Crochet Starter Locs Aftercare (Instant Locs)

After Service Care Education | Nice Locs | Atlanta

What You Just Received

You received Crochet Starter Locs, also known as Instant Locs, created using a crochet hook to manually interlock and mat the hair into a loc shape.

While instant locs appear mature immediately, the hair is still adjusting internally. The loc must settle, compact, and strengthen over time.

Instant does not mean finished.

The First 72 Hours

During the first 72 hours after your service:

  • Avoid moisture (water, steam, sweat, rain)

  • Do not twist, roll, or manipulate the locs

  • Avoid tight styles or friction

  • Sleep with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase

This allows the internal structure of the loc to stabilize.

The First 4–6 Weeks (Critical Adjustment Phase)

This phase determines how well your instant locs mature.

  • Expect stiffness or dryness — this is normal

  • Do not attempt to soften locs with heavy products

  • Avoid excessive palm rolling or rubbing

  • Keep styles loose and low-tension

Over-manipulation during this stage can cause breakage, thinning, or weak points.

Daily Care

Between appointments:

  • Keep hands out of your locs

  • Avoid squeezing, pulling, or repeatedly styling

  • Protect hair during sleep and rest

  • Allow locs to move naturally

Crochet locs mature best when left alone to breathe.

Cleansing & Moisture

  • Shampoo only when approved by Nice Locs

  • Cleanse the scalp gently; do not scrub the loc aggressively

  • Allow hair to fully dry after washing

  • Use light hydration only — mists or sprays

  • Avoid oils, creams, waxes, or heavy conditioners

Heavy products cause buildup and slow proper compaction.

What to Avoid

  • Re-crocheting at home

  • Palm rolling instant locs excessively

  • Heavy oils or butters

  • Tight styles that pull on the root

  • Allowing another stylist to “touch it up”

Improper crochet work can permanently weaken the loc.

What’s Normal

The following are expected:

  • Initial stiffness

  • Dry or compact texture

  • Frizz or fuzz

  • Gradual softening over time

These are signs of the loc settling and maturing naturally.

What’s NOT Normal

Contact Nice Locs if you experience:

  • Persistent pain or soreness

  • Locs snapping, thinning, or breaking

  • Excessive shedding

  • Weak spots forming along the loc

Do not attempt corrective crochet work yourself.

When to Book Again

Most crochet starter loc clients return in 6–8 weeks, depending on:

  • Hair density and texture

  • Lifestyle and manipulation habits

  • Desired maturation pace

Your stylist will advise on safe follow-up timing.

Nice Locs Professional Notes

Instant locs provide immediate structure, but true strength develops over time.

Healthy crochet locs require:

  • patience

  • minimal interference

  • professional maintenance only

Trust the process — not the illusion of instant maturity.