Wearing butterfly locs is stylish and trendy but the greatest concern with this hairstyle is how to safely take them out. That is why in this article we will tell you how to take out butterfly locs without destroying your hair.
Butterfly locs are also known as distressed locs, they are cute, trendy and have dominated the hair industry for a while now.
This variant of faux locs creates a messy butterfly effect that gives it this signature name.
Unlike twists or braids, butterfly locs are mainly wrapped around your hair, so taking them down is different from the other protective styles.
How to Take Out Butterfly Locs
Before you start the removal process, lather your hair in a leave-in conditioner for at least 30 minutes. This ensures your hair does not get tangled as you take them out. Get a comfortable stool or chair as this makes it easier to position yourself correctly in front of a mirror. Use a mirror to avoid cutting your natural hair.
You can take out butterfly locs using two methods:
Method 1: Braid and Wrap Method
This is for taking out locs installed using the braid and wrap method.
Step 1:
You have to figure out which direction the hair is twisted and unravel in the opposite direction. Pull down the hair wrapped in butterfly locks starting at the roots. If it gets tangled and you cannot pull it out anymore, separate the synthetic hair from your natural hair by holding and unraveling the wrapped hair. Do this gently and carefully to avoid hair loss and scalp damage.
Step 2:
You will see the braided section. Pull your hair out from the loc and proceed to cut the loc with scissors. For this method cut the loc right above the knots for precaution. For any stubborn knots, use a rat-tail comb to remove them.
Step 3:
Complete the removal process by pulling out the loc from the hair. Unravel your natural hair to prevent it from detangling. As you remove a couple of locs, you eventually get the gist of it and it becomes easier and faster.
Video Tutorial
Method 2 : Take out Method
If you installed your locs using the crochet method on cornrows, then this method is your best bet.
Step 1:
Snip the locs just above your hair. Since they are on the cornrows your hair is safe from any accidental cutting.
Step 2:
Slide and pull out the locs from the root of your hair. Do this for all the locs based on each cornrow. You should do this cautiously to avoid pulling your natural hair with the locs.
Step 3
After taking out the locs from one cornrow you will understand the process a little better and move a little quicker. Finish the process by unraveling your natural hair and combing it to avoid detangling. To minimize breakage and hair loss, gently pull apart old build-up on the hair at the root. Use a leave-in conditioner or a water-based detangler to soften buildup. This ensures you do not lose a lot of hair when detangling.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
When removing butterfly locs ensure you take your time to avoid cutting your hair in the process. The condition of your hair before the locs are installed will have a lot to do with how easy or difficult it will be to remove them. Ensure you moisturize your hair thoroughly before you install the butterfly locs. This will lock in moisture and keep the hair hydrated.
