IMAGE SOURCE: @steph_theextras
Protective styles have always been popular in the natural hair community. There have been a variety of different twists, locs, and braids that have become the top trendy protective hairstyles for naturals.
There is a new protective style that is trending in the natural hair community: Butterfly Locs. We are giving you all the details you need to know about them in this easy-to-follow guide!
What are Butterfly Locs?
Butterfly locs are another variant of faux locs. While faux locs typically have a straight neat look, butterfly locs are wavier. These stylish locs are a mix of goddess locs and passion twists. They offer a beautiful boho look.
The locs are made with wavy hair and are looped into a braid using a crochet needle. It is then loosely wrapped to give a distressed and carefree look. Most of the time, these locs are worn in a shoulder-length bob, however, there are a variety of lengths to choose from.
The best part about having butterfly locs is they are:
- Low maintenance
- Versatile hairstyle with a variety of colors
- Lightweight
- Affordable
What is the Best Hair for Butterfly Locs?
There are many types of individual butterfly locs on the market. We will give you the top 3 picks when it comes to purchasing your butterfly locs.
$50 for 5 packs (12”)
$50 for 3 packs (10”-12”-14”)
$45 for 6 packs (12”)
These brands will give you the boho look you are going for. Usually, you will need about six to eight packs of crochet butterfly locs, depending on the thickness of your hair.
If you are looking to install your butterfly locs without using the crochet method, then you should choose any water wave synthetic hair and marley braiding hair – 6 packs each.
How to Install Butterfly Locs
Like most protective styles, there are a variety of ways to install butterfly locs, from the crochet method to the braid and wrap method.
Professional Stylist
If you are looking to get your butterfly locs professionally done, you should use the CurleeMe stylist directory. This directory will help you to find the perfect hairstylist to meet your needs. Before you book your appointment, you should consider a few key things:
- Their previous experience with working with your hair type
- Their reputation in their area
- How much they charge for the service
- Look at their work, specifically the style you are considering
Once you have researched the stylists, you can view their listing on the CurleeMe website and message or call the stylist to book your appointment. Keep in mind, some stylists supply the hair needed to install your butterfly locs.
Do it Yourself
If you are looking to install your butterfly locs yourself, we recommend the following steps.
Step 1: Wash and deep condition your hair
It is important to wash your hair before creating your protective style. Use a cleanser that is moisturizing and sulfate-free. Cleansers containing harsh sulfates will strip your strands of their natural oils and cause your hair to be very dry before your protective style.
After you cleanse your hair, it is important to deep condition and cover your hair with a plastic cap. Use a hairdryer, heating cap, or steamer to apply heat. It is important to use heat because heat allows for the whole hair strand to become open and receive the benefits of the product.
Step 2: Braid your natural hair
Part your hair based on the desired size of your locs. Your parts should be neat to give your style a more polished and defined look. You should also make sure you moisturize your hair during this step. Using a hair milk or curling cream will add the moisture you need to keep your hair moisturized, while it is in a protective style.
Step 3: Crochet the butterfly loc (individual)
Using a crochet needle, insert the individual pre-looped butterfly loc at the root of your braid. Gently open the butterfly loc and wrap it around your individual braid. You do not need to worry about dipping the butterfly locs in hot water.
How do you Maintain Butterfly Locs?
After installing your butterfly locs, you want to make sure you are cleansing your scalp and actual hair regularly. Girl and Hair, Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse is perfect for a clean scalp while you are wearing your protective style. When it comes to maintaining your protective style, it is important to pay attention to how long you are keeping the style in. Leaving it in for too long can actually damage the hair.
When wearing a protective style, or even your natural hair, securing your hair at night with a satin bonnet is important. Putting your hair up before bed will reduce unnecessary friction and tension.
How do you Safely Take Butterfly Locs Out?
There are a few methods you can use to take down your butterfly locs yourself. For the first method, you can start by cutting the locs at the base. If you have longer hair, make sure you do not cut your actual hair. After cutting the butterfly locs at the base, unwrap the butterfly loc until you get the root of where you installed it. Slide and pull the loc back out of the loop you created when you installed it. After your locs are out be sure to follow your natural hair care regimen.
Refer to this video for a more detailed view.
