Do you want a long-lasting hairdo that doesn’t stress to maintain? Go for micro locs.
They’re the smaller version of traditional locs but come with the flexibility of styling due to their lightweight. You’ll enjoy the versatility of loose natural hair without sacrificing your look.
I’ll give you all information you’ll need to start your loc journey and highlight some of the styles worth considering.
What Are Micro Locs?
Microlocs is a smaller version of traditional locs. Their diameters are less than a pencil and are installed by starting with coil, braids, or twist and locking using balm or wax. Some use interlocking techniques right from the roots.
The style helps manage hair as they’re protective with low maintenance requirements. However, it requires long-term commitment as the hair must be retightened properly to avoid hair loss.
It’s believed that microlocs are tribal to Egypt and India and have their popularity spread to Asia, Africa, and other countries.
Hamar tribe from Ethiopia has also been credited for transforming traditional locs into micro locs, and historians believe them to be the originators.
The style now comes with various variations and styling to suit modern women.
Types of Micro Locs
There are different types of microlocs based on styling and installation. The most common ones include:
1. Microlocs Started With Braids
Starting with braids is the easiest way to install micro locs. It’s the best method for long, thin hair with little hold-on twists.
2. Microlocs Started With Interlocking
The interlocking technique is best when you want the tiniest size of microlocs. They’re also suitable for fine textured hair as they don’t undo.
3. Microlocs Started With Twists
These are microlocs that are started with two strands of hair twisted together. They’re best for medium to large locs and take less time than braided ones.
Generally, you can keep them up with palm rolling or interlocking techniques as they grow.
Microlocs vs Sisterlocks: What’s the Difference?
While the two hairstyles look the same, they are different in terms of:
- Size: Microlocs are bigger than sisterlocks; hence, installation takes a shorter time. Sisterlocks also take a long due to the complex weaving techniques that should be followed.
- The technique used: There’s a defined grid pattern and interlocking technique for sisterlocks, while there isn’t for micro locs. This results in neat braids and even parting for sisterlocks, unlike micro locs.
- Expertise needed: Sisterlocks must be installed by a certified consultant, while microlocs can be installed by anyone. Improper installation of sisterlocks can lead to baldness.
- Cost: Siterlocks tend to be costlier as they’re thin and require installation expertise than micro locs.
You can also read my detailed guide on microlocs vs sisterlocks
How To Install Micro Locs
Here are the steps that’ll guide you to install micro locs:
1. Start by getting everything you’ll need:
- Rat tail comb
- Hair ties
- Locs
- Conditioner
- Shampoo
- Mirror
2. Wash, condition, and dry your hair. Use clarifying shampoo for product-free, squeaky, clean natural hair. Dry it using a clean towel.
3. Section your hair into at least four parts and secure them using a hair tie. Leave the back section, which you’ll start with.
4. Detangle the section well and use the rat tail comb to break them into smaller parts to create the locs. You can go for square, crescent moon, diamonds, or organically shaped partings.
5. Start your locs by braiding, twisting, or interlocking them. Note that twisted can easily come off with time though faster to install.
6. Once you start, use balm or wax to lock the braids and continue twisting or braiding to the tip. Continue parting until you lock the entire section.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you complete all the hair.
8. After some time, twist or rebraid undone starter locs and avoid over-washing to keep your hair ‘well locked.’
Check the video below for inspiration (Interlocking technique)
How To Style Microlocs
Microlocs are one of the versatile hairstyles in terms of styling. You can wear them in updos, buns, ponytails, braids or leave them loose.
Their small nature allows you to create twist-outs, braids-outs, or curl them with rollers.
Here’s a detailed video on how to style micro locs:
Pros and Cons of Microlocs
Microlocs are one of the most long-lasting hairdos that require minimum maintenance effort. However, like any other hairstyle, it has pros and cons, which you should consider before making the final decision.
Pros:
- Easy to install as they don’t require any expertise
- It doesn’t require any specific product or certification to install and manage, hence cheaper than sister locs
- It takes less time to install than sisterlocks (2-4 hrs.), especially when using the coil technique
- Easy to re-twist
- Easy to restyle into bigger locks by twisting two strands together
Cons:
- Challenging to style with time as they get longer
- Easy to break if not done well
- Expensive than the traditional locks
- It takes long to install compared to traditional locks
How Much Do Micro Locs Cost?
Micro loc installation costs vary greatly based on hair length, type, location, and stylist expertise. Expect to pay between $200 and $800, with maintenance costs going from $50-$100.
Do Microlocs Damage Hair?
Microlocs don’t damage your hair if you properly install and care for them. You should also clean and moisturize your locs and scalp to avoid damage after installation.
Ask a trained stylist for guidance to avoid any hair loss.
However, if you intend to unlock them after a while, expect to lose some hair more than you would with other hairdos such as tribal braids and knotless braids.
Are Microlocs Permanent?
Microlocs are long-term hairstyles but not necessarily permanent. You can remove them by combing them out, twisting them to create traditional dreadlocks, or cutting them off to start the hair journey afresh.
Can Microlocs be Unlocked?
Yes, you can unlock the micro locs but expect to lose some hair based on the duration of your locs. If you’ve had them for long, expect to shed a lot.
Here’s how to do it:
- Soak your locs in warm water, then asphyxiate with a conditioner that gives a lot of slip.
- Hold 1st loc and carefully untangle the end using a fine-tooth comb. Ideally, start at the back section of your head.
- Keep combing while you untangle the roots.
- Once you reach the roots, you’re done unlocking the 1st one. But the untangled strands a quick twist to avoid tangling again.
- Repeat the process for the rest of the locs until you’re done. Keep wetting and conditioning as necessary to make unlocking easier.
Don’t be afraid to cut out stubborn knots, as you’ll expect to come across some. Removing takes time; you can have them unlocked by a specialist.
Microlocs Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Look
1. Starter Microlocs
Begin your micro loc journey by rocking these started locs. The length of your hair doesn’t matter; this is a perfect start for longer ones.
Go for interlocking ones if your hair is shorter.
2. Interlock Microlocs
Your fine textured hair shouldn’t prevent you from rocking the tiniest locs. Rock these interlock ones that don’t undo for as long as you wear them.
You can style them as you desire, sweep them to the side, and watch people gaze at you in awe.
3. Short Microlocs
If you want to enjoy the ease of styling and changing them based on your moods, try short micro locs. Their versatility allows you to wear them with middle or side parting or hang them all to the back.
4. Medium Microlocs
If your hair has grown slightly, you can rock these medium locs for a stunning appearance. The medium size allows you to rock intricate styles such as this.
You can color the ends for an ombre look and accessorize with golden cuffs and beads for an elevated look.
5. Long Microlocs
Long micro locs aren’t as heavy as the traditional locks, hence you enjoy the additional length without risking hair loss.
You’re also free to style as you wish. Leave them hanging, style in a pony or a bun, and look gorgeous on any occasion.
6. Microlocs on Short Hair
Your short hair shouldn’t limit you from rocking the locs. Have them done by an experienced stylist, and watch your locs grow to your desired length.
7. Half-Up Half-Down Microlocs
The beauty of microlocs is the versatility of styling them as you desire. As in the picture, you can opt for a half-up, half-down cute hairdo.
The ombre look makes it more stunning. You can use a bigger headband to secure the pony for a pronounced appearance.
8. Microlocs With Shaved Sides
Talk of playful yet stunning! This is a great look to rock if you like shaving the sides of your head. They are done using the interlocking technique for the tiniest locks to match up the appearance.
9. Microlocs With Extension
If your hair is short and you’ll love to rock longer locs, consider extensions. You can weave ready locs to your natural hair or go for synthetic hair and twist them in for a more natural look.
10. Brown Microlocs
You can wear your locs in any color. Brown is a shade you won’t want to miss. Dye your hair deep brown and style it as you wish.
You can add some flowery accessories to elevate your appearance.
11. Burgundy Microlocs
Burgundy is a good shade for your locs if you love not-too-shouting colors. You can weave the locs together to style them as in the pic.
This gives you a ready-to style that doesn’t disturb you during busy days.
12. Ombre Microlocs
Create an ombre look by dyeing the ends of your locs with your chosen color. For instance, look at these hairstyles with brown-yellowing dye at the ends; aren’t they gorgeous?
13. Blonde Microlocs
Go blonde with your locs and watch as you turn heads. It’s a shade that brings a new vibe and showcases your outgoing personality wherever you go.
14. Microlocs In a Bun
Once you grow your microlocs longer, you can style them in a big bun. Leave a few locs hanging on the face to spice up your look.
15. Side Swept Microlocs
Once your locs are long, you can literally do as you wish. Dye them for an ombre look, sweep them to the side, and be ready for any special occasion.
16. Microlocs With Curly Ends
Curl the end of your locs by rolling them up with flexi rods. Leave them in for two days for amazing results, like in the pic.
The size doesn’t matter; even short ones look fabulous with curls.
17. Bohemian Microlocs
Don’t let your short hair prevent you from rocking micro locs. Use a bohemian extension to achieve stunning more natural-looking locks such as this one.
18. Red Microlocs
Red is unquestionably one of the boldest colors you want to try with your locs. It’s best if you don’t mind attracting attention wherever you go.
You can make it more wild by wearing them long.
19. Grey Microlocs
Old is gold! Once your hair turns grey, don’t dye them. Rock them in locs as they’re and look fabulous.
You can part in the middle and let them fall to the side as in the pic, or wear them in a pony.
20. Barrel Styled Microlocs
Style your micro locs into a barrel look and forget the stress of styling every morning. They look good on every face shape, and you can undo them anytime.
A touch of color at the ends elevates your appearance.
21. Micro Locs in Multiple Buns
Style your locs into several buns and rock an African look wherever you go. The buns can be small or big, whichever you like, for a particular occasion.
They’re like Bantu knots and relieve you of worrying about how the hair will swerve while out.
22. Curly Micro Locs
Give your locs a cute appearance by curling them. You can achieve the curls by using the rolls and leaving them for a while. Wear the curly locks in an updo, or leave them hanging for a sassy look.
23. Microlocs With Headband
In a hurry and don’t want the locs to get in your way? Grab a headband and wrap it as in the pic to style your locs.
The style looks good on ladies with broad facial features and can be restyled.
24. Microlocs With Beads
How about accessorizing your locs with wooden beads? It surely looks gorgeous on any girl.
The beads give you an elevated look and are perfect for breaking the monotony of plain black locs.
Tips To Maintain Micro Locs
- Clean and moisturize regularly. Be gentler on baby locs; wash once every two weeks in the beginning.
- Cover with silk or satin scarf or bonnet when sleeping to reduce dryness
- Unravel them regularly to avoid locs clumping together.
- Braid or re-twist undone locs. Get your locs re-twisted, interlocked, or braided after 4-8 weeks.
- Keep your locs hydrated by applying lightweight oil
- Use silicone-free leave-in conditioners to avoid visible residues on your hair
Turn Heads With Micro Locs!
Undeniably, micro locs are a convenient hairdo that’ll serve you long with various styling options to keep your stunning always.
But there’s a catch! You must follow maintenance tips to protect your hair and keep your locs glowing. Please choose from the ones we have given and walk with your head held high.