There are tons of new hairstyles hitting the internet daily, and individuals are starting to get more creative with their hairdos. The butterfly loc is one such hairstyle that has recently gained popularity and won the hearts of many.
Butterfly locs hairstyle is a vibe! I’ll be outlining the techniques and methods for attaining this look.
Butterfly loc is a variant of hair extensions known as “faux loc”. These locs can be washed or retouched. The wing-like or distress loop over the faux locs that results from its combination with passion twist gave the name butterfly hairstyle locs.
This hairstyle is for you if you want to convey an appearance that is a little bit eccentric, intelligent, and gorgeous. Butterfly locs can be fashioned in various ways depending on the length you want.
Butterfly locs are a protective hairstyle that shields against environmental factors that could cause hair breakage. This is because all-natural hair strands are tucked into the faux locs.
How to install Butterfly Locs, DIY Process
Before installing you want to ensure your hair is clean and rid of product buildup, you also want it to stay hydrated and moisturized.
Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfate in shampoos helps in removing product buildup and dirt from the hair. The only drawback is that they do their work so well that they remove all the moisture and hair oils that the hair needs to keep healthy.
Using a sulfate-free shampoo allows your hair to stay moisturized.
Deep conditioning treatment
Your hair needs to be hydrated, and a deep conditioner is a sure way to do that.
Deep conditioners penetrate the hair cuticle’s inner cortex and work their magic from the inside out, as opposed to regular conditioners, which are made for everyday use and can only penetrate the hair cuticle’s outside layer.
After shampooing, apply your deep conditioner to your hair shaft and work your way up from tips to roots. Because the hair scalp doesn’t necessarily lack moisture, conditioners shouldn’t be used at the roots. But always make sure to concentrate on the roots when shampooing.
Next, using your fingers spread the conditioner evenly throughout the hair ends.
Detangle Thoroughly
Use a brush, fingers, wide-tooth comb, or anything to delicately detangle conditioned hair and smooth out the knots without causing hair breakage.
Sectioning
Now that the washing process has been taken care of, start by sectioning your hair.
Sectioning is when you square off your head into a chess board arrangement. When you are done doing that, it’s time for the locking process. There are two locking techniques: the thumb method and the pull method.
The Thumb Method
After properly dividing your hair into sections, take one fraction and braid it. Alternatively, braid at the roots and twist it down; this makes takedown easier.
The key is to braid extremely tightly at the root. Complete this for each section. Once the braiding procedure is over, spray hair oils on the scalp to keep it moisturized.
You’d need 4 to 8 packs of loc extensions, depending on the length you want and the thickness of your hair.
Open the loop on the loc, thread it through the crochet hook, close it, and drag it through the braid roots. Then, to ensure that the loc is firmly in place, grab the end of the faux locs and crochet it through the top of the loop.
Take two pieces of passion twist and fluff by running your fingers down the entire length, this would make it easier to split them. Carefully pull apart the pieces to avoid creating a knot.
Crochet the pieces through the braid roots. One side should be significantly longer than the other, take the shorter side and combine it with the loc and braid. The longer side is the wrapping piece; begin at the root and wrap three or four times to ensure it is firm and secure, then work your way downward.
Next, stick your thumb out in the middle, and wrap the hair around twice to ensure the loop is secure. Then, move your thumb out and continue wrapping underneath the loop. You decide how many loops to make; keep wrapping with your thumbs until you are almost out of hair.
When you get down to 3-4 inches of passion, twist, and add a second piece to the ending. One side should be longer than the other, of which the shorter side should be joined to the faux locs and the longer side should be clipped away.
Take the hair you were wrapping earlier and resume wrapping about 3-4 times to secure the new piece. Once that is done, knot by wrapping the remaining piece around itself and tie. Continue the thumb method with the new piece.
Knot and wrap upwards when you get to the end of the loc and be sure to palm roll each locs.
Pull Method
Crochet four pieces through the braid roots. One side should be significantly longer than the other, take the shorter side and combine it with the loc and braid.
The longer side is the wrapping piece; wrap three or four times tightly at the root to ensure it’s firm and secure, and as you proceed downwards switch between wrapping tightly and loosely to be able to pull out the loop. This is the easiest of the two methods but tricky for beginners.
On getting to the ends of the loc, you could add in a tiny bit of nail glue to secure it. Do not place it on the hair and make sure to palm roll each locs
Keep in mind the following when installing the butterfly locs:
- After you’ve inserted the locs, feel them by lightly pushing them in various directions to check for tightness.
- To make the locs seem nicer and ease tension in particular regions, use smaller pieces just around the ears, sides, or temples.
- Any hair poking out from the locs should be trimmed with scissors.
Are butterfly locks washable? Yes! It’s not as challenging as it seems.
The best way to wash it is to keep your fingertips on the scalp only, allowing the shampoo to wash down the locs. This will prevent you from applying too much friction, which will eventually cause the locs to loosen and fall out.
Butterfly Locs Hairstyle Maintenance Tips
- If you plan to keep your locs in for more than four weeks, wash your hair as usual.
- If you don’t intend to wash your hair, use a dry shampoo or an apple cider vinegar hair rinse to eliminate dirt and product buildup on the scalp.
- Apply mousse to your braids to tame flyaways and occasionally add shine.
- Wear a silk bonnet or scarf as you sleep at night.
How to Remove Butterfly Locs
If the installation was done properly, there is no need to worry about the removal process causing damage to your hair.
But, to prevent hair breakage, you must exercise care when removing the locs.
Cut the locs at the base first, then gently pull the wrapped hair apart. The braids below should then be undone. To prevent hair loss, it is best to keep some oil or a spray bottle on hand to assist in loosening any buildup.