it gently and infrequently. Aim to wash your locs every 1-2 weeks, or as needed. Use a diluted shampoo – mix a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray bottle. This helps to distribute the shampoo evenly and prevents excessive lathering, which can be difficult to rinse out. Focus on cleansing your scalp, massaging gently with your fingertips to remove dirt and oil. Avoid rubbing the locs vigorously, as this can cause frizz and unraveling. When rinsing, let the water flow down the length of the locs, squeezing gently to remove excess water. Next up is moisturizing, which is vital for preventing dryness and breakage. Faux locs can sometimes trap moisture, so it’s important to keep your natural hair and scalp hydrated. Use a lightweight moisturizer or leave-in conditioner to hydrate your locs. You can also use a spray bottle to apply a mixture of water and a lightweight oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. Focus on the roots and the length of the locs, avoiding heavy products that can cause buildup. Oiling your scalp is another essential step in maintaining healthy faux locs. A dry scalp can lead to itching and irritation, which can damage your natural hair and compromise the integrity of your locs. Use a lightweight oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or argan oil, to moisturize your scalp. Apply the oil directly to your scalp using your fingertips or a precision applicator, and massage gently to stimulate blood flow. Do this a few times a week, or as needed, to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy. Protecting your locs while you sleep is also crucial. Friction from your pillowcase can cause frizz and breakage, so it’s important to protect your hair at night. Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to cover your locs while you sleep. These materials are smooth and gentle on your hair, reducing friction and preventing damage. You can also use a satin pillowcase for added protection. Finally, it’s important to address any frizz or flyaways that may appear over time. Frizz is a natural part of wearing faux locs, but excessive frizz can make your style look unkempt. To tame frizz, you can use a lightweight hair serum or oil. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and smooth it over the frizzy areas. You can also use a crochet needle to tuck in any stray hairs.
Removal Process
All good things must come to an end, and that includes your fabulous faux locs. Proper removal is just as important as installation to ensure the health and integrity of your natural hair. Rushing or using the wrong techniques can lead to breakage, damage, and frustration. So, let’s walk through the removal process step-by-step to make sure your natural hair stays happy and healthy. First and foremost, gather your supplies. You’ll need a pair of scissors, a comb (preferably a wide-tooth comb), a moisturizing conditioner or oil, and plenty of patience. A good workspace with ample lighting is also essential to make sure you can see what you’re doing clearly. Start by cutting the faux loc extension. Locate the point where the extension hair is wrapped around your natural hair and carefully snip the extension hair below this point. Be extra cautious not to cut your natural hair. This step reduces the bulk of the extension, making it easier to unravel. Next, begin unraveling the wrapped hair. Gently unwind the braiding hair from your natural hair, working your way from the bottom up. Take your time and be patient, as this can be a tedious process. If you encounter any knots or tangles, use your fingers to gently loosen them. Avoid pulling or tugging, as this can cause breakage. Once you’ve unwrapped the extension hair, you’ll be left with your natural hair, often still braided or twisted from the installation process. Now, it’s time to carefully undo these braids or twists. Again, be gentle and patient, using your fingers to separate the strands. If your hair is particularly tangled, you can apply a moisturizing conditioner or oil to help ease the process. This will add slip and make it easier to detangle your hair. After you’ve unbraided or untwisted your hair, it’s crucial to detangle thoroughly. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any knots or tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Apply more conditioner or oil as needed to keep your hair lubricated and prevent breakage. Detangling can take some time, so be patient and avoid any harsh pulling or tugging. Once your hair is detangled, it’s time for a deep conditioning treatment. After wearing a protective style like faux locs, your hair may be feeling dry and depleted. A deep conditioner will help to replenish moisture, restore elasticity, and strengthen your strands. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let the conditioner sit for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for extra hydration. You can use a hooded dryer or steamer to enhance the conditioning process. Finally, after deep conditioning, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water and style as usual. You may notice some shedding after removing your faux locs, which is completely normal. Shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and the hair that sheds is often trapped within the protective style. Don’t be alarmed by this; just continue to care for your hair with gentle cleansing and moisturizing practices.
Conclusion
Faux locs are a fantastic way to experiment with a new look while protecting your natural hair. They offer a blend of style, versatility, and convenience that’s hard to beat. From the initial prep work to the installation process, maintenance, and finally, the removal, understanding each step ensures you get the most out of this protective style. Remember, whether you opt for crochet, wrapped, soft, or goddess locs, the key is to prioritize the health of your natural hair. Proper preparation, gentle installation techniques, consistent maintenance, and careful removal are all essential for a successful faux loc journey. By following these guidelines, you can rock your faux locs with confidence, knowing that you’re not only looking fabulous but also nurturing your natural hair. So go ahead, guys, explore the world of faux locs and discover a style that celebrates your unique beauty and protects your precious strands. Whether you're a seasoned faux loc enthusiast or a newbie ready to dive in, we hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to slay your next hairstyle. Happy loc-ing!
