Hey girl, So you’re rocking locs (or thinking about starting them) and wondering, how can I get them to grow faster and thicker? I totally get it. Whether you just started your loc journey or you’ve been on it for a while, we all dream of long, thick, beautiful locs that flourish.
As your curly hair bestie who loves all things natural hair, let me tell you growing thick, healthy locs is absolutely possible. But it takes a little patience, the right care, and a consistent routine. I’ve seen it through so many curly girls in the loc community. So let’s chat, like we always do, and break it all down. Find natural locs related posts here.
First, Let’s Talk About What Affects Loc Growth and Thickness
Before we dive into tips, it’s important to understand that your locs are only as healthy as the hair growing out of your scalp. That means your scalp health, diet, hydration, hair care practices, and even your stress levels all play a role in how fast and thick your locs grow.
Also, everyone’s hair grows at a different rate, on average about half an inch per month. You can’t magically speed that up, but you can make sure nothing is slowing it down or causing unnecessary thinning.
Tips on Growing Dreadlocks Faster and Thicker
1. Prioritize Scalp Health Like It’s a Full-Time Job
Your scalp is where it all begins, girl. If your scalp isn’t clean and nourished, your locs won’t thrive.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Cleanse your scalp regularly using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. A favorite like Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo. It gets the scalp clean without stripping your hair.
- Do regular scalp massages with a growth oil. Go for growth stimulating oils like Wild Growth Hair Oil or Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp and Hair Oil. Massage your scalp for 5-10 minutes a few times a week. This stimulates blood flow and supports healthy hair growth.
2. Don’t Retwist Too Often
I know we love that fresh, neat look, but retwisting your roots too often can cause thinning at the roots and along your locs. That tight tension can pull on the scalp and lead to breakage or even traction alopecia over time.
Try to space out your retwists. Every 4-6 weeks is a sweet spot for most people. You can maintain a neat look between retwists by doing gentle palm rolling, tying your locs down at night with a satin scarf, or using a soft styling gel around the edges.
3. Hydration Is Your Secret Weapon
Locs need moisture too. Even though they don’t require the same kind of detangling as loose natural hair, they still thrive when properly hydrated.
Here’s a sample moisture routine:
- Spritz locs every few days with a DIY spray made from distilled water, aloe vera juice, and a few drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree is great). You can choose an already formulated hydrating spray like Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Spray for Dull, Dry Locs.
- Seal in that moisture with a light oil like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or castor oil. Castor oil in particular is amazing for thickening hair and promoting growth.
- If you want something already blended, try Jamaican Mango & Lime Island Oil, it’s lightweight and smells amazing.
4. Eat Like Your Locs Depend on It
Because they do. Hair growth starts from within, and your body needs certain nutrients to grow strong, thick strands.
Load up on:
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, beans, nuts, and fish
- Leafy greens for iron and folate
- Berries, oranges, and avocados for vitamin C and healthy fats
- Plenty of water—hydrated hair starts with a hydrated body
5. Be Gentle and Patient
Your locs are a long-term commitment, like a relationship. You’ve got to love them through every stage, even when the frizz gets wild or they feel like they’re not growing.
Avoid unnecessary manipulation, excessive styling, or harsh pulling. Use satin or silk scarves and pillowcases to reduce friction at night. Don’t neglect your locs between retwists. Give them moisture, massage your scalp, and wear protective styles that don’t put tension on the roots.
6. Consider Your Parting System
If you’re just starting or in the early phases, the size and spacing of your parts will determine how thick your locs become. Larger parts = thicker locs. Smaller parts = thinner locs. If you want volume, opt for medium-to-large sections when starting your locs.
Even if you’re already loc’d, combining thinner locs into thicker ones is possible with loc combining methods like two-strand twists or crochet.
7. Use Products That Support Growth Without Buildup
Avoid heavy creams, waxes, and butters that can clog the hair follicles and slow growth. Lightweight, natural products are your best friends. When in doubt, read your labels and aim for clean, non-comedogenic ingredients.
Keep it simple:
- A gentle shampoo
- A daily or every-other-day spritz
- A lightweight oil or serum
Consistency is key here. Stick to your routine and trust the process.
Final Thoughts
Growing your locs faster and thicker doesn’t happen overnight, but girl, when I tell you it’s worth the wait, believe me. Your crown will flourish if you treat it with love, patience, and care. Stay consistent with your routine, feed your body well, protect your scalp, and avoid stress (because stress really can slow your hair growth).
And remember, your loc journey is uniquely yours. Don’t compare your growth to someone else’s. Stay focused, stay gentle, and watch those beautiful, thick locs grow.
