To interlock or not that is the question. Many of you have inquired about interlocking your locs. Today I will dispel a couple myths about the technique. It’s interesting topic of conversation. As I have heard some unusual quotes about it.
Myths#1 – Interlocking thins your locs, dreads, dreadlocks,
dreds, and starter locs.
Does interlocking thin out your locs? The answer is NO. When
done properly interlocking actually strengthens your loc base. It pulls in all
those loose flyaway hairs that don’t have a loc home into place. This technique
helps to keep locs the same size. It also eliminates that feared “fro-locs”
look.
Myth #2 – You can tell a difference when locs have been
interlocked.
Can you tell a difference? Yes, but it’s a very slight
difference in the size of your locs versus palm rolling. Locs will become
slightly smaller in size if you interlock on a regular basis. Although, when
you alternate between the two you CANNOT tell a difference. Also if you are going to a professional they
will know how to do it and it’s mostly undetectable to the untrained eye.
Myth #3 – Interlocking causes locs to split
No, when a professional does your interlocking it will not
cause your locs to split. The only time I have seen locs split from interlocking
is when an untrained person does them and does not change direction in which
they are interlocking. This is when you get one loc to become two separate
locs, which at this point it is not considered interlocking. That method is called loc splitting. You may notice a small split once freshly done but that will grow out and you won't notice that at all, especially when you get new growth.
Myth #4 – Interlocking hurts
No, trained professionals will not interlock extremely tight
to cause pain or traction alopecia. Professional will have an array of tools to
do this process, all of which are determined by the size of the locs and the
amount of new growth. It should not be an unbearable pain or to the point where
you are in need of pain pills to help give you relief. If you are going to
someone who is causing you extreme pain, fire him or her immediately. As too
tight interlocking will cause traction alopecia which causes your hair
follicles to become strained and begin to shed hair then eventually closing of
hair follicles creating bald patches.
Cons of Interlocking
When not done by a skilled professional it can cause loc
splitting, thinning, traction alopecia and pain. It is very important that you
research your stylist before requesting this service from them. This technique
is a delicate one and should be done by ONLY A HIGHLY SKILLED & TRAINED
PROFESSIONAL. Use extreme caution when getting pricing on this service, as
lower cost usually equals less care is taken to maintain the integrity of your
hair. Ask many questions and
request referrals.
Pros of Interlocking
It helps to pull in loose new hairs to keep base of loc
strong and same size. It also helps to prevent that “fro-loc” look after
sweating, swimming, getting rained on or after shampooing your locs, dreads,
dreds, dreadlocks, and starter locs. Its great for those that work out a lot,
sweat a lot or for those that swims often. You can shampoo your locs with out
having to retwist them. Interlocking is a great alternative to palm rolling
because in can last as little as 6 weeks and up to as long as 3 months depending
on how fast your hair grows.
If you still have questions or concerns...Leave a comment below and we will respond. Thank you so much for reading this blog.
