Hi everyone! Edges have become very crucial to a person’s appearance. People with locks are no exception. There is an increasing trend to straighten the front of your hair so that you can lay your edges with greater ease. I’m not really a fan of the idea, since I went natural in order to avoid any more relaxers; but it does work. However, there are several other ways that a person can do their edges; some with products and some without any at all. Here are 3 main ways that you can have locs with edges.
1) With edge control or gel
This is the most popular and probably the most effective way to do your edges. You take a little edge control or styling gel and apply it to your baby hairs. Then, you use a toothbrush to style them how you want. Next, you wrap a scarf or head tie around your head for about 15 minutes. Once it sets you can remove it. Depending on the strength of your product, your edges can last about 5 hours for people with 4C hair like myself.
Personally, I prefer to use natural products or no products at all, so I don’t do this too often. Gel can be difficult to get out of your locks. It is imperative that you wash your hair thoroughly after using these products, so that none of it gets stuck inside or causes other things to get stuck inside. Even though there are ways to remove buildup (see my post: 3 ways to remove lint/buildup from your locks), it’s nearly impossible to remove once it’s locked in.
2) With a carrier oil
Though it doesn’t look as slick as the gel method, using oil to lay your edges allows you to avoid heavy products and the associated buildup. My last retightening was 8 weeks ago in this picture, and despite having a lot of new growth, this method still worked. First you wet your baby hairs with water. After, apply a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, almond, or argan oil. Use a wet toothbrush to lay your edges how you want them. Then, wrap a scarf or head tie tightly around your head for about 20 to 30 minutes. This method usually lasts for about 3 hours, depending on the humidity.
3) Twisting the locks
This is my go-to method for whenever my locks start looking rusty. It’s easy and requires no products at all. All that you need to do is twist each lock at the front (and back if you want a clean look all around). To make it last longer you can spritz the front of your hair with our Rose water Revitalizing Spray, and apply a little carrier oil to your fingers when twisting. This usually lasts the entire day unless I do some sort of physical activity that causes it to unravel. It doesn’t give you the curly baby hairs at the front, but it does make your edges look tidier.
In summary, you can have locs with edges using a variety of methods: relaxer, edge control/gel, carrier oil, or twisting. The method is up to you. Just be sure to exercise caution when using heavy products in your hair.
Until next time!
~Jay
I just had my first install, I moisturize 6 to 8 times a day and I rarely wear a hair cap, is this bad for my locs
Hi! Congrats on starting your locks journey!
Moisturizing 6-8 times a day is a bit excessive. It might even be harmful to the maturing of your locs, depending on what product your using. Your locs don’t need to be moisturized that often. Once a day is enough, twice max. If your hair gets dry that quickly then you might be using the wrong product. Check out our Rose water Revitalizing Spray – it is very starter loc friendly and will leave your scalp moisturized.
As for the hair cap, if you mean to sleep then you should definitely wear one every night to reduce unraveling and frizziness.
The beginner stage can be a bit overwhelming; there are many mistakes to avoid. I definitely recommend that you check out our dos and don’ts series for more tips on how to care for your locs.
My locks neither have even square or straight lines-they’re haphazardly laid. They’re now medium long and wouldn’t want to start them properly a fresh. Is it an option to cut them off and replant them back? How does it work?
Hi! Yes it is possible to reattach your locs after you cut them off. It can be done similar to instant locs where you would do the new shorter locs and then crotchet your old ones onto the new ones. People can even keep their old locs for years before reattachment. Once you wash them it should be fine. I’d suggest going to a professional for this service though. DIYing it might be tough.