Hair Locking Stages

STAGE 1: COIL (BABY LOCKS)

THIS IS THE BEGINNING PHASE OF THE LOCKING PROCESS. LOCKS ARE TIGHT, WIRY, AND HAVE A SCALPY BRAID-LIKE APPEARANCE (HAIR BECOMES LESS SCALPY AFTER THE FIRST FEW WASHES). ENDS OF LOCKS ARE LOOSE.

STAGE 2: ENCASEMENT (THICKENING/EXPANSION)

IN THIS SECOND PHASE, LOCKS HAVE STARTED TO SETTLE. THEY APPEAR TO HAVE LOOSENED UP AND HAVE DOUBLED IN SIZE. ENDS ARE MORE COMPACT.

STAGE 3: MATTING (TIGHT LOCKS)

THIS IS THE FINAL STAGE OF THE LOCKING PROCESS. MONTHS OF PROGRESSION LEADS TO TIGHT UNIFORMED LOCKS. ENDS OF LOCKS HAVE SEALED UP AND A SMALL BUD OF HAIR (FEELS LIKE A SMALL PEA) FORM AT ENDS OF LOCKS. THIS IS CALLED BUDDING – DO NOT REMOVE!

SIDE NOTE: UNHEALTHY BUDDING CAN OCCUR.

THESE ARE NOTICEABLE BECAUSE THEY USUALLY HAVE A COUPLE STRANDS OF HAIR HOLDING A SMALL BALL OF HAIR AT THE END. DO NOT PULL OFF! RATHER, SNIP OFF WITH SCISSOR.