I have received numerous questions about the best way to prevent locs from tangling together when you’re not retwisting often — the solution is Loc Popping.

Loc Popping — A technique to effectively separate locs that have meshed or tangled together without causing any damage to the locs.

How Do You Prevent Locs From Tangling Together

The technique of Loc Popping, or separating the base of the locs, can be done with Traditional locs, Sisterlocks™  and Semi-Freeform locs. The only type of locs that do not, or should not, use loc popping is freeform locs because that would disrupt the organic growth of the locs. I personally have been popping my locs since my first set of locs, because it ensures that the locs do not fuse together.

You only want to pop your locs when they are wet. The most ideal times would be right after shampooing your locs or after misting your hair with your daily refresher. NEVER separate your locs while they are dry. Wet hair is more pliable and elastic than dry hair which will minimize any discomfort and reduce breakage and/or thinning of the locs.

How Do You Pop Your Locs?

To pop your locs, on wet hair, use your index finger to follow the natural partings of the loc and lift up any stray hairs that are not apart of the loc away. As you remove your finger, the loose hairs may get caught and “pop” away. Loc popping is a really quick and easy way to prevent your locs from tangling together. Check out this quick tutorial of Loc Popping to ensure you’re properly separating the locs and not causing any damage (oh, and there may or maybe be a giveaway in the video)!

Loc Popping is a great technique to master, especially with the #NuGrowthChallenge in full effect, to keep your roots looking fresh with defined parts and it’ll help to prevent your locs from tangling together.