You’ve got a head full of 3A curls, and you’re considering locking them up. Is it a good idea or would it be a lost cause? I’m here to expose the lies and give you the virtual guidance you need to achieve your 3A loc goals. Let’s get started…now!
Can You Lock Up 3a Hair?
“You can’t lock loose curls!” You’ve probably heard this one before.
Is it true?
Heck no. You can 100% lock up type 3A hair; it has been done done time and time again with success.
Every hair type will lock when you stop combing it, from the tightest curls to the straightest hair. How much of a challenge it will be is a different story (more on that later).
7 Ways to Grow 3A Locs
Spolier alert: there’s no magic formula that will work perfectly for everyone. That would be too easy. But you do get to choose from several starter loc methods to bring your loc babies into the world:
Twist it Up
Create the internal structure of your locs with two-strand twists. Over time, they will mature into gorgeous locs. Feel free to use this method if your 3A hair is on the longer side.
Though you can technically use this method on short 3A hair, I don’t recommend it. Twists don’t hold very well on short 3A hair; you’d be in for an annoying first few months.
Get to Plaiting
Three-strand braids are a solid choice for 3A locs, as they have a more rigid structure. They’ll also stay put easier than twists would - less frustration for you in the baby loc stage. However, you will have to wait quite a while for that braided pattern to disappear.
Do Some Coils
Comb coils are a great way to turn 3A curls into locs (and the same goes for any other curl pattern). But the technique can be a little tricky - I know because I’ve done it on myself and struggled. You’ll take a rattail comb and twist it around in a circular motion until your hair forms a cylindrical coil.
I like this method because it makes your hair look like locs quicker than some of the other methods. But don’t think this method is without its drawbacks. If you let your hair get wet, even a little bit, those coils will unravel, leaving you with an absolute mess. But if you’re willing to be careful around steam, water, excessive sweat, and the like, you’ll be okay.
Try Backcombing
Did you think backcombing was only for straight or wavy hair? Not so! You can backcomb your 3A hair and mold it into locs. I did it during my loc journey a couple of years back and it worked like a charm. I backcombed and then palmrolled and my locs stayed put!
Just know that backcombing accelerates the locking process, often skipping entire stages (this may be a good or bad thing to you) and it takes a VERY LONG TIME to complete. You could be backcombing for days…literally.
Do Nothing At All/Freeform
This is the most hands-off method on this list - freeforming. For this method, you’ll wash your hair on a regular basis and then do absolutely nothing at all. Your 3A curls will eventually intertwine with each other and marry, creating locs of different sizes and shapes. If you’re okay with the unpredictability of freeform locs and want something hands-off, freeforming could be your jam.
Cheat With Loc Extensions
Okay, you’re not technically “cheating!” Well, kinda. And there’s nothing wrong with that. With loc extensions, you are skipping the regular locking process and getting your beautiful locs without the wait or the awkward, unruly loc maturation stages.
Typically done by a professional, loc extensions are created by crocheting human hair or pre-made locs onto your natural hair.
If you were waiting for the downside, here we go:
It can be hard to choose the right size locs/amount of human hair to attach to your hair to keep the locs uniform as they grow out.
You won’t have any “ugly stage” stories to share with your loc friends.
They cost an arm and a leg, depending on where you go.
Others may not consider your locs to be natural.
Try Your Hand at Interlocking
Interlocking requires you to pull your hair through itself repeatedly using a latch hook or interlocking tool. It takes a minute to get the motion and technique right, but if I could get the hang of it, you can too. After you learn how to use the tool, you’ll need to choose your rotation - 2, 3, and 4. Each gives you a different end result. Learn more here.
Interlocks often look a bit like braids when they’re done, and they give the locs a solid base to grow from, just like braids do. I love them for 3A curls because they don’t unravel very easily, which you’ll appreciate in the starter loc stages.
But you will need to wait for the interlocking pattern to disappear, which could take years. And then there’s the risk of interlocking your hair wrong and creating weak points along your locs or excess tension at your scalp.
Note: Each of these starter loc methods (except freeforming and interlocking) can be maintained with both retwisting or interlocking. Interlocking is best maintained with interlocking.
What Does 3a Hair Look Like?
It’d be a shame to gather all this information and find out later that you don’t even have 3A hair. Here’s a lifeline. By far, the easiest way to tell is by looking at your curls close-up. The main thing to pay attention to is the size of the curls - 3A curls are about the size of sidewalk chalk when dry. But when they’re wet they are barely there.
It always helps to look at some pictures of 3A hair and compare your curls to what you’re seeing.
Source: NaturallyCurly
That’s all I have to share in this article. I hope you found all the answers to your questions, and I wish you the best as you jump headfirst into the world of locs. Happy 3A loc journey!