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Locs Guide: Types, Creation Methods & Self-Install with Human Braiding Hair

by HOTBRAIDS

From ancient spiritual roots to modern red carpets, locs have stood the test of time—not just as a hairstyle for Black people, but as a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and artistry. Named by their coiled or braided strands matted into ropelike sections, locs (or "dreadlocks") trace back thousands of years, with ties to Egyptian mummies, Hindu yogis, and African warriors. But for Black culture, they’ve been more than history: they’re a living legacy.

The 1970s saw icons like Lauryn Hill turning locs into a global statement of Black femininity, while the ’90s and 2000s cemented their versatility—from Lisa Bonet’s bohemian twists to Whoopi Goldberg’s groundbreaking red carpet looks. Today, stars like Zendaya and Chloe x Halle keep locs center stage, proving they’re never "out of style" but eternally reinvented.

In this guide, we’ll explore loc types, creation methods, and how to DIY your own crochet loc extensions with human braiding hair—celebrating a tradition that refuses to fade. Because whether sacred or stylish, locs aren’t just worn; they’re lived in.

 Hotbraids locs guide

What Are the Different Types of Locs

By lock creation method

  • Freeform dreadlocks:Locs form organically, allowing the hair to mat and tangle naturally without sectioning, styling, or manipulation.
  • Comb coils:Created with a fine-tooth comb for uniform small locs.
  • Palm rolling:Put hair strand in palms with moderate pressure,slide your palms in opposite directions, rolling the hair between their hands to form cylindrical locs.
  • Two strand twist:Start by section hair strand in 2 parts and twist one strand hair around other one to eventually lock up the hair.
  • Interlocking: Uses a tool like crochet hook or needle to weave hair strands through existing loc or tangle roots to form or maintain locs(like lacing a shoe).
  • Instant hand crochet: Using a crochet hook, pull loose hairs into the loc by repeatedly inserting and withdrawing the hook in one consistent direction to manually knot and tangle natural hair to form locs.
  • Sisterlocks:The Sisterlocks™ system is a patented micro-locs technique that exclusively uses the interlocking method (no twisting or palm-rolling)with specialized tools to form locs from ends to roots. Thistrademark-protected technique requires certified practitioners.

By Size & Style

By size

  • Micro Locs (0.5–2mm):Tiny (pencil-lead width), sleek look.
  • Standard/traditional dreadLocks (3–5mm):Medium thickness (most common).
  • Jumbo Locs (6mm+):Large loc type,thick, bold statement.
  • Wicks Dreadlocks(2.5cm-12cm):Much larger than traditional locks which forms in Florida,resembling fat ropes or candle wicks.

Stylized Locs

  • Boho Locs: Wavy/textured with decorative accents.
  • Faux locs:Temporary wraps (yarn, braiding hair).
  • Butterfly locs: Butterfly locs use coiler, spring-like curls throughout.

By Hair Type Compatibility

Natural Hair Only

  • Sisterlocks
  • Freeform locs

Braiding Hair/Extensions

Handcrafted Methods (Using Braiding Hair)
  • Twist & Palm Roll Locs:Create textured locs by twisting or palm-rolling braiding hair with natural hair for added volume.
  • Interlocked Locs:Use the interlocking method with braiding hair for low-maintenance, long-lasting styles (requires natural hair base).
Pre-Made Loc Extensions:

Rough Pre-Made locs:These are single cylindrical locs created using the palm rolling method and instant hand crocheting with a weaving hook or needle.

Pre-Looped Crochet Locs:Semi-permanent loc extensions with pre-attached loops for easy installation onto natural hair. Designed to last 1–4 months and can be reused if properly installed and maintained.

Clip-In Loc extensions:Temporary loc extensions attached with secure clips for instant styling. Allows daily removal and reuse with no long-term commitment.

How to Install Locs Yourself Using Human Braiding Hair or Loc Extensions?

How to Install Locs with Human Braiding Hair

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prepare the Locs

Roll a small strand of human braiding hair between your palms to form a rough  loc shape.

Insert the two-tooth crochet needle into the loc base,pull the tool upward to tangle and compact the hair fibers.Repeat this "in-and-out" motion along the length of the loc to evenly tighten it.

Section & Prep Natural Hair

Part your natural hair into small sections according to your desired size.

Create mini twists or roll and interlock the roots for a secure base.

Attach the Locs

Attach each handmade loc to 2–3 inches of your natural hair, using the crochet needle to moving your crochet hook in and out to let your hair lock together with your loc extension.

Repeat & Finish

Continue until all locs are installed.

Apply a light gel or conditioner to smooth any frizz (if needed).

Pro Tip: Use a mirror to ensure even placement as you want!

How to Install Pre-looped Crochet Locs for Easy  Reuse?

Pre-looped locs are much easier to install than traditional rough premade locs. Instead of wrapping your natural hair around the rough locs to secure them, you can use a crochet hook to attach pre-looped loc extensions. This method significantly reduces installation time and is much more beginner-friendly.

Step by Step Guide:

Prepare your natural hair

Wash and detangle your natural hair.

Section natural hair into small,even parts and braid tightly to create a secure base for locs.

Attach Crochet Locs:

Insert crochet hook into a braid base.

Hook the loop of a pre-looped loc and pull it through the roots of braid.

Pull the braid ends through the loop to make a secure knot.

Blend & Conceal

Use the hook to tuck the braid ends into the loc roots for seamless concealment.

Gently palm roll to blend the connection points if necessary.

Pro Tips for Reuse:

When removing, carefully pull out the braid ends from the loc base instead of cutting.

Store locs in a silk bag to maintain their shape.

Lightly mist with conditioner before reinstalling to preserve softness.

How to Install Clip in Human Hair Loc Extensions?

Clip-in loc extensions are the easiest way to instantly add volume and length to your existing locs. For a more natural look and long-term reuse, human hair loc extensions are highly recommended. Choose the texture  and loc shape that best matches your hair, then follow this installation video to start the locs transformation journey!

Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!