After seven years with dreadlocks, I’ve learned so much along the way. Here are the insights I wish someone had shared with me before I began my loc journey.

Seven Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Loc Journey

1. Enjoy Simple Pleasures While You Can

Get a proper scalp massage before starting your locs! Once I got my dreadlocks, I could never enjoy a professional scalp massage again because I never know what products they might use.

Even those metal scalp massagers I used to love get stuck in my hair now. If you don’t have locs yet, please enjoy a good scalp massage for me!

2. Understand the Maintenance Requirements

I had no idea about proper maintenance when I started. I didn’t know about daily moisturizing, the importance of consistently pulling roots apart, or using a satin bonnet to control frizz and prevent lint.

It took me 2-3 years to realize how crucial regular root separation is – if you neglect this and wait months between visits to your loctician, trust me, the pain is excruciating when they finally separate them!

3. Have a Vision for Your Locs and Set Realistic Expectations

I’m not saying idolize anyone’s locs because everyone’s will look different – even locs on different sides of your own head will vary! But having a basic idea helps determine maintenance needs.

I knew I wanted uniform locs, which meant my loctician was vital in the beginning. If you want neater locs, be prepared for more professional maintenance.

Know how long maturity takes for your hair type. Afro-textured hair typically locks in 6-18 months, while my Caucasian hair took about 2.5-3 years to mature. Understanding this timeline prevents disappointment.

4. Transition Your Hair Care Routine Early

Start the “no-poo” method at least a month before beginning locs. I went from washing my hair daily to weekly, and my scalp freaked out! Gradually extend the time between washes and switch to a residue-free, sulfate-free shampoo before starting. Your scalp will thank you for the adjustment period.

5. Embrace the Frizz

I’ve had my locs for over seven years and still have frizz! It’s just part of having locs. My locs look more uniform now, but the frizz never completely disappears.

Yes, you could spend hours tucking it in with a crochet needle, but it’ll return after your next wash. I’ve learned to let go of that control and embrace it as part of my journey.

6. Choose Your Loctician Wisely

Look at their before-and-afters and reviews. Ensure they know which technique works for your hair type – I didn’t know interlocking doesn’t work well for Caucasian hair like mine, and those sections never fully matured!

Confirm they won’t use wax or gels (these leave harmful residues that are nearly impossible to remove). Finally, agree on pricing upfront to avoid surprises.

7. Be Patient

Like watching a child develop, locs need time to grow and mature. There are no shortcuts. I recommend taking progress photos regularly – sometimes we don’t realize the massive changes our locs go through until we compare photos. The journey is beautiful when you look back and see how far you’ve come.

In the same way you might transform yourself as a person, your locs are undergoing their own beautiful transformation. Embrace every phase of the journey!

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