Intro shot by J Coles/@jcolesstudio. Product shots by Suhyoon Cho/@suhyoonchophoto.
Candace Morrow reviews easy-to-use hair styling solutions for locs
Do I go with sheen or shine? What about the wax, cream or gel? Wait a minute: Did my home girl say try the pomade or this new soufflé? Aaahh!
The beauty and drugstore aisle choices are never-ending and overwhelming. With so many tantalizing products to try on our tresses, sometimes we just don’t know where to start. Well, have no fear my loc dears. I’ve tested, found favorable results and fallen in love with the following four products to get your hair care cart filled with the good stuff:
PRODUCT: Crème of Nature | Perfect Edges
What it does: This hair gel slicks down roots when it’s time for relocking. It also controls and holds new growth in place for days. How to use it: Use fingertips to scoop a small amount, then smooth onto new growth before palm rolling or interlocking. If you want to get extra fancy after retwisting your locs, dab a toothbrush (preferable an unused one) or small brush into the gel, then use it to create or lay down baby hair edges. Cost: $4.79
Creme of Nature
PRODUCT: Jamaican Mango & Lime | Locking Firm Wax
What it does: This wax provides extra hold — especially for thick locs — for days with a fruity-citrusy aroma. The product deserves two thumbs up for that alone. How to use it: Apply a small amount of the product to the root or new growth then work it in while interlocking or palm rolling loc strands. Cost: $7.02
Jamaican Mango & Lime
PRODUCT: Lockology | Lavender & Honey Loc Butter
What it does: This coconut, honey, lemongrass and rosemary blend moisturizes and repairs the scalp — a type of hair grease of sorts. I’ve used this product for a few years now, and it still tells my dandruff “bye, bye” almost immediately after applying it. How to use it: Rub a small amount of the product between sectioned locs and massage into scalp from the top of the head to the nape of the neck. Cost: $13.99-$25.99
Lockology
PRODUCT: Dr. Locs | Vegan Loc Product Line
What it does: This five-set styling solution pulls up dandruff, conditions the scalp, cleanses locs, and renews the roots with its natural spray and oil. How to use it: Start with the Pre-Cleanse, which gets rid of dandruff, dirt and debris. Next, use the Yasin Shampoo to wash tresses. Then, spritz Jinan Leave-In to moisturize the scalp and roots. Either follow that up or mix the leave-in with Imani Locking Spray to make locks extra moist and easier to retwist. After locs are dry, add a small amount of Yaya oil to the scalp to replenish it. For my complete review of the entire line, click here. Cost: Trial Kit (1 ounce), $25; Entire Dr. Locs Line (large sizes), $116
Dr. Locs
Candace Morrow, a.k.a. Cowgirl Candace
