Nourish Your Roots: Locs, Curls, and Coils Guide

Caring for textured hair means understanding how it grows, how it behaves, and what it needs. Curly and coily hair has a unique structure. Its bends and curves make it harder for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down each strand, which is why dryness and breakage show up so easily. Locs follow a different path entirely. As they mature, the hair tightly compacts, changing how moisture moves and how products should be used.

This guide breaks down simple, science-based care tips for every stage and texture: mature locs, starter locs, curls, kinky coils, and even natural hair care for kids.

Matured Locs (Adults)

1. Moisturize lightly but consistently

   Mature locs still need hydration, but heavy creams can cause buildup. Opt for lightweight water-based sprays or aloe mixes to keep the locs flexible and healthy.

2. Clarify regularly

   Locs trap product easily. Use a clarifying shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks to remove buildup without stripping your hair completely.

3. Keep your scalp clean and balanced

   The scalp is the foundation. Use a gentle cleanser and follow with a light oil like jojoba to keep the skin calm and nourished.

4. Retwist with low tension

   Avoid over-twisting or tight styles. They thin locs at the root and cause long-term damage.

5. Protect at night

   Use a satin scarf or bonnet to prevent lint and friction. It keeps the locs smooth and reduces dryness.

Starter Locs (Adults)

1. Less manipulation is better

   Starter locs need time to form. Constant retwisting, combing, or separating slows down the locking process.

2. Wash with intention

   Washing is important, but you need to avoid unraveling. Use a gentle shampoo and have your loctician guide you on frequency.

3. Avoid heavy products

   Butters and thick oils weigh down starter locs and lead to buildup early on.

4. Hydrate your scalp

   A light oil or hydrating mist keeps your roots healthy without interrupting the locking process.

5. Be patient with frizz

   Frizz is normal. It’s a sign your locs are knitting together. Embrace the process.

Curly Hair (Adults)

1. Deep condition weekly

   Curly hair loses moisture fast due to the shape of the strand. Weekly deep conditioning strengthens and hydrates.

2. Use the LOC or LCO method

   Layering leave-in, oil, and cream helps lock in hydration for longer.

3. Detangle gently

   Start at the ends, use a wide-tooth comb, and always detangle with slip (conditioner or detangling spray).

4. Avoid excessive heat

   High heat weakens the curl pattern. If you blow-dry, use a diffuser and low setting.

5. Refresh between washes

   Water, leave-in, and a little curl cream can revive curls without starting from scratch.

Kinky / Coily Hair (Adults)

1. Moisture is the priority

   Coily strands have the tightest pattern, so moisture doesn’t travel. Hydrate often with water-based products.

2. Protective styles work wonders

   Twists, bantu knots, and low-tension updos reduce breakage and shrinkage.

3. Seal in hydration

   After moisturizing, seal the ends with oil or butter to keep moisture from escaping.

4. Stretch the hair safely

   Techniques like banding or twisting reduce tangles and help with length retention.

5. Be gentle during wash days

   Coils shrink tightly when wet. Use lots of slip to prevent knots and breakage.

Kids’ Matured Locs

1. Keep products minimal

   Kids need very light products to prevent buildup in small, developing locs.

2. Wash gently

   Focus on scalp health. Kids’ scalps are sensitive and benefit from mild cleansers.

3. Maintain a soft retwist schedule

   Kids don’t need tight retwists. Comfort and scalp protection come first.

4. Hydrate with gentle misting

   A light spray keeps locs soft without weighing them down.

5. Night protection is a must

   Satin bonnets or pillowcases help prevent friction-related breakage.

Kids’ Starter Locs

1. Hands-off approach

   Avoid touching and retwisting too early. Let the locs form naturally.

2. Keep the scalp clean

   Kids play, sweat, and get dirty. A clean scalp helps locs form evenly.

3. Use simple, lightweight products

   Kids don’t need oils, butters, and gels. Stick to the basics.

4. Manage frizz with care

   A light mist or gentle smoothing is enough. No tight styling.

5. Make nighttime protection fun

   Printed bonnets or satin pillowcases help create a positive hair-care routine.

Kids’ Natural Hair

1. Detangle with patience

   Use lots of slip and detangle in sections to avoid tears and breakage.

2. Moisturize often

   Kids’ hair dries quickly. Leave-ins and light creams help keep strands soft.

3. Use protective styles that aren’t tight

   Loose braids, puffs, and twists keep the hair neat without stressing the scalp.

4. Keep the routine short and simple

   Kids don’t need long wash days. Gentle, consistent care is enough.

5. Teach them to love their texture

   Positive language builds confidence and helps kids embrace their coils early.