As a millennial woman and a mother of two beautiful girls, I know that maintaining natural hair can be a labor of love. And if you’ve chosen the path of locs, you’ve likely heard the ongoing debate about whether locs are truly low maintenance. Well, the truth is, it’s all relative. While you may have bid farewell to the days of detangling, washing and caring for your locs still require time and attention. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with some tips for a successful wash day that will help you keep your locs looking fabulous without sacrificing too much of your precious time.
Let’s talk about time management. Wash days can be lengthy, so it’s important to set aside enough time to tackle the task at hand. If you’re new to the process, it’s best to block off an entire day and keep track of how long each step takes you. The retwisting portion, in particular, can be time-consuming, but the silver lining is that you can multitask and get other things done around the house in between.
Being prepared is key to a smooth wash day experience. Make sure you have all the tools you need within easy reach – shampoos, clips, oils, spray bottles, and mirrors. Consider preparing everything the night before to streamline your morning routine and minimize any unnecessary delays.
When it comes to choosing a shampoo, opt for a good clarifying shampoo that will thoroughly cleanse both your scalp and hair shaft. Locs can accumulate sweat, dandruff, and dirt from the environment, so a deep cleanse is essential. Some recommended shampoo options for locs are Shea Moisture African Black Soap Cleansing Shampoo, Shea Moisture Shampoo Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore or Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo.
If you have starter locs or micro locs, consider sectioning your hair to make it more manageable during the wash. This can help you access your scalp more easily and ensure a thorough cleanse. While sectioning is optional, it can be a game-changer for some wash days.
Drying your locs properly is crucial to prevent any mildew smells or dampness. Due to the dense nature of locs, they take longer to dry compared to loose hair. If you live in a warm climate, air drying outside during the day can be a great option. However, if that’s not feasible, a hooded dryer or a blow dryer with an attachment like this ,can come in handy. Start with 30-45 minutes of drying time, and gradually increase in 10-15 minute increments to ensure your locs are completely dry.
And here’s a bonus tip that can save you time: you don’t always need to retwist on wash days! Yes, you read that correctly – retwisting is not always necessary. After towel drying your freshly washed locs, gently separate the roots that may have tangled together during the wash. Then moisturize your locs as usual. Braiding your locs in large sections can help camouflage any frizzy edges and give your hair a neater appearance.
So there you have it – some insider tips for a successful wash day with your locs. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your locs. With a little planning, preparation, and patience, you can breeze through.
Proverbs 14:29. Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
