In the world of protective hairstyles, a new trend has emerged that is taking social media by storm: Butterfly Locs. This style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers a fun twist on traditional locs, making it a popular choice among those seeking a protective, low-maintenance hairstyle. If you’ve seen this trending look and are curious about it, you’re in the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into what butterfly locs are, how they differ from traditional locs, the installation process, their pros and cons, and more. By the end, you’ll know everything there is to know about this trendy style and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Are Butterfly Locs?
Butterfly locs are a protective hairstyle that mimics the look of distressed or textured faux locs, but with a unique twist. The defining feature of butterfly locs is the small loops or curls that stick out throughout the length of each loc, giving them a “butterfly” effect. This style creates a carefree, boho, and textured appearance, making it different from other styles of locs or braids that tend to have a sleeker finish.
Key Features of Butterfly Locs:
- Protective Style: Just like other protective hairstyles, butterfly locs aim to safeguard your natural hair from environmental damage and stress.
- Temporary: Unlike traditional locs, which involve a permanent locking of the hair, butterfly locs are installed using synthetic hair and can be easily removed after a few weeks.
- Distressed Look: Butterfly locs are designed to look slightly messy and textured, which is a major part of their charm. The messy loops along the locs give them a natural, undone, and carefree look.
How To Install Butterfly Locs?
Installing butterfly locs may seem complicated, but with the right tools and patience, it’s a style you can achieve either at home or with a professional stylist. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install butterfly locs:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Water wave hair (the key material for the signature butterfly effect)
- A crochet hook
- Moisturizing products for your natural hair
- Hair clips or rubber bands to section your hair
Step-by-Step Installation Process:
- Prep Your Hair: Start by washing and moisturizing your natural hair. Butterfly locs are a protective style, so it’s important to ensure your natural hair is hydrated before installation.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into small to medium sections depending on your desired loc size. You can use hair clips or rubber bands to keep each section in place.
- Braid Your Hair: For each section, create individual braids or twists. These braids will serve as the foundation for the butterfly locs.
- Crochet the Water Wave Hair: Take a piece of water wave hair and, using a crochet hook, loop it through the base of each braid. This step will attach the synthetic hair to your natural hair.
- Wrap the Hair: After securing the synthetic hair, begin wrapping it around the braid, ensuring that some of the hair is left loose to create the butterfly effect. You can loop the hair out randomly as you wrap to give the locs their signature textured look.
- Seal the Ends: Once you’ve wrapped the loc to your desired length, seal the end by looping the hair and tying a small knot. Some people may also use hot water to help seal the ends securely.
How Long Do Butterfly Locs Usually Last?
Butterfly locs, like many other protective hairstyles, are designed to last for a few weeks. With proper care, they can typically last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. However, the longevity of the style depends on a few factors:
- Hair Care Routine: Maintaining a regular hair care routine that includes moisturizing your scalp and keeping the locs clean will help extend the life of the style.
- Installation Technique: The tighter the locs are installed, the longer they will last. However, overly tight locs can cause discomfort, so it’s important to strike a balance between secure installation and comfort.
What Kind of Hair is Used for Butterfly Locs?
The hair used for butterfly locs is key to achieving the desired look. The most common hair type for butterfly locs is water wave synthetic hair. Water wave hair has a soft, curly texture that is perfect for creating the loops and curls that give butterfly locs their signature appearance.
Recommended Hair for Butterfly Locs:
- Water Wave Hair: This hair type has a pre-textured, curly appearance that allows it to wrap easily and create the butterfly effect.
- Synthetic Hair: While human hair can be used, synthetic hair is more affordable and is often preferred for this style due to its ability to hold the butterfly effect better.
How Painful Are Butterfly Locs?
One of the most common concerns when trying out a new hairstyle is the potential for pain or discomfort during or after installation. Butterfly locs are generally less painful than other tight protective styles like box braids or traditional faux locs. This is because butterfly locs are designed to be more loose and textured, which means less tension on your scalp.
However, if installed too tightly, they can still cause discomfort. It’s important to communicate with your stylist or, if you’re installing them yourself, to avoid wrapping the hair too tightly at the roots.
Do Butterfly Locs Damage Hair?
As with any protective hairstyle, it’s important to take proper care of your natural hair while it’s under butterfly locs. When installed and maintained correctly, butterfly locs should not damage your hair. In fact, they can help protect your hair from environmental damage and over-styling.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid potential damage:
- Don’t Install Too Tightly: If the locs are installed too tightly, they can cause tension on your scalp, leading to hair breakage or thinning, particularly around the edges.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your natural hair moisturized to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle under the synthetic hair.
Are Butterfly Locs Heavy?
The weight of butterfly locs depends on the amount and type of synthetic hair used during the installation process. Generally, butterfly locs are lighter than traditional faux locs because they use water wave hair, which tends to be lighter in weight compared to other synthetic hair types.
However, the longer and fuller you want your butterfly locs, the heavier they may become. If you have a sensitive scalp or prefer lightweight styles, you can opt for shorter or medium-length locs to reduce the weight.
What Is the Difference Between Butterfly Locs and Normal Locs?
While butterfly locs and traditional locs may seem similar, they have some distinct differences:
| Feature | Butterfly Locs | Normal Locs |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | Temporary (lasts 4-8 weeks) | Permanent (requires long-term commitment) |
| Installation | Uses synthetic water wave hair | Formed by matting or twisting natural hair |
| Appearance | Looser, distressed, and textured | Smooth and tightly coiled |
| Weight | Lighter due to the type of synthetic hair | Can be heavier due to the density of the hair |
| Care | Easier to remove and care for | Requires long-term maintenance |
What Are the Disadvantages of Butterfly Locs?
While butterfly locs offer a trendy and stylish look, they do have a few disadvantages to consider:
- Frizz and Maintenance: Because butterfly locs are designed to look messy and textured, they can become frizzy more quickly than other styles. Regular maintenance, such as wrapping your hair at night or applying mousse, may be necessary to keep them looking fresh.
- Limited Longevity: Butterfly locs are not a long-term style. If you’re looking for something more permanent, traditional locs or faux locs may be a better option.
- Tension on the Scalp: If not installed properly, butterfly locs can cause tension on the scalp, particularly around the edges, leading to potential hair loss or thinning.
Can I Wash My Butterfly Locs?
Yes, you can wash your butterfly locs, but you should be cautious. Because this style uses synthetic hair, it’s important to avoid saturating the locs with water too frequently, as this can cause the locs to become heavy and frizzy. Here’s a safe way to clean your scalp while wearing butterfly locs:
- Focus on the Scalp: Use a diluted shampoo to cleanse your scalp. You can apply the shampoo directly to the roots of your hair, then gently massage your scalp with your fingertips.
- Use a Dry Shampoo: To avoid getting the locs wet, dry shampoo can be a helpful alternative to absorb excess oil and keep your scalp feeling fresh.
- Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: To keep your natural hair moisturized, you can spritz a leave-in conditioner directly onto the scalp.
Conclusion
Butterfly locs are a stylish and protective hairstyle that adds a unique twist to traditional locs and faux locs. With their carefree, boho vibe and versatility, they’ve become a popular choice for anyone looking to switch up their look while protecting their natural hair.
Whether you’re considering butterfly locs for a vacation, special event, or just for fun, the style offers many benefits. However, as with any protective hairstyle, it’s important to take care of your natural hair underneath and ensure the locs are installed properly to avoid tension or damage.
Now that you have all the information about butterfly locs, you can confidently decide if this trendy style is right for you!
