I’ve decided over the last month to start combing out my locs. It was a hard decision, but here’s why I’m doing it.
1. 👩🏾🦱I miss my loose natural hair. I miss my fro and the versatility of having loose hair.
2. 🧼The locs make cleaning my hair harder and it was becoming difficult to maintain. I work in emergency medicine on an ambulance. Sometimes we encounter patients whose homes have odors or dust and dirt. Having the locs hade it harder for me to feel like my hair was clean after working in those places. Which my loose hair I feel like I can clean each strand individually. It also was becoming difficult to maintain my hair and I like it neat and clean. My job made it harder to find time to refresh it up to my standards.
3. 😇I’ve been through a lot in the past year and your hair hold on to that energy. This is just my personal opinion. Your hair tells a story and over the last year I’ve had major ups and downs in my life and job. Being that locs are formed by your hair matting together, I felt like it was holding onto negative energy.
4. 🦁I simply just miss seeing my length and I don’t want my locs anymore. This last point is the simplest one. I just miss my old hair. The last length check I did my hair was almost past my chest. With the locs I was in the fluffy shrinkage phase and it made my hair look way shorter than it actually is. I miss that and I’ve simply moved on from my loc journey.
All in all if you’re thinking about doing the same. Don’t do it based on my reasoning. Do it because you want to. Let’s chat about it in the comments. 💋
2024/11/5 Edited to
... Read moreDeciding to comb out your microlocs is a huge step, and I completely understand the mix of emotions that come with it. It’s not just a hairstyle change; it’s often a reflection of a deeper personal journey, much like my own transition from my lovely brown locs back to my loose natural hair. If you're pondering this path, here are some practical tips and honest insights I've gathered to help you navigate your own comb-out journey.
First, patience is your best friend. Combing out locs, especially microlocs, is an extensive process. It can take hours, days, or even weeks depending on the length and maturity of your locs. Don't rush it! Set aside dedicated time, put on your favorite show, and prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.
Gather your arsenal of tools: You'll definitely need a good quality, sturdy rat-tail comb or a fine-tooth comb. Invest in a excellent detangling conditioner – I found that a creamy, high-slip conditioner made a world of difference. A spray bottle filled with water (and maybe a little conditioner) is also essential to keep your hair damp and pliable as you work. Some people find success with specific oils or leave-in treatments too.
Work in small sections. This is crucial for minimizing breakage and making the process manageable. Isolate a single loc, saturate it with water and conditioner, and gently start at the very tip, slowly working your comb upwards. Be gentle! If you encounter a knot, apply more conditioner and try to separate the strands with your fingers before re-introducing the comb. It’s a delicate dance between detangling and preserving your hair’s integrity. The goal is to unravel, not tear.
What to expect after the comb-out? Your hair might feel different. It could be very dry, and you might notice a significant amount of shed hair – this is normal, as all the hair that would have shed naturally over the years is now being released. Don't be alarmed by the initial 'shrinkage' or lack of perceived length; your hair will likely bounce back to its coiled, natural state. Immediately follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and strength. Seeing your hair go from the defined 'before locs' stage to its natural, voluminous self is incredibly rewarding.
Embrace the journey: For those wondering if you can comb out microlocs, the answer is a resounding yes! It takes dedication, but it's absolutely possible. This transformation from microlocs to loose natural hair is more than just a physical change; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start, a new chapter. Whether you miss the versatility of different microloc styles for medium hair or simply want to explore new possibilities with your natural texture, this decision is yours alone. Trust your instincts and celebrate every step of your unique hair evolution.
❤️ I love your why and you have beautiful hair before and during your take down process can't wait to see more!