Traditional Locs

Traditional locs are the most recognizable type. They are usually created using coils, twists, or braids and maintained through retwisting.

Freeform Locs

Freeform locs develop naturally with little or no manipulation. They create a unique look because the hair forms locs on its own.

Semi-Freeform Locs

A combination of maintenance and natural growth. Many people separate sections occasionally while allowing the locs to form naturally.

Microlocs

Microlocs are much smaller than traditional locs and can provide more styling flexibility.

Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks use a specialized technique to create very small, uniform locs with lots of styling versatility.

Interlock Locs

Created and maintained using an interlocking technique rather than palm rolling.

Wick Locs

Wick locs are very thick locs created by combining multiple locs together into larger sections.

Two-Strand Twist Locs

A common starter loc method that begins with two-strand twists and gradually locks over time.

Choose Traditional Locs If…

You want a classic look, structured maintenance, and easier access to locticians.

Choose Freeform Locs If…

You want a natural appearance and minimal maintenance.

Choose Microlocs If…

You want smaller locs and more styling options.

Choose Wick Locs If…

You prefer a bold, thicker loc style that stands out.

Best Products for Locs

Build the perfect loc care routine.

Best Loc Shampoos for Dreadlocks

Find shampoos that clean without buildup.

How to Take Care of Dreadlocks

Learn proper dreadlock maintenance.

Best Moisturizers for Locs

Keep locs hydrated and healthy.

Refresh Curls

Lightly mist hair with water or a leave-in conditioner spray to wake up flattened curls.

Apply Leave-In

Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to maintain softness and reduce frizz.

Use Curl Cream

Add curl cream to enhance curl pattern and reduce flyaways.

Satin Protection

Sleep with a satin bonnet or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.

Too Much Product

Heavy products can weigh curls down and reduce volume.

Skipping Deep Conditioning

3C hair benefits from regular moisture treatments.

Dry Detangling

Always detangle with conditioner or water for less breakage.

No Night Protection

Cotton pillowcases can cause frizz and moisture loss.

Best Products for 3C Hair

Black Hair Types Guide

Best Satin Bonnets for Hair Growth

Leave-In Conditioner

Helps soften 3C curls, add slip, and reduce dryness.

Curl Cream

Defines corkscrew curls while helping control frizz.

Curl Gel

Helps 3C curls last longer with less frizz and more definition.

Deep Conditioner

Restores softness and moisture after shampooing.

Black Hair Types Guide

Learn the differences between 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C hair.

Best Leave-In Conditioners for Black Hair

Compare leave-ins for moisture, slip, and detangling.

Best Products for 4C Hair

Compare products for tighter coils, moisture, and breakage protection.

3A Hair

3A hair has loose, defined curls with a larger curl pattern. It usually needs lightweight moisture and frizz control.

3B Hair

3B hair has springy curls with more volume. It often needs leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and gentle detangling.

3C Hair

3C hair has tight corkscrew curls that are dense, full, and prone to dryness. It benefits from moisture, curl cream, and regular conditioning.

4A Hair

4A hair has soft coils with a visible S-shaped curl pattern. It usually responds well to leave-ins, creams, and protective styling.

4B Hair

4B hair has tighter bends and less visible curl definition. It needs moisture, gentle handling, and styles that protect the ends.

4C Hair

4C hair has very tight coils with major shrinkage. It is beautiful and versatile, but it needs consistent moisture and low-manipulation care.

Best Products for 3C Hair

Lightweight moisture, curl creams, leave-ins, and frizz-control products.

Best Products for 4C Hair

Moisturizers, oils, leave-ins, deep conditioners, and satin protection.

Best Leave-In Conditioners

Great for adding slip, softness, and moisture to curls and coils.

4A Hair

4A hair has soft, defined coils with a visible curl pattern. It usually responds well to leave-ins, creams, deep conditioners, and gentle detangling.

4B Hair

4B hair has a tighter zig-zag pattern with less visible curl definition. It benefits from moisture, protective styles, and low manipulation.

4C Hair

4C hair has very tight coils and major shrinkage. It needs consistent moisture, gentle handling, protective styling, and satin protection at night.

1. Moisturize Often

Use water-based leave-ins, creams, and moisturizers to keep coily hair soft and flexible.

2. Deep Condition

Deep conditioning helps improve softness, slip, manageability, and moisture retention.

3. Detangle Gently

Work in sections and detangle with conditioner, your fingers, or a wide-tooth comb.

4. Protect at Night

Use a satin bonnet or silk pillowcase to reduce dryness, friction, and breakage.

Dryness

Coily hair can dry out quickly because scalp oils have a harder time moving down the strand.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is normal and healthy. Stretch styles can help show more length when desired.

Breakage

Breakage often comes from dryness, rough detangling, tight styles, or too much manipulation.

Tangles

Sectioning the hair and using products with slip can make detangling much easier.

Best Products for 4C Hair

Moisturizers, oils, leave-ins, tools, and conditioners for coily hair.

Best Moisturizers for 4C Hair

Moisturizers for dry, thick, dense, and low-moisture hair.

Best Leave-In Conditioners for Black Hair

Leave-ins for moisture, slip, softness, and detangling.

Black Hair Types Guide

Compare 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C hair.