So this is the first time since installation that Delaiah’s locs have been washed. I’ve been moisturising them nightly to keep them hydrated (click HERE for the blog post or HERE for the video about that) and on occasion have used a light oil spray (which I made). But because her locs are young I’ve kept the oil to a minimum to prevent build-up and stuck mostly with my water-based Hydrating Loc & Scalp Mist to keep her locs moisturised, the ingredients of which I’ve listed in the previous blog post linked above. I have also used a sea salt spray on her locs twice so far (1 tsp salt in 100ml of water) which is supposed to help speed up the locking process.

Preparing Her Microlocs For Washing

To prep her hair for the wash, I braided and banded her hair in large sections using small hair bands at the base and ends. Braiding and banding stops the locs from slipping and/or unravelling as it allows the locs to be cleansed with minimal manipulation. So it’s really important to do that every time I wash her hair until it’s fully locked. Here’s AN EXAMPLE I found on what happens to baby locs if you don’t do this.

Washing Her Locs

In terms of products, I used a clarifying shampoo (Osmo Effects Clarifying Cleanser) which I diluted with water in an applicator bottle to make it easier to apply to the roots and in between the braids. I added half a tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda to the mix to raise the pH of the shampoo in order to boost the locking of her hair, as a higher pH lifts the cuticles making the hair rougher, encouraging tangling.

I did two cycles of lathering and rinsing with this mix to ensure her locs were really clean and free from product residue. I bought a large black microfibre towel to dry her hair with to prevent lint transfer and build-up that can occur when using regular towels.

Post-Wash

After washing, taking one braided section at a time, I un-braided and un-banded the section and ran my fingers through the section to detangle and separate the locs. I misted the locs with some of the Hydrating Loc & Scalp Spray (as a kind of leave-in) and then followed with my Loc & Scalp Light Oil Spray to seal in the moisture (ingredients listed below). I like the Oil Spray because it’s non-greasy, fast absorbing and light enough to not cause build-up in her hair. I then two-strand twisted the section before moving on to the next. I left it to dry overnight.

Loc & Scalp Light Oil Spray Ingredients: Iso Propyl Myristate, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Peach Kernel Oil, Essential Oils of Peppermint, Tea Tree & Lavender, Fragrance

Fully Dried

I took out the twists in the morning and ran my fingers through them to separate the locs.

I’m really pleased with how it all turned out. I’ve never done this before so I found the whole thing to be quite nerve racking as I really want her hair to turn out well in the long run. But I’m pleased to say her first wash day went without a hitch!

I’ll be posting a video on this soon so keep a look out for that.

Until next time!