Basic Principles for Starting Small Locks

Principle 1: Part your base for the size you want your lock to be not for the size of the actual braid.

Your braids or twist will swell with time. If you want locks that are 1/8 inch in diameter you don’t want your square base to be much bigger than 3/16 inch square. If you want locks that are 3/16 inch in diameter you don’t want to make your bases much bigger than ¼ inch.

The actual braid will at first be much smaller than your final lock. Don’t worry about that just make sure that your base parts are the size you want and the rest will come in time.

Principle 2: Make the locks in the back ½ or ¾ of your head a little bit larger than the ones in the front.

There is really no need to do your whole head in micro tiny locks. It will be a pain to maintain them. If the front and sides of your head are in the smaller size it will seem like your whole head is full of tiny locks.

Principle 3: Part in a grid or at least in four sections of horizontal rows.

This is essential if you are planning to maintain your hair your self. Having your hair parted in an orderly fashion will make retightening and separating after washing so much easier.

Principle 4: If your hair is coily you can choose braids or double twists. If your hair is wavy it is safest to braid.

Coily hair locks up easier and faster than other hair types no matter what method you use. Wavy hair locks better with braids. If you have both types on your head go with braids.

Principle 5: if you plan to wash your hair a lot, want to set your hair on rollers often, are keeping your perm and just locking the new growth or just don’t want to worry about a lot of your locks coming undone, go with braids.

Principle 6: If you will be doing it yourself block out at least two days to get it done. If you are having it done expect at least 12 hours to get it done right.

You don’t want to rush. You are building your foundation. If you do it half hazard now you will regret it latter on. Take your time.

If you are getting it done at a shop, be sure to explain to the braider exactly what you want. You may need to bring in these principles and some graph paper so that you are certain that the two of your are own the same page.

Principle 7: Consider setting your new starter locks on rollers, especially if you have relaxed ends.

When you first put your tiny starter microbraidlocks in you may wonder if you made the right decision. Your scalp will show. Depending on your hair texture your braids may be sticking out. If you have relaxed ends you will just look like you really need to do something to your hair.

Wet setting your hair is the way to go. That way you will look nice and you don’t have to feel any regrets for how your hair looks for the moment.