Everything You Need To Know Before Starting Your Locs

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTStory from BeautyEverything You Need To Know Before Starting Your LocsJamé JacksonApril 20, 2018, 2:00 PM ADVERTISEMENTSee All SlidesBegin SlideshowPhotographed by Rochelle Brock.For some, locs evoke images of carefree island vacations and low-maintenance living. Sorry for the spoiler, folks, but that couldn't be further from reality. Growing locs takes time, dedication, and dollars... but the payoff is well worth it. After all, some of the most powerful women in Hollywood wear them, including Ava DuVernay, Chloe and Halle Bailey of Chloe x Halle, Lena Waithe, and Lisa Bonét, for starters. They exude a radiance that's striking, of course, but it also makes for a meaningful statement."I always loved locs. Since I was a little girl when I would see a lady in my neighborhood with them. I thought they were magic," DuVernay once captioned a photo from a Hollywood Reporter story. "No one in my family wore their hair in this style. I grew up going to the beauty salon with my Mom or getting my hair pressed in the kitchen by my Gramma. I've had every style. Short bobs. Long weaves. Braids of all kinds. But when I saw this picture... I smiled at the crown that now adorns my head. And hope some little girl somewhere comes across this image and sees magic too."Of course, some are still fighting for acceptance at schools, in the workplace, and even the military for wearing their hair natural. But from personal experience, the loc life is one that I can't see myself living without. Curious about joining us? Read ahead for the history of the hairstyle and tips on starting your own.Welcome to MyIdentity. The road to owning your identity is rarely easy. In this yearlong program, we will celebrate that journey and explore how the choices we make on the outside reflect what we’re feeling on the inside — and the important role fashion and beauty play in helping people find and express who they are.Read These Stories Next:The Fascinating History of Locs Why These Women Want To Take The "Dread" Out Of "Dreadlocks" The Natural Hair Looks That Ruled The Golden GlobesBegin Slideshow ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT BeautyOlaplex Is Discontinuing Its Iconic No.3 — & Replacing It With So...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. In my opinion, the hair halby Jacqueline KilikitaHairIs Regular Brushing The Secret To Healthier Hair? An InvestigationAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. I’m not too proud toby Karina HoshikawaBeautyThe Best Haircut Trends From Paris Fashion Week Street Styleby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyFrom Bobs To Pixies: The Best Haircut Trends From London Fashion ...by Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyShark’s New SilkiPro Made My Wavy Hair Straight & Glossy In MinutesAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. As a beauty editor of ten yby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyThe Best Haircut Trends From New York Fashion Weekby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyI Thought Winter Hair Shedding Was A Myth — Until It Happened To MeAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Something’s been amiby Jacqueline KilikitaBeautyThe Best Haircut Trends From Copenhagen Fashion Week So Farby Jacqueline KilikitaBeauty15 Pixie Cuts That Will Inspire You To Go Shorter This YearIf 2025 was the year of the bob, then 2026 is the year that the pixie cut steals the spotlight back. Some might sby Jacqueline KilikitaHairI Thought Hair Growth Products Were A Scam — Until I Discovered T...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. As a beauty director, it’by Jacqueline KilikitaBeauty Studio6 Tips That Helped Me Grow Longer, Stronger Hair (& No Trims In-B...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. In April 2021, when most coby Jacqueline KilikitaBeauty12 Elevated Hair Color Trends To Inspire Your Next Salon Visit In...As you plan meticulously for the year ahead, spare a thought for the colorists of the world, who often have only “blonde” or “brunette” tby Jacqueline KilikitaADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT