In the interim of anxiously awaiting our favorite salons to reopen, we're all looking for tips and tricks to keep our hair healthy. The options for protective styles are endless but can border on repetitive. First, we mastered jumbo twists and knotless braids; now, we're lusting after godless locs. A more dramatic protective style, goddess locs are the perfect way to break up the monotony, but only if you have a plentitude of patience.
What are Goddess Locs?
Different in various ways from its traditional counterpart, goddess locs are a more bohemian style with a curvy or wavy texture to them. The hairstyle can vary based on the type of hair chosen, but it's common to have a curl throughout the loc or unsealed ends. The look is soft, feminine, and ridiculously pretty, all amplified by the waist-or-longer length.
Unlike twists or braids, goddess locs can be a more difficult process. Even though they are more lightweight and easy to style, it can take three to three hours to install the style. There are two common ways to do it: an individual method and the crochet method.
Goddess Locs: The Individual Method
According to Jasmine Pierce, a celebrity stylist, the goddess locs individual method takes a bit longer than the crochet method (six to eight hours) but gives a more realistic-looking result. You start by braiding your natural hair, then feed in an extension, ensuring the ends are left loose and curly. She explains to Cosmopolitan:
"Then grab another piece of braiding hair and, starting at the root, wrap it around the braid really tight so it mimics a loc. You keep wrapping until you get to the end of the braid, and then seal it off with a couple of drops of superglue or nail glue."
The Goddess Locs: The Crochet Method
The goddess locs crochet method (think: three to four hours) is installed with a latch hook and doesn't put nearly as much pressure on the root as the individual method does. You start by braiding your hair into cornrows, then gently crochet in the goddess faux locs. Pierce says you can add a few individual goddess locs around your hairline as it looks more natural and hides the crochet.
The Goddess Locs: Maintenance
To maintain this look, simply keep the hair hydrated with oils that prevent dryness and breakage. An important tip to remember is to cleanse your scalp to break down any buildup - a little shampoo and a water bottle for easy application is a quick fix. Pierce also suggests if you use the individual method, to avoid getting your locs wet when rinsing your scalp.
Lastly, it's also a good idea to keep a leave-in conditioner and a good spritz nearby. This can be a great first step for anyone looking to begin their loc journey. And if you don't want to loc your hair, it's recommended to take your hair out after two months max.
If you're looking to achieve a bohemian look this winter, look no further than faux goddess locs. Keep scrolling to see how these ladies style their goddess locs on Instagram.
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Featured image by Giphy