Are you interested in beginning your loc journey but unsure whether to start with two-strand twist locs or three-strand twist locs? In this article, I’ll share processes to achieve either of these locs and which method is best.
Here are a couple of things to note before starting your loc journey:
- Decide the size of your locs before they can take shape. Which locs do you prefer–small, huge, freeform, or micro? The method to utilize and how to take care of the locs are usually determined by your loc size.
- What Parting Style: If you were to look at different locs on Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube, you’d see that people have a variety of parting styles, from a square part to a triangle, a U-shaped part to a diamond, or even no part at all. The parting method greatly enhances the neatness of the locs.
- Who is Responsible for Starting the Locs: Whether you choose to visit a loctician or start your locs yourself, both options are excellent. Make sure the loctician you decide on understands their craft.
- Establishing a Wash Routine: Determine how frequently you should wash your hair–is it once per week or every two weeks? It all depends on your lifestyle and how quickly your hair picks up dirt; there is no set schedule. Keep in mind that moisture is essential for the health of your locs, so mist your hair regularly.
- What is your Motivation: Know why you are making this journey and be committed to it.
Difference between Two Twist Strand Locs and Three Twist Strand Locs
The decision on which is best depends on you; both techniques are excellent ways to begin locs. Due to its simplicity and potential to maintain its twist-like appearance for a considerable amount of time before transforming into a loc, which some people find fashionable, two strand twist is a major go-to method for starting loc.
An alternative to a braid is a 3-strand twist, which entails winding three strands of your natural hair around one another to produce a spiral-curly appearance. In contrast to two-strand twist locs, three-strand twists are typically firmer and more durable with lesser chances of unraveling.
How to make a Two Twist Strand Loc
The first thing to remember is that you should moisturize your hair before attempting either of these twists because you would need to refrain from a thorough hair wash for around a month.
Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfate in shampoos helps remove 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 or clarifying 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. After shampooing, apply your deep conditioner to your hair shaft and work your way up from tips to roots. 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.
Two Strand Twist Method
After cleaning the hair, we begin by dividing it into sections according to the loc size and parting style you want. Spray on hair oils next to keep the hair moisturized.
Take a section of hair, divide it in two, then twist it by stacking the two halves together. You could decide to braid the roots first before twisting them to prevent them from unraveling. Remember to always move in the same direction as you twist.
How to Create a Three Strand Twist Loc
Divide a section into three equal strands. You could mentally number them 1,2 and 3.
Take the hair strand 3 and cross it over strands 1 and 2. Next, cross hair strand 2 over 3 and 1, and do the same with one. Repeat this process till you get close to the ends of your hair.
You’ll notice thinning at the ends of your hair, so switch to your usual two-twist strand style. To prevent unraveling, add a little gel to the ends and twirl. Continue until you have finished with all the other areas of your hair. It’s that easy!
Twist Strand Locs Maintenance Tips
After four weeks with the initial locs, you might need to get a retwist to keep the locs looking neat and maintained. Before retwisting or interlocking, wash your hair–and this should be your first wash.
The two ways to wash your locs to stop them from unraveling are with a wig cap and with a band.
The wig cap method: Laying your hair flat, start by placing the wig cap on gently without manipulating the locs. Next, completely drench your hair in the water. Utilizing your fingertips, generously lather shampoo onto the wig cap and massage it into your scalp. Simply, proceed with your normal washing routine.
Banding Method: Start by dividing your hair into sections. Take a section and tie it off with a rubber band two inches from the root to thoroughly clean the scalp. Pour in warm water to saturate the hair, add in shampoo and gently massage into sections of the hair.
What the rubber band does is to prevent the loc from unraveling quickly. Go in for a second round to double cleanse. Follow up with a conditioner and give a thorough rinse, after which you remove the band in sections to begin re-twisting.
The Re-twisting Method
During the process, ensure your hair is damp, add some oils to keep it moisturized and styling products.
Take a section of your locs, brush up the roots a little, and use your fingertips to twist the hair or wrap the locs in loose hair if you find that they untwist easily. Secure with a clip. You could blow dry in medium heat for a couple of minutes or leave them to air dry before taking the clips out.
Interlocking Technique
Use a crochet hook to pierce the roots of the twist, insert the ends of the twisted strand, and pull through to interlock the twist. Repeat this process twice.