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 and let's get your hair where you want it to be.