The loc journey is a profound spiritual experience. It’s also a deeply personal one, lending to varying styles and techniques that fit your individual preferences and lifestyle. Among the many variations of locs, invisible locs have gained significant popularity due to being sleek, modern and low-maintenance. Invisible locs combine the beauty and symbolism of traditional locs with a chic look that mimics the natural flow of hair.
Ideal for those looking for a fresh, unique twist on the classic loc style, invisible locs are offer a polished finish that appears almost “invisible” to the eye. Similar to traditional locs, they require patience and proper care. Here’s everything to know about invisible locs are including a step-by-step guide to help you start your own loc journey.
What Are Invisible Locs?
Invisible locs are a variation of traditional locs that are refined, sleek, and seamless. Unlike regular locs, which often have a more textured or chunky look, invisible locs are designed to blend and look almost undetectable to the eye, as they smoothly blend into your natural hairline. This technique typically uses a method of braiding or twisting the hair in such a way that the locs appear finer and less bulky.
Invisible locs provide the same long-term benefits as traditional locs. They’re low maintenance and let your hair grow naturally, but with a more discreet finish. They often have the same maintenance requirements as other locs, but the technique used during installation can make the locs look more uniform. This appeals to those who prefer a neat and clean appearance.
How to Do Invisible Locs
Invisible locs require a precise method of twisting hair to create sleek, subtle locs. Here’s how to do it.
Materials Needed
- Hair Clips: To section your hair and keep it organized as you work.
- Rat-tail Comb: For parting hair into small sections and achieving neat lines.
- Hair Moisturizer or Leave-In Conditioner: This will keep your hair hydrated throughout the process and reduce friction, making the twisting or braiding easier.
- Gel or Wax: Some people use a lightweight gel or locing wax to help the locs stay in place during installation, but be cautious with the amount to avoid product buildup.
- Small Rubber Bands: These can be used to secure the ends of your locs or keep sections in place.
- Latch Hook or Crochet Needle: A tool used to pull hair through and tighten locs once they are twisted or braided.
- Patience and Time: Invisible locs can take several hours or even a few days depending on your hair’s length, thickness, and how much help you have.
Invisible Locs Tutorial
Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating invisible locs:
- Cleanse and Detangle Your Hair: Start by thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair. Make sure your hair is free of any buildup or residue. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or light moisturizer to your hair to keep it hydrated and smooth. Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb, making sure it’s free of knots and tangles before proceeding.
- Section Your Hair: Use the rat-tail comb to section your hair into smaller, even parts. The size of your sections will depend on how small or large you want your locs to be. Typically, smaller sections will create more defined and “invisible” locs. Secure each section with a clip as you go to keep them organized.
- Begin the Invisible Loc Installation: For each section of hair, apply a small amount of locing gel or moisturizer. Take two small sections of hair and twist them tightly in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Once you reach the end, use a crochet hook or latch hook to pull the ends of the twist into itself to create a seamless, hidden look.
- Secure the Ends: Once you finish twisting each section, secure the ends of the locs with a small rubber band or by using the crochet hook to lock the hair inside the loc. If you used the twist method, you can wrap the ends to prevent unraveling.
- Allow the Locs to Set: After you’ve completed all the sections, allow your invisible locs to set and dry. The drying time will vary depending on your hair’s length and thickness. However, it’s crucial to make sure they’re fully dry before manipulating them.
- Maintain and Style: Invisible locs require consistent maintenance. You should moisturize your scalp and locs regularly to prevent dryness and breakage. Over time, your locs will begin to mature and become even more seamless. You can also style them into updos, buns, or let them hang freely. Since they are more subtle than traditional locs, they’ll blend beautifully with any look.