Locked love

Njoki rocking different locked hairstyles. [Courtesy] Artificial locks have become an integral part of the ever-evolving landscape of beauty and personal style. They offer a diverse array of options, ranging from textures mimicking natural hair to vibrant colors and lengths that cater to a spectrum of preferences and identities. For Njoki, a lock fanatic, having artificial locks has been one of the best decisions she's made for her hair and self-expression. "Getting locks was such a freeing experience for me. I can constantly switch up my look with different colors, lengths and styles without damaging my natural hair. It's allowed me to truly embrace my creativity," she says These transformative adornments have moved from being mere accessories to become powerful tools for individuals seeking to redefine their appearance, express creativity, and overcome limitations posed by natural hair. "My locks have given me so much confidence to just be myself without worrying about societal expectations of hair," she says . Artificial locks serve as a convenient means of transitioning through various stages of hair growth, providing a protective style that promotes the retention of moisture and minimizes breakage. This is, especially beneficial for individuals undergoing hair restoration, dealing with hair loss issues or those who simply don't prefer wearing their hair in an open, natural style. Proper care and maintenance are vital to ensure the longevity and quality of these extensions. They come in various forms, such as crochet extensions and more recently, high-quality synthetic hair fibers. "The crochet method is very popular though, especially for first-timers. It's a faster install process with less tension on the natural hair. But I also do a lot of traditional latch hook installations, which allow for more intricate parting and styling. Proper installation is key to making them look natural," she says Each type caters to different needs, offering diverse textures, lengths, and styles to suit any desired look. While human hair extensions are prized for their natural appearance and durability, synthetic hair provides affordability and an extensive range of colors and styles not easily attainable with real hair. To keep her locks looking fresh, Njoki follows some crucial haircare tips. "Artificial locks are supposed to be treated with care, minimizing tugging or pulling, especially when brushing or detangling. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid unnecessary strain," Njoki says. She also stresses the importance of protecting the locks at night, like wearing a wig cap or stocking cap while sleeping to prevent excess friction and tangling. And being gentle when detangling and also advising working in sections from ends to roots. Using mild shampoos and conditioners designed for artificial hair. Avoiding hot water, as it can damage synthetic fibers. Gently wash and rinse the locks, ensuring no product residue remains. Air-drying is the safest method for artificial locks. Patting them gently with a towel to remove excess water and let them dry naturally. Avoiding using heat styling tools as they can cause irreparable damage "Overusing product buildups can really make them look dull and stringy overtime. I've also seen lots of people ruin their locks by sleeping without protecting them properly. Heat damage from over-styling is another issue. You want to air dry as much as possible to avoid melting or singing. And be very careful when swimming to prevent excess chlorine exposure," she says. Njoki advises not using hair products containing alcohol, as they can dry out the extensions. Also, limit exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and excessive sunlight to preserve the colour and texture.

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