Have you ever noticed someone rocking a beautiful head full of locs and find yourself wondering, “How many locs do they have?” This question is quite common but when we start obsessing on the number of locs someone has we’re missing the bigger picture. It’s not just about how many locks you got; it’s more about individuality and personal journeys.
As a Loctician who has witnessed the transformative power of locs, I’m excited to share with you in this blog, as I’ve shared in my recent YouTube video, “3 Reasons Why Comparing Dreadlock Count is Problematic”, some invaluable insights on why you should resist the urge to count or compare your locs.
Top 3 Reasons Not To Compare Loc Count
1. Doesn’t Take Into Consideration Hair Texture & Type
When we compare the number of locs people have, it’s important to recognize that hair types and textures vary greatly among individuals. Hair diversity is a characteristic of natural hair, influenced by genetics, ethnicity, and other factors. But let’s talk about how hair diversity shows up when it comes to loc count:
Fine hair texture with locs: When it comes to fine hair, which some mistakenly call “thin” hair hair, it’s all about balance between the base of your locs and area of your scalp. Being that the size of fine hair strands are smaller than a piece of the thread, the locs inevitability are on the smaller size. However, even though you might end up with a potentially lower number of locs you can still achieve overall volume if you set your foundation right.
Medium hair texture with locs: This hair texture falls between fine and coarse hair. Medium-textured hair generally allows for a moderate number of locs, providing a balanced look between intricacy of the foundation and loc fullness.
Coarse hair texture with locs: Coarse hair brings with it natural volume and fullness since the strands are thicker. When someone has coarse hair, the locs themselves tend to be larger. So, if you’ve ever been told “you have enough hair for 2 or more people”, don’t be surprised if you end up with more locs than you thought you’d have.
2. Ignores the individuality of the journey
Contrary to popular belief, locs are not just a hairstyle. Your locs can represent a multitude of aspects of who you are such as culture, spirituality, or even act as rebellion against societal norms. This means that each person’s journey with locs is unique, and the way they choose to create and maintain them can also vary greatly. Focusing solely on the number of locs overlooks the diversity and richness of experiences and stories that people with locs carry.
Some folks simply prefer the look of a large number of locs. They feel that having many locs adds texture and volume to their hair, creating a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. On the other hand, others may opt for a fewer number of locs because they desire a more minimalistic and laissez-faire look.
3. Maintenance May Vary
Comparing loc counts without considering the maintenance practices can also be a bit misleading. Some people want to keep it simple and prioritize easy maintenance, so they go for a lower count of locs. On the other hand, some folks are all about a polished look so they don’t mind putting in the extra effort. Which means that they might go for a higher count of locs to achieve their desired look, even if it means more maintenance.
If you’re living a busy life, fewer locs might be the way to go. It’s practical, because it means less time spent on washing and retwisting– so you can focus on other things. But if you’ve got the time and love to experiment, a higher count of locs opens up a whole world of styles and salons to explore.
How to Embrace Your Loc Count
Each person’s journey with their locs is unique, and what may work for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the goal is to find the ideal hair locking system that feels comfortable, suits your taste, and aligns with your lifestyle.
I truly believe our locs are a symbol of beauty, individuality, and can be a journey into self-love. Your locs are not meant to be measured against others or compared in any way. Instead imagine the power in letting them be a source of empowerment, inspiration, and celebration of YOUR unique journey.
You may experiment with different numbers (yes, restarting your loc journey is a thing) and/or seek advice from a certified Loctician to help put you on a path in your loc journey that feels good. And if you are interested in joining a community of folks that are learning to care for and embrace their unique loc journey, I invite you to join my Loc Goals Club today!
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