Additionally, Dreadlock Wig has gathered professional advice and expert opinions about how to start locs, types of locs, and care required during the 4-to 5 stages of locs, which is quite helpful. So, if you are a beginner looking for a thorough guide, visit our blog. 

How to Prepare Yourself for a Locs Journey?

Before moving to the locs stages, let’s help you prepare your hair and mind. Courtney Grayton has this option: one should have 4 inches of naturally healthy hair before starting the locs. In addition, keeping the hair moisturized before starting locs is also a good idea to prepare your hair. 

To prepare your mind for the loss journey, make sure you know that it is a constant struggle and can sometimes be challenging. Gather all the relevant information and learn from other people’s experiences. Share all your concerns about locs to your professional and get answers to all your questions beforehand. 

5 Stages of Locs Journey

There are five major loc stages, from the starter locs to the rooting locs. All of them have different characteristics and time frames. Once the stage is precise, your locs automatically prepare for the next one, and the difference is visible. Let’s dig into what these stages are.

1: Beginner or Starter Locs

As the name reveals, the starter means the first or beginner stage, where you just command your hair to start the locs. In this stage, the locs are used braids, backcombing, palm rolling, two-strand twists, and more. 

In addition, this stage requires using locking tools such as a crochet needle or hooks. At this stage, you can decide what type of locs you want, along with their length and diameter. 

This stage stays for an initial three to six months, depending upon the type of locs you decide. The opticians describe this phase between the first or second wash and then you enter the pre-loc phase. Here are the characteristics of baby locs:

• Frizzy hair
• Budding
• Small length
• Swelling in hair strands

The starter locking phase is challenging as your hair keeps coming undone after every wash, and you are looking for ways to pass this phase as soon as possible. 

2: Budding stage

The second stage of locs is also known as the sprouting or bulbing stage, where your locs start bulging in certain areas. Some individuals experience swelling on the locs’ roots, middle, or tips. It is considered one of the crucial stages as you cleanse your hair when it is budding.

This stage sometimes stays for almost 6 to 12 months or more. At this stage, you must practice the retwisting routine to maintain your locs and keep track of the sections of hair while retwisting. To better understand the stages, look deep into the stages of dread pictures. 

3: Teenage locs

The third stage of a locs journey is the growing stage, also known as the teenage stage. It lasts about 12 to 15 months. In this stage, the locs show twice the size and weight as the locs expand. Furthermore, the locs keep on shrinking and also get frizzy. 

It is sometimes challenging for the locs to get into shape and cooperate. Here are a few characteristics of this stage that can give you an idea about how your locs will look like at the third stage:

• Wild
• Shrinkage
• Double in size
• Heavy
• Frizzy 

This is the stage where you must be mindful of every product you use on your hair. At this stage, you might also need clarification about what’s gonna happen to your hair. So, hang in there! It will pass, and you can enjoy long and healthy locs in a few months. 

4: Adult stage

The fourth stage of the locs stages chart reveals that it is an adulting stage. In this stage, the locs have become as mature as possible. In some cases, the locs need to be more mature, but they will become mature in a few more days. So, patience is the key. 

Mature can flat and hang down. Moreover, they appear firm and grown. The locs are thick enough to support themselves and experience less frizz. 

This stage occurs around 18 to 21 months of the locs journey and needs a proper hair care routine. Make sure to keep your locs hydrated and well-moisturized at this stage. 

5: Rooted locs

The last resort of the locs journey is an elder or rooted stage in which locs appear locked and thicker. The locs are permanent and do not show any shrinkage at this step. 

The Bottom Line:

A locs journey consists of several loc stages easily recognizable by month. Each month locs have different growth, shape, and length. Every stage has its perks and challenges. However, one must look for the hair care regime to keep up with the locs at all stages. Remember to be persistent and consistent throughout your locs journey. 

FAQs

What are the 5 stages of locs?

Hair-locking stages include starter locs, budding, teenage, adult, and rooted locs. All these locs have different time frames and characteristics. 

How long does it take for locs to bud?

For locs to bud, it takes 6 to 12 months. The first six months are the starting phase of locs in which locks start to grow, and in the later six months, locs start budding properly. 

What stage is 9-month locs?

At the 9th month, the locs are in the budding stage, during which locs experience extreme shrinkage and frizziness. Moreover, the locs require proper hair tightening and retwisting touch-ups to stay in good condition.