How to maintain your locs in between retwists PT 1
— There are two different scenarios here. In part 1 I’ll discuss what to do right after your hair is freshly retwisted and styled. In part 2 I will discuss what to do after you’re ready to take your style down and/or shampoo.
1. You JUST got your hair done—
A) Keep your hair wrapped/ covered at night and while lounging. Use satin and silk materials to keep your hair moisturized longer.
B) If you don’t know how to fix it, avoid playing in your hair. The less manipulation, the better.
C) Avoid tight-squeezing styles and ties. Excess tension on your hair and scalp can lead to major issues that cause hair loss, scalp damage, and emotional distress 🥴
D) If your hair is too tight to sleep, take a warm towel and blot your scalp to loosen it up, and inform your loctician or stylist of the issue, because it is an issue.
E) If your scalp is itching nonstop, mist your scalp with warm water and apply your favorite mint oil.
F) If your scalp is dry or flaky, mist your scalp with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizing oil.
Bonus:
• To aid with itchiness, the best oils will be organic (1 ingredient) and be of the mint family; peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, lemon balm, spearmint, basil, thyme, patchouli..
• To aid with dryness/ moisture retention, the best oils will be organic (1 ingredient). Oils that lock in moisture are olive oil, black castor oil, grape seed oil, whipped shea butter (a little goes a way), and argon oil.
• Swap your cotton pillowcases for satin ones. Thank me later.
• If your loctician/ stylist continues to style your hair too tight (signs of this would be discomfort, redness far long after your appointment, tiny bumps that can sometimes have pus), please find a new one 😅
Save this post for later and stay loc’d for part 2 🔒💚
#locmaintenance #locmoisture #locmethods #locstyles #lemon8locdiary
Alright, loc fam! You asked, and I'm here to spill the tea on maintaining synthetic crochet locs, especially since many of you are searching for those synthetic crochet locs upkeep tips! While my original post focused on natural locs between retwists, a lot of the core principles for healthy loc maintenance apply across the board. The goal is always a healthy scalp and gorgeous-looking locs, no matter what style you're rocking. One of the biggest questions I get about synthetic crochet locs is about washing. Unlike natural locs, you don't typically wash synthetic locs the same way you would your own hair. The key is to focus on your scalp! I usually recommend a diluted shampoo or a good apple cider vinegar rinse applied directly to the scalp using an applicator bottle. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips – not your nails! – to lift any dirt or product buildup. Let the suds run down the locs naturally, but avoid aggressively scrubbing or manipulating the synthetic hair itself, as this can lead to frizz and unraveling. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to help seal the cuticles (if any) and reduce frizz. This gentle approach is one of the best upkeep tips that you can do at home to extend the life of your style. After washing, scalp care, much like for natural locs, is super important. If your scalp feels dry or itchy (which can definitely happen with synthetic crochet locs!), reach for a light, non-comedogenic oil. I love misting my scalp with warm water first, just like I mentioned for natural locs, and then applying a few drops of a light mint-based oil like peppermint or tea tree oil. This helps soothe any irritation without weighing down the synthetic hair or causing buildup. Avoid heavy butters or thick oils directly on the synthetic hair, as they can attract lint and leave a greasy residue. For moisture on the actual locs, a light leave-in spray formulated for synthetic hair or a diluted rosewater spray works wonders to keep them looking fresh and shiny without being oily. Protection is another non-negotiable. Just like with natural locs, a satin bonnet or pillowcase is your best friend for synthetic crochet locs! Cotton can be very drying and can cause friction, leading to frizz and shortened style life. Switching to satin helps preserve moisture and keeps your locs smoother overnight. I've found this simple switch makes a huge difference in how long my styles last. Finally, let's talk about tightness. Sometimes, synthetic crochet locs can feel a bit too tight right after installation, similar to how retwisted natural locs can feel. If you're experiencing discomfort, a warm, damp towel gently pressed to the affected areas of your scalp can help alleviate some of that initial tension. Remember, excessive pulling can lead to thinning edges, so always communicate with your stylist if the installation feels painfully tight. My rule of thumb for loc maintenance is: discomfort is a sign something isn't right. By incorporating these additional upkeep tips that you can do at home into your routine, you can ensure your synthetic crochet locs stay looking fabulous and your scalp remains healthy throughout your wear. Don't forget to save this post and look out for part 2 for even more loc goodness!
