True, you can use foam to retwist your locs!
By foam I am referring to styling foam or mousse as some people like to call it. However, you should be aware that not all foam is created equal. Out of all the different types of products that can be used to retwist locs, foam is the lightest— at least it should be light. I say this because I’ve tried a few different brands of foam and some are too sticky and/or oily to use on locs.
To avoid buildup in your locs, its essential to understand the 5 features to look for in a styling foam before using it on your locs.
What Makes The Best Styling Foam for Locs
I’m sure you’ve seen many aisles filled with all different types of styling aids claiming to deliver the “best results” for your hair. Which means actually finding “the best” product becomes the challenge. To help simplify the choices when shopping for a foam for your locs, I encourage you to make sure the foam meets the following criteria.
1. Lightweight. Don’t assume just because the state of the product is foam that it will be lightweight. There are some foams that, when applied, are actually really sticky. A sticky or tacky foam will cause buildup to accumulate in your locs.
2. Dries Quickly. “I love sitting under the dryer!”— said no one ever! The speed that a foam dries largely depends on the type of ingredients in the product. So if you don’t want to roast in the hair dryer for hours be mindful of the ingredient list— less is best.
3. Minimal Oils. Speaking of ingredients, it is good practice for the foam that you use on your locs to have some natural oils in the mixture but if almost the entire bottle is oil-based you may want to reconsider. Yes, oils will give the hair shine but they also attract buildup into locs and increase drying time.
4. Gives Flexible Hold. With holistic cultivation of locs, the goal is for the hair to lock naturally and not be “glued” together. A product with a flexible hold allows this to happen. So if it says “tight hold”, “firm hold” or “everlasting hold” put it back on the shelf.
5. Does Not Flake. I’m sure you can imagine why we don’t want the foam to cause flaking. However, to be clear, any flakes that appear after drying can become trapped in your locs and buildup. Also, it just isn’t cute to have freshly washed flaky hair. 🥴
In addition to these 5 characteristics, you also want to perform a “Sticky Test” before using any foam on your locs. I’ll show you exactly how to do that and share a few of my favorite foams for locs in my next post.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever used a styling foam on your locs and if so, how did you like the results?
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Blog Comments
Brina
July 7, 2021 at 11:39 am
Styling Foam was use to on my starter locs and I Loved it!!!!! But it’s been hard to find a loctician in my area that use styling foam. Everyone seems to love gel! I personally hate how it make my hair feel itchy and sticky. I had to travel little out my area for my starter locs but would love to find someone in my area that uses foam for retwist. I even went to a few consultation in my area and was told foam is only use to start locs not for retwist
Phyllis V Reid
July 14, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Hello, what can I do for thinning loss, and itchy locs
Crystal Tate
August 2, 2021 at 5:33 pm
My daughter has been on the loc journey for close to 2 years now and she has a lot of lint inbedded in her locs. What do you recommend? Also, I tried to color her hair and it really didn’t turn out how I wanted it. Any suggestions?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 13, 2024 at 8:31 am
You cannot cover over lint. Honestly it may need to be cut out. Check out this post though for more insight: Bye-Bye Lint! The Must-Have Tool for Lint-Free Locs
Jasmine Roberts
August 8, 2021 at 7:16 am
I love using foam for my locs. My favorite is the Jane Carter foam.
Rosalind Sowell
December 31, 2021 at 9:01 am
What are a few of your recommendations for a stying foam for dreads?
Michelle Harris
February 9, 2022 at 1:40 pm
I’d like to know more about product recommendations for locks (retwists and starter). Thanks
Tamyra X
February 23, 2022 at 11:15 am
Hi- having trouble Locating the post about your favorite foams!
LaVon
June 18, 2022 at 4:43 pm
My hairdresser used foam to start my locs. Some of them bend instead of hang straight down. Should foam be used?
Jocelyn Reneé
June 24, 2022 at 12:53 am
Generally foam is okay to use. The bending is probably because of what you’re covering your hair with (or lack thereof). It is normal for locs to go in random directions when they are first started.
Sharon M Blake
September 21, 2023 at 10:41 pm
What is a good foam or mousse to use on love? Thank you