Before and After a Retwist✨

Hey everyone! So, my recent retwist journey was definitely a unique one. Usually, I'm pretty consistent, getting my locs retwisted every 7-9 weeks. But life happens, right? Thanks to Hurricane Helene, my appointment got pushed back, and I ended up going a full 13 weeks between retwists! I know, a long time for some, but honestly, it was an interesting experience and really helped me embrace my locs in all their stages. Before the Retwist: The 'Free' Stage Let me tell you, by week 13, my new growth was serious! My locs were looking incredibly free-spirited, which is one way to put it, haha. There was a lot of frizz at the roots, and some of my smaller locs were starting to try and merge. It wasn't 'messy' in a bad way, but definitely far from neat. This 'before' stage is actually my favorite time to experiment with protective styles like buns or ponytails, because the new growth gives them extra volume and grip. My scalp also felt a bit tighter as the locs grew out, so moisturizing became even more crucial. I focused a lot on hydrating my scalp with light oils and rosewater spray to keep it healthy while I waited. The Retwist Experience: A Moment of Renewal Finally getting into the chair for my retwist felt like a mini spa day for my locs! My loctician carefully separated each loc, working through the new growth with a gentle touch. We used a light gel to help define the roots without weighing them down. The whole process took about 2-3 hours, including drying time under the hooded dryer. It's always amazing to watch the transformation happen. Each loc gets its definition back, and my scalp feels so much lighter and cleaner. After the Retwist: Sharp, Defined, and Ready to Go! The 'after' look is always so satisfying! My locs were incredibly neat, shiny, and perfectly defined. The frizz was gone, and my roots were smooth and tight. It's like my locs had a fresh start. This is when I feel super confident showing off my locs in any style, whether it's down, up in a sleek bun, or in intricate braids. But honestly, the biggest takeaway from this extended break was realizing how much I truly love my locs at every stage. The 'before' gives them character and freedom, and the 'after' brings back that crisp, polished look. Both are beautiful in their own right, and learning to appreciate the journey between retwists has been a huge part of my loc experience. Don't be afraid to let your locs breathe a little!