The Blog
Tips, guides, and stories about loc care, natural hair wellness, and the journey.
How Often Should I Retwist My Locs?
One of the questions I hear most often in the chair is, "How often should I retwist my locs?" The honest answer is: it depends. Retwist frequency isn't one-size-fits-all — it depends on the age of your locs, your hair type, your lifestyle, and the method used to start them. Let's break it down so you can build a routine that keeps your locs healthy without over-manipulating them. ## Starter Locs (0–6 Months) In the first few months, your locs are still finding their shape. During this stage I generally recommend retwisting every 4 to 6 weeks. This is enough to encourage the locs to form and stay tight at the root without putting too much tension on fragile, budding hair. Over-twisting starter locs is one of the fastest ways to cause thinning at the root, so patience here really pays off. ## Teen Stage (6–12 Months) As your locs move into the teen stage, they're firmer but still settling. Most clients do well retwisting every 6 to 8 weeks. You may notice more frizz and a slightly looser feel between appointments — that's completely normal and actually a sign your locs are maturing from the inside out. ## Mature Locs (12+ Months) Once your locs are fully mature, you have more flexibility. Many of my clients stretch to 8 to 10 weeks between retwists, and some go even longer. Mature locs hold their shape well, so the goal shifts from "forming" the loc to simply maintaining a clean, polished look at the scalp. ## What Slows Things Down A few factors can change your ideal schedule: finer hair textures tend to need less frequent retwisting to avoid stress; very active lifestyles (heavy sweating, swimming) may require more frequent maintenance; and locs started with interlocking often hold longer than palm-rolled locs. ## Signs You're Waiting Too Long If your new growth is pulling heavily at the root, your parts are losing their definition, or your locs feel loose and uneven, it's probably time. On the flip side, if your scalp is sore or you notice thinning at the roots, you may be retwisting too often. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026The Starter Loc Journey: Month by Month
Starting locs is one of the most exciting — and sometimes nerve-wracking — decisions you can make for your hair. If you're considering starter locs in Des Moines, I want you to know what the first year actually looks like. Understanding each stage helps you set realistic expectations and care for your locs the right way from day one. ## Month 1: The Foundation Your starter locs are installed — whether through comb coils, two-strand twists, braids, or interlocking. At this stage they look neat and defined, but they're delicate. The goal is to let them be. Avoid excessive washing, twisting, or manipulation. A light retwist at 4–6 weeks keeps the foundation intact. ## Months 2–3: The Baby Stage This is where things get a little… fluffy. Frizz appears, the ends may start to loosen, and you might wonder if something went wrong. It didn't. This is the budding phase, and it means your locs are doing exactly what they're supposed to do — maturing from the inside out. Resist the urge to over-twist. ## Months 4–6: The Budding Stage Now you'll start to feel actual buds forming within each loc. The hair is compacting and starting to lock at various points along the shaft. Your locs may look a little uneven, and that's completely normal. Regular retwists every 6 weeks help guide the process without over-stressing the root. ## Months 7–9: The Teen Stage Your locs are firmer and starting to hang with more weight. Frizz is still present, but the locs hold their shape much better. Many clients love this stage because the locs finally start to "look like locs" while still having that youthful, textured feel. ## Months 10–12: Approaching Maturity By the end of your first year, most locs are well on their way to maturity. They're compact, defined, and hold their shape between appointments. You can stretch retwists a bit longer now, and you'll likely notice less frizz and more consistency from root to tip. ## Caring for Your Journey Throughout the first year, the most important things are patience, moisture, and professional maintenance. Avoid the temptation to over-wash or over-twist, keep your scalp clean and moisturized, and trust the process. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026Why a Loc Detox Should Be Part of Your Routine
If you've never had a loc detox, you might be missing one of the most important steps in your maintenance routine. A detox is more than a deep clean — it's a reset for your scalp and your locs, removing months of buildup that regular washing simply can't reach. Let's talk about why this matters and how often you really need one. ## What Causes Buildup Over time, your locs collect more than you'd think. Products like gels, creams, and oils leave residue that binds to the hair shaft. Hard water deposits minerals. Sweat, sebum, and even environmental dust settle into the tightly compacted strands. Because locs don't shed product the way loose hair does, this buildup accumulates — and it can lead to dullness, itchiness, and even slow growth. ## Signs You Need a Detox Your locs will usually tell you when it's time. Look for a dull, ashy appearance even after washing; a heavy or weighed-down feel; persistent scalp itchiness; a waxy residue when you squeeze a loc between your fingers; or a lingering odor even when your hair is clean. If you're noticing any of these, a detox is overdue. ## How a Detox Works A proper loc detox uses a clarifying clay (usually bentonite) or an enzyme-based treatment that lifts buildup from inside the loc. Unlike regular shampoo, which cleans the surface, a detox penetrates the compacted strands and draws out impurities. The treatment is followed by a thorough rinse, a light conditioning, and a moisturizing finish so your locs don't feel stripped. ## How Often Should You Detox For most clients I recommend a detox every 2 to 3 months, or about once per season. If you use heavier products or live somewhere with hard water, you may benefit from detoxing more often. If your locs are brand new (under 6 months), we'll wait until they've matured enough to handle the treatment. ## What a Detox Is Not A detox isn't a replacement for your regular wash routine — it's a supplement to it. And it's not the same as a hot oil treatment or a conditioning mask. Think of it as a deep, clarifying reset that keeps everything else working the way it should. When done correctly, you'll leave the chair with locs that feel lighter, look brighter, and breathe better. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026Maintaining Healthy Locs Year-Round
Healthy locs aren't about one magic product — they're about consistency across the seasons. Your hair's needs change with the weather, your activity level, and your styling habits. Here's how I coach my Des Moines clients to keep their locs thriving all 12 months of the year. ## Winter: Hydration Is Everything Cold air outside and dry heat inside are a brutal combination for locs. The hair shaft loses moisture fast, which leads to brittle, itchy locs and a flaky scalp. In winter, switch to a heavier moisture routine: a light oil or water-based moisturizer a few times a week, a satin or silk bonnet at night, and warmer (not hot) water when you wash. Don't skip wash day — clean locs hold moisture better than dirty ones. ## Spring: Time for a Reset Spring is the perfect season for a loc detox. You've just come out of a dry winter, and a clarifying treatment lifts the buildup that accumulated over those cold months. Pair the detox with a fresh retwist and you start the warmer months with a clean slate. Spring is also a good time to reassess your product routine — lighter products work better as humidity rises. ## Summer: Sweat, Sun, and Chlorine Summer is the season that tests your locs the most. Sweat adds salt and oil to the scalp, UV exposure can fade and weaken the hair, and chlorine from pools can cause serious dryness. Rinse your locs with clean water after swimming or heavy workouts, protect your scalp with a light spray or a hat when you're in direct sun, and don't skip your wash days — sweat left in locs leads to odor and buildup fast. ## Fall: Repair and Protect After a summer of sun and activity, fall is your repair season. Focus on deep conditioning treatments, a clarifying detox if you haven't had one in a while, and a retwist to tighten up any loosening from the humid months. This is also the time to start rebuilding your moisture barrier before winter hits again. ## Habits That Matter Every Season No matter the time of year, three habits keep your locs healthy: regular professional maintenance, a satin or silk at night, and moisture that actually reaches the hair shaft. Locs don't drink water on their own — you have to bring it to them. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026Protective Hairstyles for Every Season
Protective styling is one of the best things you can do for your natural hair, but the right style depends a lot on the season. Different weather, activities, and scalp conditions call for different approaches. Here's how I help my Des Moines clients choose protective styles that actually protect — all year long. ## Why Season Matters Heat, humidity, cold, and dryness each affect your hair and scalp differently. A style that's perfect for summer sweat might be too heavy for a dry winter scalp. The goal of protective styling is to reduce manipulation, retain length, and give your hair a break — and choosing season-appropriate styles makes that goal a lot easier to reach. ## Spring: Knotless Box Braids Spring is the ideal time for knotless box braids. The weather is warming up but not yet sweltering, so the weight and coverage feel comfortable. Knotless braids are lightweight, tension-free at the root, and offer a natural-looking finish that works for everything from workouts to events. They typically last 6–8 weeks with proper care. ## Summer: Feed-In Braids and Updos Summer calls for styles that handle sweat, swimming, and activity. Feed-in braids are a great choice — they keep the scalp accessible for cleansing, hold up to moisture, and can be styled into updos or ponytails for hot days. Barrel twists and goddess locs also work well when you want an updo-friendly look that still protects your ends. ## Fall: Boho Knotless Braids As the air cools and dries, boho knotless braids give you a soft, textured look while protecting your ends. The curly, wavy additions add fullness and are easier to keep moisturized than fully braided styles. Fall is also a good season for medium-sized braids that balance weight and longevity. ## Winter: Locs, Twists, and Full Coverage Winter is the time to tuck your ends away. Full protective styles like locs, two-strand twists, or passion twists shield your hair from dry indoor heat and cold winds. Pair any winter style with a satin bonnet at night and a light oil to lock in moisture. Heavier, longer styles work well here because the cold won't make them uncomfortable. ## Choosing What's Right for You Your hair type, length, and lifestyle matter as much as the season. If you're active, lighter styles with accessible scalp are easier to maintain. If you want low-effort longevity, fuller styles that last longer between appointments may be the better call. The best protective style is the one you'll actually care for. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026Starting Locs for Kids: What Parents Should Know
If you're thinking about starting locs for your child, you probably have questions. As a loctician who works with families across Des Moines, I've helped many parents navigate this decision. Here's what I want every parent to know before booking that first appointment. ## Is My Child Old Enough? There's no single "right" age, but I generally recommend waiting until your child is at least 4 years old. By that point, the hair has enough density and length to form and hold a loc, and most children can sit reasonably still for the appointment. Younger children can absolutely have locs, but the process requires more patience from everyone involved. ## Choosing a Starter Method For kids, the starter method matters. Comb coils and two-strand twists are gentle options that work well for finer textures. Braids are a strong, low-tension choice for active children. Interlocking can work but tends to be better for more mature hair. We'll choose the method together based on your child's hair type, age, and how much they move in the chair. ## What to Expect in the First Year Kids' locs mature a little differently than adults'. You'll see frizz, some unraveling, and uneven texture in the early months — that's all normal. Retwists are usually needed every 4–6 weeks to keep the foundation intact. The most important thing is consistency: regular maintenance keeps the locs forming cleanly without over-manipulation. ## Making It Fun for Little Ones The appointment should never be a battle. I keep kids' sessions shorter, offer breaks, and make sure the experience feels positive. Bringing a tablet, a favorite snack, or some music helps a lot. When a child associates their hair appointment with care and comfort, they're much more likely to sit still and let the process work. ## Caring for Kids' Locs at Home Home care is simple but important. Keep the scalp clean with gentle, kid-friendly products, moisturize lightly, and always use a satin bonnet or pillowcase at night. Avoid tight styles between appointments — kids' scalps are more delicate than adults', and tension can cause thinning fast. ## Let's Talk If you're considering starter locs for your child, the best first step is a consultation. We'll talk about your child's hair type, age, and lifestyle, and I'll give you honest guidance on timing, method, and expectations. ## Ready to Book? If you're in the Des Moines area and ready to start or refresh your loc journey, I'd love to work with you. [Book your appointment online](https://heardboutus.setmore.com/justiceheard) and let's get your hair where you want it to be.
7/3/2026