From misconceptions and myths, to believe it or nots, locs are known to have a bad rap. And that’s because they’re perceived as a hairstyle that’s careless, unkept, and unclean.

Although it’s a natural hairstyle, people seem to not appreciate the rope-like hair strands that come with a mini afro at the root. And let’s not forget about the frizz, frizz, frizz. 

But Hold Up! SPOILER ALERT: Lack of knowledge, haircare routine, proper products, and hygiene are the reasons why most are not favorable of locs. 

And the thing is, this can happen with any other hairstyle and hair type. But because locs are now more popular post-pandemic, the style can be seen almost everywhere you look. However, the issue is that everyone doesn’t know how to take care of them, which is the reason why most loc myths exist.  

So to clear the air and address the most common myths, let’s burst each bubble one by one, and unveil the truth about locs. 

6 Misconceptions About Locs

Locs Look Dirty

The number one myth about locs is that they look dirty. If the word dirty bothers you, here are some other words people use to describe locs: dingy, nasty-looking, poop turds, etc. That’s because when people look at locs that are very frizzy, not maintained, with a brown, white, or gray cast on them, they think that they’re dirty.

When in actuality, they aren’t wrong to assume, but aren’t educated to know that sometimes, that is what’s to come with having locs. Locs come with frizz, especially in the starter loc phase. You can even have frizz in mature locs, depending on the type of products used. 

Also, seeing flakes and white spots in locs appear dirty, but that’s because of an overuse of products and dandruff. In this case, use a clarifying solution such as an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to help remove dirt, gunk, and old products that are stuck inside of locs. 

Waiting Months Before Washing Your Starter Locs

Your loctician may tell you to wait a few months before washing your starter locs. While I am no loctician, I do have locs, and by all means, I’ll tell you to please wash your hair. BUT, there is a better way to do it.

If you have coils, two-strand twists, or braids for starter locs, I recommend washing your hair in the shower. However, only focus on your scalp and allow the shampoo and water to run down your hair. 

RELATED: 4 Better Ways To Start Your Locs

You can do this as early as 4 weeks after getting your hair installed for locs, and as late as 8 weeks, but it all depends on the type of product used on your hair. 

I know everyone wants a very crisp look, but please make sure you or your loctician use a product that won’t irritate your scalp. Using products with alcohol in them can irritate your scalp. It will put you in a situation of needing to wash your hair too early or suffer in silence. 

If you want to let your loctician wash it, that’s fine too. Every loctician has different points of view on washing starter locs. But waiting 3 months can cause heavy products to embed in the center of your locs and can cause early buildup. So just be careful and mindful.

You Can’t Use Conditioner On Locs

While this is not a complete myth, you can use conditioner on locs. But before you start a riot, I must say there’s a better way to use it on your locs. 

The reason why you will want to use a conditioner on your hair is for hydration. Locs are very prone to dryness, which leads to breakage, and you’ll need something to help moisturize your hair. But the key is the product or ingredient you choose to use.

One thing’s for sure, you should not use a cream-based conditioner. If you are in the starter loc phase, I would not advise you to use a conditioner. This could prolong the locking (budding) phase because the conditioner’s job is to hydrate and detangle. 

But once your hair gets into the budding stage where your locs start to thicken up, you can introduce a water-based or liquidy leave-in conditioner. You can use this from here on out on your loc journey.

Or if you do not want to use products in your hair, you can use organic green tea. I used this on my locs, and it was surprisingly moisturized for a few days. All you have to do is brew green tea in boiling water and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Once cooled, put it in a spray bottle and spray it on your locs. 

Another ingredient you can use is aloe vera juice. Just like green tea, it will give your locs the hydration it needs to prevent any dryness. 

Loc Maintenance Is Easy Work

If you think locs have easier maintenance, please allow me to put my hand on your shoulder. Having locs does not mean that you can just let your hair do whatever it wants. But I must say this, depending on your lifestyle and culture, it can be considered easier than having loose natural hair. 

So if you have a lifestyle where your hair must be kept neat at all times, you need to create a haircare routine to ensure your locs are healthy and professional looking. Or you can come from a free-spirited lifestyle where appearance isn’t too important, but you still want a healthy head of locs. And then there is where culturally, you are taught to just allow your hair to form locs on its own. 

Whatever your reasons, you still need to create a haircare regime for your locs to thrive and be their best. So make sure to invest in good knowledge on how to take care of your locs, along with hair products or natural ingredients to use on them. 

Every Natural Hairstylist Is Also A Loctician

As I was a former natural hairstylist, I was not a loctician. Although many people assumed I cared for all-natural hair types, locs were never in my wheelhouse. At the time, I only knew the basics, and that was just palm-rolling. 

But now that I have locs, I have more knowledge in taking care of them from the professional side and client side. So don’t assume that your natural hairstylist also knows the deep knowledge of locs. 

While they may know the basics just like I did at the time, they may not know how to repair locs, properly interlock, know which products are good and bad for locs, or how to do a detox. 

So if you have a natural hairstylist already, ask them how knowledgeable they are in caring for locs. If you feel as if you need to seek a loctician, that’s totally fine. Whatever makes sense to you is what you should do. 

Locs Aren’t Versatile Like Loose Natural Hair

Once I got locs, I then knew how versatile they are along with having loose natural hair. Before, I would see the same styles on people with locs: barrel rolls and updos, lobster tails, etc. 

Don’t get it twisted, locs are just as versatile just like those with loose natural hair. Other than the obvious hairstyles like a silk press, you can do the same styles on locs like loose natural. 

I’ve seen and done roller sets, pin curls, twist outs, braid outs, braids, two-strand twists, Bantu knots, long faux locs, faux hawk on shorter locs, pineapple high ponytails, and more. Now that my locs are almost bra strap length, I am learning to experiment with my hair by trying out new styles. 

Just my thoughts and experience…

– Much Love, Ash ❤️