08/26/2026
How to Do Faux Locs — Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare your natural hair
Wash and condition your hair. Detangle it thoroughly, then apply a leave-in conditioner and a light moisturizer or oil. Let your hair dry completely.
Step 2: Create your sections
Use a rat-tail comb to divide your hair into small, even sections. The size of each section determines how thick your locs will be.
Small sections → thinner locs
Medium sections → traditional-looking locs
Large sections → chunky locs
Step 3: Braid each section
Take one section and divide it into three strands. Braid it down from the roots to the ends. Keep the braid firm but not painfully tight.
Repeat over your entire head.
Step 4: Attach the extension hair
Take a piece of extension hair and fold it in half. Place the folded portion around the base of your braid.
You can either:
Crochet the extension hair through the braid, or
Start wrapping it directly around the braid.
Step 5: Wrap the hair
Hold the braid and extension hair together. Begin wrapping the extension hair around the braid from the root downward.
Overlap each wrap slightly so that your natural braid isn't visible.
Tip: Keep consistent tension while wrapping. Too loose and the loc can unravel; too tight can put unnecessary tension on your scalp.
Step 6: Continue to the ends
Keep wrapping until you reach the end of your braid. Tuck the end underneath the surrounding hair.
For extra security, you can use a crochet needle to pull loose fibers into the loc.
Step 7: Seal the loc
Depending on the type of hair you're using, you can seal the end by:
Wrapping it tightly and tucking it in
Using a crochet needle
Carefully dipping synthetic hair ends in hot water only if the hair manufacturer says it is heat-safe
Be careful with hot water around your skin and scalp.
Step 8: Repeat
Continue the same process section by section until your entire head is covered.
Step 9: Finish the style
Clean up any loose pieces with scissors. Apply a small amount of edge control around your hairline and lightly moisturize your scalp.
You can leave the locs down, put them into a ponytail, create a bun, or style them into half-up/half-down looks.
Step 10: Maintain your faux locs
At night, cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf/bonnet. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized without saturating the locs.
