5 Ways to Start Your Loc Journey the Right Way. Posted by Benkela Bois – The Island Girl Journal

One of the questions I get the most is:“What’s the best way to start my locs?”And my answer is always the same: There’s no one-size-fits-all.It depends on your hair, your lifestyle, and your mindset.

Before I fell in love with locs, I used to think it was just twisting hair and letting it lock. But the deeper I got into this journey—for myself and my clients—the more I realized: the way you start matters. Not just for the look, but for the health of your hair and the success of your journey.

If you’re thinking about starting locs, let me help you explore your options—so you can start right, stay encouraged, and love your crown through every stage.

1. Two-Strand Twists

This method is where a lot of my clients begin—and honestly, it’s one of my favorites. It’s beginner-friendly, low tension, and gives your hair room to swell and lock naturally.If your hair is coily or kinky, this is a great way to start. They look like regular twists at first, but with time and patience, they begin to bud and form beautiful locs.

2. Comb Coils

If you’re looking for a clean and uniform look right from the start, comb coils might be for you. This method is done with a small comb and is perfect for short, tightly coiled hair. It requires a gentle touch and low manipulation, especially during the early phases.

3. Interlocking

This technique is great for softer, looser curl patterns that unravel easily. It involves looping the end of the hair through the root to create a secure base. One thing I’ll always say with interlocking—take your time or get it done professionally, because done wrong, it can cause thinning or damage at the roots.

4. Backcombing / Instant Locs

Some people don’t want to go through the “starter” phase—and that’s okay. Instant locs use a crochet tool to form locs immediately. It gives the look of mature locs without waiting months. This method takes time, technique, and usually a skilled loctician. The results are beautiful, but the maintenance is still important.

5. Freeform

This method is for my spiritual souls. Freeform locs are exactly that—free. You wash your hair, keep it clean, and let it do what it’s meant to do. There’s no retwisting or forcing parts. It’s about embracing your hair in its most natural, raw form. This journey requires patience, self-acceptance, and a whole lot of love—but it’s incredibly rewarding.

A Word of Advice: Be Careful With Extensions

It might be tempting to add synthetic hair or start your locs with box braids or faux styles—but I’m going to keep it real with you: don’t do it.

Extensions can:

• Trap in buildup

• Weigh down your hair

• Pull at your roots

• Cause long-term damage to your crown

If you’re going to commit to locs, let your real hair breathe. Give it room to lock on its own. You don’t need to cover up the starter phase. That stage is part of your story. Honor it.

So, What’s the Best Method?

The one that works for you.Your texture.Your lifestyle.Your energy.

Take the time to learn your hair and don’t be afraid to consult a loctician (like me 😉) who can guide you through the process.

No matter how you start, just remember:You’re not just growing locs—you’re growing into yourself.

With love,Benkela