Dec. 2020 I finally got the courage to go small!
Two 1/2 Years Strong!
Washing & Styling my loose natural hair was stressful!
Washing my 379 microlocks is a JOY!
Lock Formation
Tool of Choice: Crochet Needle, Yarn/Wool Needle, or an Interlocking Needle
2 Point Rotation For Fuller Locks: Pull East & Pull South or Pull West & Pull South
3 Point Rotation: Pull East, Pull North, Pull East, & Pull South
(3 Point Rotation left-handed: Pull West, Pull North, Pull West, & Pull South)
4 Point Rotation For Tighter Locks: Pull West, Pull North, Pull East, & Pull South
My Lock Formation: I am definitely well past the skinny lock phase; they have all plumped up! More mature locks. I neaten locks by either using loctitian crochet hook tools or I palm roll (not the ends) my low porous hair with water and aloe vera. Sometimes I let my hair dry in braids.
On average I interlock my entire head every 2 months with 0.5 to 1 inch of new growth. I use a crochet latch hook needle & a small interlocking tool. I mostly do 4 point rotations. I only do 3 point rotations on areas that are difficult for me to reach/pull from all angles.
2021: March, July, Sept, Start of Nov, & End of Dec
These 5 months I interlocked over the course of two weeks, not daily. In March, it took me about a total of 10 days. In July it took 7 days. As I've heard from many others, it is definitely easier once one gets the hang of it! Due to my thin bottom back row, I combined locks.
2022: Feb, April, Start of June, End of July, Oct, & Dec
In Feb. it took 5 days! I didn't drastically need to interlock in July, instead I was just in the mood to "sew"☺!
2023: March, May, July, September, & Nov
Lock Maintenance
Most strands have 8-9 inches of interlocked roots.
Most of my ends are happily curly. I neither palm roll my ends, nor do I use loctitian crochet hook tools to "instantly lock" my ends. At times, I finger-detangle.
Scalp Moisturizer: I wash my scalp with moisturizing goat milk soap! After washing, I oil my scalp with either hemp seed oil, 7mg CBD oil, and/or olive oil. Then, I wear a plastic bag for ~30min to steam and deeply moisturize my scalp!
Hair Moisturizer: Although some say applying oil "slows the locking process", at times I lightly applied oil all over strands (olive, almond, cbd, or hemp seed). Most days I spray water all over my hair. I do not want breakage!
Others May Use Rose Water or an Oil-Water Mixture (5/6 Water to 1/6 Fav Oil or another ratio); Shake Before Each Use.
Popular Lock Deep Clean: Apple Cider Vinegar + Baking Soda + Water (Soak Hair in a bucket/sink or Spray Hair with Mixture) Try small amounts first and learn one's hair's reaction.