The secrets out — everyone knows that locs can be taken out. What some may not know is that some locs are easier to detangle than others. Below are the different types of locs and why (we think) they can be easy or hard to remove.
Comb Coils
Comb coils are formed with a fine-tooth comb or by twirling the hair around itself. This type of loc doesn’t involve strands going in different directions. Because of its uniform shape, we think it’s one of the easiest types of locs to take out.
Thick Locs
Locs that are super thick, often haven’t completely matted to the core (even after a couple of years). This means that although they may appear loc’d on the outside, there may be some loose hairs internally. Less mats equals a quicker and easier take down.
The only time this rule may not apply is if the wearer has 4 big locs -- for their entire head. While 4 locs may be thick, the surface area of the scalp is also big. While it's totally possible to undo big locs, detangling any type of hair is easier in small manageable sections (in our personal opinion). We're aware size is totally subjective. So we consider thick locs to be thicker than your fingers.
Braid Locs
Braid locs are locs that started with braids. When undoing these locs, you eventually bump into the foundational braid. We rate it as one of the easier locs to unravel because the braid pattern is somewhat predictable. Meaning, if you follow the zig-zag up the loc, you can fairly easy remove the loc.
Now that you’ve discovered the locs that (we think) are easy to untangle, the following loc techniques can be a little harder.
Freeform Locs
Freeform locs are sections of hair that naturally mat on their own. It will definitely depend on how the locs were formed and how they were maintained, but in our experience there tends to be more tiny knots that need to be cut (instead of combed out).
Twist Locs
Twist locs are locs started by two-strand twisting the hair. Because twists tend to naturally puff and shrink, the hair locs more densely making them a little more difficult to take out.
Interlocks
Interlocking is a technique used to tighten the roots. It involves using a small tool (or your hands) to weave the loc in 2 to 4 different directions. Untangling a multi-directional knot can take a little more time to untie -- especially if you do not remember which way it was created.
Instant Locs
Instant locs are formed by needling the hair in all different directions. They tend to feel harder than naturally formed locs and can take a little more patience to undo.
Skinny locs
The sheer size of thin locs make them more challenging to untangle compared to their thicker counterparts. Skinny locs include sister locs and microlocs. When detangling these locs, you'll want to be extremely gentle so that you do not weaken the hair too much.
That's it for our list! Please know that almost any loc can successfully be detangled. You'll just need plenty of time and patience. As you detangle your hair, you'll also discover ways to make the process more efficient and faster.
If you're curious how long it might take to detangle your locs? We made a calculator for you here. And if want to know our 5 steps to a loc take down, you can check them out here.
Until next time...
Love The Journey,
