Sunday Loc Retwist at Home: A Simple Routine for Neat Roots
New growth is a good sign. It means your locs are growing. But when the roots start looking fuzzy, a lot of us want them neat again before the week starts. If you retwist at home, Sunday is a good day for it: you have time to do it slow and let everything dry. Here is a simple routine.
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1. Start with clean hair
Retwisting over buildup locks the buildup in. Wash your scalp and locs first with a shampoo made for locs, like Taliah Waajid Love My Locs Shampoo. Focus on the scalp, rinse well, and squeeze the water out of your locs. Rinse until the water runs clear so no shampoo stays inside.
2. Work on damp hair
Squeeze out extra water with a towel or t-shirt. Damp hair is easier to work with than soaking wet hair.
3. A little gel at the root
Put a small amount of gel on the new growth only, not down the whole loc. African Pride Black Castor Miracle Braid, Loc & Twist Gel or Taliah Waajid Lock It Up can help the root hold. A little goes a long way. Too much product can build up inside your locs over time.
4. Twist the same way every time
Twist or palm roll each root in the same direction you always go, then clip it down so it holds while it dries. Keep the twist snug, not tight. If your scalp feels sore or you see bumps at the roots, it is too tight. Tension at the hairline is especially worth watching.
5. Dry all the way
This is the step people skip. Locs hold water inside, and locs that stay damp can start to smell. Sit under a hooded dryer, air dry for as long as it takes, or both. Do not tie them up for the night while they are still wet inside.
6. Oil the scalp lightly
Once you are dry, a few drops of a light oil on the scalp can help it feel less tight. Try Ampro Loc N Jam Hair & Scalp Oil. Keep it light.
7. Don't overdo it
Retwisting too often or too tight can stress your roots and your edges. Many people go a few weeks between retwists and just keep their locs clean and moisturized in between. If you are thinning at the roots, or you are not sure how often to retwist, ask a loctician.
For kids with locs
Keep it gentle. Loose at the root, short sessions, and a show or snack to get through it. Skip tight styles that pull on little edges.
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Sunday retwist check list
- Scalp and locs washed and rinsed well
- Damp, not soaking
- Small amount of gel on new growth only
- Same direction, snug not tight
- Dried all the way through
- Light oil on the scalp
FAQ
How often should I retwist my locs?
It depends on your hair and your style. Many people go a few weeks between retwists instead of doing it every week. Retwisting too often or too tight can stress your roots and edges. Ask your loctician what fits your locs.
Should I retwist wet or dry hair?
Most people wash first and retwist while the hair is damp, not soaking wet. Then make sure your locs dry all the way.
How much gel should I use?
A small amount at the root of each loc is enough. Too much product can build up inside your locs over time.
Can I retwist my child's locs at home?
Yes, with a gentle hand. Keep it loose at the root, take breaks, and skip styles that pull on the edges.
Questions? Email info@leadblacks.com or call or text (470) 646-9473.
