Clean Slate: Why Your Locs Need to Start Product-Free

Listen, before you jump into your loc journey, let's talk about something major that a lot of folks skip over - getting your hair completely clean. And I mean squeaky clean.

Think of it like painting a wall. You wouldn't slather new paint over old, peeling wallpaper, right? Same goes for your locs. Starting YOUR LOCS with buildup in your hair is like building a house on shaky ground – there will be problem down the line. You need to look at the bigger picture

My Personal Experience

When I started my locs, I thought my hair was "clean enough." Big mistake. Three months in, my locs felt heavy and looked dull. My loctician straight-up told me we needed to start over because there was too much product buildup trapped inside. Talk about a reality check!

Let me tell you why Product Buildup Is Your Enemy

* it prevents proper locking

* it can cause mildew (yes, really!)

* Makes your locs feel heavy and look dull

* it can lead to scalp issues

How to get that True Clean - Here's what actually worked for me:

• Do an apple cider vinegar rinse first (1 part ACV, 3 parts water)

• Use a clarifying shampoo - wash twice

• Really focus on your scalp, not just your hair

• Rinse until the water runs completely clear

The "But What About..." Questions - "But won't clarifying dry out my hair?"

Yes, your hair might feel a bit dry right after, but that's temporary. Once you start your loc journey, you'll be using different products anyway. Trust me, better to start dry than gunky.

"I've been using products for years..."

That's exactly why you need to deep clean! Those layers of product have been building up. Give yourself a fresh start.

Signs Your Hair Is Actually Clean

* Squeaks when you run your fingers through it

* Feels light and airy

* No film or residue when you rub your scalp

* Hair strands feel almost "rough" to touch

The Two-Week Challenge

Here's what worked for me: I stopped using all products two weeks before starting my locs. Just water and clarifying shampoo. Was it fun? Nope. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Pro Tips from My Journey

* Don't rely on just one wash - you might need 2-3 clarifying sessions

* Use warm (not hot) water - it helps remove buildup better

* Be gentle but thorough - your scalp shouldn't hurt

* Plan ahead - don't try to clean and start locs on the same day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using regular shampoo instead of clarifying shampoo

❌ Skipping the scalp cleanup

❌ Adding conditioner after clarifying (save that for your pre-loc life)

❌ Rushing the process

Real Talk

Getting your hair completely clean might seem like overkill, but it's literally the foundation of your loc journey. I've witnessed several people cut their locs just because they didn’t do a thorough wash. Your loctician will only try his/her best.

When You Know You're Ready

Your hair should feel almost "naked" - like it did when you were a kid, before you started using products. That's when you know you've got the perfect canvas for your loc journey.

Remember: You can always add products later (the right ones, at the right time), but you can't easily remove buildup once your locs are formed. Take it from someone who learned the hard way - start clean, stay winning.

Ready to start your journey? Make sure you've got:

✓ Clarifying shampoo

✓ Apple cider vinegar

✓ Patience

✓ Determination to do it right

Your future self (and your locs) will thank you for taking this first step seriously. Trust the process, starting with a truly clean slate.