Have you ever wanted to try something new with your locs, like an undercut, but opted out of it because you didn’t want to go through the locking phases again? Well, I bet you didn’t know that after you cut your locs off you could reattach them— even years later! Yes, it is possible and virtually undetectable. Hair Transformation Specialist, Sonya Michelle, sheds some light on a few common questions surrounding Loc Reattachment.
Loc Reattachment: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loc Reattachment?
Loc reattachment is the attachment of a person’s naturally grown locs, which can be reattached in different ways.
Can locs of any texture be reattached?
Yes, but texture and size is taken into account when choosing the right technique for reattaching locs.
How much hair is needed to reattach locs successfully?
Two to Four inches of hair is ideal to prevent tension and or slippage. It also depends on the method that will be used to reattach the locs. There’s no one size fit all; every person has an individual need.
What if you want to make the locs bigger than before you cut them?
That can be done, you have to create a foundation that supports the bigger size, combine some locs using various methods or increase the loc size using human kinky hair.
Can you make the locs smaller than you had them before?
Yes, it’s time-consuming and tedious work because you have to reshape flat locs. Not all locs can be made smaller; it’s a case-by-case basis.
How long does the process generally take to install?
Six hours or more, it depends on several factors: creating the foundation, the amount of locs to reattach, technique and speed.
After loc reattachment, can someone maintain their locs themselves or do you need professional services initially?
No, hair can maintain itself and look presentable, but I highly suggest utilizing a professional stylist if possible.
What types of locs can be established with loc reattachment?
Every type of locs can be reattached, but the most popular type is traditional locs.
Before & After – sonyamichellehairspa.com
The versatility of locs is so amazing! To be able to reattach any type of locs, at any time, makes spontaneous decisions, like an undercut, seem not so risky after all. So, next time you see a bold cut or style, GO FOR IT— just be sure to save your locs for reattachment!
Did this answer all your questions about Loc Reattachment?
If not, leave a comment below with your question.
About the Professional
Sonya Michelle, Hair Transformation Specialist
Sonya Michelle is the owner of Sonya Michelle Hair Spa and founder of the Saving Our Strands (S.O.S.) ™ Hair Movement. She has over 15 years of practice in the field of Cosmetology and is known for braiding, twisting, locking and weaving hair with excellence.
Connect with Sonya Michelle:
SonyaMichelleHairSpa.com
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Blog Comments
Zenande
February 9, 2016 at 8:40 pm
Hello Jocelyn! I’m considering loc reattachment because of the thinness of my natural hair. I ‘d love to have a full head of locs but I’m afraid that would be asking too much of my hair. I went out and got myself 150 thick- shoulder length locs but I’m worried about the blending as time goes by. Since my hair is thin, is it possible to retwist /maintain it in such a way that the thickness of my hair is similar to and blends in with the thickness of the loc?
Please help!
Jocelyn Reneé
November 24, 2016 at 2:15 am
The locs would need to be of similar textures or your foundation needs to be parted such that they would mimic the size of the locs you purchased. If you already have thin hair, it is highly unlikely that you can successfully wear 150 thick locs. I would suggest that you visit a Loctician that is properly trained on loc reattachment.
UmSemira
June 10, 2016 at 10:20 pm
Good Evening….I have just recently reattached my locks after 8 years. any tips or advice on what products are best to maintain them?
Jocelyn Reneé
November 24, 2016 at 2:48 am
Check out the article “Products for Retwisting Locs” for a few tips.
UmSemira
August 9, 2016 at 6:36 am
Good day….what is the best way to moisturize reattached locs?
Jocelyn Reneé
August 12, 2016 at 8:03 am
Reattached Locs are still hair so you moisturize them the same way. You may need to increase frequency initially but ultimately it is the same process. There are helpful tips in the Guide to Unlocking Moisture post.
Kevin Butler
January 23, 2017 at 5:35 pm
Hello after old locs are reattached can you take them back out after your hair has grown more?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 27, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Yeah you can cut them off just like regular locs.
Kevin Butler
January 29, 2017 at 3:00 am
And you won’t have to shave your head afterwards?
Denise B
July 25, 2017 at 11:16 am
How should I store my detached sisterlocks? Should I wash the prior to storing?
Jocelyn Reneé
August 2, 2017 at 10:38 am
Yes shampoo and Thorougly dry them.
Cyanca
December 28, 2018 at 10:22 am
After reattaching how long should I wait before washing them again?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2019 at 10:45 pm
You can shampoo them immediately if they are reattached using the crochet method.
Nae
April 14, 2020 at 1:57 pm
I want to attach someone else’s locs to my hair for awhile. Is there any way to attach the locs and safely remove them without have to lose my hair?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 17, 2020 at 10:05 pm
You should not have to remove your hair at all. The locs can be attached using a crochet hook to create a seamless attachment.
Jannie Woods
January 11, 2021 at 1:42 pm
I cut my locs off and is interested in reattaching them. However most of the top of my head is balding. Can you still do the reattchement and install in balding area of head
Jocelyn Reneé
February 18, 2021 at 12:28 am
I would definitely not recommend reattaching locs to a thinning foundation, the weight would make it thin more and potentially cause follicular scarring.
Massai Samuel
May 14, 2020 at 9:12 am
can you reattach locs and take the locs out but still keep the hair
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:01 pm
No, that is not possible. You can get a sew-in extensions or wear a wig is you desire long hair that is not yours.
Jazz
July 19, 2020 at 1:12 pm
Can I reattach my locs if I’ve already started the locing process over again? Basically can locs be reattached to existing locs?
Jocelyn Reneé
July 20, 2020 at 4:00 am
Yes locs can be added to the ends of existing locs.
Alashewo
November 3, 2020 at 2:46 am
will reattached dreadlocks grow normally after the reattachment?
Jocelyn Reneé
February 18, 2021 at 12:44 am
Yes
Michael
December 9, 2020 at 9:35 am
Hi I’ve been growing my locs for about 3 years now technically since I did the freefrom method. My hair is basically shoulder length and I’ve basically become really emotionally attached to it. Problem is if I go into the air force I’d have to cut my hair off for however long I’m there which could be over 10 years.
My question is how long can you keep your hair “good” before you can no longer use it ? Because when I get out (if I go) I’d like to put them back in.
Jocelyn Reneé
February 19, 2021 at 12:22 am
That’s a great question and truthfully, I am not sure. I do not believe hair “goes bad”, but I do know that your texture and density change over time and with that being said, I would advise you to save them and before reattaching have a consultation to determine if it would be possible for it to happen. I know that leaves this scenario open-ended but in the end you may find it better to cultivate a new set that fits where you’ll be at that future time. Best of luck!!
Nana
February 21, 2022 at 11:04 am
I really admire your knowledge Renee.
Stacey
September 11, 2022 at 4:13 pm
I cut my locs because I was going through depression losing my sister I felt this was the only thing I could control. I started them again but would like to re attach them.