To interlock or not that is the question. Many of you have inquired about interlocking your locs. Today I will dispel a couple myths about the technique. It’s interesting topic of conversation. As I have heard some unusual quotes about it. Myths#1 – Interlocking thins your locs, dreads, dreadlocks, dreds, and starter locs. Does interlocking thin out your locs? The answer is NO. When done properly interlocking actually strengthens your loc base. It pulls in all those loose flyaway hairs that don’t have a loc home into place. This technique helps to keep locs the same size. It also eliminates that feared “fro-locs” look. Myth #2 – You can tell a difference when locs have been interlocked. Can you tell a difference? Yes, but it’s a very slight difference in the size of your locs versus palm rolling. Locs will become slightly smaller in size if you interlock on a regular basis. Although, when you alternate between the two you CANNOT tell a difference. Also if you are going to a professional they will know how to do it and it’s mostly undetectable to the untrained eye. Myth #3 – Interlocking causes locs to split No, when a professional does your interlocking it will not cause your locs to split. The only time I have seen locs split from interlocking is when an untrained person does them and does not change direction in which they are interlocking. This is when you get one loc to become two separate locs, which at this point it is not considered interlocking. That method is called loc splitting. You may notice a small split once freshly done but that will grow out and you won't notice that at all, especially when you get new growth. Myth #4 – Interlocking hurts No, trained professionals will not interlock extremely tight to cause pain or traction alopecia. Professional will have an array of tools to do this process, all of which are determined by the size of the locs and the amount of new growth. It should not be an unbearable pain or to the point where you are in need of pain pills to help give you relief. If you are going to someone who is causing you extreme pain, fire him or her immediately. As too tight interlocking will cause traction alopecia which causes your hair follicles to become strained and begin to shed hair then eventually closing of hair follicles creating bald patches. Cons of Interlocking When not done by a skilled professional it can cause loc splitting, thinning, traction alopecia and pain. It is very important that you research your stylist before requesting this service from them. This technique is a delicate one and should be done by ONLY A HIGHLY SKILLED & TRAINED PROFESSIONAL. Use extreme caution when getting pricing on this service, as lower cost usually equals less care is taken to maintain the integrity of your hair. Ask many questions and request referrals. Pros of Interlocking It helps to pull in loose new hairs to keep base of loc strong and same size. It also helps to prevent that “fro-loc” look after sweating, swimming, getting rained on or after shampooing your locs, dreads, dreds, dreadlocks, and starter locs. Its great for those that work out a lot, sweat a lot or for those that swims often. You can shampoo your locs with out having to retwist them. Interlocking is a great alternative to palm rolling because in can last as little as 6 weeks and up to as long as 3 months depending on how fast your hair grows. Interlocking doesn’t have to be scary or painful. Just ensure you are hiring the best professional for the job, as this process is just as delicate as color application. Remember its really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy If you still have questions or concerns...Leave a comment below and we will respond. Thank you so much for reading this blog.