How to keep your locs neat between appointments

Well-kept locs are as much about what you do at home as what happens in the chair. A little care between appointments keeps your roots neat, protects your length and helps your style last.

Sleep in a satin or silk bonnet, or on a satin pillowcase. Cotton draws moisture out of your hair and roughs up the surface of your locs, which leads to frizz. Satin lets them slide and keeps them smooth.

Keep your scalp clean but do not overwash. Once every one to two weeks is plenty for most people. Use a residue-free shampoo so nothing builds up inside the locs, and always dry them fully to avoid that damp smell.

Moisturise lightly. A little water mixed with a natural oil, misted over your locs a couple of times a week, keeps them supple without leaving build-up. Less is more.

Try not to retwist too often. Over-twisting thins your roots over time. Most people are best on a four to eight week cycle, and a bonnet plus a light re-tie of loose hairs will carry you between visits.

When it is time for maintenance, book your retwist before your roots get too grown out. It is quicker, gentler on your hair and gives a much neater finish.