{"id":34796,"date":"2026-08-09T17:08:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T12:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34796"},"modified":"2026-08-09T17:08:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T12:08:46","slug":"locs-101-the-ultimate-beginners-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34796","title":{"rendered":"Locs 101: The Ultimate Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"slideshow-1684385\" data-current-page-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"ajax-slide active\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"298\" width=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?w=660&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"locs, how to start locs, loc journey\" class=\"wp-image-1339015\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 880w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=153%2C69&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=378%2C171&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=768%2C346&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=660%2C298&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=180%2C81&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=222%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 222w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=443%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 443w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=111%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 111w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=720%2C325&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=450%2C203&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=600%2C271&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=250%2C113&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=326%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 326w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=245%2C111&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=191%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 191w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=144%2C65&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/03\/16796737369709.jpg?resize=50%2C23&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: jacoblund \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thinking about starting your loc journey? Whether you\u2019ve been saving inspiration photos for months or you\u2019ve finally decided it\u2019s time to embrace the beauty of locs, one thing is certain: patience is the secret ingredient. Locs aren\u2019t just a hairstyle; they\u2019re a journey. From choosing the installation method that\u2019s right for your hair to learning how to properly care for your scalp and strands, every stage plays a role in creating healthy, thriving locs. The good news? With the right routine and a little consistency, your locs can flourish for years to come. So, how do you start locs and maintain them?<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re just getting started, watching a licensed loctician demonstrate the dos and don\u2019ts of starter locs is always a great first step. In the meantime, here\u2019s everything you need to know before taking the plunge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/1674656\/low-maintenance-hair-style-ideas-for-busy-black-women\/\"><strong>Low-Maintenance Hair Style Ideas For Busy Black Women<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<h3 id=\"h-choosing-the-right-way-to-start-your-locs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choosing The Right Way To Start Your Locs.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all approach to starting locs. The best method depends on your hair texture, length, lifestyle and the overall look you\u2019re hoping to achieve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comb coils are one of the most popular options for people with short to medium-length coily hair. A loctician uses a single-prong comb to twist small sections into neat cylindrical coils that eventually mature into locs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two-strand twists are another favorite, especially for those with longer hair. This method creates a thicker foundation while giving you more immediate length from day one. TikTok star Kiyailese opted for two-strand twists for her starter loc journey, and they came out amazing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"440\" width=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?w=660&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"Louis Vuitton : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring\/Summer 2017\" class=\"wp-image-1684418\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey aka Chloe &amp; Halle attend the Louis Vuitton show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring\/Summer 2017 on October 5, 2016 in Paris, France. Source: Pascal Le Segretain \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re constantly on the go or have finer hair, interlocking might be your perfect match. This technique uses a specialized tool to weave the end of the loc back through the root, creating a secure foundation that\u2019s less likely to unravel between maintenance appointments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Braids are another reliable option. While they take longer to lose the braid pattern and fully mature into locs, they\u2019re great for beginners who want extra stability during those first few washes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those with straighter or wavier hair textures, or anyone who doesn\u2019t want to wait months for the locking process, instant locs use a tiny crochet needle to manually mat the hair, giving the appearance of mature locs almost immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<h3 id=\"h-welcome-to-the-starter-loc-phase\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Welcome To The Starter Loc Phase.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first six months are often called the \u201cbaby loc\u201d stage, and while it can test your patience, it\u2019s also one of the most exciting parts of the journey. Your hair is slowly learning to knot, bud and transform into permanent locs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest misconceptions is that you shouldn\u2019t rush to wash your hair, but that\u2019s absolutely not true. Washing your hair consistently will provide a healthy foundation for your locs to flourish and will reduce the risk of product buildup. According to experts over at <em>Dr. Locs<\/em>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/drlocs.com\/blogs\/articles\/how-often-should-i-wash-my-locs2?srsltid=AfmBOorPA5FLu3dessVpDBGRaZ25-jkZMgyKckXYZhdeDyAwlz-mbeUa\">every two to three weeks post-install <\/a>is a healthy timeframe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWith locs you want them to be light and fluffy and moveable,\u201d shared YouTuber and politician Courtney Grayton in 2021 about the start loc maintenance process. She noted that when retwisting, it\u2019s important to avoid heavy styling products such as beeswax or heavy gels or butters that can cause flakes and buildup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When wash day finally arrives, gentle is the name of the game. Many locticians recommend washing with a mesh stocking cap over your locs so the shampoo can cleanse your scalp without disturbing the twists underneath.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also put traditional cream conditioners on pause. Although they work wonders for loose natural hair, they can interfere with the locking process and leave behind residue that becomes trapped inside developing locs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retwisting is another area where less is definitely more. Retwisting every four to six weeks is typically enough to keep your roots looking neat without putting unnecessary stress on your scalp. Over-manipulating the roots can eventually lead to thinning and traction damage, shared Grayton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLocs can be neat, but also very unhealthy,\u201d she said flat out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget to separate your locs regularly after showering. Gently pulling them apart at the roots helps prevent neighboring sections from marrying together as your hair matures.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h-once-your-locs-mature-your-routine-changes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Once Your Locs Mature, Your Routine Changes.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After about six months, your locs begin to bud and strengthen. At this point, your focus shifts from preventing unraveling to maintaining moisture, preventing buildup and protecting the integrity of each loc.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy locs thrive on hydration, not heavy products.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of coating your hair with thick creams or butters, keep your locs refreshed by lightly misting them with rosewater and aloe vera throughout the week. Once hydrated, seal in that moisture with lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil. These oils nourish the hair without creating the sticky buildup that heavier products often leave behind.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<h3 id=\"h-wash-day-matters-more-as-your-locs-grow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wash Day Matters More As Your Locs Grow.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wash days need to remain consistent as your locs begin to bud and mature and knowing the right products to use is a key. A clarifying shampoo can help remove product buildup, sweat and environmental debris, while a residue-free moisturizing shampoo follows up by cleansing without leaving heavy ingredients behind. A lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioner can help your locs stay healthy and moisturized.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as important as washing is drying.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Never tie up wet locs or head to bed before they\u2019re completely dry. Trapped moisture can create the perfect environment for mildew to develop inside the loc, a condition commonly referred to as \u201cloc rot.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<h3 id=\"h-protect-your-investment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Protect Your Investment<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Healthy locs don\u2019t stop on wash day. Sleeping with a silk or satin bonnet, or on a satin pillowcase, helps reduce friction, prevents breakage and keeps lint from embedding itself into your locs. Cotton pillowcases may feel soft, but they can snag delicate hairs and leave behind fibers that become almost impossible to remove later.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many locticians also recommend giving mature locs an occasional detox once or twice a year using an apple cider vinegar and baking soda soak to remove deeply embedded buildup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<h3 id=\"h-loc-inspiration-from-our-favorite-celebrities\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Loc Inspiration From Our Favorite Celebrities<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ever need styling inspiration, look no further than Halle Bailey and Ava DuVernay. From red carpets to magazine covers, both women continue to prove that locs are versatile, elegant and endlessly creative.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During an interview with <em>InStyle <\/em>in April, Halle Bailey opened up about starting her locs as a child and why they\u2019ll always be part of who she is.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey are a very big part of who I am. I feel like they\u2019re a part of my identity,\u201d she told the outlet. \u201cEspecially as Black women. It\u2019s our crown.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bailey also shared how much she enjoys experimenting with different looks, drawing inspiration from legendary women like Billie Holiday, who often wore flowers in her hair, and Nina Simone, whose natural beauty became iconic. She also praised her hairstylist Tinisha for continuously finding creative ways to style her locs with beads, updos and extensions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou can do it all and that\u2019s what I try to show people.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"440\" width=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?w=660&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"locs, how to start locs, loc journey\" class=\"wp-image-1523003\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 1024w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=900%2C600&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 900w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/10\/17611696428032.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Frazer Harrison \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director Ava DuVernay is another loc icon whose hair journey is deeply personal. Beyond their beauty, her locs represent freedom, self-acceptance and reclaiming her identity after years of feeling pressured to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reflecting on that journey <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/uptownmagazine.com\/2022\/02\/08\/wearing-locs-helped-ava-duvernay-become-more-herself\/\">during a 2022 interview with <em>InStyle<\/em><\/a>, DuVernay shared:<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt was my journey with my hair, as I started to become more conscious about my history and my culture. I was putting chemicals in my hair so it would look like your hair. I had to decolonize myself and say, \u2018Is the hair growing out of my head in that texture?\u2019 And, \u2018What does it look like if it just grows out?\u2019 People who wear locs have different ideas about it, but for me, it was a journey of becoming more myself. When I opened my PR \ufb01rm [The DuVernay Agency] at 27, I was trying to be more mature for my business and wanted to portray being older and more accomplished. \u2026 But the beauty of age is that you get to a point where it\u2019s like, \u2018The things I needed to feel tethered or anchored, those do not have meaning, and I can be free.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also reflected on how dramatically attitudes toward Black hair have changed during her lifetime.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn one generation I\u2019ve seen the change. The natural and synthetic styles are embraced. Everything is on the table. The generation before me was like, \u2018It is preferred that you wear your hair in this way.\u2019 Historically, there were moments when Black women who worked as domestics in white homes were not allowed to work if their hair was not pressed or permed. Their natural hair was seen as offensive. That starts to embed itself in the DNA of people \u2014 that straight, Caucasian-looking hair is better and preferred. Now it\u2019s every braid or Afro puff or texture, controlled or out of control. And I think it\u2019s exceptional. I don\u2019t think we talk enough about the shift that\u2019s happened just in one lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re preparing for your very first retwist or celebrating years of healthy, flourishing locs, remember that every loc journey is unique. There will be frizz, budding, awkward stages and plenty of patience required along the way, but there will also be growth, self-expression and the freedom to embrace your natural beauty.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trust the process, protect your hair and enjoy every stage of the journey.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/1677252\/dreadlocs-tips-jay-z-comb-out-locs\/\"><strong>Thinking About Pulling A Jay-Z? 11 Essential Tips You Should Know Before Combing Out Your Locs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t<!--paging of post--><\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Source: jacoblund \/ Getty Thinking about starting your loc journey? Whether you\u2019ve been saving inspiration photos for months or you\u2019ve finally decided it\u2019s time to embrace the beauty of locs, one thing is certain: patience is the secret ingredient. Locs aren\u2019t just a hairstyle; they\u2019re a journey. From choosing the installation method that\u2019s right for&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/08\/17858714879425.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=1024&crop=0,0,100,683px","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34796"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34796\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}