Types of LocsWhen considering locing your hair, there are so many
options to consider. Some believe that "real" locs must be created using
comb coils. Others think any form of cultivation creates "beauty locs"
that take away from the spiritual element of locing. No matter where you stand
on the socio-political spectrum, all locs have one thing in common - they are
formed from matted hair. Beautiful, glorious, and majestic, but matted hair nonetheless.
Determine how you will initiate and grow your locs depending on your lifestyle,
preferences and personal tastes. Organic LocsOrganic locs are
formed as the name implies - organically. The hair is washed regularly, but not
combed, allowing the hair to mat with no interference. This typically results
in thick locs of different shapes and sizes - these are the locs most often associated
with Rastafarians. Freeform LocsFreeform locs are similar to organic
locs in that they aren't "tightened" or "maintained." However,
freeform locs are cultivated to a degree, as the hair is separated (not parted,
just pulled apart in "chunks") into fairly uniform sections after washing.
There is no parting, palm rolling, twisting, or latching. Cultivated
LocsCultivated locs are formed using various methods. What sets them
apart from organic locs and freeform locs is that they are parted into sections
of about equal size and regularly maintained, using one of several methods to
tighten the new growth. Cultivated locs are usually relatively neat and uniform
in appearance. Types of cultivated locs include: - Traditional
locs
- BradeLocz
- Nappy Locs
- Sisterlocks (tm)
- And
others.
Traditional LocsTraditional locs are typically started
with one or more inches of natural hair, using comb coils to establish the initial
pattern. The hair is parted into small sections, and the natural coil of the hair
is used to create the coils. This method works best on hair with a pronounced,
relatively tight coil pattern. Comb coils unravel relatively easily, especially
when shampooing, swimming, or exercising frequently. BradeLoczBradeLocz
is a method of locing the hair created by Cherie King that uses simple box braids,
parted in small sections, to start the locs. This method is great for people with
active lifestyles or with a looser curl pattern, as the braids are not as prone
to unravelling. BradeLocz are usually maintained using a latch hook. www.herspecialhair.com Nappy
LocsNappy Locs are created using the Nappy Locs tool to intertwine the
hair and create locs without products. Nappy Locs are also less prone to unravelling.
www.nappylocs.com SisterLocks
(tm)SisterLocks (tm) are created using a patented method of intertwining
the hair, created by Dr. Joanne Cornwell. They are created and maintained using
a tool, and are most popular for their small size and versatility. SisterLocks
should be started and maintained by a trained consultant. www.sisterlocks.com Other
Types of Cultivated LocsAs locs have gained popularity, many new methods
of starting and maintaining locs have appeared. Keep an eye out for new types
of locs that may fit your lifestyle. | 
