Faux Locs
Table of Contents
Kick your feet up, let your hair down, and get comfortable because this article is perhaps the most informative synthetic faux loc hair guide you will find online.
WHAT ARE FAUX LOCS?
Directly, they are synthetic hair extensions that resemble and imitate the look and feel of naturally grown dreadlocks.
WHAT ARE THEY MADE OUT OF?
Imitation synthetic locs can be manufactured in different ways using blends of either synthetic hair fibers made from copolymers, or natural hair fibers derived from animals and humans, or both!
HOW THEY'RE MADE
These beautiful fake dreadlocks are created using ancient twisting, wrapping, braiding hair, backcombing, and crocheting techniques.
PHOTO GALLERY
I don’t know about you but I learn better with visual aids. Take a peek at our gallery below to learn more but also for some loc hairstyle inspiration as these are some of the most popular faux loc colors, hairstyles, & updos!
THE HISTORY
Faux locs didn’t start to appear until the 1970s when many hair extensions began gaining community approval. The first records of hair extensions are in 1951 for a sow-in technique that required a lot of precision sowing.
THE WOMAN WHO MADE LOCS POSSIBLE
In 1951, an outstanding, excellent, and brilliant woman named Christina Mae Thomas, who later married and took on the name Christina Jenkins, walked into a crowded room, flipped her luxurious synthetic hair out (I hope so at least), and single-handedly improved the entire hair extension industry showcasing her patented invention of the first hair weave sew-in!
You may be wondering…
“sew-in weaves aren’t faux locs.”
And technically, you are correct; but Christina invented the METHOD!
Her invention inspired tens if not hundreds of new protective hairstyles and these innovative new options propelled the growth & expansion of the hair extension industry at a global scale.
FIRST SYNTHETIC DREADLOCKS
Over a decade after the invention of the sow-in technique, 51 percent of African Americans are wearing some form of a hair extension technique. By 1967, there are over ten different hair extension installation patents and a new movement hitting the entertainment industry by storm.
BOB MARLEY, REGGAE, AND DREADLOCKS
Bob Marley needs no introduction. His music and way of life touched many so profoundly. Marley began his professional musical career in 1963, after forming Bob Marley and the Wailers. By 1971 Marley was a household name. Marley famously had long dread locs that he attested to his Rastafarian beliefs.
It wasn’t long until many others would want these iconic Marley hair locs. But for many, they couldn’t grow the natural hairstyles or couldn’t commit to such a styling. This necessity brought forth the invention of the imitation dreadlock.
NEW INNOVATIONS
Faux locs and hair extensions have evolved since we first saw them in the 50s. Older styles took very long to install and often required hours of meticulous work.
Newer faux locs come pre-made with pre-looped ends that make for quicker and easier installations. This reduces the time and money needed to pull off one of the fantastic mock locs hairstyles.
THE BENEFITS
Wearing faux locs gets even better when you realize the many benefits of wearing such a stylish updo. Most faux locs styles are considered protective hairstyles. This is because protective styles reduce the manipulation of hair tips and guard your natural hair against environmental factors and abrasions. Other benefits of faux locs include:
- REGULAR HAIR GROWTH
- LESS TENSION ON THE SCALP
- COMMITMENT FREE HAIRSTYLES
- OPTIONS TO TRY TRENDY STYLES OR COLORS.
- QUICKER INSTALLATION. (LESS SALON TIME)
- LOW MAINTENANCE
- EASY TO FOLLOW TUTORIALS
- OPTIONS FOR TWIST HAIRSTYLES AND HAIR BRAIDS
- EASY REMOVAL
The benefits of a protective hairstyle begin once the faux locs have been completely installed. There is no commitment when it comes to any look. If something just isn’t fitting you, grab something new and change them out!
LOC STYLES
80 percent of the faux loc styles on the internet go unseen. There is too much advertising and competition for newer looks to ever get the spotlight they deserve.
At Crochet Faux Locs, our team dives deep into the web to find the most contemporary, hottest, and most stylish looks possible.
Choosing the right style of loc style is going to determine what energy you bring with your presence.
Take a look!
BOB LOCS
These faux locs consist of smaller earlobe-length locs that are typically shorter at the bangs. This iconic bob faux loc style is seen in the 1963 movie “Cleopatra,” starring Elizabeth Taylor.
NU LOCS
The nu locs line of faux locs is similar to bohemian and gypsy locs styles except for a kinkier appearance with more spontaneous movements.
BOHEMIAN LOCS (BOHO LOCS)
Boho Locs are the essence of an island feel. These thick, bouncy locs give you a beachy, summer feeling even on the coldest days.
BUTTERFLY LOCS
A newer style that incorporates a loop throughout the distressed faux loc. This leaves the locs with pretty little butterfly wings.
GODDESS LOCS
Goddess locs are the most famous of all the imitation deadlock styles. This look incorporates a curly end at the tips of each strand, as is famously seen on actress Meagan Good.
GYPSY LOCS
The gypsy loc style isn’t an actual loc, but a combination of techniques, accessories, colors, and lengths in order to create a fantastic design that gives you an adventurous and environmental feel.
MERMAID LOCS
Mermaid locs are a combination of faux lock strands and curly hair tresses. Combining these hair extensions gives you a very mermaid and ocean breeze look that is hard to mistake for any other.
RIVER LOCS
River locs take a regular loc in any style and add a single double-ended strand of the same color hair and intertwine the tress, so the ends hang out throughout each strand. It sounds complicated, but the result is a wonderful-looking design that adds a lot of exotic beauty to any look.
SISTER LOCS
Sisterlocks is a brand and a style. These tightly twisted locs resemble tightly twirled yarn strands. These crochet braids require a higher strand count to complete a full head design due to each plait’s miniature size and width.
LOC MOHAWK
This style involves shaving the sides of your head to create a faux loc top section that closely resembles a Viking braid hairstyle.
COMPARABLE STYLES
Faux locs are being such a trend that’s it very easy for multiple brands to be similar. The best way to find the style you want is to educate you on what available. Don’t be surprised when you see multiple types use the same faux locs hair.
SOFT LOCS VS FAUX LOCS
Soft locs are a specific grouping of faux locs that use softer and lighter hair strands. These locs are still considered imitation dreadlocks and don’t vary much from traditional faux loc styles.
The main difference between a soft loc and other locs is the physical silky smoothness that you can feel. The locs are made with thinner, healthier, and lighter hair than most other v hairs. This creates a better loc that is more flexible and will allow less tension.
GODDESS LOCS VS FAUX LOCS
“Goddess locs have a signature loose curly tail created from sealing the wrapped strands 3 inches from the ends,” as described by inventor Dr. Kari Williams. This is different from faux locs that use heat sealing or gluing all of the tips to create a stub or blunt-end after being palm rolled or backcombed.
FAUX LOCS VS PASSION TWIST
Faux locs are imitation dreadlocks meant to look and feel like real dreads. Passion twists are a hair extension that can attach the same way faux locs do. These twists use the combination of shiny reflective hair and a two-strand twist technique to create a jaw-dropping twist design.
LOC COLORS
No matter what hair type you want, you can get that fantastic look in any faux loc color. Everyone’s natural hair colors are different. That’s why hair extensions can’t just be one color. There has to be a variety. Look over these base colors to help you refine your color decision for a more personalized hairstyle.
It’s essential to purchase your locs in the color you want because attempting to dye or alter synthetic fibers and natural hairs can be damaging or almost impossible to achieve. Trust us, we would know.
BLACK (1B)
Not only is this a beautiful color, but black faux locs always look very natural and elegant. Because of the dark color, these locs make a great contrast to any skin tone.
BLONDE (613)
Don’t fear away from lighter colors like blonde faux locs because they can be a great way to add just the right amount of light to your life. Blondes always have much more fun.
HONEY BLONDE (27)
Honey blonde is a mixture of golden brown and blonde. This blend creates a more elegant brown color with memorizing undertones.
BLUE (BLU)
Blue isn’t a common color seen unless it is blended with an ombre or two-tone color mix.
Personally, we like different.
GREY (GREY)
Silver and platinum grey faux locs are the ways to turn heads and break the sound barrier like quicksilver. Grey is one of the most popular men’s choices for loc colors as it gets a 67 percent approval rating.
BURGUNDY (530)
Don’t just settle for red synthetic braids. Show off your dark side with a shade of red that’s aiming to break hearts all season long. The color of Burgundy faux locs sends a message of good form and sophistication.
OMBRE
A superior shading technique to help transition two colors is a great way to rock more than one color fashion. That is why ombre faux locs are consistently a favorite in the hair extension community.
BROWN (4 OR 4A)
Nothing says natural better than brown faux locs. Feel organic and alive with a color rooted in mother nature.
RED (RED)
Red locs have to be one of my favorite colors. Red comes in many shades and looks terrific when combined with a black base to create an ombre design. Red faux locs are making a comeback this year!
LOC LENGTH OPTIONS
Not only can you choose your hair color options, but you are also able to customize the faux loc lengths and widths. Many styles can be rocked in larger or smaller versions. This gives each strand so much versatility when you want to have an original look that is all your own.
SHORT LOCS
MEDIUM LOCS
LONG LOCS
INSTALLATION
Faux locs differ in styles, colors, and lengths. When it comes to the installation method, they are all pretty much the same. They all start with a base made from your natural human hair. This hair is twisted into cornrows or braided into box braids.
With the use of a crochet tool or latch hook device, pre-looped faux locs are gently wrapped around your natural hair base and tied tightly. The method is repeated throughout the head in different patterns to create distinctive stylings.
HOW TO INSTALL (VIDEO TUTORIAL)
A full faux loc design can be created in 6 easy steps. Follow along with the infographic or check out this step-by-step tutorial on how to easily install a crochet faux loc design.
MAINTENANCE
Once you have your faux locs installed, you will need to maintain them. Loc maintenance is essential. Just because the extensions are not your hair, it doesn’t mean you all of a sudden start neglecting your hair entirely!
Faux locs are low-maintenance hairstyles that require a simple hair care regimen.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
As your hair grows and you perform different activities, you will acquire build-up. Build-up can come in the form of:
- SEBUM
- DIRT
- DUST
- LINT
- OTHER CONTAMINANTS
If you do not correctly manage the build-up, your pores will begin to clog, and hair will not receive rehydration to keep its shape and feel.
This will lead to breakage. As hair becomes brittle and dry, it will start to frizz. Frizz will cause your hair not to be as versatile and kinkier. Dry cuticles cause frizz, and when you’re in humidity, frizz traps water in the air causing the hair to swell. If you notice frizz, grab some nourishing conditioner ASAP!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS (BEST LOC EXPERIENCE)
- If you feel a headache from your newly twisted styling, you need to get them loosened. Migraines are never a good sign.
- Extend your styling by washing and cleaning your scalp before installing faux locs
- Moisturizing your natural hair will help keep it nourished and healthy.
- At night, go an extra step and wear a satin bonnet to protect those tresses.
- Help sharpen your look by gelling down those loose baby hairs.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Lifes what you wake it, So let’s make it right!
NIGHTTIME ROUTINE (BEFORE BED)
- Switch pillowcase with a silk pillowcase. This reduces lint and static electricity. Silk is softer and won’t pull on your hair as much while you sleep.
- If you are styling your faux locs, this will cause a lot of unwanted loc frizz. Also, cheap hair bought on Amazon tends to not hold its shape and texture for long. Try to take it easy on the product you use to cleanse your scalp regularly. The wrong crochet faux loc products, as well as too much of the right product, might also harm your locs. Remember, natural is always better… this includes the products you put in it.
HOW TO REMOVE (DIY TUTORIAL)
- Lather head in the leave-in conditioner for at least 30 minutes before beginning the twist-out process.
- Find a comfy stool as this makes it easier to position yourself correctly in front of a mirror. Start on the backside of your head and grab a single strand.
- Cut out the hair extension piece. A pre-looped hair extension can be cut near the tied loop. A faux loc that was box braided will need more attention and requires cutting 1 inch above the end of your natural hair.
- Once the extra hair has been cut, you can begin to unravel your locs. After completing the first strand, you will understand the concept a little better and move a little quicker. Method 3 and 4 are repeated until every single loc is out.
- Lather up locs braids to help untwist out hair. If you are beginning another faux loc styling, you can retwist braids and add new hair extensions. We recommend a nice shampooing first.
- Address and large areas that need a little extra work.
ACCESSORIES & JEWELRY
Locs by themselves are very customizable. With the addition of loc accessories and jewelry, we can expand that to new lengths. The best part is accessories are suitable for aesthetics and can hide imperfections and stop untwisting. On read dreadlocks, beads and cuffs are used to shape big plaits into more even shaping.
Another intelligent and decorative technique is to use twine made from hemp or yarn to spiral down your dreads. This can look awesome with different mixtures of colors and thicknesses.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
HOW MUCH DO FAUX LOCS COST?
A complete faux locs hairstyle is going to cost you between $60 – $140 US just for hair alone. The installation is going to differ depending on if you’re using a stylist or DIY.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR FAUX LOCS AT NIGHT?
Switch pillowcase with a silk pillowcase. This reduces lint and static electricity. Silk is softer and won’t pull on your hair as much while you sleep.
If you are styling your faux locs, this will cause a lot of unwanted frizz. Also, cheap hair bought on Amazon tends to not hold its shape and texture for long. Try to take it easy on the product you use to cleanse your scalp regularly. The wrong products or too much of the right product might have adverse effects.
WHAT DOES 3X FAUX LOCS MEAN?
Most faux locs packaging labeled 3x will have one size up and one size down included with the original size ordered. This technique is used to create a more realistic and uniform hairstyle.
CAN YOU KEEP FAUX LOCS IN FOREVER?
No. Unless you want to have locs filled with hair, not of your own. Faux locs can last a very long time. With lots of hair, some stylists have reported clients having Faux locs in up to 8 months. It really comes down to how your natural hair grows and how well you take care of your braid hairstyles.
CAN I USE MOUSSE IN FAUX LOCS?
No, mousse shouldn’t be used on hair extensions. Mousse cant help with the build-up of dirt and dust. Mousse contains Alcohol that can dry out natural hair. It also will dry out your faux locs extensions. This can cause breakage and frizz, especially when using nu locs.
HOW MANY FAUX LOC HAIR PACKS WILL I NEED?
8-10 packs with 24 strains per pack
A full head design with faux locs typically requires at least 8-10 packs with 24 strains per pack The amount of faux loc hair needed will vary per style. Fake loc hair thickness is going to determine significantly this as well as the size of your head. Consult a trained hairstylist before buying faux loc hair.
HOW MANY INDIVIDUAL LOCS ARE IN A PACK?
Faux locs come in individual strands; Typically, these strands are bundled into groups of 18-24 strands to create a pack. A stylist will recommend faux locs hair pack quantities or strand counts before starting the complete hair design.
ARE FAUX LOCS SAFE FOR KIDS?
Faux locs hairs shouldn’t cause any damage if properly installed with a licensed hair specialist who understands the complexity of a growings kids skin complections and hair.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CITIES TO GET CROCHET FAUX LOCS INSTALLED?
So, here are the 6 most popular cities in the United States where you are bound to find faux locs for sale and readily available Locticians to install them for you:
- Atlanta, GA
- New York City, NY
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
WHAT ARE INSTANT LOCS?
Instant locs are another term for faux locs or Crochet braids. They are called instant because of how quickly the locs can be made on an already prepped base head. All that must be done to complete an instant loc is loop and tie.
DO SYNTHETIC FAUX LOCS SOFTEN OVER TIME?
Depending on the quality of synthetic braiding hair that was used, most synthetic dreads will loosen up and straighten out slowly. This loss of style will stark to look frizzy, and the hair will appear softer to the touch.
IS KANEKALON HAIR GOOD FOR FAUX LOCS?
Yes, kanekalon hair strands are often used in the most high-quality loc designs, including boho locs and goddess locs.
HOW LONG DO FAUX LOCS LAST?
Four to six weeks; depending on your hair care routine. A big factor is if you protect your faux locs at night. Re twisting has to be a regular habit, and loc maintenance needs to happen weekly.
Dreadlocks are meant to be permanent. Faux locs are meant to style your hair while achieving a nonpermanent loc look. Dread locs are just natural hair. Faux locs are not only your own hair but also added human hair and synthetic hair.
WHAT KIND OF BRAIDING HAIR IS USED FOR FAUX LOCS?
Synthetic hair or Human hair
The famous Faux locs look is created by using human or lightweight synthetic hair and yarn. The best hair for individual crochet faux locs is definitely synthetic hair, such as Marley or Kanekalon hair. When you choose which hair to use, keep in mind that it will also affect the braid texture you will get. many black women with long hair prefer the red faux locs because of the high-quality color and texture.
IS AMAZON A GOOD PLACE TO BUY SYNTHETIC FAUX LOCS?
We do not recommend cold shopping on amazon. If you know a specific brand that is on amazon, then, by all means, go to checkout. We don’t recommend shopping around on amazon as it is hard to find correctly labeled products.
WILL CROCHET FAUX LOCS DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?
Is your updo long and chunky? Added tension and weight on the roots of your scalp will cause breakage. This is especially through with dry and dehydrated hair strands.
Some studies even show too much tension can even cause your hairline to recede. If this is a new style for you, we recommend going to a Loctician for proper installation.
Faux loc styles are beautiful and considered protective styles. With that said, you still need to prepare for a jumbo locs style. You cant add 24 inches of river locs onto kinky brittle hair.
CONCLUSION
Having a hairstyle that you are comfortable carrying around as well as a style that accentuates your facial features should be as fundamental as eating breakfast in the morning.
Good hair days equal great days with that extra little boost of confidence every woman and man needs to feel amazing all day long.
Life is short. You might as well live it with really great hair.
We are so glad you got a chance to take an in-depth look at faux locs and all of their wonderful styles, installation methods, maintenance tips, removal routines and so much more.
Please consider extending our helpful education platform with a like, a share, or a comment below letting us know how we’re doing or perhaps, even a suggestion on what we’ve missed so we can add it to our next article update.
Thanks for reading!
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