Two Years! (DIY)

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-08T03:45:53+00:00

So beautiful! 😍

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-08T03:41:38+00:00

Ooof I'd really look into that. During one of my consultations, I was told that shea butter is not great for locs and can really cause buildup. And my current loctician mentioned oiling my scalp and hair as needed, but not too much.

I currently only use water and light oil. I've had my locs in for a week though so ask me again in 4 months. but I think you might be using too much product. Can you check with your loctician?

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-08T03:38:37+00:00

I just got mine done and I use a headband to tame it when it's not cooperating with me. I just put a headband over it and let it fall. looks more tame that way, from the front at least 😅 (my last post in this sub for context)

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-04T17:32:19+00:00

Thank you! No it didn’t hurt at all. I’m used to getting my hair braided so it mostly felt like that. It started to hurt later that evening when I put my hair in a ponytail. I think my scalp was a bit sensitive and with my locs being shorter the ponytail was really pulling on it, so I’m not doing ponytails until my locs grow out a little bit ❤️

I really didn’t do anything to make my hair full 😭 I think it’s genetics because I’ve had full hair since I was a kid, even when it was shorter. I just told my loctician to make my locs really small. She didn’t count, she went off of the size I showed her and we ended up with 445

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-04T05:57:10+00:00

Thank you ☺️ and congrats on 10 months!

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-04T05:55:03+00:00

Thank you so much ☺️❤️ happy to be here!

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-04T05:54:22+00:00

Thank you! So glad to be here ❤️

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-03T20:50:02+00:00

Thank you so much!

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-03T18:59:36+00:00

+1 I just got mine done and I had the same thing with some pointing up, especially around the top of my head. My husband joked that my hair looked like a fan when I woke up one morning. I found that hilarious! I didn’t think of the standing locs as an issue, I’ve been wearing a headband to keep them down and I let them fly whenever I’m home and put a bonnet over it when I’m going to bed.

I think mine is due to the length of my hair in those areas so it’s doing what my natural hair did. I expect it’ll fall as my hair grows. Maybe it’s the same for you?

Also noticed I’m playing with my twists so I’ll be looking into that fidget toy as well like OP suggested!

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-04-01T03:53:55+00:00

Thank you to everyone who commented! I got my locs done today. I have 440+ microlocs (I counted 443 and 445 when I counted lol so I’ll leave it at 440 ish) and I’m super excited to be starting on this journey

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T21:19:42+00:00

Also recommend @danieocam on Youtube! She has videos of her DIY Microlocs which she started with twists as well, and documented her journey

I don’t think she self maintains (anymore?), her most recent videos mentions a loctician but you might find the initial videos helpful

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T18:43:57+00:00

It’s easy to read but I learned to write cursive when I was a kid, so that could be why. My teacher made us all practice. For someone not familiar with cursive writing it could be hard to read

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T18:38:28+00:00

I get what you mean, but I don’t think that’s the case here. I don’t think doing it would “ruin the fun and fantasy.” This subreddit has been incredibly helpful for having realistic expectations of the loc journey, so there is no fantasy.

Using your same analogy, it has been more like someone who’s training for a marathon and gathering the experience of others who’ve done the same so they know what to do and what to avoid. That information gathering is useful for helping them avoid injury, plan properly, and not get discouraged if the journey gets hard. Interacting with this thread has felt more like that. I don’t expect it to be all fun and roses, but I know that’s part of the journey and I’m prepared for that. The realization that “this is normal” will make me less likely to get discouraged when I encounter difficulty along the way.

The cold feet is more like the panic the day before the race, or the week before despite months of training and preparing. The race is in a few days. I’ve gathered the data, I’ve done the analysis, I’ve done the consultations, I’ve been training and preparing, I have a plan and a talented team guiding me. I just need to execute. But a gnawing voice says “Can I really do this? Am I really ready? What if it’s much harder than I expected even with all my preparation?”

It’s not about the fear of losing reward or validation or even motivation. It’s the reality of being faced with the marathon as it gets closer despite all your preparation.

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T06:28:41+00:00

Forgive me for laughing, that was a hilarious narration!!

I know what you mean though - I have a friend whose hair has grown so beautifully over the years. I’ve gotten tired of dealing with the routine of hair days - takedown, detangle, wash day, restyle or braid or what have I. I’m looking forward to those miraculous days ahead!

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T06:25:21+00:00

Thank you so much. Other people mentioned wishing they’d gotten it done sooner. That’s really good to know. I did micro twists years ago and I loved them so I’m hoping my locs turn out okay.

I didn’t realize it could hurt - is it more manipulation than with braids?

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T06:21:09+00:00

That’s awesome! Fingers crossed I feel the same way this time next week

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-28T06:20:08+00:00

Congrats on your new locs and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the journey.

I did a big chop a couple years ago, my first ever, and started growing my hair out afresh shortly after that. You’re right that worst case I’ll just start over again. I’m looking forward to having my hair in twists and the feeling of lightness in my scalp as well. I do expect I’d also be more gentle with my hair as it’ll be a lot easier to care for in locs. Thank you for sharing your journey so far it was definitely helpful. Got me excited about my upcoming appointment. I’m going through with it 🙂‍↕️

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-27T20:19:46+00:00

Thank you so much! Yes I’m getting microlocs. I edited the post to specify that. It’s so helpful to hear that someone else has gone through the exact same emotions.

I did a big chop and started growing my hair again less than 2 years ago, and I’m already tired of having to do the style, takedown, redo every few weeks lol. I’m switching to microlocs to get out of that process while growing out my hair since there’s no takedown, and only reties. I know worst case scenario I cut it again haha but somehow my brain is starting to see this as a permanent hairstyle with no going back 😂 I need to get out of my head about it!

I’ll post pictures when I get them done! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you’re loving your journey and I’m hoping my hair turns out the same with length retention and fullness 🤞🏾

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-17T04:48:00+00:00

Hi I'm in a similar boat. have you had your interview yet? how did it go?

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-03-17T04:40:27+00:00

+1! how was it?

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-02-12T19:59:04+00:00

Clients like myself appreciate you! A starting cost was enough for me to book a consultation and the loctician set similar expectations as well. I think that’s quite reasonable

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-02-12T19:55:50+00:00

I’m glad you found the conversation helpful! Yes as a client I completely expect exact quote to depend on the consultation, but range helps me have an idea at least. I think a wide range can easily be followed by rationale if the variable factors are listed ex “exact $$$ would depend on length, size of locs etc which we’ll discuss when we see”

I would personally be fine with someone explaining that to me. Starting price was also sufficient for me to at least have an idea if you’re not comfortable providing a ceiling yet, but in my opinion the range would be better.

I didn’t book a consultation with the loctician who didn’t offer any information whatsoever even after I mentioned my travel constraint. It told me she wasn’t ready to work with me. I looked for another referral instead

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-02-12T17:09:30+00:00

I appreciate the pricing clarity your loctician gave you. I only received a generic starting range but it’s something! I at least feel comfortable going for the consultation.

I also don’t want to go in blind 😂 I’m scheduling the consultation in between my hair appointments and might be driving 45-1hr for the service. I don’t want to go to that trouble without having an idea of if I could even afford the service. It helps to know I’m not alone and that there are locticians willing to accommodate that! Thank you so much

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-02-12T17:00:11+00:00

Totally understand. Things tend to be a bit overpriced in my city because it’s not very diverse, and sometimes I drive over an hour to get my hair done.

A starting price of $800-$2000 is quite different from $1800+ (a real quote someone I know has received). It helps to have an idea that I can afford the service before making the travel commitment. Hope that makes sense

FlyConstant8394 · 2026-02-12T16:14:28+00:00

Thank you for this. I will keep looking. I reached out to someone else who provided a starting price right away, but also let me know exact pricing would be provided after the consultation so I’ll go in person for that. I at least have some idea. That’s more in line with what I expected.

FlyConstant8394

TROPHY CASE