Lint in Locs Is Unavoidable

Healthy Hair How-To Guide

ello Love, my name is K. Hill, the creator of Loccessories.

I want to thank you for your purchase. You’ve made a great decision. It is my Hhumble goal with everything that I offer, to make your loc journey a whole lot easier.

I created Loccessories in 2011 to serve as an online resource of natural hair accessories made for curls, coils, kinks & locs. It is meant to serve you by offering handcrafted hair accessories, hair care tools and lifestyle products that give you the space to show up in the world as your true, authentic self. Unapologetic in your beauty.

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Best wishes on your loc journey! K . Hill The Dreaded Dust Bunnies LET’S JUST PUT IT OUT THERE — LINT IN LOCS IS UNAVOIDABLE. IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU DID SOMETHING WRONG, BUT THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO DIFFERENTLY...

It doesn’t matter how well you try to maintain your locs — lint happens! This is especially the case in dry climates and during the winter months when static electricity can attract those pesky little particles to your hair strands like moths to a flame and seemingly bind them in to place.

There are many ways that lint finds its way into your locs, and there are just as many ways of removing lint from locs. In this Healthy Hair Guide we’ll cover a few of the best solutions for LocStars who have cried out in desperation (and frustration), “Help! How can I get the lint out of my locs?!?”

There are many things to love about having locs, except that little fluffy stuff which seems to find its home there! They are annoying and often frustrating. Even though they don’t harm the health of your hair, they are aesthetically unappealing. Just looking at them trapped in your beautiful locs and not knowing how to take them out is irritating to say the least, especially when they are a different color from your hair. This can ruin your loc experience if you don't know how to get the lint out. But with the Lint Lifter tool, for example, getting the lint out of your hair will no longer be a struggle. But before we delve into how to “lift” lint out of your locs, you need to know the difference between build-up and lint.

Lint is made up of tiny bits of natural fabric fibers like cotton and wool. Over time, these fabrics shed from your clothing, furniture, carpets, etc. and stick to anything.The lint gets attached to your locs when you come into contact with any of these natural fibers or products made with them, due to static electricity.

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2018 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This is prevalent during winter months because dry air makes static electricity more common and eventually more lint sticks to your dreadlocks.

Build-up, on the other hand, is the accumulation of residue from hair products, like shampoos, creamy conditioners, waxes, pomades, holding gels, butters, moisturizers and so on.The buildup in locs usually appears as grayish clumps, and at first glance might look somewhat similar to lint. But unlike lint, buildup can be cleared with a clarifying wash and deep cleanse. More on that later...

The best way to tell lint from buildup is to take the water test. If it seems to disappear when wet, it's buildup. If it is still visible when wet, more than likely it’s lint.

Although getting lint in locs is inevitable at some point in you loc journey, there are certain habits that make it more probable: using a fabric towel to dry your locs, laying on the couch (or carpet) with your hair unprotected, and sleeping on a cotton pillowcase without a satin scarf or bonnet are surefire ways to rent out spaces in your locs to these pesky bits of fibers.

Creamy conditioners, heavy butters, gels, and waxes also cause lint to stick to your dreads. They provide a comfortable setting for lint to settle.

Staying away from these products, or at least, minimizing their use will reduce the amount of lint that gets stuck in your locs. However, no matter how much you try to avoid getting these fluffy critters in your locs, you are still bound to have them.

Often when folks find lint in their locs, they usually wish them away, ignore them or try to force them out with tweezers. But wishes aren’t unicorns and ignoring the lint accumulating in your hair for a long time might eventually make you want to cut your locs. Many loc veterans have chopped their locs off in frustration because of lint.

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2018 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Also, we have found that using commercial tweezers to get lint out of your locs will result in more harm than good. Commercial beauty tweezers are not made for locs; they are metal and have flat tips that when used to remove lint, pull at your hair strands and damage the integrity of your locs if you’re not careful. This deteriorates the structure over time leading to thinning locs that snap and eventually break off. Now, nobody wants that.

The Lint Lifter Tweezer Tool, on the other hand, is perfectly suited for locs. The tips are pointed so that you can reach into individual locs and dig out that stubborn lint with precision and no extra hairs pulled out, ripped or torn. It's also made of sturdy, high-quality plastic that's built to last and safer on the hair than metal options.

The lint lifter So let’s dig into the tips... tweezer tool tip #1: remove it

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse – The classic apple cider vinegar rinse is one of the most popular solutions if you’re looking to quickly get what may appear to be lint out of your dreadlocks. You can whip up a batch of this DIY rinse easily by combining distilled water with apple cider vinegar. See full recipe below.

The natural hair cleanser is great for removing product buildup and should be applied right after shampooing for best results. Find a big bucket that allows you to dip and immerse your dreads into it. You’ll repeat the process of dipping and squeezing and soon start to see the residue dissolve into the bucket.

When the water in the bucket is sufficiently sullied (or you’re totally grossed out) empty the bucket and do it again.This time the water should be less cloudy. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water afterwards. Apple Cider Vinegar can be purchased online, at your local grocery store or health food store.

Clarifying your hair is the first step needed to get lint out of your locs. Although it doesn't technically remove the lint, it removes what might appear to be lint — i.e. product buildup. You do not want to take your time removing lint from your locs only to realize that half of it is actually build-up which dissolves with a simple ACV rinse.

To clarify with an ACV rinse you’ll need the following:

‣ Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) ‣ Warm water (as hot as you can stand it) ‣ Big bucket ‣ MicrofiberTowel

Directions: Step 1) Mix Your Solution Pour 1/2 cup of ACV and 2 cups of water (if you have longer locs, multiply both the apple cider vinegar and water by the same number to increase the total liquid volume). Combine both into a bucket big enough to dip in your locs into, or a kitchen sink.The mixture may fizzy, after the reaction settles, dip your locs into the mixture for about 15 minutes and squeeze. Make sure to get the ACV mixture into all sections of your locs. After a while, you will be able to see the buildup dissolve in the water as it goes from clear to murky.

A second rinse might be necessary in some cases, depending on how much buildup you have in your hair. But be quick to follow up with a light oil because the ACV rinse is stripping and may leave your hair dry.

Step 2) Dry Your Locs Not with a fabric towel though, as this is a lint magnet! Use a microfiber towel to dry your locs so that you don’t invite the dusty enemy right back in. ACV Rinse cont... step 3: coax and remove the lint

After doing the ACV rinse, chances are some lint might be dangling off of your locs. Remove those immediately, not giving them a chance to get buried back into your locs. Some might need a little coaxing to the surface which you can do perfectly with Lint Lifter Tweezer Tool. Next, carefully pick out the lint and dispose of it.

As a added tip, begin at the bottom of your locs where most lint gets stuck and move up each strand. Lift them out one by one for a thorough cleanse.

Bentonite clay is a real wonder for even lint-less locks, as it absorbs all kinds of buildup with ease. Clay has a lot of minerals and nutrients that benefit the body like magnesium, calcium and potassium (is that why little kiddos love to make and eat ‘mud pies?’).

But lucky for the loc’d & lovely, clay also has antibacterial properties, drawing out toxins and it is great for getting out stubborn lint and buildup from the multitude of hair products that we try in search of the Holy Grail of hair care.

This natural clay should be mixed with apple cider vinegar in a glass bowl using a wooden or plastic spoon. But don’t use metal!

Why? Well, bentonite clay is a healing clay that carries a negative charge which bonds to the positive charge in most toxins. Bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet.

When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When it comes into contact with say a toxin, heavy metal or chemical, it’ll absorb the toxin. So using a metal spoon or bowl will lessen its detoxifying properties on your hair. And we want the most bang for our buck, don’t we?

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2019 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED You might see bubbles or hear a little sizzle as you stir if using the ACV, but this is normal. Smooth the clay onto your locs and let it set for up to 30 minutes. Have a plastic grocery bag or conditioning cap handy to wrap your dreads in while you wait.

You’ll be surprised at how well it magically lifts lint to surface. We’ve included and extra large shower cap in the Loc Detox Kit for your convenience.Then rinse well after the detox cleansing session. Extremely well. Rinse until the water runs completely clear. The product build-up will be dissolved and the lint will be easier to remove. Directions for your Loc Detox Session loc detox how-to instruction guide:

Step 1) You’ll need to gather the following::

- Loc Detox Kit - Glass/Plastic Bowl - Distilled or Bottled Water - Spray Bottle (optional)

Step 2) Mix the bottle of concentrated ACV with (1) 16oz. bottle of water

Step 3) Pre-treat by spraying and thoroughly saturating your dreadlocks with 1/2 of the ACV/water mix. Gently squeeze and cover with XL shower cap.

Step 4) Use the remaining ACV/water solution and mix slowly with the detox clay blend in a glass or plastic bowl. Stir with your wooden spoon until you have a pudding-like consistency. Add more water only as needed.

Step 5) Saturate the hair with the clay mixture, squeeze locs from root to tip.

Step 6) Cover with shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes.

Step 7) Rinse thoroughly with water until the water runs completely clear.

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2019 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OtherA Good Shampoo useful Comb removal strategies... If you have only a small amount of lint, just using a shampoo comb made especially for dreadlock maintenance when you maintain your dreads can help to remove the fuzz without thinning out your locs. I prefer using the tip of a rat tail comb for this method. If the lint is trapped at the very tip of the loc, I’ll gently coax it out and and tightly recoil the tip into a single coil with the comb. Lint Lifter Tweezer Tool If even more extensive loc surgery is needed after you’ve removed the visible buildup, using the Lint Lifter to grab and remove the lint is great solution.

Make sure that you work slowly, so as not to damage your locs. You may even want to enlist the help of a friend if the lint is in a hard-to-reach (or hard to see) spot.

Soft Boar Bristle Dry Brush A soft boar bristle brush will help you rapidly rid your locs of lint and other debris or particles. No need to brush too vigorously, just a light dusting on a regular basis should do the trick.

Lint is made up of tiny bits of natural Brush hair every other day to keep fabric fibers like cotton and wool. surface lint from lodging into your locs Over time, these fabrics shed from your TIP: Cover your dreads when doing clothing, furniture, carpets, etc. household cleaning chores..

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2018 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 100% Pure Black Soap Clarifying Shampoo 100% pure black soap clarifying shampoo will go a long way to help you deep cleanse your locs, ridding them of product build-up.

If you are dealing with locs that contain mildew or rancid smells, this shampoo will prove beneficial to solving the problem as well. Lint Free Microfiber Towel Lint-free microfiber towels are absorbent, helping to absorb excess water from your wet dreads, reduces the risk for mildew or mold growth, and does it without leaving lint behind thus serving as a great preventative measure. How to use the Lint Lifter: Gently coax the lint to the surface of the loc Lift the lint out with the precision tip of the tool For best results, do not pull at the loc itself. Take your time to only grab the particle of lint

You can also use a needle to coax out stubborn lint that’s embedded in your locs. If you have a lot of embedded lint (is it waxy with a grayish tinge?) then that’s a strong indicator that you’re using too much hair product and suffering from a serious case of product build up.Time for an ACV rinse session (see above) with a clarifying shampoo .

limit your use of hair products

Be mindful of the products you are using on your locs. Ideally, you want to use products that are as close to nature as possible, contain no parabens, no sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, no phthalates and not tested on animals. Pay close attention to how it affects your hair after the wash.

Some products that clarify tend to also be drying so moisture will need to be put back into the hair and sealed. Natural oils like jojoba, Amla or (liquified) coconut oil are good options and make an effective hot oil treatment after your detox session. Prevent It PROTECT YOUR HAIR FROM LINT A DEBRIS AT NIGHT BY COVERING IT WITH A CAP THAT DOESN'T ATTRACT LINT AND PREVENTS ADDITIONAL LINT FROM DEPOSITING.

If you’re wondering how to keep lint out of your dreadlocks in the first place, always...always...always be sure to wear a scarf or dread cap at night, when you’re working around the house and anytime you might be pulling on a top that is prone to fuzz-like particles.A satin pillowcase is a good night time option too.You can order one here: www.loccessories.com/nightcap

Choose a lint-free scarf, switch to dark colored towels (microfiber towels are best) and skip petroleum-based styling aids, which are big lint attractors. Are you guilty of using beeswax, pomades, greases and creamy conditioners? You'll want to eliminate them from your hair routine as they are primary lint magnets.

Loc brushing is not yet a widely known practice amongst LocStars but it yields excellent results. Among the many benefits, it is particularly helpful in keeping your dreadlocks free from surface dust and lint and gives them a nice healthy sheen by distributing your natural oils more evenly throughout the loc. Because of the twists and tangles inherent in loc’ing your hair, it’s very difficult for your natural oils to travel all the way down your loc. If you use oils or moisture mists on your locs, a great practice is to use them just before you brush your locs to evenly distribute and moisturize the oils throughout.

Investing in a soft boar-bristle brush can truly be one of the best decisions you make for your locs, as they are gentle yet super effective in strengthening hair and increasing shine.

Using a clamp-style bristle brush can make things much easier too, because the double-sided action helps you to cover both sides of the locs at the same time to remove any buildup and smooth the shaft of your loc. This is a great time saver if you have longer locs and ensures that you’re getting good coverage.

Loc brushing can be done on wet or dry hair. The choice really comes down to your personal preference. Dry brushing is the method of brushing through your locs to loosen dirt, distribute your hair's natural sebum production and smooth your hair.

loc brushing best practices

Brush on windy days Immediately after yard work or During high pollen seasons house cleaning This method can be performed outside of the shower, and is perfect for those instances when you don’t have time to set aside for wetting and drying your hair.

Wet brushing is more often used to add moisture and shine to locs. Using water and a light moisturizing spritz along with your loc brush helps to soften your locs distributing your hair’s natural oils along the length of your locs.

Word of Caution: don’t start brushing your dreadlocks too soon in your loc journey.When they are just starting to form (a.k.a. the “baby phase”) the strands are still very delicate and could unravel easily if disturbed. So in the early stage, simply stick with preventive measures such as protecting your locs at night and using natural products to ward against lint and build-up. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, CONCEAL IT

When it comes to lint in locs, you have quite a few options on how to get rid of that pesky hair lint. You’ll need to find a method that is the best match for your lifestyle and your natural hair care needs.

By combining one of the lint & product buildup removal methods with the prevention tips, you’re sure to have lint-free locks ahead in your future (or at least much less of it). Again, lint build up happens to the best of us, so don’t feel bad now that it’s happened to you. Just like sugar, it sneaks up on us in the most unexpected places.

WWW.LOCCESSORIES.COM ©2018 LOCCESSORIES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Do You Dread Wash Day? Tired of searching for must-have hair tools to make your loc’d life easier? Have your wash day essentials at the ready with our Dreadlocks Essentials Maintenance Kit. Ideal for at-home maintenance or in- between styling sessions Includes the bestselling Dreadlock Shampoo Brush for an invigorating scalp massage Open-ended ponytail holders ideal for lots of locs & thick, curly hair textures Natural linen drawstring bag keeps all of your wash day essentials conveniently in one place The “Love My Locs” Dreadlock Essentials Kit includes: Dreadlock Shampoo Brush XXL Shower Cap (Extra Extra Large for comfort fit; no messy leaks) The Original Ouchless, Snagless InstaLoc Hair Tool for Dreadlock Maintenance (1) Handcrafted Bone Loc Tie (1) Lint Lifter Tweezer Tool It’s everything you need to keep your locs looking ‘so fresh & so clean.’ Visit www.loccessories.com/essentials (2) Open-ended ponytail holders to order yours today! Makes a great gift for yourself or the Black Hair Elastics LocStar in your life. Natural linen drawstring reusable travel bag

Whether you're looking for hair maintenance tools to keep your style on point, or fun, hair apparel to represent you well. Here are some additional items to make loc'd life a whole lot easier and accompany you on your loc journey.

wash day kit dreadlocks sleep cap loc detox kit Available Now | Check Price Available Now | Check Price Available Now | Check Price www.loccessories.com/essentials www.loccessories.com/nightcap www.loccessories.com/locdetox

got locs? hoodie Loc Nation t-shirt locstar t-shirt Available Now | Check Price Available Now | Check Price Available Now | Check Price Retro hoodie representing. An homage to classic hip-hop. Whether or not the world takes Here to help you say it loud, This tee is your calling card to notice, we see you shining. "Got Locs & I'm Proud!" rock with your true tribe. You're a LocStar baby. A Final Word YOUR BEAUTY MATTERS. PERIOD.

It needs no fine print or apology. You shine a standard of beauty without illusion or assimilation. Conformity has been shaken as you redefine the norm.

So keep shining. Let no one dim your light. ©2019 Loccessories, LLC, All Rights Reserved. No part of this content may be copied without express written permission of the owner. ©2019 Loccessories, LLC, All Rights Reserved. No part of this content may be copied without express written permission of the owner.