Can you Loc Relaxed Hair?
Yes, it is possible to loc relaxed hair, but it comes with some baggage that you should be aware of before embarking on this journey. The first thing to know is that locking relaxed hair depends on the locs you are going for.
Traditional locs require that your hair be completely free of chemicals. On the other hand, Sister locks require 1 to 2 inches of undergrowth so that you can loc your relaxed hair with it. Now that that is out of the way, let’s move back to the process of locking relaxed hair. If you’re determined to go ahead with locs on relaxed hair, be prepared for a longer and more complex journey.
This process is complicated because relaxed hair has undergone chemical straightening and lost the natural kinkiness needed to make proper locs. So, with relaxed hair, you will require a longer, intricate process known as “interlocking” or “instant locking”.
The fear of starting afresh and cutting off your thick, lustrous hair might be why you want to loc your hair in a relaxed state. However, locking relaxed hair comes with the possibility of hair damage because relaxed hair is fragile. The fragility may lead to uneven and weakened locs.
Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that your damaged hair will break off later, so it is advised that you chop it off now to avoid damage to your hair and have your hair be as good as new when it grows into locs.
Another significant factor to note is if your hair is brittle, it is highly discouraged to have locked, relaxed hair. Brittle hair will eventually get damaged unless you start from scratch.
After weighing the pros and cons, if you still think your hair is up to the test, you can start locs with various methods. Some methods to consider are crochet hooking, interlocking, and free forming (leaving it to form independently). However, you must ensure that your hair is moisturized because relaxed hair can quickly get coarse. But if regular conditioning and oil treatments are in place, your hair should be fine.
Ultimately, the final decision is up to you; weigh the pros and cons – the possible damage and extra stress that may be incurred versus the worry of starting afresh with a big chop.
If you don’t want a big chop, you can trim your hair at different intervals as it grows. However, not everyone subscribes to the idea that you can loc relaxed hair, so you may not find many willing Locticians.
