Butterfly locs are beautiful and trendy protective hairstyle for natural hair. They get their name from the butterfly-like appearance created when the twisted hair flares out at the ends. These locs allow you to have flowing, goddess-like locks without the commitment of installing conventional locs.
What Are Butterfly Locs?
Butterfly locs, also called flutter locs, are achieved by twisting the natural hair into rope-like strands and threading the ends with marley hair. This gives the hair a lightly textured, wavy look. The “butterfly” effect comes from the way the extensions flare out at the ends, resembling butterfly wings.
This loc style provides an excellent protective style for natural hair. Unlike regular locs, these beautiful locs are achieved without any long-term twisting or tight braiding of the natural hair.
Benefits of Butterfly Locs
Installing butterfly locs offers many advantages:
- Low Maintenance: These gorgeous locs allow you to take a break from detangling, washing and styling your natural hair. The extensions can be left in for up to 8 weeks.
- Protects Hair: Keeping the natural hair tucked away in twists underneath the extensions prevents breakage and shedding.
- Length and Fullness: Extensions instantly give you long, full locs.
- Versatility: This type of locs can be worn in many styles like half-up, ponytail, etc. The ends can be looped or left straight.
- Different Lengths: They are available in various lengths like long butterfly locs and short butterfly locs.
- Multiple Color Options: Different color variants like blonde butterfly locs are also available.
- Less Commitment: Unlike regular locs which take years to grow out, this loc style can be easily removed after 8 weeks.
How To Get Butterfly Locs
Installing butterfly locs is a simple process:
- Washing: Wash and thoroughly detangle the natural hair. Ensure there are no knots or tangles.
- Blowdry Hair: It should be stretched out straight to make twisting easier.
- Parting: Part the hair into square sections. The parts don’t have to be perfect since they’ll be covered by the extensions.
- Twisting: Twist each section into rope-like two strand twists from root to tip. Secure with beads if desired.
- Add Extension: Thread marley hair onto the ends of each twisted section. Take care to match the extension texture and color to your natural hair.
- Styling: Style your locs as desired. You can leave the ends loose, loop them, add beads etc.
Maintenance Tips
- To help the style last 4-8 weeks:
- Gently pat dry after washing, avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Sleep with a silk bonnet to prevent friction.
- Avoid too much tension on the roots when styling.
- Wash every 1-2 weeks with gentle shampoo. Massage scalp and rinse thoroughly.
- Re-twist the extensions, not the natural hair, when they start to loosen.
- Moisturize hair and scalp under the extensions regularly.
- Take care not to catch shed hair in the twist when removing. Detangle gently.
How To Remove Butterfly Locs
Removing butterfly locs is easy and should not damage the natural hair:
- Soften the extensions by spraying with water mixed with conditioner
- Unravel each twist gently, starting from the ends
- Remove shed hair caught in the twists with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
- Wash, deep condition and style hair as desired
Conclusion
With their stylish, carefree look and low maintenance nature, butterfly locs are the perfect summer protective style. When installed and cared for properly, this type of locs allow you to grow your natural hair out with minimal maintenance. Just remember to moisturize the hair underneath and avoid too much tension on the roots. In a few weeks you can unravel the extensions and enjoy beautifully conditioned natural hair.
