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Exploring Loc Types by Loc Genius

Published by Loc Genius

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Copyright © 2022 Loc Genius

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Cover by Loc Genius

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 Welcome to Loc Genius
Thank you for downloading this eBook guide from Loc Genius. Our mission
at Loc Genius is to provide high-quality, free information for anyone
interested in starting or continuing their loc journey.

Our “Exploring Loc Types” eBook was created to be a short introduction to

the beauty and variety of locs, especially for anyone interested in starting
their loc journey. Learning about your hair is an important step to take
before locking your hair. We believe that good quality information helps you
avoid making mistakes and begin embracing your new hair.

We pride ourselves on making all our information free and accessible. Our
goal is to empower, educate, and respect our readers. You can support us
through donations at Buy Me A Coffee. If you have any questions, feedback,
or suggestions please feel free to email us at hello@[Link].

We wish you well on your loc journey.

Happy Learning,

Carla Samuel
Loc Genius

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contents

5-6 overview
7-9 sisterlocks
10-11 microlocs
13-14 traditional locs
14-15 semi-freeform
15-16 freeform
17-18 wicks
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 Overview

Locs, or dreadlocks, is a hairstyle made up of matted strands of hair. This

hairstyle became popular in the seventies by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Marley and many at the time referred to his hair as dreadlocks. Many black
people refer to the hairstyle as locs rather than dreadlocks. This change
removes the word “dread” from the name. Within black culture, saying locs
shows respect and reverence to the hairstyle and blackness. Locs is not only a
shortening of the word dreadlock. Locs is a rejection of negative associations
to the hairstyle.

The exact origin of locs is difficult to pinpoint. It is easier to acknowledge

different places where similar hairstyles existed. It is important to mention
that hairstyles are a part of culture. Two people may appear to have the same
hairstyle. But they may also have different understandings and cultural
associations about their hair.

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 There is also a difference between locs and matted hairstyles. Locs are a matted
hairstyle, but all matted hairstyles are not locs. The practice of wearing locs
developed within black culture. Wearing matted hairstyles is not particular to
any group of people. There are several examples of different people across the
world wearing matted hairstyles. Locs is a matted hairstyle that is only
associated with people of African descent. Even the term “locs” developed
within a black cultural context.

“All matted hairstyles are

not locs...Locs is a matted
hairstyle that is only
associated with people of
African descent. “

Rastafarians in Jamaica are the most recognizable for their matted hairstyle.
They refer to their hairstyle as dreadlocks or locs. There is debate about how
locs became a part of the Rastafarian practice. Some believe locs and ganja
entered Rastafarian culture through East Indian indentured servants. Others
believe locs were an act of solidarity with African nations. Some argue that
Rastafarians would wear their hair in locs to mirror the Mau Maus of Kenya.

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 Introduction to Loc Types
Locs are one of the most distinctive hairstyles in the world. Traditional
locs are the most widely recognized type of locs. However, there are
several types of locs. Each loc type has a unique look, characteristics,
and maintenance routine. Let’s explore the amazing world of locs.

What are Sisterlocks?

Sisterlocks is one of the smallest
sized loc types, where the loc
diameter is 2-3 mm (toothpick
width). We describe Sisterlocks
as a loc version of microbraids.
Sisterlocks is also a loc tech-
nique and a training program
developed by JoAnne Cornwell.
The Sisterlocks official website
describes Sisterlocks as “a natural hair management system that creates
tiny style-able locks.”

The goal of this technique is to give people with kinky hair the ability to
keep their natural hair and have more style options. The Sisterlocks
organization advises people who are interested in Sisterlocks to seek
consultants trained in the Sisterlocks system.

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The Sisterlocks system has a three-step protocol to install locs:
1. The Sisterlocks Consultation- The Sisterlocks consultant will discuss your hair
preferences and history to decide if Sisterlocks is the right style for you. The con-
sultant may also install 8-12 sample locs to monitor the size, hold, etc. The
consultation prepares you and the consultant with a baseline to plan your Sister-
locks installation.

2. The Locking Session- This session may be divided between two days to
manage client's sitting time. The Sisterlocks organization estimates that the loc
installation is 10-20 hours. During the installation, consultants install an average
of 400 locs. The consultant also provides clients with a starter kit containing
shampoo, rubber bands, and information on grooming and shampoo as locs
settle.
3. The follow-up re-tightening session-
After at least 2 shampoos, Sisterlocks
consultants will re-twist locs. The con-
sultant will also provide feedback about
loc progress.

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 Maintenance
The Sisterlocks organization recommends that clients schedule re-tightening
visits every 4-6 weeks. This regular schedule helps consultants monitor each
client’s loc progress. The average Sisterlocks clients re-tighten every 4-8
weeks. Sisterlocks consultants inform clients how often they will need to re-
tighten based on individual clients.

What are the pros of Sisterlocks?

 Resembles loose hair or microbraids
 Can be flat-ironed or hot curled
 Not as heavy as traditional locs

What are the cons of Sisterlocks?

 Expensive to start (prices range from $850- $1,000)
 Difficult to find a Sisterlocks consultant
 Can’t free form
 High maintenance due to long retightening/retwisting because of higher
amount of locs

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What are Microlocs?
Microlocs are a small loc type where small, individual
locs resemble loose hair. Microlocs is one of the
smallest sized loc types, where the loc diameter is
2-3 mm like Sisterlocks. The appearance of microlocs
and Sisterlocks is similar. The difference between the
two is that Sisterlocks is a branded technique with
training and certifications. Microlocs is not. Some
salons or hair professionals may have established their own certification for
microlocs. However, we are not aware of one established set of training and
education for microlocs like Sisterlocks.

Maintenance
The recommendations for microlocs depends on the stylist and client. Typically
clients schedule retwisting visits every 4-6 weeks. This regular schedule helps
locticians monitor each client’s loc progress. You will also have to learn how to
learn how to retwist your hair between visits to maintain your locs.

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 What are the pros of microlocs?
 Resembles loose hair or microbraids
 Can be flat-ironed or hot curled
 Not as heavy as traditional locs
 Do not require a Sisterlocks consultant

What are the cons of microlocs?

 Expensive to start (prices range from $750- 950)
 Difficult to find a microlocs consultant
 No certification- Training and knowledge unclear
 Can’t free form
 High maintenance due to long retightening/retwisting because of higher
amount of locs

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What are Traditional Locs?
The loc type that is most recognizable is
traditional locs. The loc diameter of traditional locs is
5-14 mm (pencil width to nickel width). Traditional
locs are a medium to large loc type. Traditional locs
use small to medium groups of hairs to create locs.
Because of the large groups of hairs, traditional locs
cannot be flat ironed or hot curled. Instead, loc
wearers can use rollers or pipe cleaners to achieve
curls.

Maintenance
The recommendations for traditional locs depends on your loc goals and desires.
Generally we recommend re-twisting every 4-6 weeks if you want a manicured,
neat look. Others who want a less manicured look can retwist once every two
months. Keeping a regular retwisting schedule helps you maintain your loc
progress and reach your loc goals.

What are the pros of traditional locs?

 Easier to find hairstylists
 Easier to retwist
 Can be started and maintained with or without stylist
 Can free form later

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What are the cons of traditional locs?
 Not easy to style like loose hair
 No certification- Training and knowledge unclear
 Low-medium maintenance due to loc count (range from low-high count)

What are Semi-freeform Locs?

Semi-freeform locs are a medium to large loc type.
Loc diameter is 5-14 mm (pencil width to nickel
width) Semi-freeform typically start from traditional
locs with medium to large groups of hairs to create
locs. Over time, you can decide to retwist less often.
This allows the new growth to grow with the loc and
may result in locs becoming thicker. You can also
combine locs resulting in larger locs. Like traditional
locs semi-freeform locs cannot be flat ironed or hot
curled. Instead, you can use rollers or pipe cleaners to achieve curls.

Maintenance
The recommendations for semi-freeform locs depends on your goals and desires.
Generally we recommend re-twisting every three to six months. Depending on
the locs, you may opt to not retwist. Instead, you can separate locs after wash-
ing.

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What are the pros of semi-freeform locs?
 Less retwisting maintenance
 Can be started and maintained with or without stylist
 Thicker locs

What are the cons of semi-freeform locs?

 Does not have the uniformity of traditional, manicured locs
 Style has more fuzz than traditional, manicured locs

What are Freeform Locs?

Freeform locs are a medium to large loc type. There is no set look for freeform
locs. The size of freeform locs varies with each person and their hair type and
density. The appearance of freeform locs is less uniform. Freeform locs develop
without parting. These locs grow from the natural
matting of the hair without intervention or styling.

Maintenance
Freeform locs do not have a re-twisting schedule. This
loc type does not require styling or manipulation. You
also do not have to separate locs after washing. With
freeform locs, your maintenance depends on your de-
sires and goals for your locs.

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 What are the pros of freeform locs?
 No retwisting maintenance
 Can be started and maintained without stylist
 Thicker locs

What are the cons of freeform locs?

 Less socially accepted
 Does not have the uniformity of traditional, manicured locs
 Style has more fuzz than traditional, manicured locs

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What are Wicks?
Wicks (also known as Florida Wicks, globs, or
bonks) are a large loc type. The loc
diameter starts around 2-5 inches. The size of
wicks locs varies with each person. Wicks locs
develop in three ways.
1. Combining existing locs- Crochet needle
combines individuals locs as one loc.
2. Extensions- Crochet needle fuses natural
hair with wicks extension to create one loc.
3. Rubber bands method- Rubber bands
fuse loose afro hairs as a large loc.

Wicks cannot be grown as a freeform loc. If locs are developed with any
manipulation and styling interventions, it is not freeform.

Maintenance
Wicks locs do not have a re-twisting schedule. This loc type does not require styl-
ing or manipulation. You may have to separate locs after washing. After creating
wicks locs, you only have to maintain new grow to maintain the wicks look.

What are the pros of wicks locs?

 Unique look
 Thicker locs

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 What are the cons of wicks locs?
 Less socially accepted
 Expensive to start (prices can go up to $1,500)
 Larger locs may put stress and tension on the scalp
 Difficult to find a wicks stylist
 Less options for styles like curls or two strand twists

Final Thoughts
Locs are a unique hairstyle with many different looks and characteristics. If you
are considering locking your hair, you should pick the loc type that fits your
desires and lifestyle. As stylists and locticians develop new techniques, locs will
continue to evolve. The variety of locs demonstrates the beauty and genius of
loc’d hair.

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