Whether your locs are freshly locked, newly installed with extensions, or a few years old, keeping them moisturized and healthy is key to maintaining their appearance and longevity. However, sometimes even with the best intentions and products, locs can start to feel stiff and difficult to manage. Here are a few tips to help loosen them up without damaging your hair.

1. Hydration is key. There’s a misconception that neglecting locs is a great idea. While that may work for some people who have very good genes, most of us require a regimen for healthy roots. Think of your hair like a plant that needs to be watered often to maintain a good growth cycle. Your locs are only as healthy as your roots. 

2. Try not to over think it. If you have no scalp concerns such as itching or dandruff then you don’t have to hydrate so much. Also you have to accept that locs are going to mature to a point where they feel hard and textured. This is part of the loc journey. Unlike soft protective style locs, natural grown locs will compress and have some type of stiffness to them. This means your hair is doing well with locs. Soft or weak locs may be an indication of bigger issues and potentially costly repairs to prevent your locs from falling off. 

3. Locs are at their softest when they’re in the beginning stage of locking. When you skip the beginning stage via crochet needle or instant locking, then you don’t really have to worry about your hair taking so long to finally mature. But as you are initiated into the mature phase, you have to accept that some things come with the territory. But don’t worry, regularly visiting your Loctician will provide you the peace of mind and support you need to help along the way.  

We hope that this article has helped you to understand the difference between stiff locs and soft locs, and that stiff locs are a good thing! It’s overly stiff locs that won’t lay down due to excessive crocheting that you want to watch out for. In which case, it’s almost impossible to undo locs that have been over manipulated with styling tools. If you have any questions or would like more information about how to maintain healthy, thriving locs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of Loc experts is here to help you on your natural hair journey. What do you think? Are your locs right for you? Let us know in the comments below!