Thinking About Getting Locs? Here’s What You Need to Know

Loc bob on waist-length locs.

Traditionally, locs were considered a journey. You go through various stages while having them, becoming more emotional, down-to-earth, or connected to a higher power.

In 2025, that idea has been thrown out the window for some. The stories clients come in with about what they believe locs are, baffle me!

I sometimes believe we’ve become disassociated with reality because everything is online, because people have said some crazy stuff.

Things clients have said about locs:

• ”They said you have to detox every time because locs are dirty.”

• “One girl I saw was using Comet and Dawn dish soap to wash her hair.”

• “If you get your hair done too often, it will fall out.”

• “My hair won’t loc, it’s too soft.”

• “But my hair won’t look like yours.”

• “I want it to look just like that <pointing to a picture>.”

• “I want .04 mm size locs.”

• “I won’t be able to style my hair.”

😏My face every time!

Some of this is diabolical (as this generation says). Let’s talk about what you need to consider before you get locs.

1. Locs are large strands of YOUR hair.

When you get locs, it is still your hair. It feels different because those strands are twisted and coiled in different directions. And no, your hair won’t look like mine in 5 years, but if you hate your hair now, you might not like the initial part of the loc process. There are alternative options in this case, but I will cover that in a later post.

2. The size of your locs will differ depending on curl pattern and density.

You cannot get four wicks, and you have a whisper’s breath amount of hair on your head. Because you can have different curl patterns throughout your head AND low density, you really may only be able to get eight instead. You’ll thank a loctician like me down the road when your hair doesn’t separate from the base because it’s too much tension.

3. You have many styling options.

You can style your locs with curls, braids, and extensions. There are so many options to choose from. Do not style too early in your journey, as there are consequences.

4. Locs aren’t dirty.

There is no need for constant detox or harsh detergents like Dawn or Comet to clean your hair. You weren’t using them before the process, so why use them with your locs? However, to maintain healthy hair, you need to follow a consistent regimen, which includes shampooing. As long as there are no scalp disorders, most people can get away with once a month for maintenance.

5. Research and find someone who is knowledgeable.

Remember the saying, “You can’t have everyone playing in your hair!” It’s a real thing. Please don’t sit in the first person’s chair who says they can start and maintain your locs.

Not everyone is gifted with growing hands. I’ve seen monkeys online retwisting locs, but that doesn’t mean they care (plus they can spazz out at any time….we can too, but you get my point).

Ask others, research, and get a few consultations out of the way before you commit to the stylist and service.

Just in case you found me scrolling through a search on Google, I’m Tosha (pronounced Tosh-uh), a licensed cosmetologist and educator with (almost) 2 decades of experience. I have educated and transformed a significant number of people (hundreds, a thousand, who’s counting?) along life’s path.

Although I could keep going, I will list more things to consider in another post.

What are some other concerns that you may have about starting locs?