Locs 101 | Tie it on
No matter how tired you are, no matter how much you may not feel like it, tying on a headscarf over your locs before you go to bed is one of the best things you can do to keep them in top shape and looking their best. Here’s why:
It keeps in moisture. Every night or at least every other night, apply a light oil or conditioner to your locs. Once you tie them up, you will seal in the moisture and allow the moisture to penetrate through each loc. Just a couple of nights of not tying them up can turn your locs into dry, brittle straws.
- It stops breakage. When you toss and turn, especially in on a cotton pillowcase, you create friction. This will eventually wear away at any weak points in your locs and create a breakage point.
- It keeps the “fuzzies” at bay. To keep your locs looking their best, tying on a scarf keeps them groomed longer.
- It locks in shine. Locs do have a sheen. When your hair is fuzzy after a night of tossing and turning, whatever shine you may have is gone.
- It fights off lint. Lint is a loc’s worst nightmare. It gets intertwined, and if it penetrates too deeply, it may be impossible to remove. Tying your locs up at night helps you win this battle. If you do have lint that results from too many freeform nights, use a permanent marker in the shade of your haircolor to color it over. Or you may have to have your loctician meticulously pick them out or dye your locs altogether to hide them.
What kind of scarf to use? Use a silky or satin-based scarf, and stay away from cotton bandannas or woolen fabrics, as these also can cause breakage. One to try: the Loc Soc (above pictures). It was designed specifically for locs. It not only is looks good at night, but is a cool way to style your locs during the day as a headband, headwrap or in other cool styles. (www.soclocsoc.com) Some other luxurious options: this Coach hand-drawn signature print scarf ($68.00, www.coach.com) or for the ultimate in indulgence, this Hermés scarf in De Passage a Tokyo ($495.00, www.hermes.com).
Scarves need care too. Have a repertoire to choose from, and wash them regularly. They retain all the oils and products your locs use, too.
To go even further, use a satin pillowcase or even use satin sheets, should your scarf fall off overnight. Think that’s too indulgent? You’re worth it. So are your beautiful locs.