Tryphena
Microlocs Establishment Date: September 23, 2024
Number of Locs: I've never felt the need to count.
Location: I'm bi-coastal (NY / LA) but currently in Morocco.
Instagram: @tryphena_wade
YouTube: @tryphenawade
Hair Texture: Coarse
Curl Pattern: 4a
Hair Density: High
Installation Method: Microlocs (installed by a professional loctician)
Locking Method: My loctitian used a blend of twists and interlocking. She advised me that this would be a good method to minimize slipping in the early stages.
Microlocs Installation Location: My locs were installed a Jolof Hair Salon in Los Angeles. Their IG handle is @jolofhairsalon.
Installation vs. Oct 2025
Describe your hair before getting microlocs.
Before microlocs, I wore my hair in my natural fro. My hair was full and dense and I had about 6 inches of length.
What hairstyles did you used to wear the most before getting microlocs?
I wore my natural fro. Sometimes I stretched it to show more of its length. I also wore braids and twists with hair added.
“I love the ease of my locs. I love the look and feel. I love that I’ve seen so much growth and fullness in just a year. And I just think they’re so GORGEOUS!!”
What made you decide to install microlocs?
I've always admired the beauty of locs and I knew I'd have them at some point. I was really enjoying the length of having my hair braided and I knew that my hair would grow fairly quickly with locs. Also, I started seeing so many women with beautiful locs and I really wanted to switch up my hair look, so I finally decided to take the plunge.
What’s your go-to-hairstyle?
Loose! Sometimes I'll curl them with flexi rods or pin them up on one side. But I love to just let them be free.
How do you maintain your locs and what products do you use regularly?
I wash every 2 - 3 weeks and get reties every 6 - 8 weeks. I travel a lot so timing between reties can vary. I use products minimally. I use a small amount of Jamaican Black Castor oil on my scalp and edges maybe 2x a week and spray with rose water a couple times a week. I shampoo with Locs Amplify Shampoo. I also love Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo.
What do you love most about your locs and why?
I love the ease of my locs. I love the look and feel. I love that I've seen so much growth and fullness in just a year. And I just think they're so GORGEOUS!! My loctician did an amazing job with the initial install and they are thriving because of that!
What has been the biggest challenge or adjustment?
Honestly, it's been smooth sailing!
What’s something you wish you knew before getting loc’d?
I wish I knew how much I would love them! I would've taken the plunge sooner!
What advice would you give someone considering installing Sisterlocks or microlocs?
Do your research and take your time deciding who will install your locs. There's no need to rush, but a good foundation with a qualified loctician will set you up to truly fall in love with your locs.
Shout out your loctician! Who does your reties today?
My locs were established by Maty at Jolof Hair Salon in LA. I've been in NYC for the past year, and I've been getting my reties at Love, Peace, and Locs in Harlem!
