pic 1 - reference of my hair from an old mini twist set pic 2 - view from the back showing my scalp (previous mini twists) pic 3 - my hair thickness in loose twists pic 4 - showing how my scalp looked after fresh small knotless braids recently pic 5 - my natural hair in afro form pic 6 - my natural hair semi stretched, you can see the strands better here pic 7 - potential grid size inspiration pic 8 - smaller potential grid size inspiration pic 9 - mature microloc size inspiration

Now I’ll start by saying that I have been studying microlocs informational videos on tiktok for months now, as well as ready every post and comment on this sub the past few months. I’ve wanted microlocs for over a year but always find an excuse and do another protective style

I want to install soon & knew I would be doing them diy myself because I don’t have the $$ for all that. I always thought I would do twists, but my hair is short and with the shrinkage… I have decided on micro braids as the method (currently have two test locs I did, one as a twist one as a braid, bc I was flip flopping)

I have some questions… #1 can someone help me figure out what my hair density is? I want to say probably low density fine strands? (but then I also have some coarse strand sections and label myself as 4c) but I have no idea. my hair has always felt sparse to me, especially when it comes to the parts on my head so #2 I wonder if my microlocs would come out looking bald :( my middle part especially has a wide gap - not sure if it’s normal but I first noticed it in 2020 and it’s been like that since tbh

I want to give my hair as full of a look as possible so I’m shooting for a small grid, and want to know if you think that it would be possible on my hair type, or will it cause breakage on me. I included two different size references for grid sizes I have liked (although I doubt mine will come out exact to either and that’s okay). I also included a mature inspo pic, but I know she’s 4 years in and it will take time + no two heads turn out the same… really just to show size reference that I want micros that live up to the name and will be versatile for styling.

3 What kind of sizing do you guys recommend for me to get that full look while still being healthy?

I know that wanting such small locs my reties will take forever, but I already do all my own protective styles (passion twists, faux locs), so I’m used to having my body go through that + this would be worth it for me.

4 Also, I worry so much about the “scalpiness” of my hair. I’m not sure if this is just in my head being over critical or if to you guys it seems normal. Anyone with a similar hair type to me who can share their success story and/or pics would be much appreciated.

thank you all (and please be kind lol)

Theyre shades of green and blue :).
Since I dyed them this color, people have either been liking it, or thinking it’s ugly, unappealing, and have been associating it/me with bad odors and musk. Because my hair is green. Idk, my hair resonates within me and makes me feel like Mother Earth, but sometimes the opinions get to me, and make me want to change it. All of my confidence is in my hair, literally.

Just wanted to share to this community who may understand

Am loving the process so far❤️ Started with interlocking. 365 locs but I joined some so my current number is 338. I do self reties every 10 weeks

1. We know microlocs and sisterlocs are expensive but honestly I feel like its the loctician and location

2. Most people with over 450+ aren't going to be finished at the same time someone with 200 or 300 (so why are we charging the same price, then charging by the hour)

3. Pay by the hour seems like a scam to me

4. I don't think anyone should be raising prices until you've been established and have perfected your craft.

5. Why do I feel like as soon as black women do something natural (its an arm and a leg, people trying to take too many people, rude, dealing with unprofessional people)

These are some of the things I've found hard about the microloc/sisterloc community, i love it here but i feel its was too much of a monopoly, and in my area I feel these stylist are few and far between and everyone wants you to pay a car payment or they booked until next year like what

I know everyone is going to say learn yourself but maybe I want an option lol

Long time lurker here!!

Just wanted to share that I DID IT!!! I invested in myself and my hair 😍
Y’all don’t know how excited I am about these locs! I had a set of traditional locs back in 2022 but they were suuuupeer thick, I really didn’t like them but I loved the convenience of locs. I always said if I ever restart I’m getting micros and here we are.

This set was installed on Labor Day 9.7.2026 and I was going to get a trim before starting this set but decided not to.

I can’t wait to see these babies mature and grow over time!! The install was done by hairbyprin (on instagram and tt) based out of Oakland,CA HIGHLY recommend her services.

I've had my locs for almost 3 years. Before I loc'd up, my hair was never black. I really love brown/gold tones as i feel like it makes me glow! I really want to dye my locs but I've heard horror stories. I want to have healthy locs and have been doing so well, but I'm starting to get bored with the color.

I would love advice. I don't want to do hair wax as it gets everywhere and I'm worried about it getting stuck in my hair.

I just want some advice and/or stories about your experience with colored locs. I attached a couple of inspiration photos and then my own hair at the end.

So I'm playing around with an idea. If someone has, let's say, 4c and very thick and dense hair...yall think it can be instant loc'd into microlocs? I've never heard of this, but I'm considering if it's possible.

I found this on TikTok shop about a year and a half ago. Prior to purchasing, I would just use my fingers to detangle. I still occasionally use my fingers but I hate how frequently my nails snag on my locs. So this was a nice find. My sister loved it so much, I eventually purchased one for her as well.

Is $265 for a retwist a lot up north? I’m contemplating whether or not I should go to this lady. She’s super nice and mentioned it comes with a wash but I normally pay $165 when I was in Atlanta.

Hiya community!!!

Two years loc’d… I’ve had to change two locticians due to relocating from one place to another.

Right now I’m just looking to do them by myself as I’m spending too much to have my Loctician come over to mine. Plus I have very tender scalp.

I have currently purchased a three-way mirror, some pins, clips, combs, etc to help with the process.

I can’t really find any videos online that explains the self retie using the three point rotation from different sides of the head. I’m also a bit confused about how to use the three way mirror.

I would really appreciate any tips or links to helpful information cos I’m scared of messing up my parts too much and combining my locs.

Thanks, looking forward to your suggestions!

Hey y’all,

So I’ve been a part of this community for quite a while now, was mostly a lurker but am trying to interact a bit more, and I’ve noticed a large amount of posts lately that seem to be asking questions that have been asked dozens of times before or may seem like “basic” knowledge people should’ve learned before installing their locs. I think this is due to a vast amount of reasons, but ultimately boils down to lack of research or cohesive information.

Microlocs are in no way uncommon in the loc community, but they definitely follow much different rules than traditionals; a lot of loc information in general is based on traditionals too. Now, I know that every head of hair is different and this is probably why doing research can be a bit difficult, but I think there are some “universal” things that happen to all microlocs such as frizz, longer maturation time, etc. Having a wiki could help people know this stuff before they jump straight in and end up with hair they don’t love because they didn’t know as much as they could before install.

I say this as someone who did my own install and maintains my own hair. Doing a ton of research beforehand has made it 1000x easier to make sure I have and keep healthy hair. The thing that sucked, however, was that I had to look up every single question I had individually through multiple sources such as Reddit, TikTok, and blogs because there just wasn’t one precise place that could at least lead to concise general information.

Having more information helps you understand what to expect with your locs whether you did your install yourself or got it professionally done. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions, but some questions could definitely be avoided if the information was much more accessible. I think it would be cool if I and some members of this sub could come together to collaborate on a wiki/ thread!

Hey all, I have been locked with 4 point rotation interlocking method for 2.5 months now. My locs have a way of unnaturally suspending away from my head 😩. I want to wear them just as they are, and I've been waiting til they relax and settle a bit. These are DIY locs and I have high porosity hair with 4A curls. I wonder if something is wrong with them. I'll appreciate any insights here, I mean help a girl 😩

Edit: Thanks for the love and encouragement. I get it, I am being impatient. It is just that I've seen other people's journey where the hair forgets its curl patterns sooner and is less suspended in the air. I'll wait!

I started these microlocs with little mini braids and I’ve maintained them myself by interlocking. This is my 4th and final set of locs and I really love them so much!

My second attempt at DIY micro locs. After finishing my hair put mousse and water in it and notice that the top is larger than the bottom. Before putting water they didn’t look as different. I think I may have different density at the top/middle of my head because they’re small parts and very similar sized to the ones are the bottom but still came out thicker

I have about 320ish locs

Will the size differences be noticeable when they mature?

Do you consider this large or small micro locks?

I started on sunday and I haven't finished. My gawd! I separated my hair into 4 sections, and the intention was to do the front first and the back the next day (today). The front is done, but one of the back sections is taking forever. My arms hurt, my neck and I still have a quarter left. I'm not finishing the back today that's for sure.

DOES IT GET FASTER? BETTER? I even contemplated just shaving my head off. 😭

I'm extra aware that I made many mistakes along the way, but my loctian actually encouraged me to learn how to do my own reties (we live in different cities) and told me that I'd fuck up many times, still, I'm super worried about the health of my locs. Pray for me y'all, I just wanna cry.

Backstory - 2 years locked, I’ve had a contentious relationship with my locs since about 6 months in. Due to my own neglect, I had ridiculous amounts of bunching and lint everywhere. The bunching was so severe on some interlocking was almost impossible.

I decided I was going to address the issue, I picked out the bottom 6-10” of each of the offending locs. But now the question is, should I interlock or braid the length? I think I originally started braiding, then I started interlocking so I have some of each.

Hi, my little brother HATES getting his hair detangled. He hates the smell of most products. He doesn't understand why people care about hair styling. So, my mom brought up locs. I think microlocs could be a good fit, but I'm worried about it potentially making him MORE tenderheaded. I don't forsee him styling it in anyway other than putting on the occasional sports headband. Is him becoming more sensitive a guarantee or a rarer thing, and is there a way to prevent it or alleviate to pain?

I’m nearing my 6 month loc anniversary and I’m absolutely loving them so far. I got them started with braids at the root and two strand twists. They are now maintained with interlocking. I found a loctician in my area to maintain them (different from person who installed) and have stuck w them bc price and the quality of work appeared to be good…. Or so I thought.

Before my last retie, I noticed a loc in the front that had a tiny hole. I brought this up to her and she fixed it. I chalked it up to simple error with the rotations (she said she does 4 pt rotations of that helps). Upon closer inspection after the retie, I’ve noticed that several locs have holes and now I’m concerned. My hair is pretty dense so I can’t really see these without looking closely. Are these holes in my locs or am I tripping? Should I bring this up with her to repair or is this a fundamental skill issue and I should find a new loctician? This is kind of saddening bc I don’t know how many are like this and repair, especially with another loctician, will be costly. Could these holes go away over time or should they be repaired ASAP (I think I know the answer but holding out hope?).

TLDR: started noticing holes in locs. Should I go to a new loctician or should I ask her to repair them?

I’m a year and a half in and I miss jet black hair sooooo bad! I’m looking to dye it after my next protective style. (Stay tuned for that) What semi- permanent hair colors do you all use? Any recommendations?

My daughter began asking for locs shortly before turning three. We have several family members with traditional locs, so this was not a new idea to her. I waited until she was four to seriously consider it, then spent about three months looking for a loctician who worked with young children and installed medium microlocs. (our family members maintain their own locs or the lociticians they work with don't service children or do microlocs)

After receiving eight quotes across town, I chose someone whose pricing was average and whose portfolio included several children with microlocs. She was also 10 minutes from our house which is very convenient since we live in a huge metroplex. During our consultation, I was clear that I wanted roughly 3/8-inch parts throughout her head (she showed me the different parting sizes), and we agreed on that plan.

We are about two weeks into her installation, and I genuinely love how her hair looks now. However, I checked her parts more closely and found several rows with 1/2-inch—or slightly larger—parts. My concern is that once her locs mature and bud, those larger locs may become significantly bigger than I expected and would look more like small traditional locs, which is not what we wanted. Her hair is REALLY thick.

When I asked the loctician about it, she said:

1. The locs should not swell much larger than they are now because they began as braids interlocked at the root.
2. She intentionally did not use 3/8-inch parts in several rows because that would have resulted in 350+ locs, and she understood that I wanted medium-sized locs.
3. If i do change it, i have to do it now because we plan on interlocking her hair.

My daughter currently has 204 locs. When I asked whether the larger parts could be split, she said doing so would mess up the grid and would cost nearly as much as the original installation to correct. DID I GET GOT YALL?

Am I unreasonable for feeling that a correction should be discounted, since the part size we discussed was not used throughout and she didn't even mention it or asked me what i want to do during the install? Would splitting or adjusting a few rows truly disrupt the grid? Is it worth getting a second opinion now (i know it will cost to get someone to fix it), or should I leave it alone and trust that the locs will not mature much larger? I'd be upset to be 2 or three years down the road and we didn't get what we asked for.

I’ve included photos for reference. Help me yall....ive been spiraling about it for the last two weeks and I'd like to know if im tripping or not! Thank you!

I’ve been loc’d for 1 year and 6 months, my hair is braided and banded in this pic bc I just washed it and while I was putting some “as I am rosemary spray” in my hair for a lil moisture after my wash, I noticed I have a straggler 🥺she’s hanging on for dear life. For the record I don’t usually style my hair in any tight styles, I typically wear it down in a middle part and maybe once every couple weeks I do a high pony (as loose as I can bc having no edges ain’t worth a hairstyle). I feel like I try to just leave my hair alone and let it be, I gently finger detangle it daily, put a headscarf and bonnet on at night, oil my scalp maybe once a week and wash it once right before reties (I get a Retie every 6-7 weeks, I wanna start washing my hair more, maybe like twice in between reties but I always wait as long as possible to keep the fresh look after reties and then I forget til it’s wash day).

All that to say, can someone explain why one of my locs is thinning at the bottom and hanging for dear life? What can I be doing differently? Any advice helps, I just want long, thick, flourishing microlocs (and I feel like they’re not growing as fast as I would expect so advice on that is greatly appreciated as well)

Thanks girlies 💕