Crochet Locs: Florida's Instant Style

Florida Crochet Instant Locs is a hairstyle created using a crochet needle and back-combing technique. This method is used to manually lock individual hairs, resulting in a full head of matured locs without the need for additional products. The process is ideal for those with coarse, kinky, or curly natural hair, and can range in price from $85 to $600, depending on hair length and texture. The style is offered by various salons and stylists in Florida, with some even catering to out-of-state clients by recommending a departure flight for the day after the service.

Instant locs crochet tools

Instant locs are a hairstyle created with a crochet needle and backcombing hair. This manual technique is used to fast-track the locing process and achieve a full head of matured locs without the need for additional products. The instant locs crochet method is particularly useful for those with coarse, kinky, or curly natural hair.

The process of creating instant locs with a crochet needle involves several steps. First, the hair must be sectioned into small parts to facilitate the locing process. Then, the crochet needle is used to carefully twist and interlock strands of hair, creating the locs. This technique requires skill and precision to ensure that the locs are formed tightly and securely.

There are a variety of tools available to create instant locs with the crochet method. Crochet hooks come in different sizes, ranging from 0.5mm to 1.75mm, and can have single, double, or triple tips. Some hooks are made of steel, while others feature bamboo handles for a more comfortable grip. It's important to select the appropriate size and type of crochet hook for the desired loc size and hair type.

In addition to the standard crochet hooks, there are also electric instant loc machines available. These machines can be used directly on the head or with braiding synthetic hair. They offer a faster and more efficient way to create locs, although they may require some practice to master.

Instant locs can be a time-consuming process, especially for those with longer hair or a higher desired number of locs. It is important to ensure that the hair is at least 3 inches long before attempting this style. The cost of instant locs can vary, with prices typically ranging from $65 to $85 per hour, depending on the stylist and the complexity of the job.

Fixing thin spots

Pull Hair into the Thin Spot

Using a small crochet needle, pull some of the matted hair from below and above the thin spot upwards and downwards, respectively, to thicken the area. Then, crochet the hair from side to side and palm roll to even it out. This method works best for locs that are not reduced to just a strand or two.

Add Extra Hair

Purchase textured hair that matches your natural hair colour. Take a small amount and wrap it around the thin spot, then crochet it into the loc. This is a popular method that works well for severely thin spots.

Make Knots on Your Locs

Create a knot over the thin spot with your loc. This method is best for coarse hair types and locs that are still holding on to a good amount of hair strands. Ensure that the knots do not overlap to avoid creating lumps.

Sew the Loc Together

Using a sewing needle and thread that matches your hair colour, twist your loc slightly and sew it together.

Crochet the Surrounding Hair

If the thin spot is close to the root, simply crochet in the loose hair surrounding the loc, ensuring that the hair at the root is parted properly.

Reattach Broken Locs

If some of your locs have fallen or been cut off, you can reattach them using the same method as attaching extensions. This is done with a crochet needle.

Additionally, preventative measures can be taken to avoid creating thin spots in the first place. This includes avoiding tight styling and accessories, moisturising dry hair, minimising lint picking, reducing over-maintenance, retwisting roots in the correct direction, and avoiding hair dye.

Extending natural locs

Instant locs are a type of hairstyle that involves the use of a crochet locking technique to create traditional-sized locs on coarse, kinky, or curly natural hair. This method does not require hair extensions and can be installed on natural hair up to 6 inches long, with the price increasing for longer lengths or softer hair textures.

The process of extending natural locs can be done through various methods, including:

• Using human hair extensions: Human hair extensions, such as Afro Kinky Bulk Human Hair or Tight Afro Kinky Bulk Human Hair, can be used to add length to natural locs. These extensions are typically sold in bundles and can be dyed, bleached, or twisted to match the colour and style of your natural locs.
• Crochet Loc Extensions: Instant locs or crochet locs are a popular method for extending natural locs. This technique involves crocheting new hair into your existing locs to add length and volume. It is important to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best method for your hair type and desired look.
• Reattachment: If you have some locs to work with, you can strategically place them back into your hair. Additional locs can be provided if you do not have enough. This method typically requires a minimum hair length of 1 inch or longer for coarse or kinky textures.

Things to Consider:

When extending your natural locs, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Hair Length: The starting length of your natural hair will impact the cost and duration of the extension process. Ensure your hair is at least 3 inches long for instant locs or 1 inch for reattachment.
• Hair Texture: The price of extensions may vary depending on your hair texture. Coarse, kinky, or curly hair may have a starting price of $600 for instant locs, while softer or looser curls may cost more.
• Maintenance: Just like natural locs, extended locs require proper care and maintenance to keep them healthy and thriving. This includes regular moisturising, conditioning, and deep conditioning (only for mature locs). Avoid over-washing your locs, as this can lead to a dry scalp and loc thinning.
• Products: When choosing products for your extended locs, opt for lightweight, natural oils like coconut or olive oil. Avoid using too much product, as locs are vulnerable to buildup.

Locs for men

Instant locs for men are a great way to achieve a new look, and the crochet technique is a popular method to achieve this style. This process can be done on natural hair, or with extensions, and the instant/crochet locking technique is an effective way to get the locs look instantly.

The Process

The instant locs process involves crocheting the hair, using a crochet hook to twist and lock the hair into place. This can be done on coarse, kinky, and curly hair textures, and the price varies depending on hair length and texture. For longer hair, or softer, looser curls, the price increases. This style is also possible on shorter hair, with a minimum length of 3 inches required.

Maintenance

It is important to note that instant locs require maintenance. Appointments can take 1-2 days, and for those flying in from out of town, it is recommended to book a departure flight for the day after the appointment. For longer hair, or for those wanting a large number of locs, a two-day appointment is necessary.

Florida Wicks

A unique style that is often requested is Florida Wicks. This is where multiple locs, often 2 or more, are combined into one. For example, 100 locs are combined into just 10. This is a complex process, and it is recommended to get "Starter Wick Extensions" if you have short hair and want a clean, professional look.

Benefits

Instant locs are a great way to start your loc journey, and many people are happy with the versatility of the style. It is a good option for those with different hair textures, as it can be tailored to your specific hair type.

Locs maintenance products

Taliah Waajid Starter Loc Maintenance Bundle

This bundle includes three essential loc maintenance products to keep your locs cleansed, healthy, strong, and beautiful. The African Healing Oyl softens, moisturises, and protects your hair and can be used as a daily tamer for flyaways or a weekly intense hot oil treatment. The Moisture Clenz is a multi-purpose spray to keep your locs and scalp clean and refreshed, especially after workouts or when your scalp is itchy. Lastly, the Lock It Up cream helps set new locs and loc new growth without weighing them down.

Locsanity Daily Moisturizing Spray

This oil-free spray is a natural loc care and maintenance product that controls frizz and keeps your hair and scalp moisturised. It is available in rose water and peppermint, passion fruit, and bold scents.

African Pride Black Castor Miracle Gel

This extra-hold gel tames frizz and edges without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or petrolatum. It contains black castor and coconut oil.

Lion Locs Rosewater Spray

An organic vegan conditioner with aloe, oils, vitamins, and glycerin, this spray is a natural loc care and maintenance product.

Made For Locs

Made For Locs offers a range of products for loc maintenance, including:

• Vegan Detox Bar
• Jamaica Rasta Cleanse 2-in-1 Shampoo
• Vegan Rose Water Refresher Spray
• Vegan Aloe Refresher Spray
• Locs Color Care Conditioner
• Vegan Oil Spray
• Retwist Gel
• Jamaica Reggae Roots Retwisting Gel
• Locs Color Care Shampoo

Frequently asked questions