Loc Brushing-To Do or Not to Do?

If you haven’t heard, loc brushing is a controversial topic within the loc community. Some locticians lean towards the idea that loc brushing isn’t healthy at all, while some promote the practice. I had only heard about loc brushing after being loc’d for eleven years while researching ways to improve the state of my damaged locs. Initially I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to do such a thing to their locs. It seemed counterintuitive; like it would yield the opposite intention of locs; which is to deliberately mat one’s hair into sections. The act itself seemed like it would disrupt the loc from staying in loc’d form.

My research revealed that loc brushing could result in less lint, surface debris & buildup, distribute natural oils evenly throughout the locs, reduce frizz and soften hair. I knew my locs were mature enough to handle it and decided I needed to put the claims to the test. I chose a double-sided boar bristle clamp brush. I had never seen a brush like this prior, but it made sense to me that I would want to brush both sides of the loc. Almost immediately my hair felt softer and less dry. I also noticed how easy it was to get surface lint out with just a few quick strokes of the brush. It was only after a few times that I too became a believer and decided to add loc brushing into my weekly routine.

First, let’s get into who should be brushing their locs and who shouldn’t. If you adorn fully mature locs and have type 4 hair, A, B or C, then you may find that brushing your locs will improve the look and feel of your locs.

For locs with a finer texture try out brushing your locs on a small section to see how your hair tolerates it. If you are just starting on your journey, I would recommend you wait until your locs are fully mature or at least close to it. While your loc is forming, it is not a good idea to disrupt the budding process.

Now let’s discuss how you can add this to your routine.

1-First, be sure your brush is a boar bristle brush. This is very important as hard bristle brushes can damage your locs. I love my double-sided boar bristle clamp brush. However, it is your personal preference which particular boar bristle brush you decide on.

2-Frequency- Loc brushing your locs once to twice a week will be sufficient. I wouldn’t recommend more than twice a week, but after some time you will soon know when it’s needed and will develop your own routine with experience. I personally even go longer than once a week often times.

3-Technique- Start by sectioning off hair into sections or at least brush locs section by section. I recommend you start in from the ends/tips using quick, light, gentle strokes. Work your way up to the middle of the loc and then closer to the roots. Being gentle is very important. There’s no reason to brush your hair as aggressively as you would as if you were brushing your afro into an afro puff.

Tips for Effective Loc Brushing:

✅ Use a soft-bristle brush made for hair to avoid snagging.
✅ Brush gently and avoid excessive force.
✅ Start from the mid-length to ends to prevent unraveling (especially on new locs).
✅ Brush once or twice a week to maintain cleanliness and smoothness.

I recommend loc brushing and have had nothing but positive results since starting. In a very short amount of time, you too will notice softer, more moisturized, less lint and build-up and less frizz. Drop a comment if you already brush your locs or are considering adding it to your regimen.