Natural Hair Protective Styles: How To Lock Your Hair (DIY)

By Muna Ezeudu

25th January, 2024

Hey Beautiful,

In my eight years of practice in the beauty industry, as a Natural Hair Specialist and a Loctician, I have always been asked certain questions by my clients, on different types of Locks.

Sisterlocks Install

So, I have decided to discuss different types of protective natural hairstyles through locks, and my professional recommendations for your personal care. This post will elaborately introduce you to different kinds of locks and all you need to know about them.

There are numerous protective styles for women with kinky natural hairs and such styles are important for maintaining the health of one's natural hair, its strength, and appearance. They also help to minimise breakage and split ends, retain moisture, reduce excessive styling, promote length retention, protect against harsh weather conditions, allow for low-maintenance care, facilitate low-manipulation styling, enhance styling versatility, encourage hair rest, and express cultural and stylistic identity.

In today's blog post, I will be focusing on the natural protective hairstyle of Locks and how you can personally achieve them. There are different types of locks and each kind has a rich cultural history and unique look. In Today’s world, locks have become a symbol of individuality and self-expression. Hence, I'll be discussing different types of locks as natural protective hairstyles, below.

Dread Interlock

1. Traditional Locks:

This type of natural hairstyle suits people who appreciate simplicity and cultural authenticity, because they are dense in nature and take a cylindrical form. One can create this type of style by naturally matting and tangling your hair. To achieve beautiful traditional locks, you would have to regularly maintain, moisturise, and carefully separate the locks to always keep them neat. I recommend you use natural essential oils like coconut or shea butter to maintain the health and appearance of your traditional locks.

2. Freeform Locks (Natural Dreads):

Freeform locks are made naturally, by allowing your hair to naturally lock without much interference or care. So, you could easily let your hair tangle on its own and form unique natural dreadlocks over time. During the formation of this type of lock, I recommend you occasionally separate the tangled lumps into partitions and use clarifying shampoos for washing.

3. Braidlocks:

Braidlocks are overdue grown out braids that later permanently tangle to become dreadlocks. You can create this style on your own by tightly braiding your hair and allowing the braids to naturally lock over time. If you're interested in this natural hairstyle, I recommend you start with medium-sized braids in grids, for a better appearance and regularly moisturise your braids till they totally turn to dreadlocks.

4. Comb Coils:

Comb coils are the easiest and fastest way to begin your dreadlock journey. It is done by tightly coiling small sections of your hair, to create a well defined and neat appearance in grids. For your self-care, I recommend you palm roll it regularly, using a lock gel to hold loose strands of hair in place and maintain your grids. 

5. Interlocking:

Interlocking is done by the use of a tool to weave the hair into a consistent and tight pattern. It is usually easier to maintain, but time consuming. For this type of lock, I would recommend that you find a professional loctician to establish and maintain it for you, to avoid damage and breakage. For your self-care, I suggest you regularly moisturise the locks, to enhance the appearance of your dreads. 

6. Sisterlocks:

This is the most complex and tiny type of lock and is most suitable for women who love to have a refined and stylish appearance. Sisterlocks are smaller in size, fuller on the scalp, but are the most delicate type of locks. The installation process of Sisterlocks requires a precise and intricate technique that is usually done by a certified consultant. Having sisterlocks entails regular retightening sessions and the use of clarifying products to ensure your locks stay clean and fresh always. 

7. Instant Locks:

As the name implies, instant locks are immediate gratification made with the use of a tool or a crochet hook to create knots and twists that resemble matured dreadlocks. The technique gives you immediate locks and can only be achieved by a professional loctician. Hence, I recommend you find professional assistance for this type of lock, and apply gentle care on it, to ensure a beautiful and neat appearance of your locks. 

Comb Coils

The desire for a perfect natural protective hairstyle is a personal journey that requires exploration and experimentation. Every individual's hair is unique, and that's why it is important to take your time to appreciate and uncover the ideal style for you. From the origin with traditional locks to the intricate beauty of Sisterlocks, each style is a reflection of your individuality, that's why Munilicious Locs endeavours to assist you in discovering the beauty of your natural hair.

If you're on the journey of unlocking your own unique natural lock style, contact us today for a consultation and let's begin your lock journey together; because at Munilicious Locs, we create, maintain and repair natural locks.

If you found this topic interesting and beneficial, kindly like, share and comment on your favourite type of lock. 

Watch out for my next blog post on Secrets About Locks!

Contact us today!

@munilicious.locs

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