How to Maintain Starter Locs: Complete Guide for Healthy Locs

How to Maintain and Care for Starter Locs: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Starting your loc journey is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming. If you’ve just gotten starter locs or you’re thinking about getting them, you probably have a lot of questions. How do you take care of them? How often should you retwist? What should you avoid?

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about starter locs. From what they are, how to get them  and how to maintain them for healthy, thriving hair.

Whether you’re searching for locs as a beginner or you had yours in for a while, this guide will help you understand how to properly care for your locs no matter where you are.

If you’re in need of a place to get your locs in London or need to make an inquiry about locs, feel free to have a chat with us. Visit the salon at 235, Fore Street, Edmonton, call us on 020 8345 5621 or book an appointment online. 

What Are Starter Locs?

Starter locs are the beginning phase of the loc journey. This is when your hair is sectioned and formed into small, neat parts that will eventually mature into fully developed locs over time.

Depending on your hair type and desired look, starter locs can be created using different methods such as:

• Two-strand twists
• Comb coils
• Braids
• Instant locs (using a crochet tool)

At this stage, your locs are still soft, fragile and prone to unraveling. This is why proper care is essential to help them form and mature correctly.

How to Get Starter Locs

At Afrotherapy, the process of getting starter locs begins firstly, with consultation and then proper sectioning. Our professional loctician assesses your hair type, density and the size of locs you want before starting.

Here’s what the process typically looks like:

• Hair cleansing: Your hair is washed thoroughly to remove buildup and oils.
• Sectioning: Hair is parted into clean, even sections (this determines how your locs will look long-term).
• Installation method: Your stylist creates the starter locs using coils, twists or braids.
• Drying and setting: Hair is dried to help the style hold.

How to Maintain Starter Locs

Maintaining starter locs requires patience and consistency. This phase is all about allowing your hair to lock naturally while keeping your scalp healthy.

1. Keep Your Scalp Clean
“Clean hair locks better than dirty hair“, this is a common myth that needs to go! You should wash your starter locs every 2–4 weeks using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.

Be careful when washing to avoid unraveling. Always use a stocking cap or mesh cap during washes (especially in the early weeks) and avoid aggressive rubbing.

2. Moisturise Regularly
Dry hair can lead to breakage, even in locs. Keep your locs hydrated by:

• Spritzing with water or a water-based leave-in
• Using lightweight oils like jojoba or grapeseed oil for your scalp
• Avoid heavy products that cause buildup, as they can slow down the locking process.

3. Protect Your Locs at Night
Friction is not your friend. Always protect your locs while sleeping by using a satin or silk bonnet, a silk pillowcase.

This helps reduce frizz, dryness and breakage.

4. Avoid Over-Manipulation
One of the biggest mistakes people make with starter locs is touching them too much. Twisting, pulling, or constantly styling your locs can disrupt the locking process.

Keep styles simple and low-tension, especially in the early months.

When Is a Re-Loc (Retwist) Necessary?

A re-loc (also known as a retwist) is the process of maintaining the new growth at the root to keep your locs neat and defined.

For starter locs, retwisting too often can cause thinning, while not retwisting at all can lead to excessive frizz and matting.

We recommend retwist schedule every 4–6 weeks for most hair types and every 6–8 weeks if you prefer a more natural, fuller look
Some signs you need a retwist:

• Your roots look very puffy or undefined
• Your parts are no longer visible
• Your locs are starting to merge at the root

If you’re in highly humid cities like London, seasonal weather changes (cold, dryness, humidity) may affect how often you need a retwist, so it’ll be nice to adjust accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Starter Locs

To ensure your locs grow healthy and strong, avoid these common mistakes:

• Using heavy creams and waxes this leads to buildup and dull locs
• Retwisting too frequently can cause breakage and thinning edges
• Skipping washes. Dirty hair does not lock faster
• Constantly restyling puts too much stress on your roots and causes thinning
• Comparing your journey. Everyone’s locs mature differently, love your growth process.

Get your Locs at Afrotherapy Salon, Edmonton

Starter locs are the foundation of your entire loc journey, so taking proper care of them is key. With the right routine, clean scalp, consistent moisture, minimal manipulation and regular retwists; you’ll set yourself up for healthy, beautiful locs.

Whether you’re new to exploring locs or you have had yours in for years and need a refresh, then you’re in the right place. Visit Afroterapy at 235 Fore Street, Edmonton or call us on 020 8345 5621 to book an appointment.