Locked Hair Guide
Stages of Locking
The stages of locks can best be described in “life stages”.
Baby Locks: Locks from conception to the point of matting for the first time. They are generally soft and pliable and can come apart easily. It is important in this stage to be very careful with them, not to wet them too often. It is recommended that you wait at least 3 weeks before immersing them in water, but use witch hazel or an astringent to cleanse the scalp during this time. If your hair is on the wavy or straight side, you will certainly want to wait to get them wet, but it is less crucial when using other methods like interlocking or braiding. This stage lasts about 3-6 months, give or take, depending on your hair texture.
Styling baby locks: Using clip on barrettes, thin head bands, and even a cowry shell or beads can adorn your baby locks and give them a little sass! You don’t want to over do it with products and accessories, though. Just a little bit can go a long way.
Teenage Locks: The funky, in between stage when locks aren’t hanging or well formed. They stand up, uncoil, flatten and may be hard to style. There isn’t much you can do at this stage while they are “wild ‘n out”, but you can begin to shampoo them more regularly. When doing so, it is best to remember to pull them apart, or keep them separated so they don’t join. Also you may have more styling options by now. This stage lasts from about 6
-12 months. Much patience is necessary during this stage.
Styling Teenage Locks: A wider headband can be used now, and even bigger clips. There are so many. You can also do some combination styles, like flat twists in the front and a starburst of locks in back. This stage often is a “hat stage”. There are many beautiful hats, crocheted, wool and more to floss up your locks. It’s always neat to allow the locks to peek through when wearing a hat. If you are even more creative, roller sets on sponge rollers or jherri curl rods are a great way to disguise the various lengths and textures your locks are in.
Mature/Adult Locks: (You may even want to call this the Promised Land!) We long for this moment when the locks are matted from top to bottom with no gaps or loose ends. They are strong and pretty much the same size from tip to base. You can shampoo your hair as often as you like and you can wait a longer time to maintain them. Styling mature locks, well there are endless possibilities from corn rows to flat twists, curl and updos. You can do just about anything without much worry.
Be aware, however, of keeping locks from drying out. They can become brittle no matter how old and long they are, and can fall off right at the scalp!!!