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The Glossary

Discover the language of locks and textured hair and explore the Lox & Tex Glossary, your go-to guide for understanding terms, techniques and care so you can confidently care for your hair at every stage of your journey.

Budding Stage

The early phase of your loc journey when hair starts to mesh, swell and form knots. Frizz is normal, it’s your hair learning to bud and lock.

Clarifying Shampoo

A deep-cleansing shampoo designed to remove build-up, oil and residue from products or hard water.

Comb Coils

A traditional method for starting locks using a small comb to twist sections of hair. Best for tightly coiled or short natural hair.

Build-Up

Residue from heavy products, oils or conditioners that collect inside locks. Regular washing with lightweight, residue-free products keeps your locks clean and fresh.

Consultation

A session to assess your hair type, density, lifestyle and goals before starting or maintaining locks. Consultations help determine the best method, grid size and maintenance plan tailored to your needs.

Conditioning

Light hydration keeps locks soft and elastic. Avoid thick creams, choose lightweight leave-ins or oils that don’t cause build-up.

Detox

A clarifying wash (often using apple cider vinegar or soaks) to remove build-up and restore freshness to mature locks.

Grid

The parting pattern created during installation that shapes your locks. A clean and precise grid supports neat growth and flexible styling.

Glycerin

A humectant (moisture attractor) found in some hair products that draws water from the air into your locks. Great for hydration, but best used in moderation to avoid stickiness or build-up.

Hydration

Moisture is key to healthy locks. Use lightweight, water-based mists or rosewater sprays to nourish your scalp and keep locks supple.

Frizz

Soft, fuzzy strands around locks which completely normal during early growth. Frizz shows that your hair is expanding and locking naturally.

Grid Size

The parting size used to section your hair during installation. Smaller grids create finer locks, while larger grids offer thicker, fuller ones.

Hair Density

Refers to the number of hair strands per square inch on your scalp. Higher density means more locks and fuller results, while lower density may require smaller sections for balance and even coverage.

Interlocking

A maintenance technique where each locks' end is pulled through its root to secure and tighten new growth.

Lightweight Oils

Oils like rosemary, jojoba, argan or batana that hydrate the scalp and add shine without clogging locks. Ideal for sealing in moisture and preventing dryness without build-up.

Loc Repair

Fixing weak or thinning areas by reinforcing the strand, reconnecting broken ends, or combining locs for strength.

Instant Locks

A method that forms fully locked strands instantly using a crochet needle to achieve mature-looking locks from day one.

Loc Count

The total number of locks on your head.

Maintenance

Regular upkeep that includes reties, retwists, washing and hydration to keep locks healthy and uniform.

Microlocks

Small, uniform locks created using interlocking, twists or braiding.

Mature Stage

The phase where your locks are fully formed, strong and defined. At this stage, your hair has settled into its permanent shape and texture.

Palm Rolling

A maintenance method where the loc is rolled between the palms to smooth and shape it after retwisting.

Retie

The process of tightening new growth in interlocked or microlocked hair to maintain the grid and prevent tangling. Recommended every 4–6 weeks.

Rose Water

A natural hydrator made from rose petals that soothes the scalp and softens locks. Its lightweight formula refreshes hair between washes and leaves a subtle, calming fragrance.

Sisterlocks

A trademarked loc method known for its very small, uniform size and intricate grid pattern. Installed using a precise interlocking technique, Sisterlocks allow for maximum styling versatility and easy maintenance once established.

Spray Bottle

An essential tool for daily hydration. Perfect for misting your locks with water or rosewater. Helps maintain softness, reduce dryness and refresh your hair between washes.

Retwist

Twisting new growth at the base of traditional locks to maintain neatness and structure. Usually done with lightweight gel or aloe-based products.

Shrinkage

When locks appear shorter after washing or tightening due to coiling and tightening of strands, which is completely normal.

Slippage

When a loc loosens or unravels from the base. Regular reties and gentle handling help prevent it.

Starter Locs

These are the initial sections of hair formed using methods like comb coils, two-strand twists or interlocking. This stage sets your loc pattern and determines how your hair will mature over time.

Traditional Locs

A classic loc style created through methods like comb coils, palm rolling or two-strand twists. Traditional locks are usually medium to large in size.

Two-Strand Twist

A starter, installation or styling method using two strands of hair twisted together. It forms into locks over time.

Texture

The natural pattern of your hair, from loose curls to tight coils, that usually influences your installation method, size and look.

Wash Routine

Regular washing keeps locks healthy, but frequency depends on your stage. Use clarifying shampoos early on, then add moisturising cleansers as your locks mature.

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