Meet Khala

Microlocs Establishment Date: September 21, 2019

Number of Locs: ~260 locs total

Microlocs Installation Location: I installed my locs myself

Location: Baltimore, MD

Instagram: @_napsarethenewblack

YouTube: Naps are the New Black

What made you decide to install microlocs?

I decided to join the loc community because it seemed like such a welcoming community for type 4 naturals. The loose natural hair community started with a good concept, but somewhere along the way, the message changed from embracing our texture, to finding a million ways to curl our hair. I realized that my previous obsession with straight hair had simply transformed into an obsession with defining curls that I frankly did not have. I stressed myself out, spent countless hours, and hundreds of dollars on products because my hair texture was not the curling type. I peeked into loc pages comment sections and saw how much people genuinely enjoyed their hair’s ability to knot and lock. It was the first time that I saw people truly embracing their textured hair, naps included. I wanted to see what that felt like. It has been amazing so far.

What do you love most about your locs and why?

I love how low maintenance locs are. I no longer dread water, combs, or traveling because I know that washing and going is a reality with locs.

What has been the biggest challenge or adjustment?

The biggest challenge to having locs has been navigating their propensity for collecting lint.

What’s something you wish you knew before getting loc’d?

Something I wish that I knew before locking my hair was that my hair would look very different from other women that I was looking to for inspiration. Each set of locs is very unique, and it is impossible to predict how your mature locs will turn out. It’s best to go in with no expectations other than having healthy hair (assuming you plan to take care of your hair).

What advice would you give someone considering installing Sisterlocks or microlocs?

I would advise everyone installing locs to take progress pictures! Sometimes it is hard to appreciate how far you have come without documenting the small changes. I regret not taking more pictures in the very beginning on days that I wasn’t necessarily happy with how they looked.

Shout out your loctician! Who does your reties?

I do my own retightenings!