7 Things I **HATE** About My D.I.Y Microlocs

[@ginagallon5841]

Overthinking.....over criticizing...over perfecting. I started by loc journey two years ago with you as my inspiration. I've experienced those same technicalities but they are too minor to affect the overall beauty. While you are picking apart your locs everyone else adores them. Embrace every loc. Even the 4 in the pouch. Thank you for being an inspiration to me and so many others.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you 😊

[@CeeJay254Art]

So true. I adore her locs

[@soulpurpose1010]

You are beautiful and so is your hair! I literally had your locs on my vision board and it took me about 5 months to try and finish all of my hair. IT WAS A HOT MESS I WALKED AROUND WITH HALF MY HEAD DONE🙃. So many insecurities trying to get my hair to look like someone’s else’s when it never will because it’s MY JOURNEY. I redid the micro locs to a bit bigger because my hair was popping off and I feel so much better. Except the process, have your moments but understand it’s just hair and it will do what it wants especially with locs. You are such an inspiration based off of consistency, don’t be so hard on yourself

[@hawtnsweet]

If you've been using conditioners (leave-in or rinse out) or moisturizing shampoos (instead of clarifying shampoo) or any heavy moisturizers, that is more than likely why your hair is unraveling and taking so long to lock. Locks are a collection of knots and tangles. When you put in things that moisturize and cause slip, you slow down the locking process. Plain water/rose water/aloe vera juice topped with coconut or grapeseed oil will do as a moisturizer.

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@naturalcurls4life576]

I really believe that depends on the texture of a person’s hair. She has type 4 hair as do I. I have used all that you mentioned and my hair loc’d just fine. Also, check out Damien Walter, a cosmetologist/Loctician. He uses all of that you mentioned on all his clients with no problem and his clients have beautiful, healthy locs.

[@hawtnsweet]

@@naturalcurls4life576 I'm aware of Damien's views and I respectfully disagree with them. I do have a ton of respect for his skills though; he's been in the business for a good long while.

[@naturalcurls4life576]

@@hawtnsweet That’s cool! I am an example that moisturizing shampoo and conditioner doesn’t stop type 4 hair from locking. I’ve had no build either. Just saying, the “rules” are not black and white. Much peace to you my sister.

[@soulpurpose1010]

Condition your hair! Hair is too small to be a knot because it will rip apart

[@marlab5203]

A lot of people's hair is asymmetrical. Mine is thinner and longer on the right side and thicker on the left. I am so used to it I don't pay it much mind anymore. I never noticed it on you - but I 100% understand how it makes you feel. Your hair is lovely and looks just fine!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you Marla

[@kayking9200]

lol i never new this was a real thing. My hair is also thinner on my right side and thicker on the left. I wonder if it is because that’s the side I sleep on.🤔

[@lakeshiaellis6855]

Yes one side of my head is thicker than the other

[@kaorieknighth9161]

I concur with the other ladies in the thread... the left side of my head is slighty thinner and shorter than the right... less noticeable now (to me) that I have microlocs! I have heard the whole lopsided growth thing can be caused due to genetics, how you sleep, your dominant hand, etc.🤷🏿‍♀️I think it's common. But your locs are lovely!🥰

[@lolared5001]

I scheduled my retie’s in my calendar so I remember to do it and have the time scheduled in

[@TyKaraAnn]

The problem for me is not remembering, it’s getting started😂

[@preciouskristlle1821]

Don't be too hard on yourself! Remember it is a journey.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Trying to remember that. Thank you 😊

[@morgankemp8724]

Don’t beat yourself up you learn from your mistakes it’s your journey and they are still beautiful. Thank you for being honest with us!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you❤️

[@UniqulyBold1]

I really appreciate your transparency, I’m thinking about getting locs soon so hearing these things helps me know the pros and cons!

[@Come7yNatura7]

Aww sis never doubt your hair. Thats what makes them unique and YOURS that no one else can imitate. Enjoy your journey love and dont beat yourself up about the misktakes that you may make along the way. Just remember to learn from them. I held on to regret for a very long time that drove me to cut some of my hair. Then I really tripped out lol. I saw myself going down because I seemed to never be satified afterwards. Had to learn how to love them all over again. Im saying all this to say, don´t allow yourself to not see the beauty in everything about you because I see

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you so much

[@SonjaUnapologetic]

You have the most gorgeous locs I’ve ever seen. I started my loc journey 2 months ago and I’m documenting it also. There are things that I worry about but I need to give it time.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you❤️

[@ThrivingNotDying]

I would budget for a loctitian. Have some one help with the retie's. I purposely did my locs bigger in size because I didn't want to deal with long retightenings.

[@Ms-Jones]

Same. I love the look of the very small one but I purposely did mine a little bigger because I know I would be retightening myself

[@dionehowell8687]

I like the look of micro locs but not when they too small as they end up looking like string. As a diyer I knew I wasn’t able to commit days on end to maintain mine, I have 185 that’s plenty for me I also wanted them to still look like locs. I find well maintained healthy locs look amazing regardless of size, somewhere some people in the loc community got caught up in numbers & some regard higher numbers of locs more desirable than the actual health & integrity of them. Having locs is a journey & until your on it you’ll never know what that journey will reveal for you.

[@rollerhopgirl]

I am right there with you on the time. It takes forever and you have to force yourself to get it done. See if you can find a loc retie buddy in your area. I also don't have equal symmetry but I'm ok with the asymmetrical look. To each his own and you are allowed to feel how you want. It's important to express your true feelings.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you ☺️

[@prudencek7087]

I agree, girl find a loc buddy if you can. My sister and I started our locs together and thank God we live fairly close to one another, so we retie each other's hair. I also plan on teaching my daughter and my husband how to do reties... so they can help me out, if ever my sis is not available. Lolol

[@claudialusk116]

Hair is perfectly imperfect. All the things you've mentioned are, for the most part, common. That said, your complaints about your locs are still valid because you're human. Cultivating locs is a journey, so time and patience are the biggest factors for them to get where you want them to be. TFS!

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@praisehimnetworktwashingto254]

Im ok with mine not locking super quick.. bcz i love the ends curly when wet .. the interloc keeps them locked enough for me 😄 i also braid ends if unravel.. I don’t like that my back locs are little fatter than front and sides 😟 got a lol lazy i guess when trying to finish the install Yours look great to us sweetie pie 😍

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thanks!

[@JMichellesSpot]

Hi, Tykara! I understand what you are you going through. For many of us you're our inspiration that started us on our loc journey. Because of your bubbly personality I've truly been enjoying my journey the good days and not so good. Thank you, for being such an inspiration to me. Love & Hugs🥰

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheLavmc7]

Your hair is gorgeous! I understand because we all have and know our on flaws that others may not even notice. We can all be hard on ourselves. Again you are beautiful, embrace it!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you

[@dee-deechatman1613]

Your hair is beautiful just as it is. I don’t think anyone’s hair is perfectly symmetrical…that goes for our bodies in general. I did have a feeling though that having to retie over 600 locks every 6 weeks could be overwhelming. But nonetheless, they are gorgeous and keep up the good work. You inspire me!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you🤍

[@kelrah29]

1st, your locs are beautiful and look great on you!! 2nd, I too feel like I have had a long period of locking and maturing, sooooo what I have discovered on this journey is that the maturation process has been a bit slower paced for me in comparison to others with locs. Here is why I think that might be lol: Size matters lol, although my locs are considered traditional locs, they started off looking like microlocs because they were super tiny! So much that people still think they are sistalocs lol. The install was doublestrand twists, interlocked at the roots, with no particular grid pattern lol My hair has thinned out over the years and has become thinner, it was especially noticeable in the front. It was super frizzy and my ends were a bit frayed as well. The front also unraveled with each wash lol and few other stragglers thoughout as well lol I maintain with a combo of palm rolling and interlocking. It took at least 14 months or so for me to notice that they were even starting to lock. And then another few months before they started to thicken. I also had a lot of shrinkage. My hair was a little below shoulder when I started, and It shrunk to the ears lol. Size of locs, fineness of hair, and length is what I believe took it that long to start looking like locs. I'm about 27 months in, and they are in the budding phase, so they are not adult locs yet.

[@TyKaraAnn]

💗

[@jaytee4624]

I don't see that one side is thicker at all. Your hair is absolutely gorgeous.😊❤👍🏾

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you 😊

[@Mrscwaboyd]

And as far as the retie.. that’s exactly why I didn’t wanna go to small as beautiful as super small ones are but I KNEW .. I’m too lazy and for me having hair that wasn’t going to give me too much grief was the biggest mission.. I NEEED EASE. I’m glad you’re looking for a loctician 👏🏾

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@angie101972]

How is your mother’s loc journey going? Is she experiencing some of the things you are? Has she given up helping you with your retire?

[@ShadesofSage]

Love this hairstyle on you😍! It’s so beautiful 🤗❤️! I totally can relate to having a longer and thicker side😩, but I think we’re the only ones who notice😉! Great video, thanks for sharing 🥰! I’m starting to feel really prepared for getting my locs installed next month 🙏🏿💕!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Good luck on your journey ✨✨✨

[@ShadesofSage]

@@TyKaraAnn Thank you so much ☺️🤗!

[@tonimony1jay837]

I’m just the same. I have tight thick curls on the left and loose long curls in the right. I had a haircut at a curl salon in 2019 and because the left shrinks more than the right they left me with really long hair in the left and really short hair in the right. That looks fine curly but awful straight. When I started my locks 3 months later I regretted cutting my hair so short and, like you, I kind of resent the length of my locks but mainly because my hair had been waist length and I wouldn’t have cut it had I known l was gonna Loc it!😩 It’s feels good to get the negatives off your chest but I still love the day-to-day ease of them (although yesterday I felt like they looked awful!🤷🏽‍♀️) You’re totally justified in how you feel. I’m with you!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you

[@tammieanderson9235]

Your locs are beautiful & thank you for the tips

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you so much!!

[@JasmineRay]

One side of my hair is thicker too! So annoying lol, but learning to accept it!

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@DeviIzzi]

Thank you for sharing these doubts. They mirror some of of mine so it's humbling. Cause despite all your doubts. Your hair looks amazing. I understand the sensitivity, but you are doing a great job. 😁

[@TyKaraAnn]

You are so welcome

[@annporter1472]

Funny how we always want what we don't have... When I first saw your locs last year I was in awe, literally! Your locs are fabulous and I'd be willing to bet you that thousands ladies would take your length and swing that hair till their necks hurt. Lol! In summary, its a journey for us all (whatever that means individually). I still love your hair and hopefully they will become what you want sooner than later. Thanks for sharing!

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@tasharrilandrum190]

I followed the method your mom used for installing my micro locks in February, I appreciate y’all! I struggled with unraveling whether my ends were twisted or braided. I have 4b/4c hair and was wondering much like you how could it not be locking or staying. For the past month I stopped stretching, braiding, and styling my hair (like with elastic bands). I just washed (banded), retied, and let it hang and my hair has began locking and hardening on the ends. I spray it daily but don’t oil it daily as I used to.

[@TyKaraAnn]

💗

[@CeeJay254Art]

I have the same hair texture. I had alot unraveling during the first six months. But now not so much. I even managed to wash my hair without braiding and banding twice with no unraveling. However i still stretch my hair and braid it to prevent bunching since i did stop braiding and banding. I only spray water with tea tree oil and a bit of glycerine. Lightly oil my scalp and hair but only once or twice a week

[@beyoutifullynatural9451]

You are so effortlessly beautiful! Omg your face😍😍😍

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you ☺️

[@soulpurpose1010]

I also just decided to retwist my hair, NOBODY IN MY CITY WOULD DO MY HAIR either because they didn’t start it or was lazy. It’s so much easier if it keep unraveling braid the base and twist

[@ACms-zn9ni]

Same i can't stand reties anymore siting a whole week on my hair is a big NO. So i decided to do retwists and it's not too bad

[@TyKaraAnn]

💕

[@Ms-Jones]

I feel for growth at the root and when I have an inch I retighten that loc only. That way I never have to spend a whole day retieing. I developed a muscle spasm in my back after I retied my whole head the first time. I also had more webbing between the locs when I retied them all at the same time

[@Tiye4]

Enjoyed your video! Have you considered going to a loctician for your reties

[@TyKaraAnn]

Yes I have. I just can't seem to find anyone I trust.

[@s.m.5614]

You have nice hair. It's beautiful. Do you think the unraveling could have anything to do with the oil and conditioner you use 🤔 my hair on the right side is shorter than the left. I think all in all you would benefit from finding a loctition. That would help you with staying on schedule with reties and allow the reties would be done same day. Also, lots of women lose locs for various reasons. It happens. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing a good job. We love your videos 💚💚💚

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@Mrscwaboyd]

Girl sameeee there are way more locs on my left size than my right.. I counted them so I know .. but I usually wear my hair to the side so it makes up for it

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@Totalwellnessntravel]

Side part would help with one side being thicker or longer

[@2007marala]

Your locs are beautiful! I can definitely relate with hair being thicker on one side. Your hair is pretty long, my hair still shrinks to my ears.lol

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you❤️

[@misspapo3444]

I get what you are saying about your length. We are our worst critics, but your locs look beautiful, and you also are allowed to be annoyed lol.

[@TyKaraAnn]

💗

[@Prettypain214]

Girl bye your 😂length is perfect

[@shroomy350]

in terms of unraveling, i feel like the hair conditioner could be inhibiting the locing process (if you're still using it that is)

[@shroomy350]

or creamy moisturizers and what not. i've had 3 sets of locs with mirco locs being my 3rd and final set and every time i tried using conditioner after my hair dried i would notice some locs would just completely unravel. with my other locs i never used conditioner and i'd be fully loced in a year or so (i have 4a/4b hair)

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you

[@januaryforward1320]

I usually do my own reties, went to a loctitian and she told me to wait 2 months before my next one. I damn near lost a couple at the top trying to wait that long. Never again. I know my hair, 4.5 weeks is my max… sigh 🥺

[@januaryforward1320]

Also, I have the same volume issue. Right side is more fine left side is thick, more locs, it hangs lower. I knew this with loose hair, but like you said the locs highlighted it. We’re going to be ok! Your hair is beautiful!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you 😊

[@LifeWithKosi]

Despite the struggle, your hair is still beautiful!! I'm about to start self-maintaining & I already hate it here lol, not looking forward to how much time it'll take 😅

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you✨❤️

[@scorpiobeauty1269]

I remember when you first started your locs. Your mom was doing it. I understand where you coming from, my locs are growing slow but other people be like your hair is really growing 🤦 but your hair is very long! So I don't know what you talking about girl 😂😂

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@jasmineskyy4964]

I love your accent lol especially when you're being stern

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thanks❤️

[@AerielSade]

Hey sis! I currently have traditional locs but I’m thinking about combing them out & doing micro locs. I’ve been searching for videos just about things to know about micro locs but all I keep seeing are “Reasons why you shouldn’t get micro locs” 🙄 which is super annoying because I just want basic general information sis lol. Like I heard some things about breakage? I’m under the impression that since they’re smaller, they’re less likely to break so that’s a shock to me. And then I really wanna know if they’re heavy, is tension a thing. What happens if you don’t retwist for months? Is mold a thing? How’s the maintenance? Like a bunch of questions about micro locs! So if you get bored enough and/or need a video idea HERE YOU GO SIS 🗣 because it would be reaaaaaally helpful for your girl 😭 ESPECIALLY since you’ve been in the game for 3+ years!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you for this comment! To answer one of your questions, I have not experienced my locs being super heavy. It's actually light and fluffy❤️ I will try to make a dedicated video about the rest of your concerns.💕

[@mewithoutyou8888]

My hair is the same. Always longer and thicker than the right. At first I thought there were more on my left than the right. Nope. There is only about a five loc difference.

[@TyKaraAnn]

💕

[@latifah5150]

You look great.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you!

[@solangeWilliams]

Mine still aren't fully loc'd either and I'm 3 years 4 months in 😂🙄 and my right side is thicker than my left so I feel your frustration. Also, longer hair takes longer to lock than shorter hair, not sure if someone already told you this 🤷🏾‍♀️ we have the same length so hang in there cause your locs look great!! 😁🙌🏾

[@TyKaraAnn]

Thank you 😊

[@lakeshiaellis6855]

Try not using conditioner for like a year. Also, the reason why I started mine with braids instead of twists.

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@KittyGata314]

Does she remind anyone else of the younger beyonce days ?

[@monicascott9687]

R.I.P. 😞 The four locs that you lost. May they lay in peace ✌️😙

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️😂

[@thicklen10]

Sounds like you have a Different hair type on your left versus your right

[@TyKaraAnn]

It’s just more dense on one side

[@jasmineskyy4964]

What do you mean by maturing?

[@Totalwellnessntravel]

Don’t cut your Locs off, combine the weaker loc to its neighbor.

[@nellymckenna6552]

Golly, you look so down...u've learnt and will be better with time. Ps. Your thumbnail looks like you have a wig on even though we know its your hair...retying the front and leaving the back gives that illusion hehe - About the unevenness, I have it too one side hangs lower than the other. I assumed one side is a different hair type from the other since one side started coiling while the other kept unraveling. But don't feel bad, embrace it, play around with it.

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@praisehimnetworktwashingto254]

At least yours lay on shoulders lol mine has to be dripping wet to touch shoulders 🤣

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@verasumter5441]

U seem to be putting a timeline on ur locs, continue doing what needs to be done and let ur hair do what it do. Consider the good, ur not combing anymore, detangling after shampooing, etc. Enjoy the process.

[@TyKaraAnn]

💕💕💕

[@beginstepper]

💗💗💗💗

[@TyKaraAnn]

💗

[@soulpurpose1010]

Also sorry last comment but be careful with your words your body follows, you are so beautiful!

[@TyKaraAnn]

Ok, thank you

[@gailhamiel9861]

Hair locs as it grows. If you start with long hair the new growth locs and however you started you locs will stay that way.

[@TyKaraAnn]

❤️

[@praisehimnetworktwashingto254]

Its retie time for meee😅 🙏🙏🙏😂

[@TyKaraAnn]

Whewww may God bless you😂

[@praisehimnetworktwashingto254]

@@TyKaraAnn yesss and ameeen 🙏😄😅 make it a breeze Lord🙏😅

[@tcoleman6167]

Are you a Virgo?

[@TyKaraAnn]

No, I’m an Aquarius ♒️

[@tcoleman6167]

@@TyKaraAnn You sound like a Virgo, which I am, with the symmetry issues! I havr mayjor symmetry issues!

[@scorpioqueen1979]

I'm bean new to this journey, literally locking my hair, and this is my second video of hers I'm watching and both have been negative. This video has nothing to do with the locking journey but just get complaining about having hair. From the first video I watched, it seems you do a lot of styling/manipulation. Maybe that contributes to your unraveling. I need to unsubscribe being brand new to this. You're going to make me pull mine out before I get them in.

[@TyKaraAnn]

Hi KeeKee, I have a plethora of videos on my channel documenting my loc journey. It's unfortunate that the only two videos that you have seen were "negative." Check out my "Microlocs Journey" Playlist linked in the description of all of my videos.