Protective Styles: Faux Locs

When Ciara popped out on the scene with these gorgeous locs, eyes bulged, ideas spun and everyone asked, how can I get that look?! Truth is, the faux loc trend has been popular in the Black hair industry for quite a while. So if you’re considering the look, what’s right for you? Take it from me, a natural-hair cosmetologist who started with permanent faux locs three years ago, there’s definitely a recipe for success. But first consider the facts.
1. It can be Temporary OR Permanent
Faux locs come in a semi-permanent form in which natural hair is wrapped with yarn, synthetic or human hair. This temporary system lasts up to three months and is often called a protective style because it doesn’t require you to alter the chemical or physical state of your natural hair. The permanent form of faux locs is just as it sounds— permanent. So don’t enter into this venture lightly. For this style, human hair is wrapped around your natural hair or actual human hair locs are attached to your roots. That’s right, dreadlocks from another person’s head are attached to yours. Our natural hair can be re-twisted and turns into a loc as the hair grows.
2. Choose the Right Texture
Since you have human hair, synthetic and yarn fiber as options, be sure your stylist evaluates the strength of your natural hair. Yarn is the most lightweight and will not pull the hair down as much. Human hair is more dense and allows a bit more flexibility. Synthetic, which is the most popular, comes in numerous textures and offers the most flexibility, but is heavy. Be sure, if you opt for a large size faux synthetic loc, you leave perimeter hair strands out to alleviate hairline stress.
3. Pick Color Wisely
Faux locs are the ultimate protective style because they literally “loc you in” for a period of time. With that said, pick your color wisely! Warm brown and red tones are great for fall and often come blended with a dark brown or black. Going darker means it will blend well with your natural color and be less shocking of a transition .
4. Commit to a Manageable Length
The longer the loc, the heavier the load. Regardless of fiber, be careful when choosing the diameter and length of your faux locs. For ones like Ciara, go for a diameter of a dime or nickel and a length of just below shoulder length.

 

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