If you’re starting locs, you may worry about what to do for your loc parts and loc grid patterns. What do you do if you feel you selected the “wrong” method? First, take a deep breath, and read on to see how loc parts and loc grids impact your journey. Before we start, I will quickly define loc parts as the larger separations of your locs (think parts for bangs and down the middle of your head). Loc grids I define as the repeating sections of how each individual loc is shaped.
How to Select a Parting Method
The most important part of selecting a parting method is thinking on how you like to style your hair and loc styles you think you may want to try. Even if you have your preferred loc grid pattern, you may still be unhappy with your locs if you don’t keep this in mind. There are 3 major parts to consider:
- Middle Parts (think pigtail parts)
- Ear to ear Parts (think parts for ½ up styles)
- Side Parts (think parts for bangs)
Some questions to ask yourself to help determine where to do these parts include:
- Where do you naturally like to part your hair? (eg., side or middle part).
- Where do you part your hair when you do your favorite styles? (eg., down the middle, ¼ parts? )
It’s a safe bet to just add the above 3 major types of parts regardless of how you style your hair now. However, if you really don’t do these parts, and have already locd your hair, don’t worry about redoing your locs.
***Top Natural Loc Color Ideas To Consider When Dyeing Locs***
Loc Grid patterns
Selecting the actual grid pattern mostly comes down to aesthetics and won’t impact styling or your locs journey health.
One important thing to remember, is that with any grid method, you should still expect some differences in the sizes. This is because your hair density differs, and your scalp is of course not a perfect grid or circular shape. It is more important to have locs sized correctly for your hair density than attempting to maintain an equal grid size. Overall, no one has 100% evenly sized locs. Having locs within a range of sizes is more than okay, and can be healthy for your scalp.
Alright, let’s get started into the different grid patterns.
Box Parts for Locs
Box parts can go by many names and slight variations. Square, rectangle, diamond, etc. Box parts are great for when you like to do different styles. This is the most typical parting method and easiest to achieve.
Triangle
Triangle grid patterns often are formed one of two ways. The first is with a grid and alternate like a sideways Z. The second way is actually the box method with a cross in between. The triangle method in general forms a pleasing pattern to the eye.
None / Natural
You can also end up with no clear pattern. This is common with self-started journeys and (semi)freeform locs. This is an easy way to start your locs. Just be cautious that you select consistent sizes throughout.
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In general, there is not much to agonize over when selecting loc parts and loc grid lines. Most times, neither are visible unless you’ve had a fresh retwist. If you interlock it’s less likely your grid lines will ever show given it’s not a tight retwisting method. Overall, pick whichever is most pleasing to you and ensure you have the parts in your hair with how you like to style your locs.