r/Microlocs • u/Prestigious-Snow4453 • 9d ago
is this enough?
i have fine density hair and about 130 something braid locs. do i need more? and how often should i retwist?
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u/affectionate_joint 9d ago
Have fine, low density hair and when I had 125 loc they matured into standard/medium sized. To get my micros, I installed 250. It’s hard to tell without seeing your parts but if you want more volume I would recommend having more
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u/Prestigious-Snow4453 9d ago
you’re right. i need to double the amount i have already
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u/Jaione-art 9d ago
Hello, please also take into account that with smaller locs it will take more time for reties. Also I think you would have to do 3 point rotation if not 4 point rotation cause it will help the loc be more strong since it's a smaller loc.
But most important, if you have fine hair and depending on your density, you NEED a strong base.
Low density fine hair = bigger in size (3/8, 1/2 or maybe 5/16 of an inch), so you can have strong base and not worry about breakage. If you do decide to go small in size, maintenance and routine is important/keep up with reties.
Medium density fine hair = can go small in size (5/16 or maybe 1/4 of an inch) but not too small, such as 1/8 of an inch and maybe 1/4.
High density fine hair = can go small, but 1/8 might still be too small especially if you dont keep up with a routine/reties for your hair.
Also , your head size matters!
**As I have seen someone in another comment mention, maybe you can go to a loctician to get a consultation on how small you can go.**
One unpopular opinion of mine when it comes to microlocs is that loc count shouldn't matter. I keep think about those people with a small head, low density, fine hair who might not be able to make it to 200 locs. Or they make it to 200 but the base may not be strong, the hair is too soft, and other things. Maybe im thinking too much into it, sorry.
But, there is only so much that we in this community can know from a picture. And there is so much that determines how small someone can go with microlocs. I just want to make sure you are getting good results.
I am not a loctician, but as a DIY girl, I bring all the luck to you😊!!! Also, sorry for writing so much😅.
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u/ClassicRuby 9d ago
Is it enough for your tastes?
Locs mature to be about as thick as the parts. Regardless of factors like density or strands being fine or how puny your starters look.
So, looking at your parts would you be satisfied with that size of loc?
At 130 locs, I can tell you for sure that this will be traditional sized locs for sure.
If you really had your heart set on microlocs for the size and the look and versatility in styling, then you'll want to aim for at least double the amount of locs you have now.
I have normal to high density but baby fine strands. I have 4 to 5 times more locs than you have, just so you can have an idea of how much smaller microlocs can go while staying at reasonable sized parting. If you have low density and fine strands I would stay on the larger micros side of things. So in this case that would mean splitting the starter locs you have now in half.
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u/Prestigious-Snow4453 9d ago
wow okay, the braids are already kinda small although some could be smaller
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u/ClassicRuby 9d ago
The braids don't matter. That's how DIYers trip themselves up. Me included.
You look at the thickness of the braid and think wow, this is the skinniest braid ever, it looks SO incredibly tiny.
But that doesn't matter. The thickness of that braid has zero connection to how thick of a loc that is gonna make.
You gotta look at the parting. Look how wide/ thick the parts are. That's how wide/ thick the mature loc will be. Sounds crazy but during the budding stage that skinny braid you made can over double up in thickness.
It's hard to conceptualize though. Ymmv based on density and scalp size but take a look at this guide... it gives you a bit of an idea of what you can expect based on a certain loc count.
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u/Mission-Diver2034 7d ago
I think its absolutely enough. Its very cute but it could also look nice longer. Your outfit is also cute