Loc'd 4 Leisure

A new season means a new hairstyle.

And for me, fall is the perfect time to bring out the curls.

Curls adds so much character to your locs and there are so many ways to achieve them.

From loc knots to pipe cleaners, you are bound to find a curl method that fits you best to help you feel your best.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to talk all about the 7 ways to curl your locs for this fall season.

After reading this post you’ll understand which methods will achieve certain curl patterns, how to do these curl methods, and more.

This post is all about how to curl locs!

Table of Contents

Loc Knot Curls

Loc knot curls are a curl method that involves wrapping the loc around itself, resulting in a spiral curl once unraveled.

This curl method typically results in tighter curls but it depends on a few factors.

• Size Of The Knot: The smaller the knot, the tighter the curl; the larger the knot, the looser the curl.
• How Tight You Twist the Locs: Tightly wrapping the locs around the loc itself will result in tighter curls.
• Drying Time: The longer you leave the knots in, the better. For a more defined curl, sleeping with them overnight helps too.

How To Do Loc Knot Curls

1. Start With Clean Damp Locs:
   • Starting with damp hair will help with curl formation. If hair is dry, lightly mist with your favorite hydration product.
2. Section Hair:
   • Depending on how tight or loose you want your curls, section your hair into small, medium, or large parts.
3. Wrap Loc Around Itself:
   • Take the loc, split in half upwards towards roots (tip to root), and wrap loc until the end.
4. Secure Knots:
   • Take a small rubber band and secure it with no loose ends out.

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Braid Out

Braids out curls are pretty self explanatory. You braid and unbraid your locs to unveil beautiful braided curls.

If you want tighter curls with this method then:

• Braid 3 locs at a time
• Spray each section, before and after
• Leave braids in for days

If you want looser curls then:

• Take big sections
• Don’t dampen hair
• Take down after a few hours

How To Do Braid Out On Locs

1. Section off locs:
   • Take big or small sections depending on curl goals.
2. Dampen hair:
   • Spray each section before braiding.
3. Braid to Tip:
   • Be sure to braid all the way down for uniformed curls.

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Twist Out

Twist outs curls are similar to braid outs. Normally people get rope or 2 strand twists as a style, then eventually take them down for pretty wavy curls.

Keeping this style in for a few weeks to a month will result in beautiful loc curls.

Most people opt for this style for the curl itself.

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Perm Rods

Perm rod curls are a classic technique in the natural hair community, used to create tight defined curls.

This method is best if you want tight bouncy curls that are uniformed.

How To Do Perm Rods Curls On Locs

1. Start with Clean, Damp Locs:
   • This will aid in curl formation.
2. Apply Product:
   • Using water by itself is fine, but using a curl mousse could help with a more defined curl.
3. Section Your Locs:
   • For even curls, section locs into small to medium sections. The smaller the sections, the tighter the curls will be. If you want looser curls, you can use larger sections.
4. Wrap Locs Around Perm Rods:
   • Begin at the end of the loc and roll it up towards the root, wrapping the loc around the perm rod in a spiral motion. Be sure to wrap it tightly enough so that the curl sets well, but not too tight that it causes tension.
   • Secure the perm rod in place.
5. Drying the Curls:
   • Although air drying is an option, if you have a hooded dryer, this would be best to use to dry your perm rod curls. Make sure your hair is fully dry before removing the rods; damp locs won’t produce a defined curl.
6. Unravel the Perm Rods:
   • Once locs are completely dry, take a small amount of oil and carefully remove perm rods.
   • Be sure not to disturb the curl too much, as you don’t want to frizz the curl pattern.

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Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaner curls are a popular method for creating tight, bouncy curls on locs. This method uses chenille stems, typically found in craft stores like Micheals or Dollar Tree, to curl the hair into a defined, spiral curl pattern.

How To Do Pipe Cleaner Curls On Locs

1. Start with Damp Locs:
   • Your hair should be damp but not soaking wet.
2. Apply Product:
   • As mentioned above, applying a mousse will help with more defined curls.
3. Section Your Locs:
   • Section your hair into small or medium sections depending on the size of the curls you want. Smaller sections will give tighter curls, while larger sections will give looser curls.
4. Prepare the Pipe Cleaners:
   • If your pipe cleaners are long, you may want to cut them in half (6 inches), especially if you have shorter locs. You can also use the full-length pipe cleaners if your locs are longer.
   • Gently bend the pipe cleaner into a “U” shape or a loose “S” shape, so it’s ready to wrap around each loc.
5. Wrap Each Loc Around the Pipe Cleaner:
   • Take a section of loc and begin at the end of the loc.
   • Wrap the pipe cleaner around the loc, working your way upwards towards the root. You can either wrap it in a spiral motion or simply wrap the loc tightly around the pipe cleaner in a zigzag pattern.
   • Make sure the pipe cleaner is wrapped snugly.
   • Once the loc is fully wrapped, twist the ends of the pipe cleaner around the base of the loc to secure it in place. You want to ensure the pipe cleaner is holding the curl firmly, but not too tight to avoid discomfort.
6. Dry Your Locs:
   • As mentioned above, using a hooded dryer would be best for a quicker dryer time and defined curls.
7. Remove Pipe Cleaners:
   • Once locs are fully dry, gently remove each pipe cleaner. Start from the tips of your locs and carefully uncoil the pipe cleaner from each loc. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the curl too much and creating frizz.

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Flexi Rods

Flexi rod curls are a method for creating soft bouncy curls, using flexible foam rods that bend to hold your hair in place while it sets.

How To Do Flexi Rod Curls On Locs

• Flexi rods are bendable and come in different sizes, so choose a size based on the curl you want:
  • Small rods = tighter curls
  • Medium rods = looser curls
  • Large rods = soft, loose waves
• If your locs are longer, you may need longer rods. For shorter locs, smaller or medium rods will work fine.

Wrap Each Loc Around Flexi Rod:

• Take one section of damp locs and place the flexi rod at the end of the loc.
• Begin rolling the loc onto the flexi rod, working your way up towards the root. You can roll the locs in either a spiral direction or a simple wrap—whatever gives you the curl shape you prefer.
• Roll the rod tightly but not too tight—just snug enough to hold the loc in place.
• Once the rod is in place, bend the ends of the flexi rod to secure it. You can either twist the ends of the flexi rod to hold it or simply bend the rod to lock it in place.

Dry Your Locs:

• Because flexi rods aren’t meant to give you the tighest curl, it is okay if you decide to air dry with this curl method. If you’d like to speed up the drying process, a hooded dryer or a blow dryer is a great alternative.

Remove the Flexi Rods:

• Once your locs are fully dry, carefully remove the flexi rods by gently unbending the rods and unwinding each loc. Start at the ends and carefully unravel each loc from the rod.
• Be gentle during this step to avoid frizz or losing the curl pattern.

Bantu Knots

Bantu Knot Curls are a popular method for creating tight, bouncy curls or waves on locs. This curl method is similar to loc knot curls, but in this case, the locs themselves are twisted into individual knots.

How To Do Bantu Knots On Locs

• Take a section of locs and separate it into smaller locs, depending on how tight you want the curls to be.
• Start from the root and twist the loc around itself in a circular motion until you reach the end of your loc. It should form a small knot.
• Secure with a rubberband.
• Dry Your Locs:
  • Either air dry or use a hooded dryer.
• Remove the Bantu Knots:
  • Once locs are completely dry, gently unravel each knot. Start from the ends and carefully untwist the locs. Be cautious when removing the knots to avoid frizz.
  • As you remove each knot, you should see bouncy curls or waves.

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If these curling methods have been helpful, you’ll love my $4 Learn At Your Leisure Digital Loc Handbook — it dives deeper into styling, retwisting, and daily loc care routines so you can keep your locs looking fresh between salon visits.

What’s Inside:

• Daily & Weekly Loc Care Hacks
• Retwisting Made Simple
• Styling Hacks for Busy Days
• Problem-Solving Tips
• Insider Loctician Secrets
• Tools & Products Checklist
• Exclusive Loc Tutorial Library
• Free Printable Art

Become a pro with loc styles at home.

This post was all about how to curl locs!

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Want more loc tutorials?

What’s Included:

• Loc Styling Guide
• Sealant vs Moisture Breakdown
• How Often To Wash & Retwist 
• Best Products To Use

Helping loc newbies navigate their new journey at the tip of their fingers.

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• Im Tired Of My Locs, Now What?
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