Today I had the honor of working with a beautiful client who decided to end one chapter and begin another. After four to five years of wearing her locs, she made the emotional and empowering decision to cut them off and return to wearing her hair in its loose, natural state.
She came to me a year after she had stopped re-twisting her roots—an intentional decision that allowed her hair to grow in and soften around the new growth. This is an important step for anyone thinking of combing out or cutting off their locs. That new growth gives us something to work with—a foundation of healthy, unmanipulated hair that hasn’t been twisted or locked for months.
When she sat in my chair, she wasn’t sure what to expect. That’s normal. Cutting locs can be one of the most emotional and uncertain parts of a hair journey. Locs represent patience, pride, and identity. Letting go of them can feel like shedding part of yourself—but it can also be a release into rediscovery. My goal as a stylist is not only to execute the cut but to walk each client through that transition with care, knowledge, and support.
The Big Cut: What Happens When Locs Come Off
Once we sectioned her hair and began cutting the locs out, we noticed a pattern I see often: the hair underneath was uneven. Some parts were long and untouched. Other sections were thinner, shorter, or had more breakage from years of weight and stress. This isn’t a sign of damage—it’s a normal result of how locs grow and age. The important thing now was to get her back to a balanced canvas.
I started by shaping her hair. With curly and transitioning textures, I don’t believe in aggressive cutting. Instead, I blow-dried her hair to gently stretch it, then used a light heat pass to press it enough for me to see the true length and shape. This gives me better control in trimming and creating a more even silhouette. I never straighten fully—just enough to guide the shape.
Once the trimming was complete, I rinsed her hair, applied product, and styled it to bring the curls back to life. You could see the difference immediately—not just in texture but in how her scalp, hair, and energy responded to the release.
Curly Hair After Locs: It’s a Whole New Journey
Hair that has been locked for years goes through a transformation. It’s used to a routine that focuses on minimal manipulation, low maintenance, and protective structure. Once it’s cut loose, it’s exposed to air, friction, water, and styling for the first time in years—and it behaves differently.
The most important thing I tell every client is this: your hair needs time to recover. It’s like a muscle that hasn’t been stretched in a while—it has to be retrained. The hair may feel uneven, dry, or hard to manage at first. But don’t panic. It’s normal.
That’s where products and routine come in.
The Transition Routine: Products That Help Hair Relearn Itself
Once locs are removed, you’re not just learning your hair again—your hair is learning how to respond again. The right products help build that new relationship.
Here’s what I recommended for her and anyone transitioning out of locs:
1.
Synergi Replenish Shampoo & Conditioner
Cleansing is the first step in resetting your hair. The scalp is used to a different balance under locs, and now it needs regular but gentle washing. I recommend shampooing every few days. Our Replenish line cleans without stripping and helps restore softness and moisture to hair that hasn’t been regularly exposed to water or deep hydration.
2.
Synergi Glaze
The Glaze gives light hold and high shine without stiffness. It’s perfect for styles like wash-and-gos, twist-outs, or even just smoothing hair into a puff. It helps reduce frizz and gives curls a more defined shape while keeping them touchable.
3.
Synergi Mousse
This is great for learning how your curls respond. It helps activate texture, define curl patterns, and set styles without crunch or buildup. A little goes a long way and works beautifully on hair that’s adjusting to regular styling again.
Emotional Support: What Clients Feel When They Cut Their Locs
Let’s talk about the emotional side. Cutting locs is often a very personal, spiritual moment. Some clients cry. Some smile with relief. Others feel unsure at first. That’s all valid.
Locs are more than a hairstyle. They are a timeline of experiences—good and bad, joyful and painful. They mark milestones, reflect beliefs, and often protect us emotionally and physically.
When someone lets them go, it’s often about more than hair. It’s a symbol of change, growth, and forward movement. As a stylist, I hold space for that.
I always remind clients: You are not starting over. You are moving forward. You’ve done the work, and now it’s time for your hair to meet the new version of you.
What to Expect Over the Next Year
After the cut, she’ll notice a few things:
- Some areas will grow faster than others. That’s normal.
- The curl pattern may look inconsistent at first—heat, weight, or tension from the locs can affect it temporarily.
- Her hair will likely feel softer, lighter, and more responsive with each wash and product application.
- Styles may take trial and error until she finds her groove.
With consistency, moisture, and the right care, her hair will regain its rhythm. I expect it to take about a year for the shorter or uneven areas to catch up, but during that time, her hair will be healthier, more balanced, and easier to manage.
Final Thoughts: Honor the Process
This transformation isn’t just a haircut. It’s a hair restart.
Whether you’re removing locs, transitioning from heat damage, or just choosing to show up for your hair in a new way, it’s all part of a journey back to yourself. Trust it. Take your time. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Your hair has memory, personality, and power—and when you show it care, it always shows you love back.