In recent years, interlocking, also known as “root flipping” or “latch hooking,” has gained popularity. By hooking interlocking rings together, this easy hair maintenance method encourages new growth. You can do it with your fingers.
You will learn about the process of interlocking locs, their benefits and drawbacks, and how frequently you should do them in this article! To discover more about this style before making a choice, continue reading.
Table of Contents
What are Interlocking Locs?
A latch hook similar to the one used for crochet braiding is typically used for interlocking. This hook may resemble a standard crochet hook to you. Whether done by a loctician, at a salon, or on your own, the hook is placed at one end of the dread and then into the root to pull through. The purpose is to pull on your roots gently to maintain your locs. This method removes loose hair from the scalp and tightens your roots quickly and easily.
For people whose hair is prone to breakage, the interlocking method can help maintain the dreadlock look. Additionally, it keeps the hair from becoming tangled. The dreadlock is brought closer to the scalp when the loc is tightened for regrowth.
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The advantages and disadvantages of interlocking dreads
Like any hairstyle, there will be advantages and disadvantages. The equivalent is valid for interlocked dreadlocks. As you consider the advantages and disadvantages of a new technique, think about how your hair now behaves. Keep in mind that dreadlock size, growth, and overall health can all be affected by frequent hairstyle changes.
Benefits:
One advantage of interlocking your dreads could be that it will require less upkeep, which will result in fewer trips to the salon! You can go up to at least eight weeks without having to have them redone with interlocking. Naturally, this will depend on your hair type and the rate at which it grows, both of which are individual factors. Because it encourages your locs to remain in place, interlocking is also helpful for people who want to prevent their hair from unraveling.
Other benefits of interlacing dreads include the following:
Once learned, the method can be relatively straightforward with practice.
Uniformity is achieved through interlocking.
You won’t need any special hair products to keep your locs in place because the method is so precise.
People whose hair is silkier and smoother can achieve the dreadlock look with interlocking.
You will appreciate how tightly interlocking prevents your hair from unraveling, unlike other methods, if you sweat a lot or are particularly active.
Disadvantages
Interlocking works best for short, thin locs because of how the pulling and tightening is done. This can be difficult for individuals with thicker, courser locs.
Before you attempt to interlock your dreads on your own, it is strongly suggested that you do so by a professional. Despite the fact that tightening your hair may appear simple, it can cause breakage and thinning. If done badly, this can lead to permanent problems like thinned locs, broken roots, and injury to the loc that stops it from properly growing. Because this weak point can also contribute to breakage, you will want to keep an eye out for residue that accumulates over time around the area where the interlock was made.
It is essential to keep in mind that the majority of interlocking-related issues arise as a result of either using a different method or not maintaining them for an extended period of time, allowing them to lock naturally. If you decide to interlock your locs, you’ll want to stick with it, and if you decide to get another style, be careful!
Consider the following drawbacks when interlocking your dreads:
Interlocking can damage your dreadlocks and lead to traction alopecia if done incorrectly.
Even though this is a quick method, rushing through it can result in knots in dreadlocks that cannot be undone.
Interlocking thicker sets of dreadlocks can be extremely uncommon. If this describes your hair type, it might need more care, which could be replaced with another method.
How to interlock locs?
The kind and rate of growth of your hair will be a major factor in this. The convenience of interlocking your dreads means that you don’t have to do it as frequently to maintain a neat appearance. Many individuals go something like two months without returning to get them revamped; with others referring that they can go several months without having to re-lock fears.
You can extend the life of your interlocked dreads by doing the following:
At night, cover your locs with a bandana.
Stop doing things that make you sweat.
Do not wash your dreadlocks more than twice a week.
When you can, wear your hair in an updo to keep it from unraveling as much as possible.
Beginning new locs
The interlocking procedure for starting new locks differs slightly. Because the hair is repeatedly interlaced from the ends to the roots, it can take anywhere between six months and two years for the dread to properly form and appear mature.
The process of interlocking your dreads can take some time. Bring something to read with you if you decide to go with this style! Interlocking can take up to three hours, whereas other methods of maintenance can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. This makes sense because properly threading the loc requires a lot of concentration when interlocking. Dreadlock interlocking time is further influenced by the following factors:
Technique: The four-point loc pattern of pulling the root in all four directions demands patience and care because it could cause damage if it is hurried through.
Length: Using the same interlocking technique, Interlocking starter locs considerably more quickly than mature locs.
Texture: In order to avoid breakage and slippage, thicker hair requires more care. Even though this won’t make a big difference, it’s something to keep in mind.
Tools: You can interlock with your fingers or a hook. The tool you select will determine how long it takes to completely interlock your hair. Because there will be fewer errors, it is suggested that you use the method that your locator is most familiar with.
Maintenance
Maintaining includes the following steps to ensure the longevity of your interlocks:
1: Retouch
The interlocks must be retouched to maintain their shape. If you want to preserve your interlocks for a longer amount of time, go to your retouch sessions once every six to eight weeks. The fact that sessions can be put off for up to two months is advantageous for interlocks. Pick either strategy, palm-rolling, or curving the locs with an instrument, and keep your locs buzzing with compulsory modifying.
2: Washing
Use a good conditioner and a shampoo that doesn’t leave any residue to keep your dreadlocks clean. If you want to keep your dreadlocks tidy and free of residue, detoxing and deep cleansing are also good options. Wash your dreadlocks once a week to remove sweat, dust, and other impurities.
3: Rest
Every kind of dreadlock needs special care at night. If you maintain your locs, keep them hidden with a scarf, silk cap, or head covering. It will shield them from environmental hazards like lint and dust. Additionally, it will stop hair from breaking.
4: Moisture
Use hair care products like essential oils to keep your scalp and head well-hydrated. Essential oils for the hair are the best way to control frizz. Moreover, knead the head scalp to keep it very much saturated.
You can also use rosewater and Aloe Vera gel to keep your dreads hydrated and fragrant. Due to excessive sweating in the heat, dreadlocks smell unpleasant. As a result, it’s a good idea to spray rose or Aloe Vera water to keep them fresh for a while.
5: Clean your scalp
Even if you have hair, you should still take care of your scalp and hair. Because buildup can inhibit hair growth, it is essential to keep your scalp clean. To get rid of the residues, use shampoo without residues. Additionally, use lightweight, non-pore-clogging hair oils.
Conclusion:
Above all else, if you don’t handle it right, you might break your locs. Do your study on the top hair loctician in the area, how to achieve interlocking locs, the benefits and drawbacks of the process, and loc maintenance techniques. Before beginning this locking journey, complete your portion of the research first.
Individuals favor various dreadlocks as per their hair surface, hair volume, and financial plan. When it comes to dreadlocks, no one style fits all. Now that you know what will work best for your hair, you can look forward to it thanks to the advice in this article.
FAQS
What effects does interlocking have on locs?
One way to interlock locs is to pull the ends of your dreadlocks back through the root of the same area. It is also known as a latch-hooking or root-flipping hairdo. Additionally, it holds the hair in the same position, resulting in the formation of dreadlocks.
What is the duration of interlocking?
An interlocking project will last for at least seven years with few problems if it is regularly maintained. You might see it begins to require greater upkeep towards the 10-year point, for example, edge stones (borders) are moving or certain regions have soaked in or hurled in contrast with different regions.
Are interlocking best for locs?
Some favor interlocking as their loc strategy, particularly when they need to skirt the beginning stages of locs. For hair with a finer texture, this method is best; It needs less upkeep and is washed less frequently, and it can handle more washing without ripping the locs out.
Does interlocking make locs longer?
The response is NO. Interlocking actually strengthens your loc base when done correctly. It pulls in all the flyaway and loose hairs that do not have a loc home. Using this method locs stay the same size.
Can you comb out interlocked locs?
Although they are simple to make and maintain, some may wonder if interlocked locs can be combed out. The answer is yes; interlocked loci can be combed out.
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