The Truth About Kids & Locs

Locs are becoming increasingly popular throughout all age groups, but the debate to loc or not continues. Dreadlocks have been praised for being the ultimate protective hair style that promotes growth and practically eliminates shedding. But, is there an appropriate age to establish locs in children? 

Parents are tasked with making decisions for their child’s well-being on a regular basis - and yes, that includes hair care. How you treat your child’s hair is actually an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Every decision about your child’s hair care will have an impact on their life. Whether you decide your child should have locs, loose naturals or processed (relaxed) hair, it all makes a difference. Regardless of what style you choose, it will take time and effort to maintain it well. Children might be resilient, but failure to take care of their hair properly can result in long term damage. 

Before you choose to loc your child’s hair or leave it loose, it’s important to identify the misconceptions to make an educated decision. The following are some common myths debunked with the truth to help you along your fact finding journey.

Locs are for adults

TRUTH: Locs can be established and maintained in both adults and children. Since all curl patterns can form locs, this helps the hair to grow stronger and longer over time. Establishing locs at a young age allows the hair to flourish as the child grows. 

Locs are dirty

TRUTH: On the contrary, keeping locs clean actually encourages hair growth. Just like with any style, afro-textured hair can be damaged if there is excessive build up on the hair due to lack of regular cleansing. The loc process thrives when a regular wash routine is included in the hair care regime. 

No Maintenance Required

TRUTH: While it is certainly true that locs can be convenient, regular maintenance is essential for overall hair health. Using a daily mist, air drying and using a quality sealant from body to tip are just some of the vital ways to maintain healthy locs. Lack of maintenance will eventually lead to hair loss.

Frizzy hair must be trimmed

TRUTH: Trimming frizzy hair will negatively affect the growth of the locs. Frizz can also be a sign of new growth and can be palm rolled to reduce the risk of thinning the locs. When starting the locking process, a balanced moisturizing routine will also help to keep the frizz under control.

A hair stylist is not needed for locs

TRUTH: Not all hair stylists are created equal. A certified loctician has the knowledge and expertise that is required to support the locking process. It is critical to have a stylist that understands the intricacies of afro-textured hair in addition to specializing in locs. DIY locking techniques are not beneficial for every person. Working with a certified loctician ensures you are getting specific advice and service from a trained expert based on your hair type and lifestyle.

What’s Next?

As a parent there is no shortage of decisions you have to make on a daily basis. Choosing what to do with your child’s hair doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Making the decision to loc your child’s hair should be based on facts rather than common misconceptions from the general public. A certified loctician can answer all of your additional questions and provide individualized recommendations that make sense for your family.

Discover the difference with a Master Locitician and Certified Sisterlocks™ Practitioner at Perfect Mane. In addition to specializing in afro-textured hair, Perfect Mane is an expert in loc establishment and maintenance, loc extensions and reattachment. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can help your family throughout this incredible hair care journey.