Butterfly locs are simply another variant of faux locs that are braided using wavy hair.
In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about butterfly locs. We’ll cover things such as how to butterfly locs, type of hair used for butterfly locs, how long they last, how long butterfly locs take, how to seal butterfly locs, how to refresh butterfly locs and 25 butterfly locs hairstyles.
There are 6 different types of faux locs namely;
i) Distressed locs.
ii) Goddess locs.
iii) Faux locs.
iv) Bohemian locs.
v) Soft dread locs.
And Butterfly locs.
In all these hairstyles, the main distinguishing factor is in the braiding technique and the different mixtures of hair used.
PS: Butterfly locs and Bohemian distressed locs are two different hairstyles.
What are butterfly locs?
Butterfly locs are a variant of faux locs achieved using the crotchet method where wavy hair is looped into a braid using a crotchet needle and then loosely wrapped to give it a distressed/unraveled look.
What type of hair is used for butterfly locs?
Any type of wavy hair such as freetress water wave braiding hair can be used for butterfly locs. Depending on your desired length and volume, you’ll need 7 to 8 packs.
How long do butterfly locs last?
Butterfly locs can last for 2 to 3 months or more with proper maintenance in place.
How much do butterfly locs cost?
Butterfly locs range from $180 to $300 if you want an extended length. If you decide to DIY them, $100 will be enough for the complete look.
How long do butterfly locs take?
Short to mid back butterfly locs take 3 to 5 hours and extra long butterfly locs can take up to 7 hours.
Do butterfly locs hurt?
Butterfly locs don’t hurt since they’re done using the crotchet method which is tensionless.
How do you do butterfly locs on short hair?
When doing butterfly locs on short hair, rubber bands are used to secure the hair at the base. This enables the stylist to loop the braiding hair in using a crotchet needle.
Are butterfly locs a protective style?
Butterfly locs are a protective style because only the roots are used for the style and the rest of your hair is left undisturbed and protected inside the locs.
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How do you do butterfly locs?
This section will cover how to DIY butterfly locs, crotchet butterfly locs, how to do butterfly locs on your clients if you’re a stylist, how to seal butterfly locs, and how to refresh butterfly locs.
Ps- To buy the hair/products used, click on the links highlighted in yellow or find local alternatives.
DIY Butterfly locs
You’ll need a rat tail comb, edge control, shine n jam, a crotchet needle and 7 to 8 packs of the freetress water wave hair.
Use shine n jam to sleek down the roots of your hair and to get a proper hold.
Start by sectioning and braiding your hair into small to medium braids using only your natural hair.
The results should look something like this. Alternatively, you can choose to not braid your hair completely.
Take your freetress water wave hair & run your fingers through it to unravel and fluff it.
Use a crotchet need to loop in the unraveled Freetress hair into your braid.
Pull the freetress hair into the looped part and ensure that both sides are even.
Start wrapping one side of the freetress water wave hair on the other side.
Ensure that once you wrap the base you loosen your hold and start wrapping it lightly occasionally using the thumb method as you move along to give it the distressed look.
Repeat the same method all over your head until you’re satisfied with the length and look of your butterfly locs.
For a detailed visual, refer to the videos below.
Crotchet butterfly locs
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of doing your butterfly locs from scratch, opt for ready made butterfly locs like the Toyotress butterfly locs which you’ll just install to your braided sections.
@crownedk
For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.
How can I do butterfly locs on my clients?
If you’re a stylist who wants to learn how to do butterfly locs on their clients, refer to the video below which walks you through 3 easy how to butterfly locs methods.
How to seal butterfly locs
To seal the ends of your butterfly locs, you can use two methods.
In the first method, after getting to your desired length, use some of the hair to tie the loc in a knot and keep wrapping the hair that’s left back up on the loc until you have no more hair to work with.
In the second method, after getting to your desired length, use nail glue or the got2b freeze spray on the ends and then wrap the hair that’s left around the glued ends.
How to refresh butterfly locs
If you’ve had your butterfly locs in for 2 to 3 months or less, giving them a refresh will make them look new again and buy you 1 to 2 more months before you have to take them out.
To refresh your butterfly locs, start by washing your hair. As we always say, you natural hair care shouldn’t stop when you get a protective style.
After washing, conditioning, drying your locs and oiling your scalp, it’s time to start the refresh process.
Take your shine n jam and apply it on your roots where the new growth is. Use a comb to lightly pull away any fly aways and secure all the coated new growth on the roots.
Use the same hair you had initially used on your locs and wrap it 3 to 4 times on the roots after which you’ll loosen your grip and start wrapping it lightly over the locs.
Repeat the same method all over your head and style your butterfly locs as desired.
For a detailed visual, refer to the video below.
Butterfly locs maintenance tips
Butterfly locs already have a distressed look hence they don’t require a lot of maintenance other than the usual.
Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet at night to keep it from tangling.
Use an anti itch oil if your scalp gets itchy after some time.
Use a dry shampoo to clean your scalp from time to time.
Use a braids spray and preferred oil of your choice or mousse to keep them looking vibrant.
25 butterfly locs hairstyles
Thinking of getting butterfly locs? We put together 25 butterfly locs hairstyles for you to choose from.
1) Ginger butterfly locs
@thelocguru
2) Bob butterfly locs
@braidedby.chin
3) Blonde butterfly locs
@madebyimade
4) Black bob butterfly locs
@braidedby.chin
5) Black & red butterfly locs
@thelocguru
6) Blonde bob butterfly locs
@madebyimade
7) Black & blue butterfly locs
@thelocguru
8) Maroon butterfly locs
@__.mixed.k
9) Maroon bob butterfly locs
@braidsbyash.xo
10) Long butterfly locs
@thelocguru
11) Mid length butterfly locs
@hairbywaavyk_
12) Long butterfly locs
@bloomedfaces_
13) Bob butterfly locs
@hairbywaavyk_
14) Colored butterfly locs
@braidsbyash.xo
15) Mid length butterfly locs
@wendella_
16) Dark brown butterfly locs
@jasmine_jordan
17) Grey butterfly locs
@laidby.cb
18) Color 613 butterfly locs
@tropical.punch_
19) Butterfly locs with highlights
@thelocguru
20) Distressed butterfly locs
@thelocguru
21) Butterfly locs with red highlights
@thelocguru
22) Long butterfly locs with highlights
@thelocguru
23) Mid length blonde butterfly locs
@thelocguru
24) Burgundy butterfly locs
@naturally.sunny
25) Colored butterfly locs
@thelocguru
Check out more butterfly locs hairstyles on our Pinterest page.
Time to take your butterfly locs out? Check out 3 Easy Methods you can use to Remove/Take Down Butterfly Locs without cutting your hair or losing your edges.