Soft locs styles are a versatile and low-maintenance option for those seeking a natural hair look with added length. This hairstyle is achieved by wrapping natural hair with extensions, creating soft and lightweight locs that hang down gracefully.
Soft locs can be styled in various ways, including updos, ponytails, braids, and twists, offering endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. Whether you prefer a bohemian, elegant or edgy look, soft locs can be easily customized to suit your style and personality.
Additionally, this hairstyle provides protection for your natural hair, allowing it to grow and remain healthy. With proper care and maintenance, soft locs can last for several months, making it a great option for those who desire a long-lasting hairstyle without the commitment of permanent locs.
Understanding Soft Locs Styles
Soft locs styles have gained popularity as a versatile and natural-looking option for individuals who want to embrace their natural hair texture. These styles are characterized by the creation of soft, cylindrical locks achieved by wrapping strands of hair around themselves. Let’s delve into the various reasons why soft locs styles are favored and essential considerations when choosing them:
Benefits of Soft Locs Styles
- Low Maintenance: Soft locs styles offer a low-maintenance hair option. They require minimal daily styling and upkeep compared to some other hairstyles, making them suitable for individuals with busy lifestyles.
- Long-Lasting: Soft locs styles have a remarkable ability to remain intact for several months. This longevity is appealing to those seeking a long-term hairstyle that retains its appearance over time.
- Hair Growth Promotion: Soft locs styles can promote hair growth. By minimizing manipulation and reducing the need for heat styling, these styles help protect natural hair from damage, allowing it to grow healthier and longer.
- Natural Aesthetic: Soft locs styles provide a natural-looking and textured appearance, allowing individuals to embrace and showcase the beauty of their natural hair.
Considerations When Choosing Soft Locs Styles:
- Hair Length: The length of your natural hair will influence the final appearance of your soft locs. Shorter hair may result in shorter locs, while longer hair can create more extended locs. Consider the length you desire when choosing this style.
- Hair Thickness and Texture: The thickness and texture of your hair will affect how the soft locs hold and the overall volume of the style. Thicker hair may result in fuller locs, while finer hair may produce slimmer locs.
- Personal Style Preferences: Think about your personal style preferences when selecting a soft locs style. Consider factors like loc size (thinner or thicker), loc length (short or long), and any desired decorative elements or accessories.
- Professional Consultation: Consulting a professional stylist who specializes in soft locs can be invaluable. They can assess your unique hair type, provide guidance on suitable styles, and assist with the installation and maintenance of your soft locs.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Consider your lifestyle and how it may impact your soft locs. For active individuals, styles that are easy to manage and secure may be preferable.
Popular Soft Locs Styles
Soft Locs Styles are a popular choice for those looking to embrace a versatile and unique hairstyle. In this blog post, we will explore three different Soft Locs styles that have gained popularity among individuals with various hair textures and lengths.
Soft Locs Style #1: Bohemian Soft Locs
Bohemian Soft Locs are a delightful and free-spirited hairstyle known for their effortless and carefree appearance. These locs are typically created using a crochet method, often incorporating loose curls. The end result is a Bohemian or boho-chic look that radiates personality and charm. Here’s how to achieve and maintain the perfect Bohemian Soft Locs style:
Creating Bohemian Soft Locs
- Crochet Method: Start by using the crochet method to create your soft locs. This technique involves adding extensions to your natural hair by looping them through your pre-existing locs. Opt for kanekalon hair extensions for a lightweight and natural look.
- Loose Curls: Incorporate loose curls into your Bohemian Soft Locs to achieve that relaxed and carefree appearance. You can use a curling wand or flexi rods to add curls to the ends of your locs, allowing them to gently unravel for a Bohemian vibe.
- Authentic Bohemian Touch: To enhance the boho-chic style, embrace naturally unraveled ends. Instead of having perfectly sealed loc ends, allow some of your locs to naturally fray and unravel.
- Accessorize: Add colorful and eclectic accessories like beads, shells, or decorative wraps to your Bohemian Soft Locs. These accessories will give your locs an authentic bohemian flair and allow you to express your unique personality.
Soft Locs Style #2: Goddess Soft Locs
Goddess Soft Locs are renowned for their ethereal and goddess-like appearance, combining softness and elegance to create a stunning and glamorous hairstyle. These locs are often longer in length, resulting in a flowing and captivating effect. Here’s how to create and maintain beautiful Goddess Soft Locs:
Creating Goddess Soft Locs
- Braiding the Hair: Begin by sectioning your hair into small, neat braids. These braids serve as the foundation for your Goddess Soft Locs. Make sure they are evenly sized and well-done for a polished look.
- Adding Extensions: To achieve the desired length and thickness, use synthetic or human hair extensions. Attach the extensions to the braids using a crochet or wrapping method, ensuring a secure and seamless blend with your natural hair.
- Wrapping for Thickness: To create the desired thickness and volume, wrap additional hair around the base of the braids and extensions. This step not only adds fullness but also contributes to the regal and glamorous appearance of Goddess Soft Locs.
Soft Locs Style #3: Mermaid Soft Locs
Mermaid Soft Locs offer a whimsical and enchanting appearance, evoking the imagery of mythical underwater creatures. These locs are known for their vibrant and eye-catching colors, often featuring shades of blues, purples, and greens. Achieving the captivating mermaid look with Soft Locs involves some key steps:
Creating the Mermaid Soft Locs Look
- Choose Vivid Colors: To achieve the mermaid-inspired appearance, select vibrant and eye-catching colors for your Soft Locs. Popular choices include shades of blue, purple, green, and turquoise. You can use synthetic or human hair extensions in these colors.
- Extension Wrapping: Begin by wrapping the colored synthetic or human hair extensions around your natural locs. This process adds length and vividness to your locs, transforming them into mermaid-inspired locks.
- Experiment with Lengths and Textures: Customize your Mermaid Soft Locs by experimenting with different lengths and textures. You can opt for long, flowing locs or mix in shorter, textured sections for a multidimensional look.
Tips And Tricks For Styling Soft Locs
Styling soft locs offers a versatile canvas to express your personality, whether you prefer an elegant updo or a casual everyday look. Here are some key considerations and tips for styling and maintaining your soft locs:
1. Length and Face Shape
Determine the ideal length for your soft locs based on your face shape and personal preferences. A professional stylist can provide expert guidance on the most flattering length for you.
2. Accessorizing
Elevate your soft locs style by experimenting with accessories such as colorful scarves, headbands, hairpins, or decorative wraps. These can add flair and individuality to your look.
3. Overnight Protection
To maintain the integrity of your soft locs, protect them overnight by wrapping your hair in a satin bonnet or using a silk pillowcase. These materials reduce friction and minimize the risk of breakage.
4. Refreshing and Restyling
On days when you can’t visit the salon, refresh and restyle your soft locs by lightly spritzing them with water and applying a small amount of styling cream. This helps revive their shape and texture.
5. Regular Maintenance
- Cleansing: Establish a consistent maintenance routine for your soft locs. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your scalp and locs regularly. Clean locs contribute to overall hair health.
- Moisturizing: Keep your soft locs moisturized by using a lightweight oil or moisturizing spritz. Pay attention to the ends, which can become drier over time.
- Conditioning: Apply a conditioner or deep conditioning treatment to maintain the softness and strength of your locs. This step is essential for long-term loc health.
6. Protect from Environmental Factors
- Sun Protection: If you spend time in the sun, consider wearing a hat or applying a UV-protective product to shield your soft locs from potential sun damage.
- Wind and Humidity: In windy or humid conditions, use protective styles to prevent tangling and frizz.
What Distinguishes Soft Locs from Other Types of Faux Locs
Soft locs have gained significant attention in the world of hairstyling due to their unique characteristics and versatile appeal. This article will delve into what sets soft locs apart from other types of faux locs, highlighting their texture, popularity, advantages, and distinctive qualities.
Soft Locs: A Unique Faux Loc Variation
Texture: Soft locs distinguish themselves primarily through their texture. Unlike other faux locs variations, soft locs have a softer and more lightweight texture. This unique texture closely resembles the look and feel of natural locs, making them a sought-after choice among individuals looking for authenticity in their hairstyles.
Popularity: Soft locs have surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a modern and trendy choice in hairstyling. Their effortless appearance, which emulates natural locs, has captivated those seeking a distinct and lightweight alternative. Soft locs offer wearers a comfortable and realistic feel, setting them apart from their counterparts.
Advantages: Soft locs come with several advantages that distinguish them from other faux loc variations. Their lightweight nature ensures they are easy to manage and comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the versatility of soft locs allows for various styling options, from elegant updos to relaxed loose waves. This adaptability makes soft locs suitable for diverse occasions, whether casual or formal.
Soft Locs vs. Traditional Locs and Dreadlocks
Understanding the differences between soft locs and traditional locs.
Soft Locs: Soft locs are known for their versatility and temporary nature. They are achieved by wrapping synthetic hair around individual sections of natural hair, resulting in a lightweight and flexible look. Soft locs offer customization in terms of styling and are relatively easy to maintain, allowing wearers to experiment with their appearance without long-term commitment.
Traditional Locs: In contrast, traditional locs involve a natural locking process that requires patience and dedication. These locs form organically over time and generally require less maintenance than soft locs. While they offer a unique and authentic appearance, they may not provide the same level of versatility and temporary styling options.
Maintenance and Styling: Both soft locs and traditional locs offer various possibilities when it comes to maintenance and styling. Soft locs can be customized and restyled easily, whereas traditional locs are known for their low maintenance requirements due to their natural formation.
Caring for Soft Locs
Proper maintenance and care are essential to keep soft locs looking their best. Here are some key tips:
1. Gentle Washing and Conditioning: Use a gentle shampoo that doesn’t leave residue, as buildup can weaken the locs. Massage the scalp carefully without disturbing the locs, rinse thoroughly, and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
2. Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water and wrap the locs in a microfiber towel to dry.
3. Retightening: Maintain the shape and integrity of the locs by avoiding excessive manipulation or pulling. When retightening, be mindful of the tension applied to prevent unnecessary stress.
4. Moisturizing: Regularly moisturize your locs and protect them with a silk or satin scarf while sleeping to retain their beauty and health.
Personalizing Your Soft Locs
Soft locs offer a versatile canvas for personalization. Consider these creative options:
1. Color and Dimension: Experiment with different hair colors, highlights, ombré, or bold shades to add depth and visual interest to your soft locs.
2. Creative Accessorizing: Elevate your soft locs with stylish accessories like beads, charms, or jewelry. These can be threaded onto your locs to add individuality and glamour.
Fishtail Braid with Soft Locs
The fishtail braid is a trendy and intricate option for soft locs. Divide your locs into two sections and take a small piece from the outer edge of one section, cross it over to the opposite section, and repeat. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your locs and secure it with a hair tie.
Side Braids with Soft Locs
Add a touch of asymmetry to your soft locs by creating side braids. Part your locs to one side and braid a small section of locs on the side with less hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie or decorative clip. This style is perfect for a casual and carefree look.
Boxer Braids with Soft Locs
Boxer braids are a sporty and stylish choice for soft locs. Part your locs down the middle and create two tight French braids, one on each side. Secure the ends with hair ties or clips. This edgy style is great for workouts or a trendy everyday look.
Beaded Soft Locs
Thread colorful beads onto your soft locs for a vibrant and eye-catching look. You can choose beads that match your outfit or go for a mix of colors for a playful vibe. Beaded locs add personality and flair to your hairstyle.
Jeweled Hairpins
Embellish your soft locs with jeweled hairpins or clips. These accessories can be strategically placed to accentuate different sections of your locs, creating a sparkling and glamorous effect. They’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your soft locs.
Headbands and Wraps
Headbands and wraps are versatile accessories that can elevate your soft locs. Opt for a bejeweled headband for a chic and sophisticated look or choose a colorful wrap that complements your style. These accessories not only add flair but also help keep your locs in place.
FAQ
To prevent frizz in fake locs, you can follow these tips:
Use a frizz control product or loc gel.
Avoid over-touching and excessive manipulation.
Protect your locs at night with a satin scarf or bonnet.
Refresh the style with a crochet hook if needed.
The frizzy stage of traditional locs typically occurs during the early stages of development when the hair is forming into locs. It’s a natural part of the maturation process as hair strands intertwine and tighten.
Yes, soft locs can be styled in various ways, including updos, braids, and twists. However, care should be taken to avoid excessive tension or manipulation that could lead to damage.
Soft locs can be a protective style that helps preserve the health of your natural hair by reducing manipulation and minimizing exposure to environmental factors. However, their installation and maintenance should be done carefully to prevent damage.
The pros of soft locs include:
A stylish and trendy look.
Protective styling that promotes hair health.
Versatility in styling options.
Temporary style with the appearance of traditional locs.
Yes, you can put soft locs in a ponytail or various other updo styles. However, it’s important to avoid pulling too tightly to prevent tension on your scalp and locs.
The longevity of styled locs depends on factors like the quality of installation and maintenance. Styled locs can last for several weeks to a few months before needing adjustments.
Soft locs are not permanent; they are a temporary style. They can be removed when desired, unlike traditional locs, which are permanent and require cutting to remove.
Distressed soft locs are a style that intentionally creates a worn, rugged appearance with uneven, textured locs. It’s a unique and fashionable variation of soft locs.
Soft locs can be relatively low in tension compared to some other styles like braids or weaves, but the level of tension depends on how they are installed and maintained. Proper installation is important to minimize tension.
The rate at which hair locs varies from person to person and depends on factors like hair texture, thickness, and maintenance practices. Some hair textures may loc faster than others.
Temporary locs, such as soft locs, should not inherently damage your natural hair if they are installed and maintained correctly. It’s important to avoid excessive tension or neglect.
Instant locs typically maintain their stiffness, as they are often created by instantly binding the hair. Soft locs, on the other hand, may have a softer appearance.
To care for soft dreads, you can:
Regularly cleanse your scalp.
Avoid excessive manipulation.
Moisturize the scalp and locs.
Use loc-friendly products and oils.
Retighten any loose locs as needed.
“Locs” and “dreads” are often used interchangeably to describe the same hairstyle. Both refer to the natural, coiled hair formations. Some people may prefer one term over the other for cultural or personal reasons, but the hairstyles are essentially the same.
The choice between locs and braids depends on personal preference and hair goals. Locs offer a permanent, natural hair texture, while braids are temporary and can provide more styling versatility.
The best style for locs depends on your personal preferences and the look you want to achieve. Styles can range from simple updos and ponytails to more intricate and creative designs.
Soft locs are a temporary style that can be kept in for a few weeks to a few months, but they are not permanent and should be removed when desired.
“Faux locs” and “soft locs” are often used interchangeably to describe a similar temporary loc style. Both styles involve using extensions or wraps to create loc-like appearances, but the specific techniques and textures can vary based on personal preferences and the desired outcome.
Conclusion
Soft locs styles offer a versatile and low-maintenance option for those looking to embrace their natural hair texture. From the bohemian-inspired beach waves to the trendy half-up, half-down look, there is a soft loc style for everyone. By adding accessories or trying different techniques, you can easily elevate your look and make it your own.
So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned loc lover, give soft locs a try and embrace the beauty of this unique hairstyle.
