This article will teach us how to thoroughly wash instant locs.
So let’s discuss a crucial part of the instant locs care routine. Healthy, thriving locs build a sense of self-love, confidence, and radiance in you.
And from my research, I realized many loc wearers think they know how to wash their locs. But in reality, they’re doing it the wrong way unknowingly.
Yet instant locs loc better and faster when clean than when in a dirty state.
Saving your instant locs from damage, keep reading to find out how to cleanse them meticulously.
What You’ll Need
- A moisturizing loc shampoo of choice
- A high-quality conditioner
- A clean dry soft cotton towel
Wash Instant Locs: Step-by-Step Procedure
Hopefully, this section will guide you in the best way possible. This sheds light on how well to remove dirt and buildup from your scalp and instant locs.
Step 1: Loosen up the Instant Locs
Before starting the washing process, untie your locs or undo the style. Let them lie loose, strand by strand, on your head for the shampoo to penetrate every loc and the entire scalp. This makes everything easier for you.
If the locs are held in a certain hairstyle, washing them becomes harder. And you cannot tell if the shampoo worked its way through the locs and got onto the scalp.
Step 2: Wet with Lukewarm Water
Next, pour neither cold nor extremely hot water onto the locs first. It should be lukewarm water. Allow the water to seep into the locs and reach the scalp and the root area.
Once all the parts are wet, you’re good to proceed with the next step. It’s only with good water coverage that the shampoo will lather easily.
Step 3: Dispense the Shampoo onto Your Locs
Then release the locs shampoo onto your palm as the other hand squeezes the bottle. Some bottles may require pressing the pump for the shampoo to squirt out.
After dispensing 2-3 pumps, spread them over your palms and apply them to the locs. Start at the base of the locs and the scalp. The shampoo will run down the locs and reach the ends.
Ensure you distribute the shampoo evenly over your head.
Step 4: Massage the Locs And the Scalp Gently
Work your fingers through the locs lightly. As you do so, go in with gentle rubs and massage the scalp to lift dandruff and any gunk.
Be careful not to be harsh on your locs. They deserve some loving care to be healthy all round.
Usually, this first round of shampooing removes the excess oils in the locs. You will notice the shampoo does not sud up much because of grime.
Step 5: Rinse out the Shampoo
Pour clean lukewarm water onto the locs to rinse out the soapy foam until it’s all gone. This removes the oils and the foam together so that the shampoo lathers well in the second round of application.
As much as the locs will still not be clean, they will have lost some dirt. That will ease the remaining part of the washing process.
Step 6: Repeat Shampooing A Second Round
Apply shampoo the second time. This could be the last shampooing if you’re certain your locs will be completely clean after that. If not, you can shampoo once more.
Redo the massaging on the locs and the scalp. You’ll find that there are more suds than in the first round. That’s a sign that the grimy buildup keeps lessening. And the locs are getting cleaner.
Rinse out the suds up to a point where the water on the locs is clear and the locs are completely visible.
Step 7: Apply Quality Conditioner
Shampooing could strip the locs and the scalp of their natural oils or sebum. To protect the instant locs from being overly dry, apply some conditioner before they dry up.
It could be a leave-in conditioner or the rinse-out conditioner requiring rinsing. That helps soften them and be more manageable.
When you apply the conditioner, do it sparingly in light strokes. Do not overuse it to the extent of creating buildup. And if it’s the rinsed-out type, do not let it stay for long before you get it out.
Step 8: Let the Instant Locs Dry
When all the products are out, take your cotton towel. And press it onto the locs to absorb the excess water. That helps to quicken the drying.
Later, leave the locs to air dry after applying your locs oils. If you choose to blow dry, use the low heat setting to prevent heat damage.
FAQs about Washing Instant Locs
How often should I wash my instant locs?
Your first wash after the first installation should not be too soon. Take at least 3-4 weeks to avoid unraveling them prematurely. Now when they’re slightly old on your head, wash them once every two weeks.
Washing them helps clear grimy residue and product buildup trapped within the locs. Moreover, any flakes or dirt on the scalp get eliminated, making it itch-free. You feel more comfortable because there are no more scalp irritations.
Should I wet my locs every day?
Dearest, do not wet your locs every day in the name of hydrating them. Wetting your hair locs every day means washing them daily when it’s completely unnecessary.
Overwashing them gets rid of the natural oils in the hair and the scalp. That is unhealthy and unconducive for the growth of the instant locs. Instead of being hydrated, they become weaker, appearing too dull and damaged with time.
How do you sleep with instant locs?
Well, it’s advisable not to sleep with your instant locs when bare and uncovered. Get yourself a scarf or satin bonnet and tuck the instant locs inside. You doing that will save them from fragility.
The rolling and turning in bed rolls the instant locs too. The friction distorts the locs and damages them. Eventually, you’ll see the locs loose at the roots. And if not careful, they’ll start breaking off one by one.
Will my instant locs unravel if I wash them?
Your instant locs can only unravel if you wash them while still new. Let them look like how they were installed for 3 to 4 weeks before you decide to wash them. As they stay for that period of time, they’ll interlock more and knot up tighter and cannot undo themselves.
Final Thoughts
Washing your instant locs is a matter of precision and surety with what you do. If you cannot do it properly by yourself, head over to a professional loctician to get it done perfectly well. For those with more helpful tips, let us know in the comments below.
