My 11 Month Microlocs Update
Date: 02/11/25
Update time: 11 months post installation
How do you feel today: Very pleased
Describe your loc journey so far in one word: Surprising
How have things been overall:
This month things were nice and steady. It’s so weird because on some days the changes in my microlocs (particularly length and density) are very visible, but then other times it feels like I’m regressing. Some of this is due to shrinkage and some due to just the everyday ebs and flows of the locking process.
More so this month than any other month, my microlocs finally feel like they have gained some weight to them. They haven’t completely “dropped” yet, but they also aren’t as suspended in air like an afro. When I move my head, there’s a lot more movement. I’d say between months 6 and now, I’ve noticed the most change in my locs, which is exciting! I feel like as I approach the one year mark, they are starting to transition to the “teenage” phase.
What is your maintenance routine?
My maintenance routine has remained pretty consistent over the last few months. I’m continuing to mist my hair with rose water or water as needed and not on a set schedule. However, I succumbed to using oil directly on my scalp because I could not take the flakiness anymore. I’ve been testing the Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff & Dry Scalp Relief Oil that I purchased from Enibraids last year and so far, so good. I just work a little bit of oil onto my scalp or my fingertips, focusing on the problem areas and massage it gently. I’ll have a better opinion on this after using it for a few more weeks.
What has been your go-to hairstyle this month?
I’ve been loving wearing my microlocs in a very low tension, low ponytail. It helps keep my hair pulled away from my face, is effortless, and always looks good. Unfortunately, it’s still pretty difficult to get my locs into two flat twists, which was my go-to style when I first started my locs. My hair is just way to thick (and short) now. Doing this requires my hair to be soaking wet to make it more malleable and I cannot be bothered. I’m also wearing my locs down a lot more too, as even wearing it half up, half down has started to give me minor headaches.
Have their been any challenges with your locs this month?
Not really, things have been easy breezy. I did start to notice what looked like little knots of shed hair accumulating on the bottom of a few locs hanging by threads. I asked my loctician if I should keep those there, and she said it’s fine to just cut them off.
What will you do address those challenges?
N/A
Have any locs fallen out? How many?
Nope. There are days that I worry about one tiny loc on my edges, but I try to keep it retied whenever I notice it starting to slip a little bit so that it maintains its structure.
When is your next retie?
My next retie is in 4-5 weeks. My loctician and I decided that a 6-week retightening schedule felt right for me at this stage, as long as I retie the perimeter at the 4-week mark, using a 3-point rotation. With more practice, I’m hoping I get faster at it. She also told me that starting next month, I no longer have to braid and band. I’m nervous to wash without braiding and banding because I don’t want my ends to bunch and I am very particular about my microlocs. As much as I can control it, I want to maintain a uniform diameter along the length of my locs, so I’m going to continue on for a while longer.
How much money did you spend on hair products this month?
Just my usual rose water purchase. I also bought some spiral hair ties that I saw folks raving about online. I’m not sure that I like them though, because the seam snags on my locs after a few times of use.
Share some pictures of your hair from this month!
