Locs are more than just a hairstyle—they're a commitment that requires care, patience, and the right products to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’ve been on your loc journey for years or you’re just starting out, maintaining clean, hydrated, and well-nourished locs is essential.
From proper cleansing to moisture retention, understanding how to care for your locs will help them flourish while keeping your scalp healthy. Here’s everything you need to know to build the ultimate loc hair care routine.
What Keeps Locs Healthy?
Healthy locs start with a clean scalp, proper hydration, and regular maintenance. Because locs can trap product, dirt, and lint more easily than loose hair, buildup can lead to odor, discoloration, and even weaken the locs over time, increasing the risk of breakage. To keep locs strong, it's essential to cleanse thoroughly with residue-free products that remove buildup without stripping moisture. Regular hydration and occasional detox treatments help maintain the integrity of your locs, keeping them healthy, vibrant, and strong.
How to Maintain Locs
Step 1: Cleanse Regularly Without Over-Washing
Keeping the scalp and locs clean is essential. Product buildup, dirt, and excess oil can cause scalp discomfort, and dull, unhealthy locs. A good routine includes:
Deep Cleansing: Locs require more frequent clarifying to prevent buildup so it’s best to double cleanse every time you wash your hair. Use Cécred’s Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub to deeply cleanse your scalp and remove trapped dirt and buildup from your locs. For best results, apply the Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub directly to your scalp or massage it in your palms first to dissolve the physical exfoliants before working it through your locs. This ensures a thorough cleanse while maintaining a fresh, healthy scalp and keeping your locs strong and buildup-free.
Rinse Thoroughly: Because locs absorb more product than loose hair, ensure you rinse well to prevent residue from getting trapped inside.
Step 2: Condition Without Causing Buildup
Light Conditioning: While traditional conditioners can be too heavy for locs, Cécred’s Hydrating Conditioner provides lightweight moisture without residue. Apply it sparingly to keep locs soft and manageable.
Deep Treatment: If your locs are dull and feel fragile, use Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual as an occasional protein boost to strengthen and fortify without causing buildup.
Step 3: Keep Your Locs Moisturized
Locs need consistent hydration to prevent dryness and brittleness. Since they don’t receive as much natural oil from the scalp as loose hair, daily moisture is key.
Hydrate & Seal: Lightly spritz your locs with water. Then, apply Cécred’s Moisture Sealing Lotion to the loose hair closest to the scalp and along the body of the locs. This helps lock in hydration and keep your locs nourished without weighing them down.
Add Shine: Follow up with Cécred’s Nourishing Hair Oil, which contains a blend of nutrient-rich oils that absorb quickly and prevent dryness while adding a soft shine.
Step 4: Protect and Maintain Your Locs
Retwist With Care: If you maintain retwisted locs, use a lightweight product that won’t cause buildup, avoiding heavy waxes and gels that can accumulate over time. Be mindful not to over-twist or apply too much tension, as this can weaken the roots and lead to thinning or breakage over time.
Protect Your Locs at Night: Wear a silk or satin scarf or use a satin pillowcase to prevent friction and keep moisture locked in.
Reduce Manipulation: The less you disturb your locs, the healthier they will be. Avoid over-styling and excessive tension, which can cause breakage.
What Products Do You Need to Maintain Locs?
A simple, effective loc hair care regimen using Cécred products should include:
Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub – Removes buildup and refreshes the scalp.
Hydrating Shampoo – Gentle cleansing and moisture retention.
Hydrating Conditioner – Keeps locs soft and manageable.
Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual – Strengthens and fortifies.
Moisture Sealing Lotion – Locks in hydration and smooths frizz.
Nourishing Hair Oil – Maintains moisture, shine, and scalp health.
Caring for locs is all about keeping them clean, hydrated, and protected. By using high-quality, Black-owned hair care products for locs, like those from Cécred, you can maintain healthy, strong locs that thrive for years to come. Stick to a consistent routine, avoid heavy buildup, and embrace the journey—your locs will thank you!