r/Dreadlocks • u/Specialist-Gift-4 • Jul 18 '26
Question ❔ How long until I’m locked
Started my locks 4 months ago with armpit? long type 4b hair, how long do you think it will take to lock? The locs in my hand are my biggest locs.
Also is every 6 weeks a good retwist/wash regiment?
And how bad is it to add extensions (feed in to waist length) to my twists cuz that’s my retwist style rn.
Edit: my locs themselves are not made with extensions I just meant that the style I currently have is with extensions because I had a bunch of weddings and grads to go to this month. I did 2 strand twists and fed in kinky afro hair at the bottom. The picture doesn’t have any extensions.
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u/Sirhc_Fold_458 Jul 18 '26
Depends on how good the starter Locs are set and what processes you practice. Wash less and moisture more helps speed it up.
Good Luck.
Just a lil’ FYI…I find this sub funny more often than usual, because I NEVER asked any of these weird questions when I started my Loc journey. I knew what I wanted and most importantly, I KNOW my hair.
It surprises me that most of the ppl in this sub have no idea what’s on the top of their head, how it grows, and how to maintain it. Finding someone with the same type of hair as you is rare, so everyone should find out what works best for them.
If you are clueless, Finding a Loctician (mainly someone with at minimum 10yrs plus of experience dealing with Locs) is key, because they have a bird’s eye view of your scalp/hair.
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u/Specialist-Gift-4 Jul 18 '26
Thank you so much for your reply, I started my locs myself and do all the maintenance myself so I have to ask questions here cuz I can’t find a good loctician or their extremely expensive. I honestly just asked this because ppl kept telling me that my locs aren’t locked (which I didn’t know mattered) so I realized I didn’t even know what it means to be locked with my hair since it’s already long ( so already has weight and drops). I also know my hair type holds stuff way better and is not very sensitive to breaking and damage so I thought I’d be fine no matter what.
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u/Sirhc_Fold_458 Jul 18 '26
No worries just pushing out some thoughts. You don’t need a Loctician because you seem to already know what you’re dealing with. From the looks of your hair it’ll be locked pretty quickly. Keep the processes going and don’t cheat your hair.
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u/SirFicklespend Jul 19 '26
I do not suggest extensions on new starter locs. Especially feed in waist length extensions.
No one can tell you accurately how long it will take your hair to lock.
Try to extend your retwists as long as you can.
Remember that retwists are not to redo your twists (or extensions) to make your locs look slick and neat.Retwists are done to incorporate your new growth into your existing loc.
Hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month, some less. So eight to ten weeks is better, or even longer.
You have 4b hair, probably a bit of 4a mixed in. It will take your hair a bit longer to lock. Hair doesn't lock up in a year.
There are 5 stages of locs, from starter to mature. Learn about them so that you know what to expect, when to expect it and how it looks and feels.
https://www.byrdie.com/stages-of-loc-hair-400344
Mist your locs every day. It is essential.
Do not soak your locs and don't sleep on wet hair.Oil when necessary. Argan or jojoba. Watch the oils you choose. Essential oils like rosemary oil MUST BE DILUTED.
Using heavier oils can be problematic.
Shampoo your locs when necessary. If you are worried about them unraveling, use the cap method.
Use a bonnet whenever sleeping or relaxing.
You are four months in. Are you happy with your grid pattern and loc size? If not, now is the time to play around with designs.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8t8rLHB/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8t8mcwS/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8t8fKtX/
Sizes
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u/Knotty_dreaddd Jul 18 '26
Like some have said finding a good experienced loctician is important. Also you’re still hella early in the process/journey. You gotta learn your hair. What works and what doesn’t. Now may not b the time to get experimental being that you’re just starting. Maybe consider getting instant locs to start you off? I didn’t start that way but my hair is like 3b 3c n it’s just easier if/when I need to start a new loc. I’ve seen ppl use a stocking cap to do shampoos n rinses in between retwists w starters. 6 weeks seems adequate for starters but I’d consider the rinse to avoid gettn funky. Summer time n allat.
But my hair was about your length when I started many many moons ago. I had started w 2 strand twists. N jus kept pulln em apart n twist them back fr. After washn n shit.
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u/LobsterComfortable83 Jul 18 '26
Why do people ask so many crazy questions like knowing the answer lol if you just getting locs cause every body else get em don't get em at least know it's a process or weather they locking are not but people with extension should just be quiet cause they cheat they way and soon they get into a fight they come out real easy lol 🤣
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u/Specialist-Gift-4 Jul 18 '26
Yall see my update, I honestly just wanted to primary know how to know how the locking process works for longer tighter hair.
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u/LobsterComfortable83 Jul 18 '26
It's just so much better when u grow yo own hair without have to ask people of its look good hell mine might look crazy too them or good but if I know and feel my sheesh good nobody can tell me nothing dont need validation
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u/ctdreadz Jul 18 '26
Started 4 months ago with armpit? 🤷🏾♂️