Embarking on Your Loc Journey: A Quick Guide to Starter Locs

Starter locs are the beginning phase of locs, where your hair begins the process of maturing into fully formed locs. This stage is crucial as it sets the tone for your locs' future health and appearance.

When embarking on the journey of growing locs, one crucial decision is choosing the right parting system. There are four primary methods: square, diamond, crescent, and organic parting. Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, influenced by factors like hair texture, density, and your desired loc maturation. It's vital to give this choice ample thought, as it lays the groundwork for your locs and is likely the final time you'll part your hair in this manner, assuming you maintain your locs.

The square parting system is a popular and straightforward method for sectioning hair for locs. It can be done professionally or at home. The key is to be mindful of how the squares are arranged. A grid pattern creates clear styling lines but may expose more scalp, particularly if you have fine hair or thicker locs.

The diamond parting system, more complex and requiring professional execution, adapts diamond shapes to the round contour of the head. It's versatile for all loc sizes, offering a sophisticated look even in simple styles like ponytails. This method is particularly effective for thicker locs, as it minimally exposes the scalp. However, its intricacy is less noticeable with fewer locs.

The crescent, or C-shaped parting, is favored by those seeking a natural or semi-freeform loc journey. Easy to create, it allows locs of any size to fall naturally, often framing the face beautifully – a feature particularly appealing to women.

For a more spontaneous approach, the organic parting system involves no specific parting pattern. It's characterized by randomly sized sections, leading to a freeform loc arrangement. This method is often the result of a freeform loc foundation.

Contrary to the common misconception that you shouldn't wet your hair for extended periods while starting locs, regular hydration is actually essential. The often-heard advice to avoid washing your hair in the first six months primarily aims to preserve the integrity of your partings. However, introducing moisture to your locs is crucial. Regularly applying water is not just about maintaining moisture; it also plays a significant role in the locing process. Water causes your hair to contract, which in turn helps in strengthening and maturing the locs.

To enhance this moisturizing routine, incorporating a product like glycerin can be highly beneficial. Glycerin, a natural humectant, attracts moisture, ensuring your locs stay hydrated and healthy. For an added touch of luxury and effective moisturization, I recommend the Luring Luxury Loc Spray from Rich Royals (available at Rich Royals - Luring Luxury Loc Spray). 

This is something that tends to surprise people when they don’t go into their journey with this information. If you have low density hair, you will have thinner locs, and if you have higher density hair, you will have thicker locs. This can not be changed by any installation technique. 

No matter what your locs look like when you install them, they’ll most likely look radically different in a couple years time. A lot of the time, the locs will thicken up as they mature. This is why many people with locs urge you to appreciate each stage in your journey. It can change very much over time.