Whether or not to cut your locs is a big decision. After all, you don’t want to regret cutting your locs if you can help it. In order to minimize that possibility of regret, I’ve curated a number of options to think about before cutting your locs off.
Before we get started, write these prompts down! Whether it is in a notebook or in your notes app, make sure to document this decision. You will thank yourself down the line. Grab a pen and paper and start reading!
Like and dislikes
Before getting into cutting your locs, the first thing you should do is write out a list of what you dislike and like about your current set of locs. Focus on the here and now. Here is an example.
| Likes | Dislikes |
| Loc size | Styling options |
| Hair length | Retwisting |
| Easy loc care routine | Uneven loc parts |
Why do you want to cut your locs?
The most obvious question to ask yourself and write down, is why do you want to cut your locs? Many of this will be similar to the dislikes section of what you don’t like about having locs. But you may find there are additional reasons why you want to cut your locs outside of dislikes. That is why it is still a good exercise to think about the question in both ways. Some example questions to ask yourself on cutting your locs are listed below.
- If you’re looking to cut off your locs entirely, is it because of issues with your locs? Maybe you hate your loc parts.
- If you are looking to cut length from your locs, are you just looking to change it up?
- Did you ever like having locs?
These are some important questions to ask yourself.
Will Cutting Your Locs Solve Your Issues?
Another imperative question to ask yourself is whether cutting your locs will actually solve your issues. For example, perhaps you hate the time it takes retwist your locs. If you cut your locs though, do you expect to be able to spend less time doing your loose natural hair? Perhaps the answer for you is yes, but just try to reflect back on the time spent doing your natural hair as well in order to determine that.
There is a tendency to take a “the grass is greener on the other side” approach. In some specific circumstances it can be! But other times, the other side just has a different type of work waiting for you.
Alternatives to Cutting Locs
If you’re looking to cut your locs and restart your journey, have you considered ways you can change the things about your locs that made you want to cut them? Even if you end up cutting your locs, this is an important exercise for helping determine whether you actually want or need to.
For example, maybe you want to restart your locs journey because your locs are too small. Well did you know you can combine your locs? Maybe your locs are severely matted. Well there are ways to deal with product build up
Have you tried shorter locs styles? Even if your locs are very long, you can still rock a short hairstyle.
Wigs and extensions are other options to try for added versatility. Just look at Chloe Bailey to see all the different options you can do with your locs.
Basically, this next phase is to look into alternatives to cutting your locs while addressing the issues you have with them currently. This step may be the last phase for you if you determine that you want to keep your locs. But for others, the next step is continuing with a plan to cut your locs.
| Why I Want to Cut My Locs | Potential Fixes / Alternatives To Cutting My Locs |
| Matted locs | Separate matted locs |
| Thin locs | Combine locs |
| Tired of having them | Try different styles |
| Heavy locs causing back pain | Cut locs shorter |
| Long loctician retwist sessions | Learn to retwist myself or combine locs |
Before Cutting Your Locs
Cutting vs Cutting Off
Sometimes you know you want to cut your locs, but are in between cutting a few inches or cutting them off entirely. Trying the alternative styles from above should help you make that distinction. Occasionally, sometimes the best option is to cut your locs partially or all the way off (eg., heavy locs causing pain).
If you aren’t sure as well, you can always do a trim/haircut in order to see how you feel about your locs with a shorter cut as well.
Cutting Off Your Locs
After going through this whole exercise, it may have crystallized the decision for you to cut your locs off. That’s okay! Sometimes there are physical reasons like pain or health issues. Other times, you just feel spiritually ready for a new phase in life. Lastly, sometimes you just plain want to change it up! Cutting your locs is not all doom and gloom – it can be refreshing and positive experience for many.
Some tips even if you are cutting your locs off is to reflect on how you usually react to change. If you typically regret or overthink decisions, you may find it helpful to save your locs after you cut them off. This is helpful too if you were hesitant on the decision as well. Moreover, having your prior list of reasons to refer and remind you will be helpful as well.
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After reading this, you should feel certain about what direction you’d like to take. If you’re not, that’s okay. Bookmark this page for later. Cutting your locs is a big decision and there is no rush.
