Retwist

How often should you get your locs retwisted? This is one of the most common questions I hear, and while the general recommendation is every 6-8 weeks, it's truly a personal journey that depends on several factors unique to your hair and lifestyle. I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to listen to your locs and understand their needs, especially when you're pushing past that typical window. For example, I recently had a client come in who hadn't had a retwist in 9 weeks. If you're thinking, "When it's been 9 weeks since your last retwist, is that too long?" the answer can be yes, depending on your hair. This client had a beautiful, loose curly texture, which tends to tangle and merge more easily than tighter curl patterns. By the time they came in, their locs had already started to loc together at the roots, requiring careful separation and extra time to ensure no damage. This experience really highlighted that while a 6-8 week schedule is a great guideline, it's not a rigid rule for everyone. Factors Influencing Your Retwist Schedule: Hair Texture: As seen with my client, loose curls are more prone to tangling and matting if left too long. Tighter, kinky textures might hold their retwist longer or show less immediate merging. Understanding your hair's natural tendency is key. Hair Growth Rate: Everyone's hair grows at a different pace. If your hair grows quickly, you might find yourself needing a retwist sooner to manage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Lifestyle: If you're very active, exercise frequently, or work in conditions that cause a lot of sweating, you might notice your locs becoming frizzy or losing their neatness faster, prompting an earlier retwist. Desired Look: Some people prefer a very neat, manicured look, while others embrace a more freeform or mature loc aesthetic. Your preferred style will dictate how often you feel the need for a retwist. For those rocking medium-length dreadlocks styles or wanting to add locs with beads, regular retwists often help maintain the structure and neatness required for styling. What Happens if You Wait Too Long Between Retwists? Beyond 8 weeks, especially if your hair texture is more prone to tangling, you risk several issues: Merging Locs: Your locs can start to grow into each other at the roots, making separation during your next retwist more difficult and potentially causing thinning or breakage. Excessive Frizz: New growth can become unruly, leading to more frizz and a less defined look. Product Buildup: Without regular maintenance, product buildup can become more noticeable and harder to remove. Ultimately, the goal is healthy, happy locs. Pay attention to your roots – if they're severely tangled, merging, or becoming matted, it's definitely time for a retwist, regardless of how many weeks it's been. Listening to your hair is the best recommendation any loctician can give!