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If you're considering starting locs or if you already have locs but struggle with comparison and loc envy keep reading. The biggest factors that will play a role in how your crown turns out is texture and density! Once you understand this you can see how unique your crown will be, and hopefully not fall into the comparison of " I wish my Locs were...." As a loctician I pride myself on being able to not only deliver what my clients expect but exceed their expectations! Of course, this comes with some education and coaching on my part, and these are always the two things that I have to point out.
Texture is where strands create the shape, like curves, spirals, zigzags, or waves. Hair is kinky, coily, curly, or wavy. In the natural community numbers and letters are used to describe your texture and pattern. 1 being straight, while 4c is the kinky coily cousin. Knowing your hair's means you can treat it correctly by using the right products and maintenance technique.
Density is the number of strands on your head. It determines how thick or thin your locs will be. To determine your density simply look you at your hair in its natural state and determine if you can see your scalp. Low-density means the width of your hair strands are lower than the average amount of individual strands on your head. While high density gives the opposite. This is important to know because if you have a soft texture and low density your locs will be small and show a lot of scalp. There is no fix to this- you can not wrap something heavier around your strands in hopes of creating a fuller/ thicker look. What will eventually happen is premature breakage as your hair grows out which can also affect the follicle over time. There are tricks of the trade to create a fuller look with low-density hair by adding curls to create volume, or shaping the locs with layers to create some movement. Extensions can enhance but still have to match the density of what your hair can support. Your natural free hair is the canvas for your crown. Love, Peace & Locs, Elli Marie