If you’re looking to give your locs a more natural, effortless look, transitioning from blunted loc ends to wispy ends is a great option.

Wispy ends create a softer, more relaxed look and can even make your locs appear longer, especially in the early stages of your loc journey. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to achieve wispy loc ends, along with tips to maintain their health and softness. 

Watch the step-by-step tutorial here:

The difference between blunted and wispy loc ends

Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand the key differences between blunted and wispy loc ends.

Blunted Ends

These are created by crocheting or twisting the ends of the locs, giving them a clean, polished look. The benefits include:

• Prevents fraying and split ends

• Helps to keep your locs from unraveling

• It is especially beneficial for type 3 and type 4 hair, which is naturally more coiled

Wispy Ends

Wispy ends are created by brushing out the ends of the locs, or not crocheting them at all, thereby leaving the hair loose at the tips. The benefits include:

• Giving your style a free-flowing look

• Giving your locs a softer, more beachy aesthetic

• It’s ideal for type 1 and type 2 hair, as these hair types are generally straighter or have slight waves

• Makes locs appear longer, especially during the initial stages when shrinkage is common

Why transition to wispy ends?

While blunted ends offer a more structured look and are great for preventing damage, some people prefer the softer, more effortless style of wispy ends. They are especially flattering if you want a more natural, airy look that feels less rigid. 

Additionally, wispy ends can give the appearance of longer locs, which can be helpful during the early growth stages when locs could experience shrinkage.

How to transition from blunted ends to wispy ends

If you’ve been rocking blunted ends but want to switch things up and achieve those soft, wispy tips, here’s a simple step-by-step process.

What you’ll need:

• Crochet hook
• Scissors (preferably high-quality hair-cutting scissors)
• Comb
• Two bowls (or one bowl and a sink)
• Water
• Conditioner
• Apple cider vinegar
• Carrier oil (castor oil, almond oil, argan oil, or a blend of those)

The method:

Step 1: Cut the loc ends

The first step is trimming the end of your loc. You’ll want to cut the ends at an angle to promote a more natural, wispy look. You can also cut your locks straight if you want the ends to be a little more dense. Continue reading to see the difference between a loc that has been cut at an angle versus straight.

Tip: Use high-quality scissors for a cleaner cut. If you only have basic scissors, make sure they’re sharp.

Step 2: Comb the ends

Next, use a comb to gently comb out the ends of your locs. You can choose how much of the loc you want to brush out and detangle, whether it’s a few centimeters or a couple of inches. 

Step 3: Prepare the conditioner and apple cider vinegar mixture

In a bowl, mix about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a generous amount of conditioner. The vinegar helps clarify and soften the hair, while the conditioner provides moisture. This mixture is essential for maintaining the softness of the loose ends and preventing dryness.

Pro Tip: The exact measurements don’t matter too much, but the mixture should be thick enough to coat the ends of your locs.

Step 4: Apply the mixture

Apply the conditioner and apple cider vinegar mixture directly to the loose ends of your locs. Be careful not to apply it too high up the loc. Focus just on the area where the hair is loose and free-flowing. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse and comb

After allowing the mixture to rest in your locs, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Once rinsed, use a comb to gently brush through the ends, ensuring they’re smooth.

Step 6: Air dry

Finally, let your locs air dry. Avoid using heat to dry them, as it can cause damage to the delicate ends. Air drying will help maintain the natural texture and softness of your wispy ends.

The final reveal: Before and after

Maintaining wispy loc ends

After transitioning to wispy ends, it’s essential to take care of them to keep them looking soft and healthy. Here are a few ways you can maintain your wispy ends:

• Condition regularly: After washing your locs, apply conditioner to the tips and rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting conditioner into the loc itself; only focus on the loose hair.

• Use leave-in conditioner: After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your locs. This helps lock in moisture and keep the ends soft.

• Oil your ends: Once your locs are damp (after washing), apply a small amount of castor oil, argan oil, or almond oil to the ends of your locs. Oils help seal in moisture and prevent dryness, keeping the ends of your locs soft and smooth.

• Deep condition the ends occasionally: If your ends start to feel dry or brittle, try a DIY deep conditioning treatment. Apply the treatment to the ends of your locs, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Deep conditioning helps restore moisture and softness to your locs.

For the complete tutorial, check out this video:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do my locs have to be to do this?

To successfully transition your blunted loc ends into wispy ends, it’s generally recommended that your locs be at least slightly past shoulder length.

This length provides enough hair to work with, ensuring that the transformation looks natural and that the wispy ends can be effectively shaped without compromising the integrity of the rest of your loc.

2. How old do my locs have to be to get wispy ends?  

The exact age can vary depending on your hair type and how fast your locs are maturing, but it’s best to wait until your locs are at least 6 months to a year old. 

At this stage, your locs should be mature enough to handle the process without compromising their structure. Younger locs may be too fragile and prone to unraveling, making it harder to achieve the wispy look without affecting their stability. 

The key is ensuring your locs are sturdy and well-formed enough to handle the changes to the ends without affecting the overall look and health of your locs.

Conclusion

Transitioning from blunted loc ends to wispy ends is a simple process that can give your locs a more natural, flowing look.

By following the steps in this guide and maintaining your ends with regular conditioning or oiling, you can enjoy soft and healthy wispy ends.

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