Many celebrities wear locs. They create perfect styles that everyone wants to copy. If you have watched Rihanna in Ocean’s 8, then you know how good locs look. Why don’t you try them?
Summer is almost here – warm weather and beach parties are perfect places for you to show off your brand-new faux locs styles.Â
What Are Faux Locs?
First things first – what are faux locs? Faux locs is a famous protective style that is quite temporary. Your extensions are loc’d – you use your natural hair as well as extensions to get some of the looks.
Faux locs are a great protective style. The hair that is used to make these braids totally covers your natural hair so that it can grow undisturbed. It is also perfect for all those women who are not ready for permanent styles like dreads. You can easily create different faux locs styles, from relaxed and casual to elegant and chic. Â
Best Hair for Faux Locs
The Faux locs look is created by using human or synthetic hair and yarn. The best hair for individual crochet faux locs is definitely synthetic hair, such as Marley or Kanekalon hair.Â
When you choose which hair to use, keep in mind that it will also affect the braid texture you will get. According to hairstylists, Marley and Kanekalon synthetic hairs are the two most popular ones for creating fabulous faux locs. They are cheap but give you perfect locs in return.Â
Marley hair will provide you with a kinky texture and natural appearance. It is excellent to use for Havana and Kinky twists.Â
On the other hand, locs with Kanekalon hair look smoother and polished. They are shiny with a clear and delicate appearance.
Acrylic yarn is another type of hair that you can use to create crochet faux locs. It is very cheap and can be found everywhere. Your locs will be lightweight, but the look might not be the same as with Marley or Kanekalon hair. That is why many women opt for them rather than for yarn.
Short or Long Faux Locs
Long faux locs are usually defined as dreads. Long locs might be harder to maintain, but the styles you can create using them are countless. From updos to braids – you can try everything. They are great to wear every day if you are willing to handle super long hair. Moreover, transforming locs into elegant hairstyle is more than possible.
Short locs are handier. You can easily maintain them while they look equally marvelous as long ones. Chopped forms of dreadlocks are great for all those women who like their hair to be always in order and ready-to-go-out.
How to Do Faux Locs?
There are two ways how to do faux locs – wrapping and crochet. These two methods both have pros and cons, while they are perfectly safe to do at home as well.
The wrapping method implies that sections of your hair are either braided or twisted. You can also hold your natural hair against the base extension and then wrap the loc around until you reach the length you wish. It takes more time, but the results are beautiful.
The second method is the crochet faux locs. There are two ways to install the locs – the individual/Jazz Nicole method and the cornrow one. The first one is simple and easy. Locs are crocheted into individual braids or twists.
The cornrow method might be a bit more complicated, but it is faster to do. Your locs are crocheted into a cornrow base. This method usually takes from four to six hours to be done. The results are not as natural as with the wrapping technique.
How to Faux Locs: Step By Step Tutorial
Step 1
Before braiding your hair, you should treat it with nourishing products that will keep it in good condition. You can use shampoo, conditioner, mask, or leave-in conditioner. These products will keep your hair healthy even after removing the locs.
Step 2
Section your hair. It is on you how you want to do it. Some women prefer diamond-shaped sectioning, while others tend to part it more naturally. You can also spray a leave-in-conditioner on the roots to keep them nourished.
Step 3
Take your braiding hair and braid it in with your natural hair. You just add two strands of the braiding hair to two strands of your natural hair and braid all the way down to the hair ends. You can also leave the ends loose to get goddess-style braids.
Step 4
Take another piece of braiding hair but instead of braiding wrap it around the root. Make sure it is secure by wrapping it a few times but don’t make it too thick.
Step 5
After wrapping your braids, you can secure them with a lighter. Some women use glue that is specially made for locs.
Different Faux Locs Styles
Faux locs can be styled in numerous ways. Some of the most popular ones are goddess, bohemian, and crochet locs. These are all versatile, stylish looks that everybody can make.
With either of these styles, you can make day-to-night looks that are breathtaking. Are you into a bob? Go for crochet locs since they are lightweight and great for styling. Or would you prefer long hairstyles for the beach and summer? Then your choice should definitely be goddess locs.
Faux Locs vs. Goddess Locs
The question is a bit wrong. Goddess locs can be faux too. These locs are both great; their resemblance is obvious. However, they are not quite the same.
Faux locs are braided down to the hair ends. They can look more or less polished and natural. The key difference is that they are created with synthetic hair. Therefore they can be heavy with a shiny and silky look.
On the other hand, goddess locs are usually very long, with curly hair ends. That is their key feature, which keeps them so popular. They are also made with natural or synthetic hair (hence the name – goddess faux locs) with a messy appearance.
Faux locs can be crocheted into the hair like regular crochet braids. Crochet braids are more affordable than sew-ins.
What Are Goddess Locs
Goddess locs is one of the most popular protective styles. They are made with either natural or synthetic hair – it is your choice.
This type of faux locs was created by Dr. Kari Williams, a trichologist, and celebrity hairstylist. She created the look in collaboration with Meagan Good. Meagan is also one of the biggest celebrities that rock her goddess braids.
Their story began in 2015 when Meagan wanted a hairstyle like Lisa Bonet. Even though Dr. Kari thought it was impossible to make, since Lisa’s hair was natural, she created the style that many women around the world adore.
How To Style Goddess Locs
Goddess locs are perfect for making those messy, both long and short hairstyles. However, don’t let their kinky texture fool you. These locs can look very polished when you need them to. You can put faux locs in a bun, make braids, updos, knots – each of these looks are more than possible to get.
Two-toned Goddess Locs
These thick long locs can be your new hairstyle for summer. They are simply gorgeous. Two-toned hair gives an illusion of voluminous hair while jewelry makes it chic and beach-ready. Metal strings are great for styling your locs. Goddess loc styles are perfect for day-to-night events.
Goddess Loc Updo
The good thing about goddess locs is that you can always style them into a messy high bun. And it is so easy to style to make!
You simply gather all your hair, secure it on the top of the head and wrap it around. For a chicer and messier vibe, leave a few locs out of the bun, and decorate them with jewelry.
Here are several video tutorials showing how to do goddess locs.
What are Crochet Faux Locs
There are many controversies around crochet faux locs. While some say they are great, others claim they damage your hair. This method of getting your locs is also known as the “instant dreadlock method.”
Crochet is a method that uses a small crochet hook to install locs. With this method, you can get instant locs that are tight and consistent. You can wash your hair immediately after you get them installed, and they work for every hair type. That is enough good things, right?
However, improper installation can damage both your natural hair and locs. So, be careful where you do your crochet faux locs.
There are two variations of the crochet method – crochet wrapping and micro-loops. The first one is great for straight hair, and it is similar to a knitting process. Locs are done with a crochet hook and with the wrapping method.
Micro loops work for all hair types. This method consists of tiny loops that are repetitive and create voluminous braids that look like a cylinder of knots.
The crochet faux locs styles are perfect for all hair types. Afro locs is one of the most famous styles, then Caucasian, Hispanic, etc.
What are Bohemian Faux Locs
All faux locs tend to look similar. However, the technique of getting them is different. Bohemian faux locs are similar to Goddess locs, yet not the same.
Boho or bohemian locs look rough with flowy and carefree vibes. They typically have this non-uniformed look. If you like messy hairstyles – these locs should definitely be your choice.
Unlike Goddess locs, Boho locs don’t necessarily need to have curly or wavy ends. It is actually completely on you to pick which style you would prefer. The key is in their non-uniformed look that is totally different from other types of locs. Boho locs can be random in length and texture.
What are Gypsy Faux Locs
Gypsy locs are very similar to goddess locs. They have curly or wavy ends, a lot of texture, and a messy look. They are even messier than goddess ones since there is a lot of wavy hair you add to get more volume. They look so natural that many people will think you have made them with your own hair.
What are Mermaid Faux Locs
Mermaid faux locs, and boho goddess locs have some similarities as well. Mermaid locs are created not only with boho goddess braiding hair but with wavy hair. They are crocheted throughout the hair. The result — a lot of texture and volume.
To keep them in good shape, hairstylists recommend going through your locs once or twice a day to separate locs and wavy hair from each other. That is how you will prevent them from tangling as well.
6 Steps for Maintaining Your Faux Locs
Faux locs require low yet special maintenance. Whether you decided to wear your faux locs long or short, they need to be in the best shape.
Before even doing the locs, make sure your hair is well hydrated. Wash it with the shampoo with argan or olive oil and use a conditioner that will deeply hydrate it. After braiding your hair, keep in mind that your roots will still be exposed. Make sure to use a leave-in conditioner.
These are some of the tested-and-proven steps for maintaining your faux locs.
1. Don’t Wash – Clean your Hair
Depending on how your locs are done, that is how you are going to wash or clean them. If your faux locs are made of yarn, they can be damaged with excess water, so be careful. Otherwise, the washing method is pretty much simple.
You can choose to wash your hair with shampoo, putting it only on the roots and rinsing it with a wet cloth. However, some hairstylists recommend not washing your hair at all while wearing locs. You can simply use apple cider vinegar for the roots and to keep your scalp’s pH in balance.
2. Hydration
Hydration is crucial for your faux locs, better said for your natural hair beneath. It is a common belief that locs is a protective style and that you shouldn’t do anything with your natural hair. However, that is not exactly true. You still need to moisturize it, even just the roots. They are exposed all the time.
Leave-in conditioners and oils are locs’ best friends. However, depending on the style you are wearing and the hair used for creating the locs, you might want to slow down on oil application. The problem occurs when synthetic, yarn or even natural locs absorb all of the excess oil, and you are not shampooing your hair to remove it.
The best you can do is to use natural oils, like coconut or olive oil. Castor oil is considered a staple in Jamaica, so you can definitely try it for preventing bacteria, strong root growth, and ultimate hydration.
3. Frizz Battle
Frizz is an inevitable addition that faux locs carry. Some women tend to intentionally make their hair look kinky since locs look more natural and messy that way. However, for all of you who don’t want frizzy and curly hair – you can absolutely fight against it.
If you want to tame your hair, look for products that are enriched with shea butter. It will make your hair strands look smooth while also keeping them healthy and fighting against breakage.
If you opt for crochet faux locs, then you can burn the frizzy parts with lighter. Be careful, though. You should always know where your natural hair ends and where the braiding hair starts. If you don’t want to burn the locs, use scissors to cut off excess hair that peeks.
4. Silk Helps
Even if this advice stands for all hair types and hairstyles, sleeping on a silk pillow should be on your list of priorities when you have locs. Cotton is great, but it soaks a lot of moisture so you can seriously damage your hair while sleeping.
Also, consider using silk scrunchies and scarfs so you can be sure your locs will stay in excellent condition all the time.
5. Take Care of Baby Hair
Women leave their baby hair out when doing locs since you can style them however you wish. Taking care of your edges and baby hair is crucial, yet very simple. Always have a hair gel and a toothbrush so you can style it quickly.
6. Never Wear Faux Locs for Too Long
We have already imagined doing faux locs and going to the beach. Did you?
This style is great, and we already know that. However, don’t wear your locs for too long. Why? They can weaken and even damage your hair growth.
Hair experts recommend wearing them for two months. That is how you will get perfect locs and also protect your hair from any side effects.
Pros and Cons of Faux Locs
Faux locs, individual faux locs, crochet faux locs – these are all great protective styles. But, like everything in life, they come with pros and cons. While some of them can be significant, others are just here to let you know what you are getting into. Read this before doing your locs.
Pros
- Low Maintenance. You can say goodbye to those morning hair stylings that take forever to be made. With your locs in place, you don’t need to worry about doing your hair every day. You can simply choose some of the crochet faux locs styles you can make and go for it! With goddess, gypsy, and bohemian braids, you don’t have to work at all! They seem to look messy and kinky, so you will have that “I woke up this way” look all the time.
- No Hair Damage. Locs is a protective style. That means they keep your natural hair cozy and healthy beneath braiding hair. Isn’t that great? Bad weather, wind, and other external factors can’t damage your natural hair while you wear faux braids.
- Easy to Style. Locs are actually pretty easy to style. You can make low or high buns, ponytails, braids, and other hairstyles very quickly. If you get bored easily with your hair, then faux locs might be the perfect choice for you.
- Getting Compliments. The great thing about faux locs is their uniqueness. People on the street will stop you to ask you about them, giving you compliments and calling you all beautiful names, you can be sure!
- Long-Lasting. You can wear your locs as long as they look good, and your scalp is not itchy. Hairdressers recommend the two months as the longest period you can wear them. The key feature of locs is that they look better as they get older.
Cons
- Price. Faux locs are the most expensive to get out of braids, twists, or crochet hair. That is because the technique is more complex, and it takes a long time to get the locs all done.
- Fuzziness. Fuzziness is something that comes with faux locs, and it can be pretty boring. However, it can be solved with the techniques we have mentioned above. Too much fuzzy hair can ruin the locs, so make sure to keep it low.
- The Heaviness of the Locs. One of the biggest cons of locs is their heaviness. Due to that heavy feeling, they can make your scalp itchy, which leads to much bigger problems. Hair loss, neck pain, and headache are some of them.
- It Takes a Lot of Time. The process of getting locs can last really long – from 4 to 9 hours, depending on how long your locs should be. For some, it is a time drain.
- Irritable and Dry Scalp. When you first get your faux locs, your scalp can become really irritated and dry. Many stylists get them really tight so that they can last longer. However, be prepared to deal with dryness of your scalp and itchiness.
History of Faux Locs
Believe it or not, locs date back thousands of years. And while these sections are still controversial for some, for others, they are part of their national identity.
The history of locs starts back at 2,500 BC. Can you believe it? It was first spotted on India’s Vedic sculptures. The word they used ‘jaTaa’ means twisted locs of hair. They were also spotted on Ancient Egyptian mummies. Some evidence of locs is also found in the Old Testament as well.
Even though locs have a long history, they were not so popular until Bob Marley and the Rastafarian movement back in the ’60s and ’70s. However, in the 80′ locs became super popular worldwide. Whoopi Goldberg was not only presented to America through cable TV as an actress, but also her hairstyle was introduced to many. She gave Black Americans a chance to wear this hairstyle without being connected to Jamaica, reggae, or Rastafarian.Â
The rest is history. Locs became a new obsession of many celebrities in the ’80s. Lenny Kravitz, Boy George, and Lauryn Hill are just some of the superstars that were rocking faux locs back then.
From 2000 to nowadays, many celebrities have tried and worn locs or dreadlocks. It is now considered as a part of a personal style and a fashion statement.Â
However, dreadlocks, faux locs, and all locs, in general, are still associated with Jamaica and reggae. Some thought it would become more common and Americanized, yet it still carries a cultural DNA that screams Rasta and Jamaica.
Questions and Answers
How Long Do Faux Locs Last?
Faux locs can last very long. However, like any other protective style, you should keep them from six to eight weeks. That is the period when your natural hair starts to grow. And trust us, the grown-out look doesn’t look cool with your locs. Otherwise, if you decide to keep them longer, you risk damaging your natural hair.
Are Faux Locs permanent?
Faux locs is a temporary protective style. However, loc extensions that are often swapped for faux locs are permanent.Â
Are Faux Locs Too Tight?
Tight faux locs can cause pain. That is the bad side of having them, but there is a solution to this problem.
You shouldn’t go through pain because of the locs. Even if you think the pain will pass, it can only lead to bigger problems such as headaches, neck pain, and alopecia.
If they hurt, try the techniques described in the article above.
Are Faux Locs Heavy?
Faux locs can definitely be heavy. Heaviness can lead to root tension and hair breakage. Make sure your hair is healthy before doing the locs. Don’t forget to talk with your stylist about the size and length of braids, so you can find the best ones that won’t hurt.
Are Faux Locs Good for Your Hair?
Can faux locs damage your hair? Definitely, yes – if they are installed badly. You should know that your hair will be much heavier with more packs of hair added. This can cause your natural hair to strain at roots, leading to headaches and pain.
However, keep in mind that locs is a protective style that can also be good for your hair. It practically keeps your natural hair in great shape and lets it grow, while you rock your beautiful faux locs on the outside.
How to Wash Faux Locs?
Hairdressers recommend washing only your roots when wearing faux locs. For this, you can use two cloths – one with water and one with shampoo. Apple cider vinegar is a great natural shampoo substitution that will keep your hair healthy and your pH balanced.
On the other side, some hairstylists say you don’t need to wash your locs at all. Water can easily ruin the braids. In the end, it is on you to decide what is best for your hairstyle.
How Many Packs of Crochet Faux Locs Do I Need?
How many packs of crochet faux locs do I need – this is the question every girl asks herself before she starts to braid her hair. This really depends on the preferred locs length and thickness, as well as the method of installation. If you want Marley twists, you will have to use more hair.
In general, you will need eight to twelve packs of hair, more or less. Be aware that the more hair you use, the heavier your hairstyle will be.
About The Author
