If you’ve been gazing in awe at a photo from Lisa Bonet and her famous waist-length hairdreads (just you? It’s impossible!) You’ve probably been through the Google rabbit hole of studying all you can about locs…and you ended up here as a safe place for people who hate commitments. Since as awesome as locs can be, they’re certainly not for people who get bored because it could take as long as an entire calendar year (!) to get your hair fully move. If you don’t have time or patience to do that then we’ve got the most effective option: fake locs.
Faux locs are an extremely simple (and considerably more efficient) method of achieving the look of locs but without the hassle. However, as with all things good are in the world, these do come with some important information to take into consideration before you try them yourself. That’s why we have our own co-host and resident Cosmopolitan hairdresser Stasha Harris to break down all the necessary information below.
This is the thing: Faux Locs Braids are temporary hairstyles that are temporary style of protection that means the hair extensions are styled, but not your real hair. That means you don’t have to worry about the harm that could be caused when using real locs. The fake locs can be set up by two different methods, according to Harris:
- Method of braiding and wrapping is a method of braiding your hair naturally and wrapping extensions of hair around the braids.
- The cornrow and crochet method, which involves braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then crocheting the faux locs onto the cornrows with a
While the crochet technique is definitely faster (think that it takes between four and five hours to put it in place) however, the results don’t seem exactly as real-looking as wrapping which gives the appearance of real-looking locs appearing out of your head. So if you’re willing invest the time to make fake locs that appear real, go with the first method, though both option will look great.
What kind of hair will you require for fake locs?
It is possible to use HTML0 the synthetic hair to make fake locs and is why they are less expensive than if go with human hair (ex the case of three bundles with synthetic hair for braiding at $12 instead of 3 packs of human hair at $75). Be sure to ensure that hair is of the same texture like locs so choose coarser hair extensions, such as marley hair instead of ultra-sleek or shiny hair. Do you need additional alternatives? I’ve gotcha:
Four extensions to try to find fake locs
How much do faux locs cost?
The cost of fake locs is contingent on several factors such as where you’re situated (bigger cities or more luxurious salons are more costly) and the length of time you’d like your locs to last (the longer the duration, the more costly). In general, the installation will cost you between $100 to $300–unless you’re a professional (or there’s a professional BFF) who is able to do it on your own for a low cost. However, even in the event that you opt for the salon route, it’s decent price, IMO.
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What is the time it will take to get fake locus installed?
Bring snacks with you for your appointment- it could take between four and nine hours to make fake locs (less time when you use using crochet, but longer if you use using wrapping). Be aware that the time it takes to complete the process will be determined by how long and how thin the locs you’d like to have and the method your stylist will use. It’s always good to contact your stylist in advance when you’re uncertain.
Do faux locs damage your hair?
If your faux locks aren’t a good fit, they can cause tension in the roots of your hair, which can lead to a severe breakage–so make sure you work with your hairstylist on a length and size of extensions that won’t fall off from your normal hair. The most secure option is shorter and thinner hairstyles because it causes less pressure on your scalp. But consult with your braider before you do so should you be concerned.
A second important point to remember is to make sure your hair is in good condition and healthy prior to adding extensions to your hair. Harris recommends prepping with conditioning treatment to make sure your hair is super hydrated and to set a good foundation for the extensions.
