Why My Locs Needed More Moisture
I love my locs, but lately? They’ve been feeling dry. Not just “a little dry” but crunchy-dry. And if you’ve got long or thick locs like me, you know that dryness shows up fast and refuses to leave quietly.
I’ve worn my natural hair since 2016. My daughter was still young and imressionable back then, and I took pride in combing her hair each morning. We did twist-outs, braids, even a few puffs with cute bows. But as her hair got longer, I kept it mostly in ponytails because it dried out so fast. It wouldn’t hold a style, and I didn’t want her to feel frustrated with her natural texture.
That’s when I realized, if she was going to see natural beauty, it had to start with me.
From Twist-Out Burnout to Loc’d and Loving It
Back then, my twist-outs were my signature. I kept them fresh and moisturized, until I didn’t. Between the heavy products, long wash days, and trying to find the right combination of creams, I was exhausted.
Some weekends I’d spend hours detangling, twisting, and praying my hair would dry before Monday morning. And let’s be honest… most Mondays I was taking it down with damp roots and praying nobody noticed.
So when I finally loc’d my hair on August 12, 2023, I knew it was time. I wanted low maintenance, more time for myself and my family, and freedom!
The Truth: My Scalp Felt Great… But My Locs Didn’t
At first, my routine was simple:
- Oil my scalp 3x a week with Mielle
- Retwist every 6 weeks
My scalp stayed moisturized, and my routine was easy to follow. I had a moment of reflection in this Instagram reel.
Now that my hair has filled out and the length is slightly past my shoulders, my hair has started to feel dry. I realized I was oiling my roots but ignoring the rest of my locs. And that’s where the dryness builds up the most.
What I Use in My DIY Spray (It’s Lightweight + No Buildup)
After some research (and a little YouTube deep dive), I built the a daily hydrating spray for my locs. No crunch, product flakes, or heavy residue.
Here’s my go-to blend:
- Step 1: Base Hydrator with All Vera Juice (Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice- Preservative Free). It hydrates deeply without clogging or causing buildup.
- Step 2: Floral Hydrosol with Rose Water (Heritage Store Rosewater Spray). It balanced pH, adds light scent, and hydrates.
- Step 3: Lightweight Oil Blend using sweet almond oil (adds softness), jojoba oil (balances scalp oils), and vitamin E (preserves the mix).
- Step 4: Essential Oils (optional) using tea tree, lavender, or peppermint.
How I Mix It Daily (for an 8–12oz bottle)
- 6 oz aloe vera juice
- 2 oz rosewater
- 1.5 oz oil blend (equal parts almond + jojoba + 5 drops Vitamin E)
- 5–8 drops essential oil (optional)
→ Pour into your spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Hydration Usage & Tips for Long, Thick Locs
Here’s what’s working for mer:
- Shake well before each use (oil and water separate)
- Lightly spritz the scalp and locs, focusing on the mid shaft to ends.
- Use the spray daily or every other day
- Follow with light oiling or palm-rolling to seal in moisture, if needed.
- Sleep in a satin/silk bonnet or on a silk pillowcase
- Do a steam treatment every 2–3 weeks using a face steamer
- Clarify monthly if you use oils or products often
BONUS: I specifically use the TecoHouse Amber Glass Spray Bottles because it shields the mixture from UV, extending freshness — which is IMPORTANT — it has a fine mist sprayer which is more gentle and even for my hair, and it comes with a funnel + caps for easier mixing and travel.
So What’s Next?
This DIY spray is now a staple in my loc routine. My hair feels softer, looks healthier, and holds moisture way longer.
If you’ve been dealing with dry locs, even with regular oiling, try this. Your locs deserve more than just oils on the scalp.
And sis, you deserve a routine that nourishes your hair and your peace. Let’s keep showing up hydrated, rooted, and real.
