Hi everyone! Have you ever found a gap or hole in your loc? Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. This is a common problem for people with locs, especially those with interlocs. Keep on reading for how to fix holes in locs, as well as how to prevent them.
How do loc holes form (how to prevent a hole in your loc)?
A hole in your loc can form in several ways:
- When interlocking, holes in your locks form when you interlock from the same angle twice. That’s why it’s so important to identify the direction in which you last interlocked. (See Tip #3 in my post Self retightening tips: interlocking).
- Changing retightening techniques can also cause holes in locs. It is important to maintain your locs in the same method all the way through. For example, going from a 4 point to 2 point rotation is not advised.
- Unraveling can also create a hole. This is common for people who started their locks with two strand twists. Unraveling will be hard to prevent. The best thing you can do is try not to manipulate your locs too much in the beginning and give them a chance to fully lock together.
How to fix holes in locs?
In order to repair a hole in your loc, you’ll need an interlocking tool smaller than your lock shaft. Since I have sisterlocks, I used a tiny needle, much smaller than my regular retightening tool.
I keep all different sizes so that no matter the size of my lock, I have the right tool.
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I took the tool and pushed it through the side of the hole, wrapped the loc around the needle, and pulled it through; similar to the regular interlocking process. This might get a bit harder to do as the hole closes, but just continue to interlock until you can’t pull through the lock anymore. When you reach that point, it should be sufficiently closed anyway.
Have you ever had a hole in your loc before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Related posts:
What is loc grooming? Should you be doing it?
Should you trim your locs?
How to start dreads – Pros and cons of various locking methods
Self-retightening tips: interlocking
Types of dreads: Interlocs vs Sisterlocks vs Palm-rolled locks
Until next time!
~Jay
Yes I have it she’d and close to the root too it’s taking forever to catch up to the rest of my hair. I have sisterlocks and it happened in the front I’m definitely going to look for the locking tool and try this if I find any holes again
Hopefully you don’t find anymore! Although if you see more holes, you might want to consider switching consultants because that should not be happening if the person is certified. Also, I updated the post to add a link to where I bought my tool if you ever need it.
I would love to switch from a 4 point rotation to a 2 because I want a softer fuller look. My concern is holes but now that I know that can be fixed, it relieves the concern. Thanks alot!
No problem!
Fine hair
🤗
I’ve had to self re-tie and have holes. I’ve fixed some using the above loc tools but I’m
afraid I have some I can’t see. Can’t find a loctician who will do fixes. Sigh
That sucks. Hopefully there arent too many holes left. Maybe you can get a friend to check for you and teach them how to repair it.
What if I don’t fix the hole what will happen
It honestly depends on where the hole is, how big it is, and how big the loc itself is. But majority of the time, even if you don’t fix it, your locs will be fine.
I’ve been sister loc’d for eight years. What causes locs to unravel in the middle section of locs? I have locs that are thinning. Some of My ends are fat.
Mature locs usually unravel in the middle (loc holes) for 1 of 2 reasons: a change in retightening technique or rotation, or a weakening in the loc due to things like finishing out lint for too long. If your locs are thinning, you may need to combine the locs or some people have even added artificial hair to their locs to fix the thin section. However, with sisterlocks, that may prove a little difficult due to the interlocking.
I have a couple that are thinning.And see holes but the are Father down my luck should I just leave it alone or should I fix it.
Hi! It’s entirely up to you whether you fix it or not. Some people don’t mind it and some people do. Holes are easy to fix as per above, but thinning is different. You’ll have to add hair to the thin part or fold the thinning part and instant lock it so make your thin locs thicker.
i started my locs with interlocs and i dont like the way they look and some have holes how can i move from interlocking to palm-rolling?
Hi! How new are your locs? Remember that locs take 1-2 years to mature so you may need to give them more time to form. Also, please find a new loctician if you have many holes; that is not normal. If you still want to switch methods, you just need to start. However, you’ll need to do some loc grooming if you want it all to look the same. Instant locking the part where the transition starts may be your best bet.