Q&A: Can I lock my relaxed hair?

Dear KiK, 

I have Relaxed/texturized hair. Can I start locs?

Caribbean Chica
___________________________________


Dear Caribbean Chica,

You most certainly can. Some people's hair, though relaxed, can often hold plaits, twists (as a way of starting locks) or will allow itself to be interlocked from root to tip.  The problem with those methods is likely to be unravelling, which can be controlled if you only wash you hair at the salon or are patient enough to re-plait/twist or re-interlock unravelling locks at home, especially after every wash. Even some curly textures unravel after washing.

Your main concern, however, is likely to be the thin appearance of your twists/plaits. Here are a couple of fool-proof, easy options.

1. Get lock extensions installed. A good lock stylist can create very realistic looking locks in just one or two days depending on the method used. Always use real afro kinky hair in order to maintain the most natural look and feel possible. 
2. Add twist or plait extensions to your hair using kanekalon hair and interlock or retwist the new growth as it comes. Cut off the extensions after you are satisfied with the length of your locked hair. I recommend using Kanekalon hair over afro kinky textured artifical hair. Kanekalon is very long-lasting and you can wash it many times. I have seen people go with kanekalon extensions for 6-months. There may eventually be a little unravelling but the repair is easy. Just clarify your hair regularly and keep locking the root.

See a closer look at lock extensions and the 1 year video progression of a woman who started braidlocks on relaxed hair. 

YouTube  |  Twitter