How to Retie Micro Locs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Micro locs are a popular hairstyle for those looking to embrace a low-maintenance, natural look, while also giving their hair the ability to grow and thrive. One of the key aspects of maintaining micro locs is retightening, which helps to keep the locs neat and organized, preventing them from unraveling as they grow.

If you’ve already started your micro loc journey and are wondering how to retie them yourself, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of retightening micro locs, the tools you’ll need, and some tips to make the process easier and more efficient.

What You’ll Need to Retie Micro Locs

Before getting started, make sure you have the right tools on hand to avoid interruptions during the process:

Your retie tool of choice– There are several types of needles you can use to retie your locs and some people choose to use a crochet needle.
Rat Tail Comb (optional) – Used for parting and sectioning your hair. I just part by hand but I also don’t have a strict grid to stick with.
Hair Clips – To hold back sections of hair you’re not working on.
Spray bottle with water – This is optional, but lightly spraying hair with water can make your hair more manageable and reduce friction during the retightening process.
Mirror – A handheld mirror or a mirror placed behind you can help you see the back of your head while working.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Retie Micro Locs

Step 1: Section Your Hair

The first step in retightening your micro locs is to section your hair into manageable parts. Depending on how your locs were installed, you may already have your sections from your original setup. If not, use a rat tail comb to create neat, even sections. Sectioning helps to keep the process organized and prevents you from accidentally retightening the wrong loc.

Tip: If you’re working on your hair alone, try sectioning your hair into four large sections (top, bottom, left, and right). This will make it easier to work through each part methodically.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hair

If your hair feels dry or tangled, apply a small amount of moisturizing oil or leave-in conditioner to each section as you go. This will reduce frizz, minimize breakage, and make the locs easier to work with. It’s important not to apply too much product—just a light mist will do.

Step 3: Start with the First Loc

Once your hair is sectioned and prepped, grab your crochet hook and locate the first loc you want to retie. Here’s how you can proceed:

Hold the base of the loc gently to prevent pulling or tension on your scalp.
Feed the end of your loc into the needle
Insert needle through root of your loc
Gently pull the needle through the hair, looping the loose hair back into the loc. Use small, controlled movements to avoid frizz.

Keep the movements slow and steady. Don’t rush, as this will help prevent breakage and ensure a neat finish.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Continue this process around your entire head, taking each loc one by one. The key is to retighten the locs in the same direction that they were initially twisted or interlocked. This will maintain the integrity of the style and help the locs grow without unraveling.

For new growth (hair that’s just started to grow in), focus on re-weaving the hair into the existing loc to prevent it from separating from the loc.
For older locs, simply pull the loose hairs back into the loc to tighten the base and give it a clean, uniform look.

Step 5: Check for Consistency

After completing a section, take a moment to check the consistency of your work. Gently feel the base of your locs to ensure that the new growth has been fully incorporated into the loc. If the locs feel loose or uneven, go back over them with your crochet hook to tighten them further.

Tips for Retightening Micro Locs

Work in small sections: Micro locs can be delicate, so it’s better to work in smaller sections to prevent overwhelming yourself or accidentally missing spots.
Don’t pull too tight: Tightening the locs too much can lead to scalp tension, breakage, or thinning of your hair. Aim for a snug, comfortable feel.
Take breaks: Retightening can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have a lot of locs. Take breaks when necessary to avoid straining your hands or scalp.
Retighten every 4-6 weeks: Depending on how fast your hair grows and the thickness of your locs, retightening every 4 to 6 weeks is ideal to maintain a neat appearance and prevent any locs from unraveling.
Take your time: Rushing through the process can cause mistakes, breakage, or uneven locs. Set aside a few hours and work at a steady pace.

How Long Does It Take to Retie Micro Locs?

The time it takes to retie your micro locs will depend on several factors, including:

The number of locs you have
Your hair texture and the length of new growth
Your skill level and experience

If you’re doing it for the first time or if you have a lot of locs, it may take a little longer. To make the process more manageable, you can break it into sessions or do it over the course of a couple of days.

Conclusion

Retightening your micro locs is an essential part of maintaining the style and ensuring your locs grow healthy and strong. With the right tools, patience, and a steady hand, you can keep your micro locs looking neat and tidy without needing to go to a salon every few weeks.

Whether you’re new to the process or have been retightening your locs for years, the key is consistency. Make sure to give your scalp and hair the care they need to thrive—remember, it’s not just about aesthetics, but also about the health of your locs and scalp.