Starting locs is like planting a seed and watching it grow—it takes time, patience, and care, but the results are beautiful. The first year can be an adventure filled with changes in texture, growth, and a few surprises. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect, stage by stage, and some tips to make your journey smoother.

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Loc Journey: What to Expect.

1. Month 1-3: The Starter Stage

What’s Happening
This phase is all about introducing your hair to the loc journey. You’ll decide on a method for starting your locs—commonly, people choose twists, coils, braids, or even the freeform method. The goal is to get your hair to begin “locking,” where each strand starts to tangle and mat. This stage can feel a bit messy, and your locs might look smaller or shorter than expected due to shrinkage.

Common Experiences

• Frizziness: Frizz is your new friend! Your hair will puff out and frizz as it starts to tangle and matt. Embrace it; frizz is a sign that your hair is doing its thing.
• Itching: An itchy scalp can be common as the hair starts to mat. Avoid scratching directly on the scalp; a scalp spray or gentle scalp massages can help.
• Uncertainty: This stage can be a mental adjustment. Your locs are in their rawest form, and they won’t look polished right away. Many experience the “ugly” stage, though it’s truly just the beginning of something amazing!

Tips for the Starter Stage

• Limit Manipulation: Too much touching or retwisting can disrupt the locking process.
• Moisturize Lightly: Use a light, water-based moisturizer to keep your hair from feeling dry.
• Protect Your Roots: Wearing a satin or silk scarf can keep your roots from frizzing out too much.

2. Month 4-6: The Budding Stage

What’s Happening
During this period, your locs will begin to bud—a process where knots and tangles form along the length of each loc. Budding signals that your locs are starting to form and take shape. This is when you’ll see more texture and thickness.

Common Experiences

• Thickening: Your locs may start to feel denser and bulkier. This is because the tangling process is tightening the hair.
• Sections Separating: Your loc sections may start merging if they’re too close. Separate them by gently pulling apart to maintain your parting sections.
• Dryness & Frizz: Locs tend to look fuzzy or dry in this stage, and that’s totally normal. You’ll also notice the frizz isn’t going away as quickly as you moisturize—embrace the texture and see it as part of the process.

Tips for the Budding Stage

• Stay Moisturized: Keep up with hydrating sprays or light oils, focusing more on the roots and scalp.
• Separate Locs Regularly: Gently pull locs apart to keep the sections neat.
• Embrace the Frizz: Don’t feel pressured to constantly retwist or slick down your locs. Frizz means growth!

3. Month 7-9: The Teen Stage

What’s Happening
By now, you’re in the “teen” stage of your loc journey. Your locs have developed more form but aren’t fully mature yet. They might be rebellious and go in different directions, which can be tricky to style. However, this is also when you’ll begin to notice more length.

Common Experiences

• Shrinkage & Growth: You might still experience some shrinkage, but length will become more noticeable as your locs begin to mature.
• Unevenness: Some locs will look tighter and more mature, while others may still be budding. The texture can vary from root to tip.
• Increased Thickness: Your locs will appear fuller, which can feel heavier than loose natural hair.

Tips for the Teen Stage

• Avoid Over-Manipulation: Styling locs too tightly can cause breakage at this stage.
• Wash and Re-twist with Care: Washing locs more frequently can help with hygiene and itchiness, but ensure you’re gentle when retwisting.
• Experiment with Styling: Try out low-manipulation styles like buns, bantu knots, or loose ponytails to showcase your locs.

4. Month 10-12: The Mature Stage

What’s Happening
Congratulations—you’re in the mature phase of your loc journey! Your locs are finally settling down, feeling stronger and less frizzy. While they may not be fully mature by the end of year one, they’re much more defined, and you’ll have a better sense of their final look and feel.

Common Experiences

• Less Frizz: The frizziness will significantly reduce as your locs continue to mature.
• Firmness: You’ll notice your locs feeling denser and firmer, and each loc has a more consistent shape.
• Greater Styling Flexibility: At this stage, you’ll find your locs are easier to style and hold up well with various looks.

Tips for the Mature Stage

• Continue a Consistent Routine: Stick to your maintenance routine, and avoid any sudden changes in products or manipulation.
• Focus on Scalp Care: Your scalp may still need extra moisture, especially in colder months.
• Celebrate Your Progress: Reflect on how far you’ve come and enjoy the freedom that locs offer.

General Tips for Your First Year

1. Stay Patient
Every loc journey is unique, and it’s natural to feel impatient. Embrace each stage with love, understanding that locs evolve over time.

2. Moisturize Consistently
Dry locs can lead to breakage, so keep them hydrated with light, water-based sprays and avoid heavy creams that can cause buildup.

3. Watch Out for Buildup
Product buildup can weigh locs down. Try using minimal products, and clarify your locs every few months to remove any residue.

4. Protect Your Locs at Night
Cover your locs with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to reduce frizz and keep moisture locked in. This helps prevent unnecessary breakage as you sleep.

5. Love the Process
Your locs are a reflection of your unique hair texture, growth, and journey. They’re one of a kind, and every stage is beautiful. Enjoy the twists, turns, and transformations.

Beyond the First Year

As you step into year two and beyond, your locs will continue to mature, gaining even more length and structure. The journey of locs is endless, with each year bringing more growth and change. The first year teaches you patience, self-love, and the beauty of transformation—embrace it!

Your loc journey is uniquely yours. It’s more than just a hairstyle; it’s a commitment to natural beauty and self-acceptance. Enjoy every stage and know that each twist and coil is part of a story that only you can tell.