Baby locks should be maintained at least every two weeks. That includes washing, conditioning, and retwisting/palm rolling. The hair should also be oiled if needed. Baby locks also hold better if they are tied down or kept covered. Silk or satin scarfs are good. You will also hear some say do not cover your hair with cotton because it pulls the hair. I have worn cotton bandanas and chrochet tams almost since the beginning with no problem so it is up to you.

Teenage Locks

Teenage locks tend to be the most rebellious. They are matting and on their way to locking and need extra attention. They should be groomed no less than once a month. Teenage locks have the tendency to bunch or crawl together. This is when the hair from one lock catches and starts to lock with another. This can be problematic without regular grooming. If you do not keep the hair separated duing each grooming session it will become necessary to pull the roots apart which can be a pain filled experience. I know from experience. It can also make thin looks break off due to the pulling of the hair. To ensure crawling does not occur make it a part of your daily grooming to ensure each locks is not sharing a root with another. If it does start to mesh together gently separate it. Those who get regular grooming should have little of this though.

Mature Locks

Mature locks are by far the best. Maybe because my hair is maturing now. The locks can withstand just about everything you give them. Though crawling can still be a problem mature locks start to get heavy and hang. They can withstand daily washings if needed. The need to wear a scarf at night is no more. You can basically get up, spritz a little water and oil and be done. They require retwisting once every couple of months or not at all depending on you. This is the reward you have been waiting for, a glorious head of healthy locks!

Deb Cox - Copyright 1999