To Retwist or Not To Retwist?
Written By Christina Norris
Hello, beautiful souls! Let's take a slow, gentle moment to discuss the sacred journey of locs and a topic that often arises within our community: retwists. The decision to retwist is a personal one, and it's an important question to hold in mind. We'll explore the purpose of a retwist, but first, let's connect with what this ritual truly is.
What Is A Retwist?
A retwist is a nurturing maintenance technique to support new hair growth and help prevent breakage. It’s an intentional practice that involves gently guiding the new growth at the roots to maintain the beautiful, distinct shape of your locs.
The decision to receive a retwist simply depends on the vision you hold for your locs. If you feel drawn to a larger, more free-form style, then a retwist may not be a necessary part of your path. However, if you desire a smaller, more uniform look, many find it helpful to consider a retwist every 4-6 weeks. No matter which path you choose, it is always a sacred act to care for your locs by cleansing them and becoming intimately familiar with their unique spirit.
Different Retwist Methods
There are many ways to perform a retwist, whether you find yourself called to the quiet solitude of doing it yourself or the shared energy of a trusted stylist. The three most common methods are palm rolling, interlocking, and instant locking. Each of these methods holds its own process, benefits, and wisdom to keep in mind.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is a beautiful and beginner-friendly method. This ritual typically involves applying a lightweight, plant-based elixir, such as flaxseed or aloe vera gel, to your new growth and gently twisting the hair between your palms in a consistent direction. While the gel is not a requirement, it can be a helpful tool in this process.
A few gentle reminders:
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Honor your hair by keeping products lightweight to avoid unnecessary buildup.
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Approach with gentle hands and intention, as too much tension can cause breakage.
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Allow the hair to dry completely before removing any clips to help the retwist stay neat.
Interlocking
Interlocking is a powerful method that involves threading the end of the loc through the new growth at the root in a set pattern. This technique helps locs stay neat for longer and is a wonderful choice for those with an active lifestyle.
A few gentle reminders:
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Keep the tension even, as a grip that is too tight can cause thinning at the roots.
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Stay true to the same pattern each time you practice this method to help your locs remain uniform.
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This technique works beautifully for both starter and mature locs, but always be gentle with the new growth.
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Instant Locking
Instant locking is a deeply transformative method that uses a tiny crochet needle to immediately "lock" the hair by pulling in loose strands and wrapping them into the loc. This technique creates a tight, fully-formed loc right away.
A few gentle reminders:
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This is a more permanent and lasting method than the previous two.
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It's perfect for calling in instant maturity for locs or mending weak spots.
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This ritual can also be time-consuming, so remember that patience is a key ingredient.
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Regardless of the path you choose, remember that gentle handling, consistent direction, and avoiding excessive tension are essential for keeping your locs healthy, vibrant, and thriving.
A Closing Reflection
As you continue on your loc journey, remember that the choice to retwist is a deeply personal and sacred one. The most important thing is to honor your locs and care for their health, no matter how they appear to the outside world. Whether you choose a retwist every 4-6 weeks for a uniform look or embrace a beautiful, free-form style, the health and well-being of your locs is what truly matters.
