Why I Trimmed My Locs After 5 Years | Retwist, Home Loctician & Healthy Loc Journey

I’m sharing a big step I just took: a major trim after five years. I’ll also talk about why I went back to a specific stylist for a home appointment rather than at a salon. If you have long locs or are thinking about your next retwist, this post is for you.

Why I Love Home Appointments for My Locs

I recently went back to my original loctician for a retwist. She now does home appointments, and I’ve found this to be a much better experience. There are a few key reasons why I now prefer this over a salon visit.

First, you get true one-on-one time. Your appointment can last two hours or more. You can talk openly about your hair issues or anything personal on your mind. In a busy salon, other people can overhear your conversations. A home visit feels more private and focused.

Second, you have more control. You can speak up during the styling process. If a twist feels too tight, you can ask to have it redone. If a part isn't perfectly straight, you can point it out immediately. You can also suggest trying a new style or adding a treatment like a trim without being rushed by a tight salon schedule.

Finally, home appointments can be more flexible in terms of cost. Salons often charge extra for add-ons. This can be for a trim, a deep conditioning treatment, or even for having a full head of locs past a certain length. These fees can add up fast. In a home setting, these add-ons are often included or handled differently. This makes the experience feel more genuine to the loc journey.

My Current Locs Journey and Growth Update

Let me catch you up on my hair’s progress. About eight months ago, I decided to grow out the sides of my hair. I then got those new hairs crocheted into my existing locs. This gave me a full head of locs for the first time. That was about three months ago.

Since then, I’ve had a lot of new growth. This new hair needed to be incorporated back into my locs. I didn’t want another crochet method right now, as it can be hard on the hair. Instead, I opted for a repair and a standard comb-style retwist. This process puts all the loose, outgrown hairs back into their proper locs and then neatly retwists them.

The Big Decision: My First Trim in Five Years

The biggest part of this appointment was a trim. I had not trimmed my locs in over five years. My hair had grown very long. It was down to my chest, just below it in fact. Dealing with that length daily had become a real challenge.

Long locs can be a practical hassle. When I went clothes shopping, my hair would catch lint and loose material from new clothes. I would leave the store with lint all through my hair. Putting on jackets or t-shirts was also difficult. My locs would constantly get trapped, locked in, or pulled. This caused a lot of pain.

I also started to notice negative effects on my hair health. The long length created a lot of weight. This caused tension and thinning at the base of my locs. I was even experiencing some traction alopecia at the front of my head. I didn’t want this damage to become permanent.

The London summer was another big factor. We’ve been having very hot weather, reaching over 90° Fahrenheit (over 30° Celsius). My long locs created a thick layer of heat against my neck. This made me sweat a lot and feel uncomfortable.

All these reasons made me decide it was time for a change. I had been thinking about it for a year. I finally decided to cut off several inches.

Finding the Perfect New Length

During the appointment, we didn't measure an exact number of inches. We went with what felt right. My ideal was to have my locs hang between my neck and shoulders. I wanted them just off my shoulders or resting lightly on them.

We found that perfect length. My hair now feels light, manageable, and free. For me, this is the ideal loc length. Anything longer than this, and I feel you need to keep it in a protective style most of the time.

I usually wear my hair in two-strand twists. When my hair was chest-length, even those styles were heavy and in the way. At this new, shorter length, my hair is much easier to live with. It’s perfect for the hot summer and for my daily life.

Benefits of My Locs Trim at a Glance

What’s Next for My Hair Content?

I am excited to create more videos for you. I want to focus on educational content. This is for people starting their loc journey or anyone looking to improve their hair care routine.

I’m planning two main series. The first will follow the hair journeys of famous people and celebrities. I will look at what they did with their hair and why they made certain choices. The goal is to analyze and learn from their experiences.

The second series will be a deep dive into hair care ingredients. I want to simplify the information. I will explain what common ingredients do. I will talk about what to look for in products. I will also cover the difference between organic and active ingredients. Running a hair care brand means I am always researching ingredients and trends. I want to share that knowledge in a clear, helpful way.

Final Thoughts on Home Care and Healthy Lengths

Going to a home appointment reminded me why the personal touch matters. It allows for open talk, better control, and a focus on what your hair truly needs. It keeps the journey real.

Getting my locs trimmed was a major but necessary step. It solved many practical problems I faced with ultra-long hair. More importantly, it is helping the long-term health of my locs and my scalp. If your hair is causing you daily stress or physical pain, a trim might be the right choice for you too.

Your ideal length is personal. For me, shoulder-length is perfect. It’s manageable, stylish, and healthy. Pay attention to what your hair and your lifestyle are telling you. Don’t be afraid to make a change for the sake of your comfort and your hair’s health. The journey is about what works best for you.