Celebrating five years with my locs is a huge deal. This journey has been spiritual and full of lessons. But after years of different maintenance, I noticed some thinning and damage. I needed a major repair session. I turned to a master loctician, Tsunami, for a special crochet method service.
This wasn't a regular retwist. It was a full repair mission. I wanted to fix weak spots, add strength, and finally grow out my sides to ditch the high-top look. The result was a fresh, full head of healthy locs. If you have mature locs or are thinking about starting, understanding repair options is key. Let's break down the entire process I went through.
Why I Needed a Major Locs Repair Session
My loc journey started five years ago. I have tried many methods. I began with interlocking. I have also used comb coils and palm rolling. Over time, this manipulation can cause stress. I saw thinning in certain areas. Some locs were on the verge of splitting.
I also had a financial reason. I was spending a lot on maintenance. I would pay for a haircut to keep my sides clean. Then I would pay for a retwist. This added up to about £100 each time. In the UK, that is a lot of money for regular hair care.
I decided to grow out my sides for about six to seven months. This meant no more high-top style. My goal was to have a full head of locs. I wanted lower maintenance costs and healthier hair.
What is the Instant Crochet Locs Method?
The artist, Sounami, used what she calls the "instant crochet locs" method. It uses a special tool. This is a 0.5mm needle with a tiny hook on the end.
Here is how it works: The hook enters the loc smoothly. It carries loose strands of hair with it. The artist changes the angle and point of entry very fast. It looks like a quick stabbing motion. This technique pulls hair from different angles into the core of the loc. It tangles the hair back into the loc to give it strength.
The key benefits of this method are:
- No heavy tension. Unlike palm rolling, it does not pull tightly on your scalp for days.
- Minimal pain. You only feel it near the root, where the hair is close to your scalp.
- It repairs damage. It can fix thinning locs and reattach broken ones.
- It gives a clean, neat look.
After the process, your locs may look stiff. Do not worry. This is normal. A little water or a moisturizing mist will make them lie flat and soft again.
Crochet Method vs. Palm Rolling: My Experience
I have used both the crochet method and traditional palm rolling. They serve different purposes for me.
Palm Rolling (My Regular Maintenance)
- I do this every three months.
- It creates a clean, neat look.
- It can cause tension on the scalp. This tension can last for two to three days, especially if styled.
- For me, doing this every month would be too much. It could lead to more hair loss.
Crochet Method (My Repair Solution)
- I use this for major repairs, not regular styling.
- It is excellent for fixing thin or broken locs.
- The pain is less than the days of tension from palm rolling.
- I plan to do this only once every two years or so.
A key point: you should not use the crochet method too often. If you do it every month, the needle can cause breakage. Think of it as a powerful repair tool, not a weekly styling tool.
The Three Main Goals of My Repair Session
This service was about more than just looking fresh. I had three clear goals for my five-year locs.
1. Repair Thinning and Weak Locs
The main goal was strength. I wanted every individual loc to have its loose hair tangled back in. This "hair meat" adds density and stops thinning. It brings a level of peace I never got from just palm rolling.
2. Combine Locs and Reattach Broken Ones
Some locs were so thin they were about to split. Others were already damaged. Tsunami combined weak locs. She also reattached broken pieces. She placed these repaired locs at the back and sides of my head for a balanced look.
3. Grow Out My Sides for a Full Head
I was tired of the high-top fade style. I stopped cutting my sides. After months of growth, I had a lot of new hair. This session incorporated all that new growth. Now I have a full head of locs. This saves me money and gives me a different style.
The Real Cost of Locs Maintenance
Money was a big factor in my decision. Let's compare the old way and the new way.
| Maintenance Style | Typical Cost (UK) | Frequency | Total Annual Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Method: High-top fade + Retwist | £25 (cut) + £75 (retwist) = £100 | Every 6-8 weeks | £600 - £800 |
| New Method: Full-head crochet repair | One-time service fee (varies (£150+)) | Once every 1-2 years | Significantly Less |
The old way was expensive and constant. The new approach with a full head of locs means less barber visits. A major repair every couple of years is a better investment for my hair's health and my wallet.
Important Takeaways for Your Own Loc Journey
My five-year repair session taught me a lot. If you have locs or want them, remember these points.
- Listen to your hair. If you see thinning or breakage, do not ignore it. Look into repair options before the damage gets worse.
- The crochet method is a powerful repair tool. It is great for adding strength and fixing damage. It is not for constant use.
- Palm rolling has its place. It is good for regular maintenance. But be aware of the scalp tension it can create. Space out your appointments.
- Your style can evolve. I changed from a high-top to a full head. This saved money and opened up a new look. Your locs can change with your life.
- Professional help is key. A skilled artist like Sounami makes all the difference. Their technique prevents pain and ensures good results.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Hairstyle
This repair was more than a hairstyle. It was self-care. My loc journey is spiritual and personal. After five years, my hair needed respect and attention. This session provided that.
It also marked a return to what I love. I have a hair care brand, Yin Rin. I am passionate about creating good products. I am also passionate about sharing this knowledge. Life gets busy, but this community matters. Seeing my locs healthy and full inspires me to keep going.
If you are on your own journey, be patient. Your hair will change. You will learn what works best for you. Do not be afraid to invest in a major repair when you need it. The strength and confidence you gain are worth it.
I am excited for this next chapter with a full head of locs. I am back to making content about hair care. I hope my story helps you with your own path. Remember, your locs are a story. Make sure it is a strong, healthy, and ever-growing one.
0 comments