Microlocks may be spelt microlocs. They may be called tinylocs or interlocks. These terms all refer to a generic lock form which is smaller than a pencil. At Nubian Crown Hair Studio three installation techniques of microlocks are offered, namely:
- Twists-Interlock
- Braids-Interlock
- Interlocking-End-to-End
The option best for you primarily depends on your resources, specifically:
Budget
The most cost effective microlocks installation options are Twists-Interlock and Braids-Interlock. This is because starting the locks with twists or braids requires less installation time.
Available time
The average client completes their starter microlocks installation in a day. Clients with long hair or dense hair generally complete their installation over 2 days. Whereas the Interlocking-End-to-End installation may take up to 2 days for clients with shoulder length or dense hair.
The look after installation
During the first 12 months of the microlocks journey, the braids and twists are visible. The braid or twist pattern starts to disappear in year 2. Whereas with the Interlocking-End-to-End installation the starter locks are smooth from the first day.
What does Microlocks Twist-Interlocking mean?
Twist-Interlocking means that the lock is started with a two-strand twist, then the locking tool is used to interlock using the ideal rotation method for the desired look of the microlocks.
Rotations are repeated, starting 1 centimeter above the scalp working through the length of the hair and ending at the scalp. Hence the installation period is reduced. Twist-Interlocking achieves fluffy microlocks more so than the Microlocks Braids-Interlock or Microlocks Interlocking End-To-End.
When is Microlocks Twist-Interlocking installation technique the best option?
- Great for medium to larger sizes of microlocks
- Hold well for most hair textures
- For silky hair types like type 3 it’s best to retighten at 4 weeks in the first 6 months to prevent unravelling or a matted look. Type 4 hair may retighten the starter locks at 4 weeks in the first 3 months and stretch out the retightening cycle to 6 weeks if there is no unravelling.
What to expect on your Microlocks Twist-Interlocking journey?
- 1 Day installation (average 8 hours) depending on your length of hair. Clients with dense and shoulder length hair may take up to 2 days.
- Texture is a fluffier look especially once locking takes effect.
- Cost and time efficient.
- Most prone to unravelling compared to interlocking-end-to-end or Braids-Interlock.
- Best for medium to thick locks can be achieved compared to Braids-Interlock.
We’ve mentioned this in the previous post but it is worth highlighting once more. As with any hair journey, the health of the scalp and hair should be a priority. Find a reputable Microlocks Loctician with a solid track record, ensure they share both the pros and cons of the installation techniques available, then make the final decision. Word of mouth is the best form of reference!
It is not recommended that we compare our hair to the next person in the same way that it is futile to compare our skin or body shape. We are unique individuals bestowing beauty in our diversity.
Visit @microlocssa on Instagram for microlocks educational posts.
