Date: 10/11/24

Update time: 7 months post installation

How do you feel today: Encouraged

Describe your loc journey so far in one word: Surprising

How have things been overall:

Beautiful. Whenever I go out to predominantly Black spaces, I constantly get compliments on my microlocs. Either people are confused and intrigued about what they are, or they automatically assume that they are Sisterlocks (it’s hard to tell the difference so I don’t mind) They set me apart and make me feel unique. I’ve had friends tell me that they suite my face very well and I personally think they match mt personality. I’ve noticed that microlocs are not a common hairstyle in New York, though every once in a while I recognize someone with them when I’m grocery shopping haha. I almost always strike up a conversation, as I love seeing other microloc sisters out in the wild.

I’m also noticing more length in my microlocs when stretched, though I also see them shrinking a lot at the same time. They’ve gotten so much fuller and have a lot of volume. When I look back to my first month with locs, the changes are so drastic that I can barely believe it. They used to almost reach my chin, and now they are grazing my shoulders. Documenting the journey is so important and has been a huge motivator to keep going.

I shared this on my Instagram page, but I think it’s worth sharing here too. Here are 7 life lessons my microlocs have reinforced. For me, microlocs are more than a hairstyle. They are a lifestyle and have been a conduit that reminds me of what’s important in life, and for that I’m grateful.

Less is more. Minimal Product + Low Tension = Maximum Results. Let your microlocs do its thing.
Don’t let the journey pass you by. Live it. Enjoy your hair length at every stage and experiment with new styles.
One size doesn’t fit all. The beauty of your loc journey is that it’s YOURS. What works for you may not work for someone else and that’s okay. Do what works for YOU and don’t be afraid to rewrite the “rules”.
If you water it, it will grow. Nourish your hair, fuel your body, and your microlocs will do the rest. Show up for yourself every day.
Good things take time. Patience is key.
Change is the only constant. Your microlocs will evolve every day. It’s impossible to know how your locs will turn out before you take the leap, so do it anyway. It will surprise you.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Be inspired by others, not envious. Let loc crushes and hair inspos encourage you, but don’t let them mask the beauty of your journey.

What is your maintenance routine?

Wash every two weeks. Double cleanse first with shampoo / lemon juice mixture, second with only shampoo
Moisturize with rose water or water / lavender oil mixture every few days
Always sleep with a satin bonnet / pillowcase
Style as desired, but low manipulation on most days

What has been your go-to hairstyle this month?

A side part, either straight or with curls. I’m wearing my hair down a lot more, and love the way it frames my face at this short “bob” length. I’ve experimented a bit more with perm rod sets and braid outs (pics below).

Have their been any challenges with your locs this month?

Surprisingly no. I’m starting to get a lot more comfortable with my locs and learning what it needs, how much manipulation is too much manipulation, and how to leave them alone.

One thing I’ve been thinking about recently is whether or not I still like having loose ends or if there’s too much loose ends. When I asked my loctician about them, she thought the amount was fine, however sometimes when I see videos of my hair, I don’t love how my locs are thing and uniform across the body, and then expand at the ends due to the loose ends. I love the uniform cylindrical look of microlocs down the entire hair shaft and I know that the ends will loc eventually, however, I want them to be uniform in size.

I think there’s a misconception that locs “grow your hair,” but they actually help you retain more length quicker. When you have loose ends, they are still prone to breakage, which can hinder your length retention progress. My friend Anu reminded me of this at the start of my journey, which I appreciated because your hair still breaks when you have locs (especially at the beginning stages when your hair is not fully locked - hand in hair sydrome is a big contributor), but I don’t see many people talk about this.

At the same time, I want to be cautious of not over-moisturizing my loose ends (since this can also prevent them from locking), but now that it’s getting colder and drier where I live, I’m going to try to keep my ends tucked and am considering doing a protective style challenge for next month (so that they stay compressed). More to come! If you’ve tried this or have done anything to combat this issue, share in the comments.

What will you do address those challenges?

I’m going to see if my loctician is willing to lock my ends further down at my next retie. If not, I’m going to try some of the tactics mentioned above.

Have any locs fallen out? How many?

No! :D

When is your next retie?

Next week. I’m hoping that by the beginning of next year I can move to a 6-8 week schedule and see how I like it. And then hopefully at the 1-1.5 year mark, I can take over maintenance for myself. I love my loctician though and she’s fast, so I’m going to enjoy the convenience as much as I can for now.

How much money did you spend on hair products this month?

I finally ordered a clarifying shampoo from Locs Amplify for $15.50. With shipping, the total cost was $21.90 and I’m excited to try it for my next wash. I’ll review it and plan to report back.

Share some pictures of your hair from this month!