"How often should I retwist?" is probably the question I hear most at Kelatic Hair Lounge. And honestly? There's no universal answer. Your ideal retwist schedule depends on several factors, and here in Houston, our unique climate plays a significant role.
Understanding the Retwist
A retwist is a maintenance service where your new growth is twisted to match the rest of your locs. It keeps your locs looking neat and helps maintain consistent sizing throughout your hair.
Factors That Affect Your Retwist Schedule
Your Hair's Growth Rate
Some people's hair grows faster than others. If you're seeing significant new growth within two weeks, you might need more frequent maintenance than someone whose hair grows slower.
Your Hair Texture
Coarser, kinkier textures (4b-4c) tend to hold retwists longer than looser curl patterns. If you have 3c or 4a hair, you might find your locs unraveling faster between appointments.
Houston's Humidity
Let's talk about our Houston weather. That Gulf Coast humidity is no joke, and it affects your locs. High humidity can cause frizz and may loosen retwists faster. During summer months, you might need to come in slightly more frequently.
Your Activity Level
If you swim regularly, work out intensely, or have an active lifestyle, sweat and water exposure can affect how long your retwists last.
Your Loc Maturity
Starter locs and teenage locs typically need more frequent maintenance than mature locs. Once your locs are fully locked (usually after 12-18 months), they're more forgiving.
General Retwist Guidelines
**Starter Locs (0-6 months):** Every 4-6 weeks
Your baby locs need consistent attention to establish their pattern. However, don't over-retwist - this can cause thinning.
**Teenage Locs (6-12 months):** Every 4-6 weeks
Still in the formative stage, but you might be able to stretch to 6 weeks comfortably.
**Mature Locs (12+ months):** Every 6-8 weeks
Once fully locked, your locs are more stable. Many clients with mature locs successfully stretch to 8 weeks.
Signs You Need a Retwist
- Visible new growth at the root (typically 1/2 inch or more)
- Difficulty styling your locs
- Excessive frizz that's beyond your comfort level
- Locs starting to combine at the root
Signs You're Retwisting Too Often
- Thinning at the roots
- Breakage or weak spots
- Scalp tenderness after retwists
- Spending more money than necessary
The Danger of Over-Retwisting
I can't stress this enough: over-retwisting is one of the main causes of loc thinning and breakage. Every time you retwist, there's tension on the root. Too much tension, too often, leads to traction alopecia.
If you're coming in every 2-3 weeks, we need to talk. Unless there's a special event, this frequency can damage your locs long-term.
Finding Your Perfect Schedule
At Kelatic, we work with each client to find their ideal maintenance schedule. During your appointment, we assess:
- Your current new growth
- The condition of your roots
- Any thinning or weak spots
- Your lifestyle and preferences
Pro Tips for Stretching Between Retwists
1. **Sleep with a satin bonnet** - This reduces friction and frizz
2. **Use a light loc spray** - Moisture keeps locs manageable
3. **Embrace the new growth** - A little fuzz is natural and healthy
4. **Style strategically** - Updos and wraps can disguise new growth
The Bottom Line
For most clients with mature locs in Houston, 6-8 weeks is the sweet spot. Starter locs need more attention at 4-6 weeks. Listen to your hair, not just the calendar.
Ready to establish your perfect maintenance schedule? Book a consultation at Kelatic Hair Lounge, and let's create a plan that keeps your locs healthy and thriving.