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
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
Pros:
- Designed for locs
- Will not snag hair
- Various sizes
Cons:
- Bends easily, requiring reshaping</
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- 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
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
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.
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.
Blog Comments
Dani Ella
January 7, 2018 at 11:28 pm
Hi, thank you so much for this information.
Question: what’s the best tool for self retis using interlocking method. I have sisterlocks.
Thanks
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2018 at 11:34 pm
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.
Dani Ella
January 8, 2018 at 6:53 am
Thank you.
Yvonne
December 25, 2019 at 1:24 am
I am having a difficult time finding the Interlocking Ring you spoke about. Do you have any idea where I can purchase one?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 22, 2020 at 10:02 pm
If its not available online maybe they stopped selling it, I am not sure where else you could purchase it.
Bianca
September 19, 2020 at 11:20 pm
Nappylocs Tool & Crotchet needle have been the only 2 tools that I have been using. I have been loc’d for 7 months.
Brandeis S. Portee
January 30, 2021 at 8:40 am
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.
Jocelyn Reneé
February 17, 2021 at 12:31 am
Keep practicing! It gets easier!