Seven years ago, I made one of the most freeing decisions of my life: starting my loc journey. I chose to loc my hair during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. In 2018, I was navigating the complexities of living with a rare disease, preparing to graduate, and coming to terms with the physical changes brought on by medication. I was in the midst of an identity crisis—unsure of who I was becoming.
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On top of managing a chronic illness, my hair had always been a major source of stress. I spent hours obsessing over styles, maintenance, and how I’d show up in the world. The relationship Black women have with our hair is sacred, yet complicated. From an early age, we’re conditioned to believe our natural kinks, coils, and curls aren’t enough. In many ways, choosing to loc my hair was my quiet rebellion—a rejection of unrealistic beauty standards and a reclaiming of self.
When I started this journey, I was just looking for ease and low maintenance. But what I received in return was so much more. Here’s my journey over the past 7 years.
Year 1: The Beginning (Starter Locs 2018)
As I mentioned earlier, I started my locs because I was craving something easy and low-maintenance. Honestly, I was over the constant upkeep of my loose natural hair. I had been a natural hair girly for years and tried just about every style you could think of. From marathon wash days to doing my own cornrows and crafting custom wigs—I did it all. Eventually, I got tired of always feeling the need to cover or “tame” my hair.
So, I started doing my research. I looked into different loc sizes, parting systems, and starter methods. After scrolling through Instagram and reading reviews, I found one of the best locticians in my area and booked my appointment. I chose the comb coil method to start my journey because I loved how they look once matured. I even created a little Pinterest board of women with similar hair textures to visualize what my future locs might look like.
Those early days weren’t without challenges. I struggled to find the right products, worried about how to properly wash my starter locs, and even made the mistake of retwisting in the wrong direction at one point. Still, every misstep was part of the learning process—and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Year 2: Settling In & Early Budding (2019)
My locs began to take shape and settle into their own. I was learning what worked (and didn’t) in my routine. The frizz was still there, but so was the beauty. I started feeling more confident wearing my hair out and embracing every phase.
Year 3: Growth (2020)
This year taught me that growth isn’t always obvious day to day, but it’s happening. My locs were maturing, thickening, and gaining weight. I leaned into low manipulation styles and let go of trying to “control” the process.
Year 4: Maturity (2021)
My locs started to feel like home. The awkward stage was behind me, and I saw noticeable length and fullness. I experimented with more styles and truly began enjoying the freedom that came with this commitment.
Year 5: Versatility & Freedom (2022)
This was a year of deep appreciation. My locs were long enough for intricate styles, buns, and braid-outs. I could finally see how far I’d come—and how much of myself I had reclaimed through this journey.
Year 6: Embracing the Length (2023)
My locs reached new lengths—literally and metaphorically. I had a solid routine, minimal stress, and a deeper understanding of what my hair needed. This was also the year I fully embraced my locs as a part of my identity, not just a style.
Year 7: Crowned in Confidence (2024)
Seven years later, and my locs are now mid-back length—thriving and healthy. Every inch carries memories, healing, and growth. What started as a search for ease has evolved into a symbol of resilience, softness, and spiritual grounding.
Seven years loc’d, and I’m still in awe of how much this journey has taught me—not just about hair, but about myself. What started as a desire for ease became a deeper path of self-acceptance, healing, and personal transformation. Every phase, from the baby coils to mid-back length, carries its own story—full of trial, triumph, and trust in the process.
If you’re considering starting locs or are somewhere along the path, know that it’s okay to take your time, make mistakes, and grow at your own pace. Your journey will be uniquely yours—and that’s the beauty of it.
Thank you for being here, for witnessing my evolution, and for allowing me to share this visual diary of growth. Here’s to healthy hair, honoring ourselves, and the next 7 years of loc’d and loved life.
Other Blogs You Might Love:
- 3 Reasons Your Locs Aren’t Growing
- 5 Things to Consider Before Loc’ing Your Hair
- Loc Products That I Recommend for Type 4 Hair
- 5 Tips for Caring for Starter Locs
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