Butterfly Locs: What They Are And How To Get This Bohemian Hairstyle

Butterfly locs are gaining more and more popularity these days and no wonder. This protective hairstyle keeps your natural hair safe and sound inside a synthetic loc, thus preventing such hair concerns as drying out, frizziness, split ends, and many others. What is more, compared to other similar styles, it is relatively easy to get. If you want to learn how to create the butterfly loc hairstyle in various ways as well as get some inspiration on the look, our guide is exactly what you need.

How Do You Describe Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs are a protective hairstyle that is popular among women with kinky hair. They are a close relative of distressed locs as well as faux locs. However, unlike the aforementioned styles, butterfly locs hair incorporates curly loops. This feature makes them resemble a butterfly, hence the name. Jungle braids have loops too. But they have a much neater appearance and require a different braiding technique.

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It seems that a butterfly dreadlock hairstyle is a fusion of passion twists and goddess locs, taking the best of both styles. Its slightly messy finish gives your appearance an effortless feel with a touch of boho chic. On top of that, its maintenance is quite easy, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular nowadays.

What Hair Type Works For Butterfly Locs Better?

Butterfly locs hairstyles can be roughly grouped into two categories – those that are the same length as your natural hair and those that are longer. For locs of equal length with your hair, stock up on 22-28 in. water wave hair. You should get from six to eight bundles. As it features curls that bounce easily, you will be able to achieve the desired effect with no fuss.

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Filler hair will allow you to create locs exceeding your natural hair length. Wavy hair, however, will work just fine too. The only condition is that you will need to get several bundles more than for short butterfly locs. Marley hair is another option that you can use for long butterfly locs. It can be easily braided into the strands of your hair.

How To Do Butterfly Locs

Now is the fun part. How to do butterfly locs? Well, like the majority of protective hairstyles, you can achieve butterfly dreads in a number of different ways. They may require different skills, effort and amount of time. Though, no matter what approach you are going to choose, it is a good idea to soak the purchased hair in a hair rinse made of Apple Cider Vinegar. This is especially relevant for synthetic hair. Several hours will be enough for the locks to soak in the solution so that you can avoid irritation afterward. Do not forget to rinse them with warm water. Now use one of the techniques we have described below to create butter fly locs.

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Braiding And Wrapping Technique

The braid and wrap method is one of the most popular ways to achieve butterfly braids. Here is how to use it:

1. Divide your hair into small equal sections and braid it. You can go with box braids for a more elaborate hair look or any other pattern. Also, instead of braiding, the strands can be twisted.
2. Split a water wave hair bundle to achieve fluffiness while retaining the put-together look.
3. Using a crochet hook, weave the water wave hair into your strands. To do this, push the crochet needle under your braid base and thread a strand of water wave hair through the hook halfway or even less.
4. Take the braid into one hand and place the shorter end of the strand into it too. Wrap them around the other end of the water wave strand, adding loops every now and then. You can create the loops with the help of the thumb method. After wrapping the hair at least three times, insert your thumb and wrap the strand around it as well. Keep on the wrapping to fasten the loop and then you can take your thumb out.
5. Finish off by creating a loop at the very end of your loc as well as sealing it by weaving the hair that is left into the base of the loc. Optionally, you can secure it with nail glue.

Crocheting Technique

The crochet braids technique is not as time-consuming as the braid and twist method. So, if you do not have enough patience but still want to get the look, then crochet butterfly locs are your way to go. So, follow these steps:

1. Start with braiding cornrows in your hair.
2. Take a piece of water wave hair, fold it so that there is a loop formed in the middle of the strand.
3. Twist the ends of the strand around each other and create small loops all the way down the loc using the thumb technique and do not forget to seal the ends.
4. Place the middle loop over the crochet hook and close it.
5. Pull the hook under the braid so that the loop and the end of the strand would be on the opposite sides of the braid.
6. Pull the end of the strand through the loop to tie the butterfly loc to the braid on your head.
7. Continue doing so until you crochet all the water wave hair strands into your cornrow braids.

Butterfly Locs For Long Tresses

If you want to try out a longer version of butterfly locs, you are welcome to do so. One of the best things about this style is that you do not need to have particularly long tresses to get the look. Your natural hair length can be extended thanks to the weaved in strands. Besides, it allows you to pull off such a cool hairstyle as a butterfly locs bob. So, here is what you should do:

1. Section out your hair using any parting pattern, from sisterlocks to box braids.
2. Grab a strand of water wave hair and fluff it out.
3. Weave the hair extension into your natural hair using braiding, twisting, wrapping or any other method.
4. Insert the crochet hook into your hair near the base of the braid.
5. Grab another strand of faux loc, fold it in the middle and put the loop that formed over the hook.
6. Pull the hook with the strand through your hair.
7. Wrap the longer end of the hair around the base braid joined with the shorter end and add loops.
8. Secure the ends with an elastic band and nail glue.

How To Maintain And Refresh Butterfly Locs?

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Maintenance is essential for keeping your protective hairstyle in check and ensuring the scalp remains healthy. So, you will need to prep your hair thoroughly for the loc installation. Take care to wash your hair to prevent build up from forming, condition and moisturize it. Also, the style needs to be cleaned periodically and refreshed after two weeks of wearing. For upkeep, you will need to look for the locs that are too distressed or loose and to redo them. In addition, you should massage a hair oil into your scalp regularly. If there are any flyaway hairs, you can smooth them out using a hair mousse. In case your hair has grown out too much, you may want to take the hairstyle out and then to start over.

Washing Butterfly Locs

As we mentioned before, it is important to wash your butterfly locs to keep them clean and fresh. However, this is not the same washing you normally do. Depending on the method you have used to create your locs, you will have a different level of access to your natural hair. The braiding and wrapping method implies covering your hair with synthetic strands almost completely, while the crocheting technique leaves you some access to it. This is why it makes sense to pay more attention to the scalp. Also, this is one of the reasons why you should not wear locs for more than a month.

Because you apply hair products and oil to your hair, they may accumulate in it, causing bacteria to breed. So that it will not happen, you should take out the locs after a month of wearing and wash your hair thoroughly. Plus, remember that not only washing your locs is vital but proper drying them as well. So, wash your scalp using a trusty cleansing product and keep it fresh longer with the help of a dry shampoo, while leaving the locs themselves intact for most of the time.

Do Butterfly Locs Last Long?

So, one of the most important questions that may bother you is how long do butterfly locs last? Like the majority of protective hairstyles, butterfly locks may last for quite a while. If you maintain them properly and refresh them regularly, then their lifespan may be up to three months or even longer. However, your hair will have grown out quite noticeably by this point, so you may want to redo the style completely anyway. Besides, wearing the locs for more than 4 weeks may put too much stress on your scalp. As you do not want that to happen, you should allow your natural hair to breathe from time to time.

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The Most Popular Ideas For Butterfly Locs

As there is more than one way to achieve butterfly locks, there is also more than one way to style them. To give you some ideas, we have put together the trendiest butterfly braids hairstyles below. So, everyone will be able to find the look to match their taste and style, be it a neat butterfly bun or messy blue butterfly locs.

Long Butterfly Locs

There’s no better way to emphasize the beauty of your locs than in the length. Long butterfly locs offer a remarkable combination of beauty and versatility, making them a fantastic choice for women seeking a stylish and protective hairstyle. Maintaining your long butterfly locs is crucial to keeping them looking fresh and beautiful. Keep your scalp and locs hydrated with a lightweight oil or moisturizing spray. Also, try to minimize touching, pulling, or twisting your locs to prevent frizz and breakage. All in all, embrace the elegance and creativity of long butterfly locs, and let your hair tell your unique story.

Butterfly Locs for Medium Length

While a lot of people are particular about the long length of their butterfly locs, some might not be. Length means more weight to your hair so a few others prefer to keep things simple and short. So don’t worry about the length of your locs as medium-length styles are very much available! You can keep the length stopping at your shoulder level or go a little bit lower than your bra length. Regardless, this style is equally elegant on short hair as much as it is on long hair. For a little twist you can go for locs that have a different color from your hair’s natural color. Don’t also forget to use the right products to give your scalp a well-needed shine and moisture to your locs. This would prevent dryness and avoid breakage.

Butterfly Locs With Beads

Butterfly locs in all its glory looks ready to be slayed no matter how simple it looks. However, if you always love to incorporate accessories into your style whether on conrow braids or knotless braids, you can do the same with butterfly locs beads. The beads can be added to your locs whether it is short or long in length to give it that lovely finish. It is however necessary that you opt for beads with the perfect hole such that your locs can easily fit into it and the beads wouldn’t also fall out quickly! Don’t be too simple with this style and introduce different colors of beads bringing the style of your hair to life.

Hair Rings for Locks Hairstyle

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It’s no surprise that beads are a more popular accessories often added to any hairstyle. If you actually don’t want to do something common, there’s a much better option. Add some flair by incorporating hair rings or cuffs to your locs for a unique and eye-catching look. Hair rings are a lot much smaller than beads but don’t require you to be picky when it comes to size. This is because there’s a standard design for all hair rings and they can be used for any hairstyle regardless of thickness and length. Popular colors are silver and gold so add a few pieces to your locs and you’ll be getting all the attention especially when walking under the sun!

Pretty Locks with Half Updo Style

Just like how you can gather your box braids into a high or low bun or ponytail for a polished and sophisticated style, the same can be said of locs. Even if you’re tempted to just gather all your locs into a bun, be more creative this time around with a unique twist. Create a trendy half-up, half-down style by pulling the top half of your locs into a bun or ponytail while leaving the rest to flow freely. This is way more pretty than the usual bun style. To replicate little face-framing strands of hair, leave out two of your locs to fall on each side of your face. Quite easy to style and also very memorable!

Butterfly Locs Hair with Loose Curls

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The most common type of butterfly locs are those with knotted tips. What if we told you there was another type that is way more appealing? Well, this butterfly locs goes against the norms with its lovely loose curls tips. It’s a much fun way to add a unique flair to your style and length without increasing the weight of your locs. Butterfly locs are lighter and less cumbersome than traditional locs, making them more comfortable for medium-length hair. You won't have to worry about the weight of long extensions tugging on your scalp. If you love black then you can opt for black locs but if you’re a fan of colors then these gold locs will give you well-needed excitement.

Side Parted Butterfly Locs

If you’ve tried the bun, half updo and ponytail styles, then we guess it’s time to leave your locs down. People are probably used to seeing it being styled that way so give them something a little different. Part your locs to any side of your choice, whether left or right. Push more hair to the one side and ensure the side with lesser hair is your best face angle. This way your style draws attention to that side of your face. While some still leave a few hair on the other side of their face, you can move all your hair to show off your best angle for a dinner date or an official event. It’s literally the easiest way to style your hair without wasting much of your time when in a rush!

Center Parted Long Butterfly Locs

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Do you feel both angles of your face look great and can’t really decide on which side to part your hair too? A classic center part might just be what you need. With your locs divided at the center of your head, allow them to equally fall on both sides of your face. As simple as this style may be, it frames your face beautifully and saves your scalp the stress of being pulled if you had decided to pack it. Center-parted butterfly locs are a testament to the beauty of creative hair styling. So, why wait? Embrace the charm of butterfly locs and experience the transformation they can bring to your hair and confidence.

How To Take Out Butterfly Locs?

Like we said before, you should not wear butterfly locs for more than a month. Hence, you will need to remove them after this period. So, here is how to take out butterfly locs. To start with, arm yourself with patience. The undoing process takes as much time as the braiding itself, if not more. First, you need to remove the attached locs. They should be unraveled beforehand so you could take them out easily. And do not forget that the tip of every loc is sealed so you will need to snip it. Next, the braid inside the loc should be unbraided as well. Take your time to untwine the hair and be very gentle with it, as it may be a bit fragile and thus, snap easily.

You may have some product residue and other buildups in your hair, so you will need a bottle of water with a spray dispenser and hair oil to break them down. Once your hands are tired or you are feeling like you are losing patience, it is better to give yourself time to relax.

Other FAQs About Butterfly Locs Our Reader Ask

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Now that you know everything about butterfly locs, we do not see any reasons to deprive yourself of this bohemian hairstyle. With little effort and a few tools, you will be able to create a hairstyle that looks head-turning and takes care of your natural hair. Should you have any questions, make sure to study our guide once more. We are pretty convinced that you will find the answer here.

REFERENCES:

• utterfly locs: How to, price and butterfly locs hairstyles. Source
• Butterfly locs the freshest faux loc technique to fly out the garden. https://crochetfauxlocs.com/