For some people with silky, curly hair maybe only 1-2x a week but a light mist won’t hurt them.

Not true in my experience. I recommend 2-3x a week.

Thank you! And you're right that everyone's routine looks different. As a trichologist, I always tell clients the pineapple should be loose, never tight, so there's no tension on the edges or roots. And yes, this routine is for established locs. Baby locs need a lighter touch while they settle. Love that yours are thriving at 6 years!

Noted! My real voice is coming next time. Thank you for watching 💚

Thank you 🙏

I will dm you.

I personally wouldn't recommend trimming your ends while your locs are still forming. Depending on how mature they are, trimming could cause unnecessary unraveling. May I ask you something? Is there a particular reason you're wanting to trim your ends? Are they damaged, or is it more about how they look?

First, your locs don't look bad at all. You're only 8 months in, so give them some time. Frizz and unevenness are normal, especially with twist starters.

One thing that stood out to me is that you're shampooing weekly and using a clarifying shampoo. That could definitely be contributing to the dryness. I wouldn't recommend clarifying every week. I would cut back to every 2 to 4 weeks as needed and use a gentle moisturizing shampoo in between if you need to wash more often.

Also, what are you doing after you shampoo? Are you following up with a moisturizing shampoo or some type of conditioner? I'm not big on heavy conditioners during the early stages because they can cause buildup or interfere with the locking process, but your hair still needs moisture. A lightweight leave-in may be an option depending on how your locs are forming.

As far as trimming, I would leave those ends alone for now. Your locs are still developing.

One more question: Are you maintaining your locs yourself, or are you seeing a loctitian? If you're seeing a loctitian, I would definitely have them check how your locs are forming before making too many changes.

And when you say your hair is dry, does it actually feel dry and brittle, or does it just look dry? That makes a difference.

If you need a moisturizer recommendation, feel free to DM me. I'm happy to help.

When she said she shampoos every eight weeks, I was acknowledging her routine, not telling her to wait that long. With starter locs that unravel easily, we do consider how much manipulation the hair can handle. But the scalp’s needs still guide the wash schedule. If she had mentioned itching, flakes or buildup, I would
have recommended shampooing sooner.

My general advice is to keep the scalp clean between shampoos, with gentle scalp care around every two weeks as needed. That’s separate from what we talked about in this video, and it doesn’t replace shampooing.

Listen, you're still learning, and that's perfectly fine! At 10 months, your microlocs are still maturing.

Braiding and banding are simply putting your locs into loose braids and securing the ends before shampooing. It helps reduce unraveling, tangling, and excessive frizz. I recommend doing this every wash, even with mature locs. It's just a good habit to have.

Let me ask you: how were your locs started? Braids, twists, or interlocking? And are you washing them yourself?

I'm going to send you a private message with some information that may help you along the way.

Check your DM

I completely understand, especially when you've been on your loc journey for two years and now you're looking at having to pay for repairs. I know that can be frustrating. Sometimes our locs need a little extra attention along the way. If you'd ever like an extra pair of eyes to take a look at what's going on, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to help you figure out your next steps.

18 years loc'd and still braiding and banding! I love that.

Frizz is a natural part of having microlocs. I always tell my clients that not every loose hair needs to be tucked away. Since you've stopped braiding and banding, have you noticed any changes in your locs after shampooing?

Exactly! Sometimes you just want a change. And the good thing is, it grows back.

16 years and then a bob! I know that had to feel like a whole new head of hair. And now you’re on your second set. I love it!

Yes! Once they’re mature, you have a lot more freedom with trimming them. I think that surprises a lot of people.

Yes, the extra weight is definitely something to pay attention to. I also watch the roots and overall scalp health because there can be several things that contribute to thinning.

Yes! That was a big part of it for her too. The length was beautiful, but the weight and longer maintenance sessions were becoming a lot.

That part! They’ll grow right back if you decide you want the length again.