Anybody here using locs as a means to achieve significant length?

[Justice4alw]

I've been locking since December 2004. I haven't been able to achieve this much length since I was a child. My hair is growing like weeds and is extremely low maintenance.

I was wondering if there are any others here who are using locs as a means to achieve significant length. I'd love to hear about your regimen and your hair growth success.

 

[FlowerHair]

I'm interested in this too!
I love locks.

 

[Justice4alw]

Hi Flowerhair ...

bumping ... anyone? ...

 

[baglady215]

Hi Justice...

Not me presently but I love locs too and I will probably loc my hair later on in my life.

 

[sprungonhairboards]

Hi Justice...

Not me presently but I love locs too and I will probably loc my hair later on in my life.

me too. Just when I thought I'd done it all I get a second wind. I have at least 3-4 more hair phases to go through before I die. Locs are definately on my to do list.

 

[baglady215]

me too. Just when I thought I'd done it all I get a second wind. I have at least 3-4 more hair phases to go through before I die. Locs are definately on my to do list.

Yeah... I plan to loc my hair and ride off into the sunset.

 

[DragonPearl]

Locs can be very beautiful.

I remember this girl with gorgeous, cultivated, waist-length locs. She looked stunning. She never did protective styles, wore her hair in all kinds of creative ways, and when her hair was down, she'd be flipping it so much I am suprised her neck didn't break.

 

[Healthb4Length]

I love locs too! I plan on getting some later in life. I personally know a lot of people who have used locs to grow their hair long, espacially people who have never have long hair in their life. They love that experience of having long hair that's 'different' and fairly low maintainance. I will be updating my album in the near future and I will show case loced styles because I think there are alot of myths on this forum about what you can and cannot do with locs.

 

[Justice4alw]

Locs can be very beautiful.

I remember this girl with gorgeous, cultivated, waist-length locs. She looked stunning. She never did protective styles, wore her hair in all kinds of creative ways, and when her hair was down, she'd be flipping it so much I am suprised her neck didn't break.

Girl, I'm ashamed to say that I want to be one of these kinds of ladies ... LOL! ...

 

[Justice4alw]

I love locs too! I plan on getting some later in life. I personally know a lot of people who have used locs to grow their hair long, espacially people who have never have long hair in their life. They love that experience of having long hair that's 'different' and fairly low maintainance. I will be updating my album in the near future and I will show case loced styles because I think there are alot of myths on this forum about what you can and cannot do with locs.

You summed up very nicely all of the reasons that I decided to loc. I'm glad that you're going to showcase some styles because most folks think that there's only one way to wear them, in what I call "the mop." People not familiar with locs don't realize that you can mimic any style that a loose haired person can do depending on the size of your locs.

Over the years I've tried all kinds of regimens and products, but nothing has worked as well for my hair (or scalp) as locking it. Now at over a year and a couple of months I'm experiencing a growth spurt. It's growing so fast that I can hardly keep up with it ... and all I do is keep them clean. I wash with a natural shampoo or soap and "condition" with diluted apple cider vinegar that I let sit in my scalp and hair for three minutes before I rinse. It just doesn't get any easier than this! ...

 

[metalkitty]

I really like locs, especially colored ones I plan on getting them some time in my life...

 

[Healthb4Length]

You summed up very nicely all of the reasons that I decided to loc. I'm glad that you're going to showcase some styles because most folks think that there's only one way to wear them, in what I call "the mop." People not familiar with locs don't realize that you can mimic any style that a loose haired person can do depending on the size of your locs.

Over the years I've tried all kinds of regimens and products, but nothing has worked as well for my hair (or scalp) as locking it. Now at over a year and a couple of months I'm experiencing a growth spurt. It's growing so fast that I can hardly keep up with it ... and all I do is keep them clean. I wash with a natural shampoo or soap and "condition" with diluted apple cider vinegar that I let sit in my scalp and hair for three minutes before I rinse. It just doesn't get any easier than this! ...

Girl when you get the desired length and style go ahead and swang that thang ! I love styling locs there is just so much I do for my clients and they absolutely love it all! I just did a mohawk the other day and people were just so impressed, they just can't believe you can achieve so much with locs (and these are sistalocks either!). One day it's curly ringlets the next it's body waves, locks are a beautiful way to express your unique beauty! This is why I have no remorse for someone walking around with raggedy dreds!

 

[MissJ]

Once the locs are locked can you unlock them?

 

[SherryLove]

Once the locs are locked can you unlock them?

from what i understand, you have to cut them out.... a lot of the length in locs is a combination of hair shedding and hair growth, not purely hair growth...the hair that is shedding gets caught up in the locs and extends the length of them...many people are under the misconception that loc length is strictly hair growth.... loc length = hair shedding + hair growth.......

 

[asummertyme]

locs can be undone, but it is a huge amount of work that has to be done to unloc them...as sherry said alot of the hair that is loc'ed is also shed hair, so naturally it wont be as long as the actual loc itself..i love loc's..I tried loc extensions a few yrs back, and i even brought a loc extension video..so when if ever i decide to loc my hair and i dont want to start off with just the little twists i can have a full head a natural looking loc extensions without having to grow them from scratch if that is what i decide to do later on in life...
i really do love them..i admire women with a beautiful head full of loc's..I am natural right now, but i still havent made that decesion as of yet..maybe later on...

 

[Justice4alw]

from what i understand, you have to cut them out.... a lot of the length in locs is a combination of hair shedding and hair growth, not purely hair growth...the hair that is shedding gets caught up in the locs and extends the length of them...many people are under the misconception that loc length is strictly hair growth.... loc length = hair shedding + hair growth.......

Well, along with this there are reports of some folks successfully "unlocking" their locs. It is a long and tedious process though and not recommended.

Edited to add: I tried to post links to the albums of a couple of ladies who have successfully removed their locs and one who took down her daughter's locs but, Murphy's Law, their albums are down right now ... erplexed

 

[Justice4alw]

Girl when you get the desired length and style go ahead and swang that thang ! I love styling locs there is just so much I do for my clients and they absolutely love it all! I just did a mohawk the other day and people were just so impressed, they just can't believe you can achieve so much with locs (and these are sistalocks either!). One day it's curly ringlets the next it's body waves, locks are a beautiful way to express your unique beauty! This is why I have no remorse for someone walking around with raggedy dreds!

You know I'm putting my neck in training right now in anticipation of that day! ...

Oh, WOW! You're a loctitian! ... ... I wish that you were here in the ATL. I'm to the point that I don't trust folks with my locs, so other than when I first had them started I haven't been back to the salon. All "professionals" are not really professional as you know ... . I can't wait to see your style updates. I'll bet they are awesome.

If you have any tips on loc maintenance that you'd feel comfortable in posting here, I'd love to read them. I use a combination of finger latching every four to six weeks or so for regular maintenance and twisting for special occasions. I wash once a week and rinse my hair and scalp when needed or when I just feel like it.

I love locs! ...

 

[Justice4alw]

locs can be undone, but it is a huge amount of work that has to be done to unloc them...as sherry said alot of the hair that is loc'ed is also shed hair, so naturally it wont be as long as the actual loc itself..i love loc's..I tried loc extensions a few yrs back, and i even brought a loc extension video..so when if ever i decide to loc my hair and i dont want to start off with just the little twists i can have a full head a natural looking loc extensions without having to grow them from scratch if that is what i decide to do later on in life...
i really do love them..i admire women with a beautiful head full of loc's..I am natural right now, but i still havent made that decesion as of yet..maybe later on...

Oh, hi! We were posting our answer at the same time! ...

I'll bet your loc extensions will be beautiful. Be sure to post photos for us when that day comes.

 

[SherryLove]

I've been locking since December 2004. I haven't been able to achieve this much length since I was a child. My hair is growing like weeds and is extremely low maintenance.

I was wondering if there are any others here who are using locs as a means to achieve significant length. I'd love to hear about your regimen and your hair growth success.

justice, your locks are gorgeous!!!!! keep up the good work!!!!!!

 

[Justice4alw]

justice, your locks are gorgeous!!!!! keep up the good work!!!!!!

Oh, thank you so much, SherryLove .. *blushes* ... I appreciate that! ... I can't wait to post my new updates. I have to get a new cable for my digicam. The growth has been unbelievable.

P.S. I was just admiring your hair too. It's FABULOUS! You're a hair inspiration ... *two thumbs up*

 

[Isis]

Your locs truly are beautiful!!

 

[Justice4alw]

Your locs truly are beautiful!!

Oh, thank you, Isis ...

 

[Healthb4Length]

You know I'm putting my neck in training right now in anticipation of that day! ...

Oh, WOW! You're a loctitian! ... ... I wish that you were here in the ATL. I'm to the point that I don't trust folks with my locs, so other than when I first had them started I haven't been back to the salon. All "professionals" are not really professional as you know ... . I can't wait to see your style updates. I'll bet they are awesome.

If you have any tips on loc maintenance that you'd feel comfortable in posting here, I'd love to read them. I use a combination of finger latching every four to six weeks or so for regular maintenance and twisting for special occasions. I wash once a week and rinse my hair and scalp when needed or when I just feel like it.

I love locs! ...

I forgot to mention that your locs are looking good girl! When it grows out you'll be even more impressed with them. As for maintainence I do some similar stuff to locs as I would to "normal" hair. I retwist every 4-6 weeks, I do hot oil treatments, I find that they work best for loced hair, sometimes creamy conditioners are okay, I do a light creamy protein conditioner about every 6 weeks or so under a hooded dryer but I prefer hot oil treatments. I do shampoo about once a week or so, If I feel there is build up then I do a clarifying shampoo, I trim ends every so often to give hair movement, I also trim along the lenght of the dreds to get rid of frizzies etc. I oil scalp if necessary (with natural oils) and also during the cold NorthEastern winters when hair is ultra dry I make my clients do the baggie technique! THis keeps their ends nice and moist, I also do "protective" styles such as buns or french rolls and bantu knots! THe styling possibilities are endless.

 

[natstar]

Justice your locs are awesome!

I had locs for about 3.5 years. The grew to a little past my shoulder. I liked them a lot and had them because at the time I was still in school and did not have time to be bothered w/my hair that much-plus I was lazy and just didn't
like combing or taking care of my natural hair (pre hair boards) I had pencil sized locs (some a little smaller) and I got them dyed a honey brown. I would also braid them a lot for texture. After a while i got sick of them and wanted to comb my hair.They got heavy and I got build up no matter what that would not go away, so I took them out. I know eventually I will go back to them because they were carefree (for the most part) , but still managed to
look good.

Natstar

 

[Justice4alw]

I forgot to mention that your locs are looking good girl! When it grows out you'll be even more impressed with them. As for maintainence I do some similar stuff to locs as I would to "normal" hair. I retwist every 4-6 weeks, I do hot oil treatments, I find that they work best for loced hair, sometimes creamy conditioners are okay, I do a light creamy protein conditioner about every 6 weeks or so under a hooded dryer but I prefer hot oil treatments. I do shampoo about once a week or so, If I feel there is build up then I do a clarifying shampoo, I trim ends every so often to give hair movement, I also trim along the lenght of the dreds to get rid of frizzies etc. I oil scalp if necessary (with natural oils) and also during the cold NorthEastern winters when hair is ultra dry I make my clients do the baggie technique! THis keeps their ends nice and moist, I also do "protective" styles such as buns or french rolls and bantu knots! THe styling possibilities are endless.

Oh, WOW! Great tips all. I like the fact that you understand that less is more with locs too. Some loctitians don't understand that slathering on products constantly only serves to make buildup.

What a great idea about the trims. I hadn't thought about that. I may do a light trim on my next maintenance.

I can't wait to see your style updates! ... *two thumbs up*

 

[Justice4alw]

Justice your locs are awesome!

I had locs for about 3.5 years. The grew to a little past my shoulder. I liked them a lot and had them because at the time I was still in school and did not have time to be bothered w/my hair that much-plus I was lazy and just didn't
like combing or taking care of my natural hair (pre hair boards) I had pencil sized locs (some a little smaller) and I got them dyed a honey brown. I would also braid them a lot for texture. After a while i got sick of them and wanted to comb my hair.They got heavy and I got build up no matter what that would not go away, so I took them out. I know eventually I will go back to them because they were carefree (for the most part) , but still managed to
look good.

Natstar

Thanks, natstar! Low maintenance is one of the things that I love about locs. Even a haphazardly placed ponytail looks great with the right accessories.

I still can't believe how fast they grow with such little help. Just keep them clean and moisturized and you're good to go! ...

 

[ajargon02]

I've been locking since December 2004. I haven't been able to achieve this much length since I was a child. My hair is growing like weeds and is extremely low maintenance.

I was wondering if there are any others here who are using locs as a means to achieve significant length. I'd love to hear about your regimen and your hair growth success.

To be really honest,I have yet to see one loced sister on this site. I mostly find loc love on like nappturality, in the loc section. From there I just check out the albums, and find all kinds of albums and tips for locing. I am going in that direction, wanting to start them on my own. I know twists aren't gonna do it. Sisterlocks may be the way for me to go. I don't want them for lenght though. I just want them, b/c they will be beautiful on me!

 

[Healthb4Length]

Oh, WOW! Great tips all. I like the fact that you understand that less is more with locs too. Some loctitians don't understand that slathering on products constantly only serves to make buildup.

What a great idea about the trims. I hadn't thought about that. I may do a light trim on my next maintenance.

I can't wait to see your style updates! ... *two thumbs up*

THanks! you R right about the creamy stuff creating build-up and making the locs look dull...I hate that! I can't wait to hear your results with the trim, remember that a nice pair of sharp sheers make all the difference. THey should run you about 15-20 buck, I find that when you trim along the shaft (the frizzies) your dreds will look so fresh and new! As for the album, I can't wait to update too but my camera is acting up! I hope to do an album overhaul in about a month, please PM me to remind me! TIA!

 

[Healthb4Length]

To be really honest,I have yet to see one loced sister on this site. I mostly find loc love on like nappturality, in the loc section. From there I just check out the albums, and find all kinds of albums and tips for locing. I am going in that direction, wanting to start them on my own. I know twists aren't gonna do it. Sisterlocks may be the way for me to go. I don't want them for lenght though. I just want them, b/c they will be beautiful on me!

Yeah they are hard to come by on this site at all! I wish more of them were here! Please stay here because I think that this forum is ready for something new! You can start off your locs with twists, I've done it before with nice results, but your better off starting out with comb coils the form a nice uniform loc. You can ask me as many questions you want about locs because I do know a few things about them, I'll try and help ya out as much as I can! Sisterlocks are gorgeous, I'm sure your aware of this site but if your not, just check this out www.sisterlocks.com.

 

[thefineprint]

i say check out http://members.fotki.com/NappyRed76/about/ . It's nappyred76's album and she has gone from >neck length to bra strap in 3 years!