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  1. #1
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    Default Is it better to start with short hair?

    I've been browsing these forums and taking in all the info I can find. One thing that stood out to me was that it seems everybody starts their locs on short hair. Is there a reason for this? My hair is bra strap length, should I cut it?

    I'm starting my journey in January!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    I started my first set of locs with 10 inches and my second set with 14 inches. With long hair, you will deal with shrinkage, but there's no reason you can NOT go ahead with your long hair if you prefer. What kind of loc installation you choose will matter. I highly suggest long hair starts to install with braids, latched/Sisterlocs (will reduced movement the most), then 2 strand twists. Coils and freeform locs would be the most difficult because of unraveling.

    The biggest difference I have observed is that those with short hair have a higher chance of growing uniform locks. With long hair, there is a higher rate of shrinkage and movement that leads to bunching and other variations in locs. From my experience, it's easiest to 'control' that movement with braids and long hair - once again, that's what works best for my lifestyle and professional life. I choose to maintain via latching, once again due to control.

    The greatest question(s) to ask yourself are:

    1) What loc install will complement your lifestyle and texture the best
    3) What loc install will complement your maintenance and aesthetic preference(s)
    Last edited by KnottyAuthor; 12-13-2016 at 10:42 PM.

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  4. #3
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    Thank you for your thorough answer.

    I'm not looking for very uniform locs and I don't mind shrinking at all. If there's no reason to cut my hair I won't. I want to maintain by retwisting and I want to semi freeform. I was going to go for tst, but maybe I'll go with braiding now. I have to think a bit about it, I'm not a very good braider.

    Good to know there's no reason not to start with what I already have.

  5. #4
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    I didn't start with short hair. I wish I had a pic of the twists I started with. Wait! My month 2 locs is one of my profile pics. You can see them if you click on my name. Good luck on your journey in January!
    My Travel Blog | October 2007 Napptural of the Month (still looking for the link)

    "The reward for conformity was that everyone liked you except yourself."
    ~Rita Mae Brown, Venus Envy

  6. #5
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    I started 3 times with short hair and I don't regret it. I maintain with washing every 2 to 3 weeks and palm rolling and my locs are in the middle of my back. I do agree with everyone else..it depends on what complements you and your lifestyle.

  7. #6
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    I cut my hair before I started my locs just because I wanted full and uniform locs. I noticed that girls usually start their locs with longer hair while guys usually start from scratch. And guys (younger ones, at least) always have full thick locs. So I bit the bullet and cut it. I would say that I cut it to about a year's worth of length, but my ends were nice and blunt. And now a year later I have what I wanted--full, thick locs. I don't regret it.
    Last edited by lilybean; 02-27-2017 at 04:52 AM.
    Loc'd since 12-12-2015

  8. #7
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    Default Re: Is it better to start with short hair?

    I thought it would be nice to let you know what I decided to do with my hair. I didn't cut my hair and I'm freeforming. The shrinkage is mind-blowing, and the fullness is amazing. I'm so in love with my hair!

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