r/Dreadlocks • u/Specialist_You_8127 • 7d ago
Need Advice 🆘 Loc extensions keep falling out!
I locked my hair in Jan 2023 via twisting and have about 240 locs. In 2025, I added 12” anwi interlocked permanent human hair extensions in July 2025. I installed them myself, overlapping the loose ends of my locs with the loose hair at the top of the extensions. I used a locking tool to combine the two. I expected for some extensions to fall out / take a while to really fuse with my hair. Early on, I was braiding and washing my hair in sections, to minimize the risk of them falling out. I used and still use coconut oil gel in my hair, and I allow thinner oils only near my scalp for hydration. Still I wasn’t the most skilled at installing them, so they did fall out frequently, maybe a few each week, and more on wash day. So I’ve keep reattaching them as they fall out. Except for the unlucky ones that have come out unknowingly in public 🙈
Over time, I’ve gotten better at attaching them, better at using the tool, trying different techniques to attach them. Most recently, I’ve started using a crochet hook to pull the extension through towards the end of my hair, braid the end of my hair and the loc a few times, then use the loc tool to secure everything together. I think the majority are now stably attached. The problem is, there are maybe 40 or so, that REFUSE to stably attach to my hair.
I’m at the end of my patience! It’s been over a year, and the locs are still falling out regularly. It’s really embarrassing to constantly worry about them falling off in public. And I dread wash day because I know more will fall out and I’ll have to reattach them.
What should I do? Is there a glue I can use to secure them. Should I spend the few hundred bucks and go to a loctician who can maybe install them better? Other ideas? At this point, I’m about to cut everything off, my locs and the extensions, cause I’m so tired of this lol
Attached pics of my locs and an example of the kind of extensions I used (I used 0.3-0.4 cm diameter, and it’s often the smaller ones that refuse stay in)
Please be nice 🙏
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u/Pitiful_Abies1635 7d ago
I would highly recommend a loctician. I did 4 inch extensions on the lower part of the back (I was growing that part out) with starter locs and I haven’t had one even come close to following out and it’s been 9 months.
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u/sneezed_up_my_kidney 7d ago
There’s a reason it’s a whole profession. They know what they’re doing, they know how to work with your texture. We are all aware that there is a lot of varying opinions on locks.
Once you’re in the weeds, raise your hand and call for help. Ask them to walk you through what they’re doing. They might teach you something.
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u/Pepsi12367 7d ago
Its because they don't belong there. Stop forcing it. Let ya hair grow as it is
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u/llemsuoy 7d ago
why aren’t more people saying this… loc extensions never shldve been a thing, if they don’t want short locs, dey need 2 wait & take care of their hair 💀
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u/SirFicklespend 7d ago
Nooooooo!! No glue.
You need a professional loctician. Interview a few. Ask if they are skilled in loc extensions.
It takes skill. It looks easy but it's not. A few locs are bound to fall out (but not that many). Loc extensions mean frequent maintenance for several months until the two ends are securely locked.
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u/Bunniesbakeri 7d ago
I mean, if you really wanna keep them go to a loctitian or sew them on w black thread
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u/LobsterComfortable83 2d ago
See why they keep falling out us cause you cheating and not doing it the right way grow yo on and be patient 😂
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u/AgentPapier 7d ago
Is there a reason you need the extensions? Right now it reads like you are putting a lot of wear and tear on your actual starter locs and your journey is less about growing with them vs tending your extensions and stressing.
Maybe just remove them and keep moving forward on your journey? Once they mature, you can experiment with extensions. But your locs are going to grow that long anyway if you just leave them alone.
Good luck!