The 5 Best Tools for Interlocking

Interlocking is a great technique for starting and maintaining your locs, especially if you have fine hair or an active lifestyle. However, it is quite common to hear opposition to interlocking for reasons of thinning locs, lumps in locs, and/or breakage. While these issues do occur with locs, the cause is not due to interlocking but rather incorrect technique and the wrong tools for interlocking. The proper tools for interlocking are sized appropriately for your locs and do not snag the hair, which can lead to thinning.

 

5 Tools for Interlocking

There are 5 tools that can safely be used for interlocking— one of which is NOT a latch hook. You should never use a latch hook for interlocking because the sharp design of the hook and clasp will snag the hairs at the base and cause thinning overtime. Instead, the tool you use for you interlocking should be gentle on the hair and effective at controlling surrounding hair during maintenance.




Crochet Hook

A crochet hook is the cheapest tool that can be used for interlocking locs, but it also requires the most dexterity to effectively use it.

Crochet Hook for Interlocking Locs

Crochet Hook

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Comes in various sizes
  • Will not rip hair

Cons:

  • Hard to hold
  • Not designed for locs
  • Can potentally snag hair

 

Nappylocs Tool

The nappylocs tool by Nappy N Happy is specially designed for interlocking locs and works well on locs of all sizes. However, because the locs need to be individually threaded through the tool for use, interlocking maintenance can take longer to complete.

Nappylocs Tool for Interlocking Dreads

Nappylocs Tool


Pros:

  • Designed for locs
  • Will not snag hair
  • Various sizes

Cons:

  • Bends easily, requiring reshaping</
  • li>
  • Time consuming maintenance
  • Easy to lose

RELATED ARTICLE: Switching Between Palm-Rolling & Interlocking

Interlocking Ring

The interlocking ring is a nice combination of the easy to hold latch hook handle and the conceptual design of the nappylocs tool. The interlocking ring works well for larger locs with lots of nu growth.

Interlocking Ring for Interlocking Locs

Interlocking Ring

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Does not snag the hair

Cons:

  • Limited sizing

 

Sisterlocks Tool

The Sisterlocks™ tool is only available to trained Sisterlocks™ Consultants and people with Sisterlocks™ that have taken the self-retightening course, which makes this the most expensive tool for interlocking. But this is also one of the most efficient tools for maintaining micro to small locs.

Sisterlocks Tool for Retightening Dreads

Sisterlocks Tool for Retightening


Pros:

  • Does not snag hair
  • Designed for interlocking
  • Comfortable to use

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Limited availability

 

Dual Interlocking tool

The dual interlocking tool essentially combines the tools for interlocking microlocs and large locs into one which makes it the most cost-effective and efficient tool for interlocking locs of all sizes.

Dual Interlocking Tool for Dreads

Dual Interlocking Tool


Pros:

  • Works for all sizes of locs
  • Will not damage hair
  • Designed for interlocking

Cons:

  • Takes practice to hold/use

 

Using the proper tools for interlocking will not only save you time, but also help to ensure your locs remain healthy. For more information and training on interlocking techniques for locs, enroll in the Interlocking Fundamentals™ workshop via Digital Loctician Academy.

5 Tools for Interlocking Locs

5 Best Tools for Interlocking

What tool do you use for interlocking?
Share Your Experience in the Comments!

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Jocelyn Reneé

Jocelyn Reneé is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Loctician and Textured Hair Educator. She was born and raised in the Washington DC area and is a graduate of the Aveda Institute Cosmetology Science program. With over 14 years in the Hair Care Industry, from Salon Assistant to Natural Hair Blogger to Professional; Jocelyn is passionate about cultivating healthy hair.

Blog Comments

Hi, thank you so much for this information.
Question: what’s the best tool for self retis using interlocking method. I have sisterlocks.
Thanks

That really depends on you and your dexterity. Many people have to try a few tools before they find which one works best for their comfort and skill.

Thank you.

I am having a difficult time finding the Interlocking Ring you spoke about. Do you have any idea where I can purchase one?

If its not available online maybe they stopped selling it, I am not sure where else you could purchase it.

Nappylocs Tool & Crotchet needle have been the only 2 tools that I have been using. I have been loc’d for 7 months.

I just started interlocking and the two tools I like best is the dual interlocking tool and a curved interlocking tool similar to the Nappyloc tool. I totally agree with you about the dual interlocking tool it’s definitely is going to take more practice to find my rhythm in using it.

Keep practicing! It gets easier!

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