How to Wash Faux Locs: A Comprehensive Guide to Clean and Healthy Locs
Faux locs are a fantastic protective style, offering a stylish and low-maintenance way to switch up your look. However, like any hairstyle, maintaining their cleanliness is crucial for scalp health and the longevity of your locs. Many people mistakenly believe that because they are not your real hair, they don’t require washing. This is simply not true! Neglecting to wash your faux locs can lead to product buildup, dandruff, itching, and even unpleasant odors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about washing your faux locs, ensuring they stay fresh, clean, and looking their best.
## Why Washing Faux Locs is Essential
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why washing faux locs is so important:
* **Scalp Health:** Your scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Even with faux locs, your scalp produces sebum (natural oil), sweats, and accumulates dirt and debris. Washing removes these impurities, preventing clogged pores, irritation, and potential infections.
* **Product Buildup:** Hair products like oils, moisturizers, and edge control can accumulate on your scalp and the faux locs themselves, leading to a sticky, heavy feeling. Washing helps remove this buildup, keeping your locs light and manageable.
* **Odor Control:** Trapped moisture and bacteria can cause unpleasant odors in your hair. Regular washing prevents this by eliminating the source of the smell.
* **Prevents Itching and Dandruff:** An unclean scalp is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to itching, flaking, and dandruff. Washing helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, reducing these issues.
* **Extends the Lifespan of Your Faux Locs:** Keeping your locs clean prevents them from becoming brittle and dull, extending their lifespan and allowing you to enjoy the style for longer.
## What You’ll Need
Gathering the right supplies is essential for a successful faux loc washing experience. Here’s a checklist:
* **Sulfate-Free Shampoo:** Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Sulfates can be harsh and drying, especially for synthetic hair.
* **Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse (Optional):** ACV helps balance the pH of your scalp, removes buildup, and adds shine. Always dilute it with water (more on this later).
* **Spray Bottle:** A spray bottle is helpful for applying the shampoo and ACV rinse directly to your scalp.
* **Microfiber Towel or Old T-Shirt:** Microfiber towels are gentle and absorbent, reducing frizz and breakage. An old t-shirt works just as well.
* **Lightweight Oil (e.g., Jojoba, Argan, Coconut):** To moisturize your scalp after washing.
* **Leave-In Conditioner (Optional):** A lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioner can help hydrate your natural hair.
* **Hair Clips:** To section your hair for easier washing and rinsing.
* **Deep Conditioner (Optional):** A deep conditioner can be applied to your natural hair after washing, before re-styling.
* **Shower Cap (Optional):** For deep conditioning.
* **Essential Oils (Optional):** Adding a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or peppermint oil to your shampoo or ACV rinse can help soothe the scalp and combat bacteria.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Faux Locs
Follow these detailed steps to effectively wash your faux locs:
**Step 1: Preparation**
* **Detangle Your Natural Hair (If Applicable):** If you have any exposed natural hair at the roots, gently detangle it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This prevents matting and breakage during the washing process.
* **Section Your Hair:** Divide your hair into four to six sections using hair clips. This makes it easier to access your scalp and ensure thorough cleansing.
**Step 2: Shampoo Application**
* **Dilute Your Shampoo:** Pour a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo into a spray bottle and dilute it with water. This makes it easier to distribute the shampoo evenly across your scalp and prevents product buildup.
* **Apply to Scalp:** Spray the diluted shampoo directly onto your scalp, focusing on the areas that tend to get the most oily or itchy.
* **Massage Gently:** Using your fingertips (not your nails!), gently massage your scalp in a circular motion. This helps to loosen dirt, oil, and product buildup. Be careful not to pull or tug on the locs.
* **Extend to Locs (Optional):** If you feel your locs need cleaning, gently run the diluted shampoo down the length of each loc. Avoid scrubbing or twisting them, as this can cause frizz and damage. However, focusing primarily on the scalp is key.
**Step 3: Rinsing Thoroughly**
* **Rinse with Cool Water:** Rinse your scalp and locs thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. Ensure all traces of shampoo are removed. This may take some time, so be patient.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Water:** Gently squeeze out excess water from your locs, working from the roots to the ends. Avoid twisting or wringing them.
**Step 4: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse (Optional)**
* **Dilute ACV:** In a spray bottle, mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. For example, if you’re using 1/4 cup of ACV, mix it with 3/4 cup of water. *Never* use undiluted ACV, as it can irritate your scalp.
* **Apply to Scalp:** Spray the diluted ACV rinse directly onto your scalp.
* **Massage Gently:** Gently massage your scalp for a few minutes.
* **Let it Sit:** Allow the ACV rinse to sit on your scalp for 5-10 minutes.
* **Rinse Thoroughly:** Rinse your scalp and locs thoroughly with cool water. The vinegar smell will dissipate as your hair dries.
**Step 5: Moisturize Your Scalp**
* **Apply Lightweight Oil:** Once your scalp is clean and dry, apply a lightweight oil such as jojoba, argan, or coconut oil to moisturize it. Focus on the areas that tend to be dry or itchy.
* **Massage Gently:** Gently massage the oil into your scalp to promote circulation and absorption.
**Step 6: Drying Your Faux Locs**
* **Wrap with Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt:** Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to absorb excess water. Avoid using a regular towel, as it can cause frizz.
* **Squeeze Excess Water:** Gently squeeze the locs to remove excess water. Do not rub.
* **Air Dry:** Allow your faux locs to air dry completely. This can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of your locs. You can also use a hooded dryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process.
**Step 7: Maintaining Your Faux Locs After Washing**
* **Wrap Your Hair at Night:** Protect your locs while you sleep by wrapping them in a satin scarf or bonnet. This helps to prevent frizz and breakage.
* **Moisturize Regularly:** Continue to moisturize your scalp with a lightweight oil as needed. This will help to keep your scalp healthy and prevent itching.
* **Cleanse Your Scalp Regularly:** Even if you’re not washing your locs, you can still cleanse your scalp with a damp cloth or cotton ball. This helps to remove dirt and oil buildup.
## Tips and Tricks for Washing Faux Locs
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results when washing your faux locs:
* **Frequency:** How often you wash your faux locs depends on your activity level, scalp oiliness, and product usage. A good rule of thumb is to wash them every 1-3 weeks.
* **Use a Shower Cap Between Washes:** If you exercise or sweat a lot, wear a shower cap to protect your locs from moisture. This can help to prevent odor and buildup.
* **Dry Your Locs Thoroughly:** Make sure your locs are completely dry after washing to prevent mildew and odor. Use a hooded dryer on a low setting or allow them to air dry completely.
* **Avoid Heavy Products:** Heavy products like gels and waxes can weigh down your locs and cause buildup. Opt for lightweight oils and moisturizers instead.
* **Don’t Overwash:** Overwashing can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Stick to a washing schedule that works for you and your scalp.
* **Listen to Your Scalp:** If your scalp feels itchy, oily, or irritated, it’s time to wash your locs. Don’t wait until the problem becomes severe.
* **Focus on the Scalp:** The primary goal is to cleanse your scalp. The locs themselves don’t need as much attention during the washing process.
* **Consider a Dry Shampoo:** In between washes, you can use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your scalp. Choose a dry shampoo that is specifically designed for braids and locs.
* **Use a Scalp Massager:** A scalp massager can help to loosen dirt and oil buildup and promote circulation. Use it gently to avoid damaging your locs.
* **Tea Tree Oil:** Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo can help to combat bacteria and fungi on your scalp.
* **Peppermint Oil:** Adding a few drops of peppermint oil to your shampoo can help to soothe your scalp and relieve itching.
## Choosing the Right Products
Selecting the right products is crucial for maintaining healthy and clean faux locs. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
* **Sulfate-Free Shampoo:** As mentioned earlier, sulfate-free shampoos are essential for preventing dryness and damage. Look for shampoos that are specifically designed for natural hair or braids and locs.
* **Lightweight Oils:** Opt for lightweight oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil. These oils are easily absorbed by the scalp and won’t weigh down your locs.
* **Water-Based Leave-In Conditioners:** If you choose to use a leave-in conditioner, make sure it’s water-based. This will help to hydrate your natural hair without causing buildup.
* **Avoid Heavy Products:** Stay away from heavy products like gels, waxes, and creams. These products can be difficult to remove and can lead to buildup and itching.
* **Read Labels:** Always read the labels of your hair products to ensure they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or ingredients that can damage your hair or scalp.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes people make when washing faux locs, and how to avoid them:
* **Using Harsh Shampoos:** Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. These ingredients can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
* **Overwashing:** Overwashing can dry out your hair and scalp. Stick to a washing schedule that works for you and your scalp.
* **Not Rinsing Thoroughly:** Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after washing to remove all traces of shampoo. Shampoo residue can cause buildup and itching.
* **Using Too Much Product:** Using too much product can weigh down your locs and cause buildup. Use a small amount of product and distribute it evenly.
* **Not Drying Properly:** Make sure your locs are completely dry after washing to prevent mildew and odor. Use a hooded dryer on a low setting or allow them to air dry completely.
* **Ignoring Scalp Issues:** If you experience any scalp issues like itching, flaking, or redness, address them promptly. Don’t ignore the problem, as it can worsen over time.
* **Twisting or Wringing Locs:** Avoid twisting or wringing your locs when drying them. This can cause frizz and damage. Gently squeeze out excess water instead.
## Maintaining Faux Locs: Beyond Washing
Washing is a crucial part of faux loc maintenance, but it’s not the only factor. Here are some additional tips for keeping your locs looking their best:
* **Scalp Care:** Regularly massage your scalp with oil to promote circulation and growth. You can also use a scalp serum to address specific concerns like dryness or itching.
* **Edge Control:** Use a gentle, alcohol-free edge control product to smooth your edges. Avoid using heavy gels or waxes that can cause buildup.
* **Nighttime Protection:** Wrap your locs in a satin scarf or bonnet at night to prevent frizz and breakage.
* **Avoid Excessive Tension:** When styling your locs, avoid creating styles that put too much tension on your scalp. This can lead to hair loss.
* **Trim Flyaways:** Use small scissors to trim any flyaways or stray hairs that may appear over time.
* **Consider Refreshing Your Locs:** After several weeks, your locs may start to look dull or frizzy. Consider refreshing them by re-wrapping them or adding new hair.
## When to Remove Your Faux Locs
Faux locs are a temporary protective style, and it’s important to remove them after a certain period to prevent damage to your natural hair. Here are some signs that it’s time to take them down:
* **Excessive New Growth:** If you have a significant amount of new growth, it’s time to remove your locs. Leaving them in for too long can cause matting and breakage.
* **Matting at the Roots:** If you notice matting or tangling at the roots of your hair, it’s time to take them down. Trying to detangle matted hair can be painful and damaging.
* **Scalp Irritation:** If you experience persistent scalp irritation, despite washing and moisturizing, it’s time to remove your locs. The irritation could be caused by trapped dirt, oil, or product buildup.
* **Locs Slipping:** If your locs start to slip or unravel, it’s time to remove them. Slipping locs can cause tension on your natural hair, leading to breakage.
* **General Discomfort:** If you simply feel uncomfortable with your locs, it’s time to take them down. There’s no point in keeping them in if you’re not enjoying them.
## Removing Your Faux Locs Safely
Removing your faux locs safely is just as important as washing them. Here’s how to do it:
* **Soften the Hair:** Before removing your locs, soak your hair in warm water and conditioner. This will help to soften the hair and make it easier to detangle.
* **Cut the Extension Hair:** Use scissors to cut the extension hair as close to your natural hair as possible. Be careful not to cut your own hair.
* **Unravel the Braid:** Gently unravel the braid or twist that was used to attach the extension hair. Be patient and avoid pulling or tugging on your hair.
* **Detangle Carefully:** Once you’ve removed the extension hair, carefully detangle your natural hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Use a detangling spray or conditioner to help loosen any knots or tangles.
* **Wash and Condition:** After removing all of the locs, wash and condition your hair thoroughly to remove any remaining product or debris.
* **Deep Condition:** Deep condition your hair to restore moisture and strength. This is especially important after wearing a protective style for an extended period.
## Conclusion
Washing faux locs is a vital part of maintaining a healthy scalp and ensuring the longevity of your style. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your locs clean, fresh, and looking their best. Remember to choose the right products, avoid common mistakes, and listen to your scalp. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your faux locs for weeks to come, all while keeping your natural hair healthy and thriving. Enjoy your beautiful, clean locs!