What Are Soft Locs? Everything to Know About the Lightweight Protective Style

Faux locs come in different shapes and sizes these days. If you're having trouble distinguishing between all the hairstyle options, from bohemian and butterfly to goddess and soft locs — you're not alone. Fortunately, we have a primer if you're looking for a lightweight protective style to try. 

As the name suggests, soft locs are softer than regular faux locs and have more movement when they're first installed, making them easier to style and offering a more natural look. Though similar to dreadlocks, soft locs are a great temporary alternative if you're not ready to make a long-term commitment. 

"The key to getting the soft locs hairstyle is the type of hair used," said celebrity hairstylist Erinn Courtney, who can be booked on StyleSeat. "I like to use crochet faux locs because they don't require you to wrap your hair down all the way, but you can also use kinky wrapping hair as this type of hair can be wrapped various ways for different looks."

Ahead, everything you should know before getting soft locs, including maintenance and cost.

Benefits of Soft Locs

If you want to give your hair a break, it's best to go for a style that keeps the ends of the hair tucked away and minimizes manipulation. 

"Soft locs are a good protective style whether they're done individually or crocheted because they enclose the natural hair in the loc, protecting it from environmental damage," said Courtney.

How to Install

If you've had box braids or any other protective style, you'll know they usually take a while to install, and you've probably made a habit of not booking anything else on the same day as your hair appointment. So you'll be pleased to know that soft locs can be pretty quick — they take anywhere from two to five hours to install, depending on the length and size of the locs.

"Soft locs can be done individually by wrapping hair around the natural hair or crocheting pre-made soft locs into cornrows," said Courtney.

The key to perfecting soft locs is the type of hair used. Most stylists recommend using crochet faux locs, kinky wrapping hair or afro kinky hair, or water wave passion twist hair.

VIDEO: How to Protect Your Baby Hairs While You Have in a Protective Style

How to Maintain

If you want your soft locs hairstyle to last longer than a week, you're going to have to put in a little TLC. Firstly, you can't jump into bed without covering your soft locs as they'll become frizzy and possibly start to loosen.

According to Courtney, the best way to care for soft locs is to wear a silk or satin bonnet or scarf at night to prevent the soft locs from getting frizzy while you sleep. The hairstylist also recommended wearing a shower cap while showering to prevent the soft locs from getting wet, as this can cause them to slip down your natural hair and expose frizzy roots after drying.

Keeping your hair hydrated is also important when caring for your soft locs. Even though your natural hair is not exposed, it still needs moisture to stay healthy. 

"Use necessary hydrating products to ensure your hair is staying healthy and moisturized and to protect the strands of the soft locs from fraying," said Courtney.

How to Wash

Washing soft locs may seem tricky, but it's really not that hard. 

"The best way to wash soft locs is to focus your fingertips on the scalp only and let the shampoo wash down the loc without manipulating it," said Courtney. "Creating too much friction on the locs will cause them to loosen and eventually come undone."

When and How to Remove

Soft locs can last anywhere from four to six weeks and are a great option to give your hair a break from heat treatment and other processes. However, it's recommended that you don't leave the style in much longer than this period. If you do, the added weight of extra hair on the head can pull on your roots. That excessive tension can cause stress on your scalp, leading to weakened roots and breakage.

You'll know it's time to remove your soft locs when the roots of your hair have grown out significantly. 

"The synthetic hair added to create the loc will become heavy and pull on the natural root," said Courtney. "At this point, you should remove the locs to prevent any damage."

When it comes to taking out soft locs, we have some good news — removing them is quicker than installing. Courtney recommended cutting the locs about six inches under your natural hair and unraveling them from there; this will ensure you don't cut your actual hair. 

"You can also use conditioner to help soften the hair as this will help the soft locs to slide out," she added.

The Cost

Soft locs can cost between $200 to $400 to install, depending on the location, length of your locs, and your stylist's skill level.

This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.