Jump to:
Locs are the perfect all-season, all-occasion hairstyle for men and women. If you have fine hair, continue reading to discover the best size locs for fine hair.
What Is the Best Size Locs for Fine Hair?
Fine hair is more fragile than other hair types and is susceptible to breakage. So choosing the right size locs for fine hair is critical to avoid damage. Pencil-sized locs are the best size locs for fine hair. Those with fine hair need to be meticulous when choosing a size for their locs.
The closer you get to this size, the less likely it is to damage your hair. Pencil-sized locs are the best for fine hair because they’re less likely to cause breakage and are straightforward to maintain.
Here are some reasons those with fine hair need to take precautions when choosing the size of their locs:
- Fine hair is more fragile and can break easily even if it’s moisturized
- Pencil-sized locs are less likely to cause damage to the edges of the hair
- Fine hair can get weighed down by larger locs and cause scalp damage
- Pencil-sized locs are versatile when it comes to styling
Locs are a hairstyle that lasts a lifetime, so choosing the right size from the start is essential. This article will help you understand the best size locs for fine hair and what to expect along the way.
The Challenge With Fine Hair
Fine hair presents a unique challenge when it comes to locs. On the one hand, you want locs that are small enough to avoid damage. On the other hand, you don’t want locs so tiny that they take forever to mature.
The best size locs for fine hair strike a balance between these two extremes. Pencil-sized locs are small enough to avoid damage but large enough to mature at a reasonable rate.
Low Density vs. High Density
Another factor to examine when choosing the best size locs for fine hair is density. Hair density refers to the number of hairs per square inch of the scalp. Fine hair is typically low density, meaning fewer hairs per square inch.
It can make it challenging to achieve the full, thick locs you may be hoping for. High-density hair is the opposite of low-density hair. More hairs per square inch can make it easier to achieve full, thick locs.
The Number of Locs
The number of locs you want matters when you have fine hair. Those with fine hair may want to start with fewer locs and add more over time. It will help to avoid damage and give the locs time to mature.
Always Start With At Least 20
No matter what size locs you choose, it’s important to start with at least 20. It will help to ensure that your locs are strong and healthy from the start.
20 is the minimum number of locs you should have, but you may want to start with more if you have the time and patience. The more locs you begin with, the quicker they will mature. A suitable medium with fine hair is between 45 and 60 locs.
Think About Maintenance
It’s important to consider how much time you’re willing to spend maintaining your locs before choosing a size. If you have more locs, you’ll be able to accessorize with beads, but you’ll also have to spend more time cleaning them. If you have larger locks, it will become challenging to access build-up.
Build-Up
Since fine hair is more prone to damage, having more parts is ideal for managing build-up. While build-up is inevitable with any hairstyle, it can be incredibly frustrating with locs because it’s difficult to remove.
Pencil-sized locs give you a healthy medium between avoiding build-up and damage.
The Pros of Pencil-Sized Locs
Now that we understand the best-sized locs for fine hair, let’s look at the pros of having them.
Less Likely to Cause Damage
Since pencil-sized locs are thinner, they put less strain on the hair. It can help to avoid damage, especially to the edges of the hair.
More Manageable
Fine hair can be difficult to manage, but pencil-sized locs are more manageable than larger locs. They’re easy to style and don’t require as much time or effort to maintain.
The Cons of Pencil-Sized Locs
There are also some cons to having pencil-sized locs.
They May Take Longer to Mature
Since they’re thinner, pencil-sized locs take longer to mature than larger locs. It can seem unfair and disappointing for those who want fully- matured locs ASAP.
They Can Be Difficult to Retwist
Fine hair can be challenging to retwist, and pencil-sized locs are no exception. The small size makes it easy for the hair to slip out of the locs, which can be frustrating. Not to mention, if you don’t have loc experience, you should seek professional help to avoid damaging your hair.
Tips for Maintaining Pencil-Sized Locs
Now that we’ve gone over the perks and cons of pencil-sized locs let’s look at some tips for maintaining them.
Use the Right Products
It’s all-important to use the right products when you have any type of locs, but it’s crucial with fine locs. You want to use products that add moisture without weighing the hair down. Products like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, avocado oil, and shea butter are all great options.
Be Gentle
Fine hair is more prone to severe damage, so you want to be extra gentle when handling your locs. Be careful when shampooing, conditioning, and styling your locs to avoid breakage. Avoid pulling the locs back tight.
Let Them Breathe
Fine locs can be prone to mildew and mold, so it’s important to let them breathe. Make sure to clean your scalp regularly and use a light, airy fabric like silk to sleep on at night.
Read Next: How to Wear a Bonnet to Sleep
Frequently Asked Questions
AnnaTamila/Shutterstock
Below are frequent inquiries on the best size locs for fine hair.
Can people with fine hair get locs?
Yes, people with fine hair can get locs. The best size locs for fine hair are usually pencil-sized to avoid damage and properly manage build-up.
What is the best size for locks?
The best size for locks depends on a few factors, such as hair type, density, and desired look. The main goal is to protect the hair and create a style that will last for years.
How long does it take for fine hair to loc?
It can take between six weeks to six months for fine hair to loc, depending on the size of the locs. Pencil-sized locs usually take on the shorter end of this timeline. The essential thing is maintaining consistency with maintaining your locs, regardless of size.
Is micro-locs good for thin hair?
Micro-locs risk damaging fine hair, so experts don’t typically recommend them. Those with thicker hair may be able to pull off micro-locs, but it’s best to avoid them if you have fine hair.
Do locs get thicker as they grow?
Locs can appear to get thicker as they grow because the ends of the hair are not getting trimmed. The actual thickness of the locs will not change, but they may appear fuller.
Can people with fine hair get locs?
Yes, people with fine hair can get locs. The best size locs for fine hair are usually pencil-sized to avoid damage and properly manage build-up.
What is the best size for locks?
The best size for locks depends on a few factors, such as hair type, density, and desired look. The main goal is to protect the hair and create a style that will last for years.
How long does it take for fine hair to loc?
It can take between six weeks to six months for fine hair to loc, depending on the size of the locs. Pencil-sized locs usually take on the shorter end of this timeline. The essential thing is maintaining consistency with maintaining your locs, regardless of size.
Is micro-locs good for thin hair?
Micro-locs risk damaging fine hair, so experts don’t typically recommend them. Those with thicker hair may be able to pull off micro-locs, but it’s best to avoid them if you have fine hair.
Do locs get thicker as they grow?
Locs can appear to get thicker as they grow because the ends of the hair are not getting trimmed. The actual thickness of the locs will not change, but they may appear fuller.
So, What Is the Best Size Locs for Fine Hair?
After considering all factors, the best size locs for fine hair are usually pencil-sized. They help to avoid damage and build-up without sacrificing style. If you plan on keeping your locs for decades to come, this is the best place to start with fine hair.