In addition, Dreadlock Wig has compiled all the professional advice and expert knowledge to help beginners with dreadlocks. Explore our blog, find solutions to your locs issues, and learn about the latest trends and hairstyles for dreadlocks.

Now, let’s discover the significant differences between soft and faux locs and the pros and cons of soft locs and faux locs. 

What are Soft Locs?

As the name reveals, soft locs are loose, natural, and manageable locks with specific installation methods, such as crocheting the pre-made soft locs or individual wrapping. 

 

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The locs are soft from the outside and add less tension to the scalp. In addition, various soft locs hairstyles make these locs excellent for styling. 

What are Faux Locs?

Faux locs are synthetic locs made by human extensions and are added into natural locs to add more length and volume to the natural locs. Faux locs are easy to achieve with two methods: the braids method and the crochet method. 

 

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As the name reveals, the braid-in method fixes the locs by braiding natural hair into box braids. In addition, they are then wrapped with the loc extensions. The hair used for making the braids is Kanekelaon hair or Marley’s hair. 

On the other hand, the crochet method converts the hair braids into cornrows. Then, the artificial locs are crocheted into the newly formed cornrows, achieving the desired look. 

5 Big Differences Between Soft Locs Vs. Faux Locs

Faux vs. soft locs are challenging to style and offer a different experience for individuals into locs. Both have different styling options, installation methods, longevity, and price. Here are some significant differences one must remember while choosing between these two. 

1: Locs length

Soft locs lengths are not easily attainable as they depend on the original size of the crochet locs. On the other hand, you can easily customize the hair styling with faux locs. You can keep them short or long according to your hairstyling needs.

2: Longevity

Faux locs stay longer than all other types of locs. They last almost 12 weeks if kept well. Soft locs last four to six weeks. The longevity creates a significant difference between these two types of locs. If longevity is your concern and you want to avoid switching to new locs now and then, you must stick to the faux locs and keep them well. 

3: Weight and Tension

Faux locs vs. soft locs not only give a heavier and bouncy look but are also heavy on the scalp. They add tension and a pull on your scalp, which can be dangerous in the long term.

If you want to add faux locs for longer, talk to your stylist about its side effects, such as comfort, headache, and tension. 

Moreover, soft locs are easy on the scalp and do not stress the scalp unnecessarily. So, if you want to add locs longer, you must go with the soft locs.

4: Maintenance

When maintaining the locs, one must remember that less is more. To make the locs last, make sure they don’t unravel. Look for hair-tightening techniques or services to keep the locs from unraveling soon. 

Soft locs vs. faux locs vs. butterfly locs are easy to maintain as they are soft and have low maintenance. On the other hand, to keep the faux locs in good condition, do not wash them frequently. Likewise, make sure to keep them moisturized. 

5: Styling

Soft locs vs. faux locs hairstyles are easy to make as the locs are thin and easily manageable. Braids, ponytails, and buns are easy to style with the soft locs, while faux locs go well with the freeform hairstyling ideas.

FAQs

Are faux locs and soft locs the same?

Soft locs are also common as butterfly locs and have specific installation techniques. On teh other hand, faux locs are heavy in texture and add extra tension to your scalp. 

What are the disadvantages of soft locs?

Although soft locs are easy to maintain, they can sometimes cause severe infection on the scalp by mixing synthetic locs with natural locs. 

Do soft locs last long?

Soft locs stay for four weeks, while faux locs stay longer than this type. Faux locs remain for over eight weeks and up to 12 weeks if maintained well. 

Which is better, braids or faux locs?

Faux locs offer more freedom in styling the hair than braids. Braids only look better when installed fresh or tightened well. Faux locs look better in real life and stay as they are for weeks.