Faux locs are a stylish and versatile protective hairstyle that can be achieved even with shorter hair lengths. While traditionally seen on longer hair, adapting faux locs to short hair requires some adjustments and careful styling techniques. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to achieve stunning faux locs on short hair, ensuring a beautiful and manageable outcome.
Preparation and Materials
Before starting, gather the necessary materials:
Hair Extensions: Choose synthetic or human hair extensions depending on your preference for length and texture.
Gel or Wax: For smooth styling and hold.
Comb and Hair Clips: To section and manage your hair.
Hair Oil or Moisturizer: To keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
Rubber Bands: To secure sections of hair during braiding.
See also: The Best Haircut for Natural Curly Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Hair Preparation
Begin with clean, moisturized hair. If necessary, wash and condition your hair before starting. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to ensure your scalp and hair remain hydrated throughout the process.
2. Sectioning
Divide your hair into small sections using a comb. For short hair, smaller sections will create more defined and realistic-looking faux locs. Use hair clips to keep the sections separate and manageable.
3. Braiding
Start braiding each section of hair tightly from the roots. The size of each braid will determine the thickness of your faux locs. Ensure each braid is neat and secure with a rubber band at the end.
4. Adding Extensions
Take a small section of hair extension and loop it through the base of your natural braid. Begin wrapping the extension around your braid tightly, starting from the root and working your way down. Continue wrapping until you reach the end of your natural hair.
5. Securing
Once you reach the end of your natural hair, secure the extension by wrapping it around the braid or using a small amount of gel or wax to hold it in place. Repeat this process for each braid, ensuring uniformity in size and length.
6. Sealing
To prevent unraveling and frizz, dip the ends of each faux loc into hot water briefly. This step helps to seal the ends and set the style. Be cautious not to burn yourself and use a towel to pat dry excess water.
7. Styling and Maintenance
Once all faux locs are installed and sealed, you can style them as desired. Faux locs on short hair can be styled in updos, half-up styles, or left down for a flowing look. Use a lightweight oil or moisturizer to keep your scalp hydrated and your faux locs shiny.
Tips for Maintenance
Scalp Care: Keep your scalp clean and moisturized to prevent itching and dryness.
Night Routine: Wrap your faux locs in a silk or satin scarf at night to maintain their shape and prevent frizz.
Avoid Excess Tension: Ensure your faux locs are not too tight to avoid discomfort or hair breakage.
Regular Touch-Ups: Depending on your hair growth, consider touching up your roots or re-sealing the ends every 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
Achieving faux locs on short hair requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking for a protective style or a new look, faux locs can enhance your natural beauty and offer versatility in styling. Follow these steps and tips to achieve and maintain stunning faux locs on your short hair, ensuring a stylish and comfortable hairstyle that lasts.
By following this guide, you can confidently create faux locs that complement your short hair, showcasing your unique style and personality. Enjoy experimenting with different styles and accessories to make your faux locs truly your own!
FAQs
How long do faux locs last?
Faux locs can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks or even longer with proper care. The longevity depends on factors such as the quality of installation, how well you maintain them, and your hair growth. Regular maintenance, including moisturizing your scalp and avoiding excessive tension, can help extend their lifespan.
Are faux locs good for your hair?
Faux locs are generally considered a protective hairstyle, which can be beneficial for your natural hair. They help to protect your hair from environmental damage, manipulation, and excessive styling. However, it’s essential to ensure that the installation process is gentle and does not cause undue stress or tension on your scalp and hair. Proper maintenance, including keeping your scalp clean and hydrated, is crucial for maintaining the health of your hair while wearing faux locs.
How to start locs with short hair?
Starting locs with short hair requires a slightly different approach compared to longer hair. Here’s a basic outline of how to start locs with short hair:
Decide on Loc Size: Determine the size of the locs you want, which will influence how many sections you divide your hair into.
Sectioning: Divide your hair into small, even sections using a comb. For short hair, smaller sections are typically used to create smaller and more defined locs.
Twisting or Braiding: Depending on your preference, you can either twist each section of hair to start the locs or braid them. Twisting involves twisting the hair around itself to form a coil, while braiding involves creating a three-strand braid.
Maintenance: Initially, you’ll need to regularly twist or re-braid the new growth at the roots to encourage the hair to lock and prevent unraveling. This can be done every few weeks as your locs mature.
Patience and Care: Starting locs with short hair requires patience as it takes time for the hair to fully lock and mature. Regularly moisturizing your scalp and avoiding heavy products that can cause buildup will help in the locking process.
Starting locs with short hair is a gradual process that requires commitment to regular maintenance and care. Over time, your short hair will lock and form mature locs that can be styled in various ways to suit your preference.
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