Soft locs just like other faux locs variants like butterfly locs offer the feel and look of dreadlocks sans the permanence. Depending on your chosen installation method, soft locs can be tricky to take down.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at 3 easy soft locs take down methods that won’t cut your hair.
As we mentioned earlier, the soft locs take down method you should use is heavily dependent on which installation method you or your stylist used.
We would recommend going back to your stylist for a takedown or enlisting the help of a very patient friend if you diy’d your soft locs.
Easy soft locs take down method 1
If your soft locs were installed using the knot method where the loc is crocheted into the base of the plait, this method is for you.
Start by holding the loc at the base and twist it in the opposite direction you wrapped the spring twist hair in.
After twisting it for a bit, you should start to see both the natural hair braid that you did and the wrapping hair unravel.
Pull the braid out and cut the wrapping hair.
At this point you should be left with your braid and the crocheted loc.
Hold both the loc and the braid and pull out your braid from the loc.
For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.
Here’s another alternative but slightly similar method.
Easy knotless soft locs take down method 2
If your locs were installed using the knotless method. This take down method is for you.
Hold the loc at the base and start untwisting it in the opposite direction you wrapped the hair in.
After untwisting it for a bit, you should start to see the loop where you crocheted the wrapping hair.
Cut the wrapping hair at the loop. This will make it easier for you to unwrap/unwravel the loc.
Repeat the same method for the other side.
After you see where the natural hair ends, cut the rest of the loc, undo the braid to take out the rest of the loc.
For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.
Easy knotless soft locs take down method 3
Just like in the other methods, start by untwisting the hair in the opposite direction.
If you wrapped your hair in a right hand motion, you’ll untwist to unwrap it in a left hand motion.
After you untwist the hair, you should see the wrapping hair you used.
This hair will be and is a different texture compared to your actual hair so it shouldn’t be hard to tell.
Your natural hair should ideally also be in a braid.
Cut the wrapping hair and keep unwrapping the loc.
Pull out your hair from the loc and cut the loc.
Keep untwisting what’s left of the loc and slide it off to remove it.
For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.
Soft locs take down do’s and don’ts
1) Do not cut the locs before you untwist the wrapping hair.
2) Untwist the hair starting at the base.
3) Differentiate between your hair and the wrapping hair before cutting it.
4) Don’t take your locs out when you’re in a hurry.
5) Have the same person that installed the locs take them out.
6) Use the take down method that’s similar to your installation method.
Soft locs take down after care
Use water in a spray bottle or leave in conditioner to loosen the gel build up at the roots.
Use your finger to further loosen it up and start detangling the hair from the bottom to get rid of any dead hair.
Wash, deep condition and style your hair as desired.