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! Also, for those of use that like to go a little longer than normal between retwisting (also known as “semi-freeforming”) here is another video that offers a few more helpful techniques to control loose hairs and keep your locs from growing into flat locs:
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.
How Often Do You “Pop Your Locs”?
Share Your Experience In The Comments!
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Blog Comments
marlon King
August 12, 2015 at 8:14 am
you said pop your locs 12 times throughout the entire video
jacque
August 12, 2015 at 9:33 am
You said “pop your locs” 12 times.
OKYMA
August 15, 2015 at 1:14 pm
I was WAITING for this! Wondering how to survive this challenge for 30 days since my hair grows really fast!
Jocelyn Reneé
August 20, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Yay! I’m so glad it helped you! – This is definitely a MUST when you don’t retwist.
Sonia Oglesby
January 19, 2017 at 4:33 pm
This was very helpful information Jocelyn, is it safe to cut the joined locs. Just wondering I don’t want to do any damage.
Jocelyn Reneé
February 14, 2017 at 8:10 pm
I wouldn’t cut joined locs with scissors, instead if they are truly fussed to the point where you can pull them apart, use an eyebrow razor to separate them. This is a more natural way to disjoin locs.
Siovhan Hutcherson
January 19, 2017 at 11:30 pm
Just watched this after your latest mailer in 2017…. After you pop them, what do you do with all that loose hair (if you are not retwisting)? In your video, you just left them as is, but for me, those hairs would IMMEDIATELY start tangling up where they are not supposed to be again. I wrap them around the locs they belong too, but that only last for a hot minute before they are at it again. I’m 23 months in 2 days, and still having this tangling problem. Any suggestions?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 10, 2019 at 2:59 am
You may also need to incorporate a little bit of loc rubbing after you wrap the loose hairs around the loc to get them to stay in place. If that still does not work your best bet will be a crochet session to bring in all the loose hair permanently.
Summrbrz
August 11, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Please don’t do this to Sisterlocks! Getting your Sisterlocks re-tightened on a regular basis will alleviate the growing together of the Sisterlock. Please, always ask your consultant first. Protect your investment!
Jocelyn Reneé
January 10, 2019 at 2:57 am
This is exactly what they teach you to do for the care of your Sisterlocks after every shampoo. I am a Sisterlocks Consultant, so I am aware of the care regulations.
Judge Williams
October 7, 2017 at 11:22 am
I’m currently trying to start my dreads out but I’m having problems with growing dandruff any suggestions on how to keep my scalp healthy without harming my locs?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 10, 2019 at 3:03 am
The shampoo that you use will be key to keeping your locs and scalp healthy. I have a Shampoo Reference Guide that breaks down the 3 types of shampoo and at which stage of the locking process to use each one. If you are interested in the digital copy of the guide you can learn more by clicking here. Also the frequency that you shampoo your locs will be increased to combat the overproduction of dandruff, you can learn how to shampoo starter locs in the article “How to Shampoo & Maintain Starter Locs“
NiaRa'
December 21, 2018 at 12:56 am
I am so glad I found this video! My loctician recently popped my locs during my first retwist and I now have a very sore scalp. I’m trying to learn how to maintain my own hair so that I can take care of it myself from now on.
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2019 at 10:53 pm
I am so sorry that you had this experience! Coming from someone who is super tender-headed, I would never go back to the salon either! Here is a link to an online workshop that I teach, that will educate you on everything you need to know about maintaining locs at home, “How to Retwists Locs at Home“.
Nikitra
August 7, 2019 at 3:59 am
I am not very good at doing my own hair but eager to learn so please share the link so that I can care for my locs properly at home by washing and retwisting them or palm rolling
Jocelyn Reneé
May 15, 2020 at 11:28 pm
Sure! The “How to Retwist Locs At Home” workshop will help you ensure your retwist lasts longer and your hair locs consistently.
Darice
January 17, 2019 at 10:53 pm
This was very helpful. I was confused about semi free forming and how often to separate my locs. Thanks for links on loc popping and base wrapping too! Your blog has been a godsend for me!
Jocelyn Reneé
January 21, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Yay! I am so glad that the information has been helpful for you!
Marley
March 5, 2020 at 9:44 pm
Because I work so much, my locks need popped from a inch or so. What do I do??????
Jocelyn Reneé
May 15, 2020 at 11:26 pm
Brace yourself because it is going to hurt!
Valencia
May 17, 2020 at 1:26 am
Yikes! So with our current state of affairs and not being able to go to my sister lock consultant, it seems I have several locks that have started to tangle with each other in the back (some have like 3-4 locks tangled together). Even with about 1/2 an inch to an inch of new growth it’s still okay to lock pop? That won’t damage my sister locks? I would hate to do something wrong I can’t undo.
Jocelyn Reneé
May 17, 2020 at 3:17 am
Sisterlocks do differ from traditional locs in grooming recommendations, however it is still advisable that you keep your Sisterlocks separated at the roots. This is one of the “rules” that should be stressed by every Sisterlocks Consultant to their clients. Also, check out this article—”Help! My Sisterlocks Are Overdue For A Retightening” for more helpful tips for your Sisterlocks during this quarantine.
Ena Williams
June 1, 2020 at 8:52 pm
My hair has never had a marrying issue until this quarantine. My sister lock anniversary was 4/12. I separate my locks everyday and I always find a few joined. I have the silk spa pillow cases and a bonnet. I wanted to know if a henna treatment would help? I have high porosity hair.
Jocelyn Reneé
June 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm
I would not recommend a henna treatment on Sisterlocks. It is “normal” that you are having marrying because your new growth has yet to be retightened and the excess growth will naturally tangle with other locs. Check out this article, “Help! My Sisterlocks Are Overdue For A Retightening” for helpful tips during the quarantine.
Ena Williams
June 2, 2020 at 11:38 am
I have had my locks retightened 2x since March. I have the book the Knotty Truth, she recommended it for dandruff. I have a blizzard occurring on my scalp. I drink tons of water, eat healthy, minimal processed food. We raise our own eggs and we have a beautiful garden. So, what now? I appreciate your help.