Have you been thinking about starting your loc journey but not sure if you are quite ready yet? Here is a list of 11 signs that can help you determine if you’re ready to start your loc journey. If you agree with 5 or more signs on this list, then it might just be time to start your loc journey!

#1 You’re constantly researching locs

Do you find yourself constantly on Google and addicted to searching these keywords ‘locs’ and ‘dreadlocks’? Are you habitually pinning dreadlock pins on Pinterest Boards? Or do you binge-watch YouTube videos regularly specifically on the subject of locs? If you do one or all of the above, it shows that you are very curious about locs and that having dreadlocks might be something you truly desire.

#2 You’re convinced dreadlocks will suit you

You’ve tried on dreadlock wigs or worn faux loc extensions and you love the way they look on you. Or even better, your future self has appeared to you in a dream with the most gorgeous head of locs and you know for sure you were born to be a goddess. That might be all the motivation you need to start your loc journey.

#3 You prefer protective styles

You would rather live in two-strand twists than a twist out. You would choose braids any day over a blow-out. And when your hair extensions have been in longer than two or even three months, you’re still trying to keep them in for as long as possible. If any of this is true for you, then it’s a clear sign you enjoy the state of your hair being undisturbed for long periods of time. And you would prefer if you did not have to constantly meddle with your hair. So having dreadlocks could be the right decision for you.

#4 You crave simplicity

You’ve done everything there is to possibly do with your hair and now you just want to keep things simple. You’re working towards living a hassle-free life. Minimalism is your goal. And for you, achieving this goal goes beyond decluttering your wardrobe and definitely includes having a super low maintenance hair care routine.

#5 You dream of waking up flawless

You are done with waking up every single morning with your hair looking like a broken birds nest cos your scarf up and left you in the middle of the night. You want to be able to just roll out of bed one day and just go. You want a life where styling your hair is not essential but a choice. If this is you, you might just be ready for locs.

#6 You want more ‘me’ time

You don’t want to keep spending so much time manipulating your hair and so much money on hair care products, straightening equipment, curling irons, hair extensions and wigs and salon trips. You want more time for yourself. More time doing other things you love besides spending time with your hair.

#7 You don’t believe beauty equals pain

You have had hairdressers tell you ‘it takes a lot of pain to be beautiful’. This, being their catchphrase everytime you scream in agony at them yanking your coils out with fine-toothed combs or burning your ears with flaming hot curling tongs? If you no longer believe that pain is necessary to achieve beautiful hair, then maybe the loc life is for you.

#8 You can live without a comb

You don’t mind not ever combing your hair out again. And you don’t mind not ever seeing broken strands of hair stuck between the bristles of your brush. If you can handle not losing 50-100 strands a day and can deal with not having to pick up clumps of hair from the bathroom drain ever again, then you are mentally prepared for the loc journey my friend.

#9 Opinions don’t matter to you

You don’t care what anyone thinks if you lock your hair. You’re not worried about anyone’s misconception of dreadlocks. It won’t bother you if your hair does not categorically fit into western standards of beauty or professionalism. You don’t mind being unique and standing out from the crowd. You understand enough to know that your hair forms part of your identity but does not completely define who you are.

#10 You seek spiritual connectivity

Through your research, see point #1 you discover that dreadlocks have a spiritual significance in some communities such as the Hindu and Rastafari communities. Perhaps you already practice a religion, are thinking of doing so or you areS on your own personal spiritual journey and feel that starting locs will assist in your spiritual awakening or spiritual alignment.

#11 You’re ready for commitment

Making the decision to start the loc journey is more than just wanting to try out a new hairstyle. To grow strong and healthy locs is a long term commitment and requires dedication. There are a few stages to the locking process from starter to mature locs. For your locs to reach full maturity, it’s a waiting game. And you will need a whole lot of patience for that. So if you feel you’ve got what it takes to succeed on this journey, then maybe you are ready!

If you agreed with most of the signs on this list, congratulations! You are totally ready to start your loc journey. But wait! Before you jump into it, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you start the process right. Stay tuned for more blog posts!

If you enjoyed reading this, let me know in the comments below. And why not share with other people you know who are also thinking about starting their loc journey.

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