My 2 Month Microlocs Update
Date: 05/11/24
Update time: 2 months post installation
How do you feel today: Skeptical
Describe your loc journey so far in one word: Time-saving
How have things been overall:
Two months into my loc journey and things have still been good overall, although there have been a few ups and downs. This month I started a new Microlocs Styling Series on Instagram Reels, where I share simple styles for short, starter microlocs. Experimenting with new styles has been so fun and I’m loving all the different ways you can create effortless curls with your microlocs. I also tried straight-back cornrows, which I absolutely loved!
However, between exercising almost every day and sweating profusely in my scalp, and continually spritzing my hair with rose water to achieve certain hairstyles, I’ve experienced a lot more slippage than usual along the perimeter of my hair. Some of my microlocs felt a bit too unstable to the touch that I was worried they might break or fall out. My cousin reassured me that they wouldn’t and helped me retie a few in the back to help maintain the integrity of my microlocs before my next retie. I also purchased a few interlocking tools to keep on hand so that I can make minor adjustments around the perimeter as needed in between my reties.
On a positive note, I haven’t had severe issues with flakiness this month.
What is your maintenance routine?
My maintenance routine hasn’t changed that much. I’m still spraying my scalp and microlocs 2x per day (morning / night) with rose water. I’ve also been using a light hair growth oil around my edges to help regrow the breakage I had from braids.
I’m continuing to wear a sweatband + shower cap to bathe and am sleeping with a satin bonnet and silk pillowcase.
Upon my loctician’s instructions, I made a mixture of spring water, tea tree oil, and lavender oil to spray on my scalp before exercising, however I’m not going to lie, I’ve yet to remember to use it. OOPS. I’ll report back next month!
After working out, I blowdry my scalp for ~ 5 minutes on medium heat.
What has been your go-to hairstyle this month?
2 flat twists or french braids. I’ve jazzed it up a bit by adding two pieces of loose curly extensions to the front. It’s so pretty! I usually where my hair down on the weekends.
8 straight-back cornrows
Have their been any challenges with your locs this month?
I’ve been dealing with a lot more slippage due to excess moisture and over-styling.
I also think my locs feel a little bit weird. I can’t explain it, but the individual locs don’t feel as coarse / dense as they did when I first got them installed. They feel oddly soft and limp? There’s also a lot more frizz.
What will you do address those challenges?
I’m going to try to do a bit less manipulation next month. As someone who loves playing in their hair, this will be a challenge for me.
Have any locs fallen out? How many?
No, thankfully!
When is your next retie?
Next week, at the 5-week mark post my first retie.
How much money did you spend on hair products this month?
I spent $113.73 on a few products to help with my scalp dryness and retying my hair. I also ran through my first bottle of rose water in just one month, so I had to place another order! 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.
3/8 inch Diameter Flexi Rods: $10.88. I purchased additional flexi rods for my flexi-rod out curls.
Lavender Oil: $26.99. This was on the pricier side, but was the brand my loctician recommended.
Tea Tree Oil: $45.36. The one I ordered from Amazon had a damaged protective seal and after reading reviews about the wholesaler on Amazon, I couldn’t trust that the oil was authentic, so I ordered this one directly from doTERRA’s website and unfortunately it was so expensive.
Amber Glass Spray Bottles: $7.99. I bought this small spray for the scalp spritz I created with spring water, tea tree oil, and lavender oil to help with the itchiness and dryness.
Interlocking Tool: $7.61. To start, I purchased this basic interlocking tool, but may switch to another tool as I get more comfortable retying my hair. It’s challenging to use on the locs that are very short.
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Share some pictures of your hair from this month!
