Natural Hair Faux Locs: The Art of Illusion and Expression

In the tapestry of hairstyling, faux locs emerge as a masterpiece of both tradition and modernity. Particularly, when crafted using natural hair, faux locs become a symphony of authenticity and innovation. But what exactly are natural hair faux locs, and why have they garnered such immense popularity?

What are Natural Hair Faux Locs?

Natural hair faux locs are essentially protective hairstyles where extensions, made from natural hair or hair that mimics natural textures, are wrapped around one’s real hair. The term ‘faux’ means false in French, signifying that these aren’t real dreadlocks but give the illusion of them.

Why Choose Natural Hair for Faux Locs?

1. Authentic Look and Feel: Natural hair extensions blend seamlessly with your own hair, creating a believable and genuine appearance. 2. Texture Match: For those with Afro-textured hair, natural hair extensions can provide a perfect match, ensuring uniformity in texture. 3. Less Stress on Hair: Natural hair extensions tend to be gentler on the scalp and existing hair, minimizing the risk of breakage.

Crafting Faux Locs Using Natural Hair: The Process

1. Sectioning: Begin by partitioning your hair into sections. The size of each section determines the thickness of each loc.
2. Braiding or Twisting: Each section is then braided or twisted. This forms the foundation on which the extension will be wrapped.
3. Wrapping: Take the natural hair extension and start wrapping it around the braid or twist, from the root to the tip. Secure the ends.
4. Sealing: The ends can be sealed using various methods – burning (for synthetic hair), knotting, or using a bit of adhesive.

Maintaining Your Natural Hair Faux Locs

• Regular Scalp Care: Use light oils to keep your scalp moisturized.
• Gentle Cleansing: Cleanse your scalp using a diluted shampoo solution, ensuring minimal manipulation of the locs.
• Nighttime Protection: Wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet at night to reduce friction and breakage.

Styling Natural Hair Faux Locs

The versatility of faux locs is boundless:

• Updos: Pile your locs atop your head in a messy bun or a structured updo for a regal look.
• Half-Up, Half-Down: This style offers both flair and simplicity, suitable for various occasions.
• Loc Jewelry: Adorn your faux locs with beads, cuffs, or rings for added personality.
• Color: Opt for colored natural hair extensions to introduce highlights or a bold new shade to your hairstyle.

Faux Locs: The Art of Imitation in Hair Styling

In the realm of hairstyling, faux locs have emerged as a dominant and revered trend. A protective hairstyle that offers versatility and a powerful aesthetic, faux locs mimic the look of real dreadlocks without the long-term commitment. Let’s delve deeper into this hair phenomenon.

Faux Locs: A Brief Overview

The term ‘faux’ originates from the French language, meaning false or fake. True to its name, faux locs give the appearance of dreadlocks without actually matting the hair. They are a temporary solution for those wanting to sport the dreadlocked look without its permanence.

Faux Locs Hair: The Essentials

Selecting the right hair for faux locs is crucial. The choice determines the look, feel, and longevity of the style.

Popular Hair Types for Faux Locs:

• Human Hair: Offers a natural look and can be styled with heat, allowing more versatility. It’s durable and can be used for a longer duration.
• Synthetic Hair: Cost-effective and available in diverse colors and textures. Brands like Kanekalon or Marley’s Hair are popular choices, known for their ease of use and wide range of shades.
• Yarn: Yes, yarn! A less common but effective choice. It offers a unique texture and is available in various colors.

Fake Locks: Understanding the Installation Process

Creating faux locs is an intricate process that demands precision:

1. Sectioning: The hair is partitioned into sections, with each section’s size dictating the faux loc’s thickness.
2. Braiding or Twisting: Each section is then either braided or twisted. This acts as the core around which the faux loc hair will be wrapped.
3. Wrapping: The chosen hair (human, synthetic, or yarn) is then meticulously wrapped around the braid or twist, starting from the base to the tip.
4. Sealing: Ends are sealed to prevent unraveling. The method depends on the type of hair used—burning for certain synthetics, knotting, adhesive, or hot water sealing for others.

Why Choose Faux Locs?

• Versatility: They can be styled in numerous ways—ponytails, buns, half-up, and more.
• Protective Style: Faux locs shield the natural hair from environmental damage and daily wear and tear.
• Style Test: For those considering real dreadlocks, faux locs offer a trial run to gauge the look and feel.
• Variety: With options in length, color, and texture, faux locs can be customized to one’s preference.

The time it takes to install faux locs can vary widely based on several factors. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Installation Method: Traditional faux locs, where hair is wrapped strand by strand, often take longer than the crochet faux locs method.
2. Length and Density of Your Natural Hair: Installing faux locs on longer and/or thicker hair generally takes more time.
3. Desired Loc Size: Smaller, more detailed locs typically take longer to install than larger, chunkier ones because of the increased number of locs.
4. Length of the Faux Locs: Longer faux locs might take more time to wrap and secure compared to shorter ones.
5. Stylist’s Experience: An experienced hairstylist or braider might complete the process faster than someone less experienced.

On average:

• Traditional Faux Locs: The process can take anywhere from 5 to 12 hours or even more, depending on the above factors.
• Crochet Faux Locs: This method is generally quicker, taking between 2 to 5 hours based on the specifics of the installation.

However, the actual duration can vary, so it’s a good idea to consult with your hairstylist ahead of time to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your desired style and individual needs. If planning to sit for a long installation, it’s essential to prepare mentally and ensure comfort throughout the process.

Ways to Style Faux Locs

1. Classic Down: Let your locs flow freely. This simple style is always in vogue and showcases the length and texture of your locs.
2. Half-Up Bun: A blend of casual and chic. Gather the top half of your locs into a bun while letting the rest cascade down your back.
3. High Ponytail: Sleek and stylish. Pull all your locs up into a high ponytail. It’s functional and fashion-forward.
4. Side Sweep: Direct all your locs to one side, over the shoulder. It’s a romantic style that works great for special occasions.
5. Braided Crown: Braid a section of your locs and wrap it around your head, creating a regal crown effect.

Crochet Dreadlock Styles

Crochet faux locs are a quicker method of achieving the loc look, where pre-made locs are attached to the natural hair using a crochet needle.

1. Bobbed Crochet Locs: Crochet locs cut to bob length for a chic and manageable style.
2. Layered Crochet Locs: Varying lengths of locs are installed to create a layered effect, adding depth and volume.
3. Curly Ends: Crochet locs where the ends are left curly. This juxtaposition of textures creates an engaging look.
4. Highlighted Crochet Locs: Intersperse locs of a different color for a highlighted effect.
5. Thin Crochet Locs: Opt for slender, more delicate locs for a refined appearance, which can also be styled more intricately.

Updos for Faux Locs

Updos are not just elegant; they’re also functional, keeping hair away from the face.

1. Elegant Bun: Twist and coil your faux locs into a bun at the nape of the neck or higher up for a ballet-inspired look.
2. Mohawk Style: Pin the locs at the sides upward, allowing the locs in the center to create a Mohawk effect.
3. Twisted Chignon: Twist sections of your faux locs and gather them into a low chignon at the base of your neck.
4. Pinned-Up Curls: For faux locs with curly ends, pin them up randomly, letting the curls playfully peek out.
5. Rolled and Tucked: Roll sections of your locs upwards and secure them with pins, creating a vintage-inspired updo.

Goddess Faux Locs Styles

1. Flowing Waves: Leave your goddess faux locs open, allowing their wavy or curly ends to cascade down your back for a classic, romantic look.
2. High Bun: Gather your locs and twist them into an elegant high bun. The wavy ends can peek out, adding a touch of whimsy.
3. Side Part Elegance: Part your locs on one side and sweep them over one shoulder. This style highlights the unique texture of goddess locs.
4. Low Ponytail: Secure your goddess locs into a low ponytail, letting the wavy ends flow freely.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down: This style brings the best of both worlds—some locs pulled back into a bun or ponytail, while the rest frame the face.

Types of Crochet Locs

Crochet locs are pre-made and are attached to the hair using a crochet hook. They offer a quicker and often more uniform appearance.

1. Classic Crochet Locs: These mimic traditional dreadlocks and come in various thicknesses.
2. Curly Crochet Locs: These have curly or wavy ends, similar to goddess faux locs.
3. Distressed Crochet Locs: These are designed with a more rugged texture for a natural, worn-in look.
4. Boho Crochet Locs: A more freeform style, often combined with curls, waves, and even some loose hair for a bohemian feel.
5. Nu Locs: They boast a more natural texture and appearance, closely resembling authentic locs.

Faux Locs with Beads

Beads, shells, and cuffs can elevate the beauty of faux locs by adding a personal touch, cultural significance, or just a dash of bling.

1. End Beads: Attach beads to the ends of select locs. This adds weight and swing to the locs and draws attention to the ends, especially if they’re curly.
2. Beaded Crown: Intersperse beads throughout locs that are braided or twisted into a crown formation.
3. Patterned Beadwork: Create patterns by using different colored beads or placing them at varying intervals.
4. Statement Beads: Use larger beads or shells as statement pieces on a few locs.
5. Cuffed Elegance: Instead of or in addition to beads, use metallic cuffs around some locs for a more regal touch.

Medium-Length and Long Small Faux Locs: A Dive into Style and Sophistication
Faux locs have firmly established themselves as a versatile and protective hairstyle within the beauty community. The choice of length and thickness can drastically alter the look, feel, and maintenance of the style. Whether you’re considering medium-length locs for manageability or smaller, longer locs for intricate elegance, both have their unique allure.

Medium-Length Faux Locs

Medium-length faux locs often hover around shoulder length. They offer a blend of style and convenience, which is perfect for those new to locs or seeking a change from longer versions.

Advantages:

1. Manageability: Easier to style, wash, and dry compared to longer versions.
2. Versatility: Suitable for both casual and formal settings, from workplace chic to evening glam.
3. Weight: Being shorter, they tend to be lighter and exert less pull on the scalp.
4. Quick Installation: Typically, it takes less time to install medium-length locs compared to very long ones.

Popular Styles:

• Bobbed Locs: A classic bob cut but with faux locs.
• Asymmetric Cut: Locs are longer on one side, offering an edgy look.
• Pulled-Back: Half or all the locs are pulled back into a ponytail or bun.

Small Faux Locs (Long)

Small, long faux locs are thinner and extend well beyond shoulder length. These are perfect for those seeking a more detailed, intricate look.

Advantages:

1. Natural Appearance: Their slender nature can mimic real locs more closely.
2. Flexibility: Thin locs offer more flexibility for intricate styles and updos.
3. Dense Look: Due to their size, more locs are typically installed, giving a fuller appearance.
4. Durability: They often last longer and retain their neat appearance because of their size and the wrapping method used.

Popular Styles:

• High Bun: Elegantly twist the locs into a high bun, showcasing their length and volume.
• Side Sweep: Direct the locs to cascade over one shoulder, offering a romantic look.
• Braided or Twisted: Small, long locs can be braided or twisted together into larger strands, creating a unique layered appearance.
• Ponytail with Loose Ends: Pull locs into a ponytail, letting the ends flow freely for a cascading waterfall effect.

Note: This article is for informative purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional advice. For individual recommendations, always consult a hairstylist.