My 1 Month Microlocs Update
Date: 04/11/24
Update time: 1 month post installation
How do you feel today: Free
Describe your loc journey so far in one word: Effortless
How have things been overall:
One month in, and so far, so good! I’m really enjoying the hair freedom. Not needing to finger detangle throughout the week (or think much about my hair at all), has been such a game changer. Moisturizing my hair is so much easier. And, I already got rid of 90% of my hair products. People talk so much about hair freedom, but it’s so different once you actually experience it. I can’t believe I didn’t lock my hair sooner.
As much as I’m eager to play in my hair, and try different styles once it gets longer, I’m also trying to stay in the present and enjoy these sweet moments with shorter microlocs (it’s going to get longer by the day). It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to nurture your hair and see it grow from the itty bitty stages through maturity.
I also have serious hand-in-hair syndrome and am addicted to touching my microlocs. A friend (thank you Anu!) mentioned that this can cause breakage on your ends, so I’m going to try to be a lot more mindful of this going forward. When I’m spritzing my rose water, I plan to also focus on the ends, and I’ll try to keep them tucked whenever I can.
There haven’t been any major surprises so far. Doing research online, reading blogs, and watching videos on social media have been incredibly helpful, though there’s a ton of conflicting information. So I’m going to stay informed and knowledgeable on all the “different takes,” but do what feels right for my hair and chat with a professional when I need additional guidance.
What is your maintenance routine?
I spray my scalp and microlocs 2x per day (morning / night) with rose water. This was the instruction I was given during my microlocs consultation based on my hair texture. (I was told not to use regular water, and to use rose water specifically, due to its unique properties that keep the hair in tact).
I wear a sweatband along my edges and a plastic shower cap whenever I bathe or wash my face (this prevents moisture from unraveling my microlocs around my edges).
Every night, I sleep with a satin bonnet and silk pillowcase for good measure.
What has been your go-to hairstyle this month?
2 flat twists or french braids during the week (keeping those ends tucked). I try to keep it in this style when I exercise.
Half up, half down variations on the weekends when I go out.
Have their been any challenges with your locs this month?
At first I dealt with itchiness and a very flaky scalp / dryness. During my consultation, I was told this was common at first, as it takes some time for the scalp to adjust and get used to the hairstyle. I also work out 5-6x per week which unfortunately exacerbated the problem since I’m unable to wash my hair until the first retie (I was told to wait until the first 10 weeks to wash my hair, but I received different instructions from the loctician who will be maintaining my hair).
What will you do address those challenges?
An omalicha (thank you Ogechi!), recommended that I blow dry my scalp on low to medium heat after working out to absorb the sweat. This has helped reduce the flakiness significantly.
I also plan to talk to my loctician about my concerns at my first retie.
Have any locs fallen out? How many?
None have fallen out so far, but a couple of small ones around my edges unraveled.
When is your first retie?
This weekend, at the 1 month mark.
How much money did you spend on hair products this month?
I spent $54.95 on a few products to help maintain and protect my hair. A breakdown is below.
Heritage Store Rose Water: $14.90. I use this to moisturize my scalp and hair daily or whenever I plan to manipulate my hair into a style to soften my microlocs.
Slip Silk Skinny Scrunchies: $31.57. This was on the pricier side considering it only came with 4 hair ties, but I figured it would be nice to have a few gentle hair ties on hand that wouldn’t snag my microlocs, drain the moisture, or cause too much tension. I really like them, I’ll just be sad if I loose one.
Bedsure Satin Pillowcases: $8.48. I normally sleep with a satin bonnet regardless, but purchased a few satin pillowcases too so that I’m never caught lounging on my bed without protection of any kind.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Share some pictures of your hair from this month!
