Caring for new locs without losing your edges

New locs are tender things — and so are your edges. This is the six-week ritual passed to us by the women who taught us everything.

Weeks one and two: hands off. Let the roots settle. Sleep on satin, wrap loosely at night, and resist the urge to retwist.

Weeks three and four: moisture, not manipulation. A light rose-water spritz in the morning; oil on the scalp, not the loc.

Weeks five and six: the first retwist. Gentle, low-tension, never against a dry scalp. If it hurts, it's too tight — beauty should never cost you your hairline.

And through all six weeks: satin at night, always. Your future self (and her edges) will thank you.

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