A Guide to Interlocking - All You Need To Know About The Perfect Technique for Natural Hair

At Afrotherapy Hair Salon in Central London, we celebrate the beauty, versatility, and strength of afro, black, and mixed-race hair. One of the most effective ways to maintain natural hair while achieving long-lasting, low-maintenance styles is through interlocking, a technique that keeps your hair healthy, neat, and beautifully defined.

Interlocking isn’t just a styling method, it’s a gentle, protective approach that promotes hair growth, prevents breakage, and works perfectly for a variety of hair textures. Whether you’re new to natural hair care or looking for a maintenance solution that saves time, interlocking could be the game-changer your hair has been waiting for.

Our expert stylists are passionate about creating looks that celebrate your hair’s natural beauty. Ready to transform your hair with interlocking?

Book a consultation online or appointment today and let us craft a style that works for you.  Call our friendly team on 020 8345 5621 or book online. 

What is Interlocking?

Interlocking is a popular method for maintaining dreadlocks that keeps them looking neat, healthy, and long-lasting. The technique involves gently pulling the ends of your locs through the root, this can be done with a latch hook, a special tool, or even just your fingers. By tightening and securing new growth, interlocking gives your locs a clean, compact finish that lasts longer than traditional methods like palm rolling.

Not only does interlocking help your locs stay in place, but it also supports the health of your hair by reducing breakage and maintaining your scalp’s natural strength. Whether you’re just starting your loc journey or looking for a reliable way to maintain mature locks, interlocking is a versatile, low-maintenance solution that keeps your style looking fresh between appointments.

Does Interlocking Make Locs Skinny?

Not necessarily. Interlocking can make locs appear more compact or tighter compared to palm rolling, especially right after a retightening. Over time, if interlocking is done too tightly or too frequently, it may cause locs to look thinner. Proper technique and spacing between sessions prevent this.

What Maintenance Does Interlocking Need?

Keeping your interlocked locs looking neat and healthy is simple, as long as you follow a few key steps.

Regular Appointments: To keep your locs tight and well-maintained, book appointments every 6–8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. This ensures your roots stay secure and your locs maintain their shape.

Daily & Weekly Care: Moisturising sprays and scalp oils are essential to keep your hair hydrated and your scalp healthy. At night, protect your locs by covering them with a silk or satin scarf to prevent friction and breakage.

Gentle Washing: Clean your hair carefully using gentle shampoos, and avoid heavy buildup products that can weigh down your locs. Proper washing helps your locs stay fresh without compromising the tightness of the interlock.

With this simple routine, interlocking is a low-maintenance way to keep your locs looking polished, healthy, and full of life.

Why Is Interlocking So Expensive? 

Time: It’s take time to do the process (a full head can take several hours depending on  how think or thin the loc is). 
Skill: Requires skill and precision to avoid breakage or holes in the locs. 
Longevity: Results last longer than palm rolling, so you pay for durability. 

Is Interlocking The Best Maintenance Technique For Dreadlocks? 

Whether interlocking is right for you really depends on your lifestyle and hair type. It’s ideal for active lifestyles, perfect if you go to the gym, swim often, or wash your hair frequently. Interlocking works especially well on tighter curl patterns, while softer or looser curls might unravel more easily with palm rolling. That said, for people with very tight coils who love the fuller, softer look that palm rolling gives, interlocking isn’t always necessary.

In short, interlocking is best if you want a low-maintenance style that stays neat and lasts longer, while palm rolling is gentler and gives a more natural, relaxed finish.

How Often Between Appointments? 

Most people schedule interlocking appointments every 6–8 weeks to keep their locs neat and well-maintained. Some choose to stretch this to 10–12 weeks, especially if their hair grows more slowly or if they prefer a fuzzier, more natural look. However, leaving too much time between appointments can lead to matting or weak spots at the roots, so regular maintenance is key to keeping your locs healthy and strong.

What Black Hairstyle Lasts The Longest?

If you’re looking for styles that stay neat and low-maintenance, these are some of the best options for afro, black, and mixed-race hair:

Locs (especially interlocked): Interlocked locs are a top choice for longevity. Unlike palm-rolled locs, interlocking keeps your roots tight and neat for longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Box Braids & Faux Locs: These protective styles are not only stylish but also keep your hair safe from breakage while lasting several weeks when properly cared for.
Cornrows & Feed-in Braids with Extensions: Perfect for sleek, long-lasting styles, these braids can hold their shape for weeks, making them a great low-maintenance option.

Whether you’re after effortless maintenance or want a style that grows with you, these options offer longevity without compromising hair health.