Protective Style: DIY Faux Locs

Hey Guys,

Last week I decided to do something different with my hair, as it’s summer and it needed to be tucked away. My final choice was Faux Locs. It’s a style I’ve been wanting to try for a while now, but never got around to it until recently. Knowing others who previously got the style done I knew they’d take long to do, and I definitely wasn’t in the mood for that. So, I did the next best option – University of Youtube. I swear you can learn so many things from YouTube!

I will admit they’re not perfect, but they’re also not horrible. There are a few things I would have done differently which I noted for the next time. However, they’re pretty natural looking and lightweight. I’m just hoping there’s no damage when I take them down.

DIY FAUX LOCS

Items Needed:

3 Packs Afro Kinky Twist (Marley) Braid
Spray bottle with water and oil
Taliah Waajid styling lotion
Gel
Rubber Bands
2 Packs Kanekalon Hair
Scissors
Leave in Conditioner

Process:

I started this style on freshly washed hair where I also used the TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask. After, I ensure my hair was fully moisturized by using a leave in conditioner by ORS as well as my favorite spray bottle with water & oils. I’ll review those two products at a later date.

First off, I’m no pro at braiding so I used the “Rubber-band method” to braid my hair prior to wrapping. Initially, I planned on doing a faux locs bob, but after seeing how they looked long I decided to keep them at that length. My sister assisted me with sectioning my hair and wrapping the braids.

The braids were done in a small-medium size, then the Marley hair was crocheted into each twist, and wrapped downward around the twist. When I got to the end I formed a stub on the bottom then wrapped coming up and tied it. I also secured some of the ends with a black rubber band. The braiding for me took the longest time, but there’s also a method to wrapping; it can’t be too tight or the braid will be stiff, too loose and you run the risk of it unraveling.

For a video tutorial, check out YouTube. Simply do a search of “DIY Faux Locs with Marley Hair.” I watched a variety of them, so I can’t just pinpoint one person; you can see which method works best for you. Some braided their hair without the rubber bands, and also burnt the ends to secure them.

Hope that was explained clearly, but I really just wanted to show you guys my hair and the fact that I did something different.

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS

(For my next time, yes there will a be a next time)

• Make the sections smaller if you want a full head of locs
• Take time wrapping so they won’t be as frizzy (or maybe that’s the type of hair?)
• Try doing them shorter for a new look
• Use as much gel/beeswax when putting hair into rubber bands before braiding; it would make the roots look neater. (My roots are a bit frizzy but that can also add to the natural looking factor).

I plan to keep these in for at least two weeks once my sleeping style permits.