Soft Locs: The Lightweight Protective Style Everyone’s Talking About

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So here’s the thing.

I almost cried in a braiding chair once. True story about soft locs. The stylist was sweet, but those faux locs were so heavy my neck hurt for three days. I looked cute in the photos. Felt miserable in real life. That’s when my cousin tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Girl, why didn’t you just get soft locs?”

And that’s how the obsession began.

Soft locs are exactly what they sound like — locs that don’t feel like rocks dangling from your scalp. They move when you move. They bend when you bend. You can actually sleep without feeling like you’re wearing a helmet .

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest wondering what all the fuss is about, welcome. This is the soft locs hairstyle breakdown you actually need. No fluff. Just the real talk.

What Are Soft Locs? (And Why Your Scalp Will Love You)

Let’s start with the basics.

The fall under the faux locs umbrella, but they’re different from the traditional stiff ones your auntie used to get back in the day . They’re created using lightweight synthetic hair that’s wrapped or crocheted around your natural strands. The result? Locs that actually feel like hair instead of rope .

what are exactly? Think of them as the cooler, more flexible cousin of traditional faux locs. They’re installed with less tension, which means your edges get to live another day .

The soft locs hair used is typically pre-looped crochet hair or soft wrapping hair like water wave or kinky textures . This combination gives you that natural, lived-in look without the weight.

Here’s the kicker — they last 4 to 8 weeks depending on how well you treat them . Not bad for a style that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.

Soft Locs vs Other Locs: Breaking Down the Differences

Okay, let’s clear up the confusion because I know you’ve seen all the names floating around.

soft locs vs faux locs

Traditional faux locs are bulkier and stiffer. They’re made by wrapping synthetic hair tightly around your natural hair, which creates that uniform, polished look. But they’re heavy. Like, really heavy .

Use a looser wrapping technique or pre-made crochet locs that are softer to the touch. They’re lighter, more flexible, and way gentler on your scalp .

soft locs vs butterfly locs

Here’s where it gets interesting.

soft locs vs butterfly locs comes down to texture. Butterfly locs are a specific type of locs where you leave little loops of hair sticking out during installation . It gives that messy, bohemian, “I woke up like this” energy.

Regular are smoother. More polished. Butterfly locs are fuzzier and more textured .

soft locs vs goddess locs

Goddess soft locs are what happen when you take and add curly or wavy ends . They’re softer, more romantic, and perfect for when you want to feel ethereal. Think Beyoncé vibes. Regular keep it simple .

The Installation Lowdown: Soft Locs Crochet Method vs Hand-Wrapping

You’ve got options here.

Crochet method

This is the fast track. Your stylist braids your hair into cornrows, then uses a crochet needle to pull pre-made through each braid .

Crochet installation takes about 2 to 4 hours . That’s practically a nap and you’re done.

The pros? Quick, less tension, and perfect for beginners who don’t want to sit in a chair for eight hours .

Hand-wrapped method

This is the traditional way. Your stylist braids or twists each section, then wraps hair around the entire length .

It takes longer — think 4 to 6 hours — but gives you more control over the thickness and texture .

For beginners usually start with the crochet method. Less room for error. Less time in the chair. Win-win.

Invisible part

Want it to look like the locs are growing from your scalp? Ask for invisible parts. The stylist creates small, neat parts and installs the locs close together so you can’t see the braids underneath .

How Much Does This Cost? (soft locs price Breakdown)

Let’s talk money.

The price ranges from $200 to $400, sometimes more depending on where you live and how famous your stylist is .

Here’s what affects the cost:

• Length: Longer locs need more hair
• Thickness: Jumbo locs use more hair than micros
• Method: Crochet is usually cheaper than hand-wrapping
• Stylist experience: The Instagram-famous ones charge more

Hair costs are separate. You’ll need 5 to 8 packs extensions depending on how thick you want them .

Pro tip: Call around and ask “soft locs near me” but check reviews first. Cheap installations sometimes mean tight installations, and tight installations mean hair loss .

Soft Locs Styles: More Than Just Hanging There

Here’s where it gets fun.

The styles are endless because these things actually move. You can style them just like your real hair.

boho soft locs

This is the festival queen look. Mix in some wavy or curly pieces, add beads, and let a few strands hang loose around your face . It’s effortless but intentional.

With curly ends

Also called goddess locs. Leave the ends un-wrapped and add curly hair for that soft, romantic finish .

With beads

Add wooden beads, gold cuffs, or shells throughout. Instant personality.

ombre

Dark at the roots, lighter at the ends. Honey blonde, burgundy, caramel — pick your poison .

With color

Go bold. Pastel pink, deep purple, or even metallic silver. Just make sure the hair quality is good so it doesn’t look cheap .

Updos and ponytails

Because soft locs are flexible, you can throw them in a high bun, a low ponytail, or even a half-up style . Try doing that with traditional faux locs. I’ll wait.

On Different Hair Types

soft locs on natural hair

Works perfectly. Your hair gets tucked away safely inside the loc, protected from heat and breakage . Just make sure your natural hair is clean and moisturized before installation .

For short hair

Yes, you can do this. Your hair needs to be long enough to braid or twist — usually two to three inches . The extensions do all the heavy lifting.

Long hair

Also works. Your stylist might braid your hair first, then wrap the extensions around everything.

For thin hair

This might actually be your best friend. These are lightweight, so they won’t pull on fragile strands . Just make sure the installation isn’t too tight.

soft locs for thick hair

You’re in luck. Thick hair holds locs really well. Your stylist might need to blow-dry and stretch your hair first for easier parting .

Soft Locs Maintenance: Keep Them Looking Fresh

Here’s the real talk. soft locs maintenance isn’t hard, but you have to be consistent.

Nighttime routine

Always wear a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to bed . Frizz happens when your locs rub against cotton pillowcases all night.

Washing

This is the tricky part. Water can loosen your locs and make them slip . Most stylists recommend focusing shampoo on your scalp only and letting the suds rinse through without scrubbing the locs themselves .

Some people skip washing entirely and use dry shampoo or scalp cleansers instead .

Moisture

Even though your hair is tucked away, it still needs love. Use a lightweight oil on your scalp every few days . Jojoba oil, argan oil, or a good scalp spray work wonders.

Showering

Wear a shower cap . Steam and moisture cause frizz and can make your locs unravel at the roots.

How long do soft locs last?

About 4 to 6 weeks . Once your roots grow out and the locs start feeling heavy, it’s time to take them down .

Removing Without Crying

Taking them out is faster than putting them in, but you still need to be careful.

Cut the locs about six inches below your roots so you don’t accidentally snip your real hair . Then unravel carefully. Some people use conditioner to help the synthetic hair slide out .

Once everything’s out, deep condition your natural hair. It’s been in hiding for weeks and needs some TLC.

Common Questions (That You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask)

Are soft locs heavy?
Nope. That’s literally the point. They’re much lighter than traditional faux locs .

Can I swim with it?
You can, but chlorine and salt water aren’t great for them. Wear a swim cap and rinse afterward if you do.

Do soft locs damage your hair?
Not if installed correctly. The key is low tension. If your scalp hurts, something’s wrong .

Can I dye?
If you use synthetic hair, no. If you use human hair, yes — but it’s tricky. Best to buy pre-colored extensions .

How do I find soft locs near me?
Instagram is your friend. Search hashtags like #softlocs and your city name. Check reviews. Look at their healed photos, not just the fresh install pics.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’ve had bad protective styles. The ones that look cute in the mirror but make you want to cut everything off by day three. Soft locs aren’t that.

They’re light. They’re flexible. They actually let your scalp breathe.

Whether you want boho for a vacation or goddess soft locs for a wedding, this style delivers. Just find a good stylist, take care of your edges, and remember — if it hurts, speak up.

Your hair is your crown. Don’t let anyone install it too tight.

Now go book that appointment. Your scalp will thank you later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do soft locs cost?
Soft locs price typically ranges from $200 to $400 for installation, plus the cost of hair extensions (about $50-$100 for 5-8 packs). Prices vary by location, stylist experience, and loc length .

2. How long do soft locs last?
With proper care, soft locs last 4 to 6 weeks. Some people stretch them to 8 weeks, but beyond that, the weight of grown-out roots can cause tension and breakage .

3. Can I wash soft locs?
Yes, but carefully. Focus shampoo on your scalp only and let it rinse through without scrubbing the locs. Too much friction causes frizz and loosening. Many people use dry shampoo between washes .

4. What’s the difference between soft locs and butterfly locs?
Soft locs have a smoother finish, while butterfly locs feature intentional loops and a fuzzier, more textured appearance. Both are lightweight, but butterfly locs have that signature “messy” bohemian look .

5. Are soft locs good for thin hair?
Yes. Soft locs are lightweight and put less tension on the scalp compared to traditional faux locs, making them a safer option for thin or fine hair. Just ensure they’re not installed too tightly .

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References:

1. Bangstyle. (2025). The Difference Between Faux, Soft & Butterfly Locs. 
2. InStyle. (2024). What Are Soft Locs? Everything to Know About the Lightweight Protective Style. 
3. Alibaba. (2025). A Complete Insight into Soft Dread Twist Braid. 
4. Sterly Hair. (2025). What Are Soft Locs And How To Get This Chic Hairstyle? 
5. Carol‘s Daughter. (2023). What Are Soft Locs and How Do You Care for Them? 
6. America‘s Beauty Show. (2026). Faux Locs vs Soft Locs — What’s the Difference? 
7. Hair The Styles. (2024). 23 Soft Locs Ideas: The Ultimate Guide. 
8. UNice Hair. (2025). Soft Locs vs. Faux Locs: What’s the Real Difference? 
9. Ubuy Nigeria. (2023). Butterfly Locs: Types, Tutorials, and Styling Tips. 

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