What Are Butterfly Locs?

If you are on social media, you have probably seen butterfly locs trending. But, what are butterfly locs? Well, to understand what they are, it is important to understand what they aren't. 

They aren't dreadlocks. Despite the similarities between the two in terms of the locking of the hair, butterfly locs are not meant to permanently loc the hair and they tend to give off a completely different look. Butterfly locs are known as a protective style that involves the use of water wave hair to help emulate the butterfly locs effect the best. Choosing this type of hairstyle for many is a great go-to as it stands out from your traditional box braids and adds a nice touch to your overall look.

Advantages of Doing Butterfly Locs 

• It is an excellent long-term protective hairstyle which locs in moisture. 
• Looks professional. 
• A versatile style that can be styled in many different ways.
• It is a lightweight hairstyle.
• It blends in well with your natural hair. 

Disadvantages of Doing Butterfly Locs

• Needs to be properly installed and taken down to avoid unnecessary breakage (we recommend getting your butterfly locs done by a hairdresser)
• A tedious take-down process.
• Though the hairstyle is not locs, if the hair is left in the hairstyle for too long, it could get matted.

How To Install Butterfly Locs?

Now, when it comes to achieving butterfly locs, there is no one correct way to go about creating this style. You can either find a local hairdresser that can install butterfly locs for you or alternatively you can do it yourself! There are many routes one can follow which all lead to the same outcome - beautiful butterfly locs. Those who may not feel comfortable with braiding their natural hair may opt to go for a crochet method or a rubber banded method while others who feel more comfortable may opt to braid their natural hair first then braid and twist with the added water wave hair extensions. I will provide you with a brief walk-through of the three most common ways to create your butterfly locs.

Way #1 Braided method

1. Part and braid your hair into small sections.

2. Only braid down one inch.

3.  Make sure one side of the synthetic hair is double in length to the other side of synthetic hair, braid that one braid with the synthetic hair down one inch.

4. Use the longer piece of the water wave extension to wrap around the shorter piece of extension and your hair. Whilst doing this, try to vary the tightness and neatness of wrapping the hair to create the butterfly loop effect.

5. Continue this until you get to the bottom of the hair.

6. Once at the bottom of the wrapped hair, wrap the leftover longer section of hair up the length of the hair to secure it.

Way #2 Crochet method

1. Either part and braid your hair into sections or part and secure your hair sections with rubber bands.

2. Use a crochet needle to thread in the water wave extensions. 

3. Follow steps 3 onwards from the braided method to achieve the butterfly locs.

Way #3 Rubber band method

1. Part and secure your hair sections with rubber bands.

2. Follow steps 3 onwards from the braided method to achieve the butterfly locs.

Butterfly Locs Styles

Just to give you a visual representation of what your butterfly locs could look like. Here are 5 different examples! 

Short butterfly locs 

The standard butterfly locs. These will give just what you're looking for -  a beautiful hairstyle that will frame your face well.

Fluffy butterfly locs

Similar to the first one. They are short butterfly locs that frame the face very well. However, by wrapping the hair less neat, you can create a stunning fluffy effect with the butterfly locs style.

Long butterfly locs

If short butterfly locs are not for you, why not add those extra inches of extensions to get long butterfly locs? This style is amazing and allows for more versatility of the style.

Medium-length butterfly locs

If you do not want it too long, you can always increase it by just a few inches to get medium-length butterfly locs. Either one picked will leave you feeling beautiful.

Coloured butterfly locs

Lastly, as with any hairstyle, you do not have to always select hair extensions that match your natural hair perfectly. You can always go for an ombre effect or completely contrast the colour to your natural hair colour.

Whichever option you decide to go for (whether from the ones listed above or another one), I am sure you will slay it! For butterfly locs bookings and other black hairstyles, check out Afro hairdressers near you on FroHub.