This is one of the most common questions we get at BlackRose Hair, and the short answer is yes — but with some important forewarnings that will save you a lot of frustration and hair loss if you understand them first.

The honest answer

You can start locs on relaxed hair, but you're working against the natural texture of the hair, and that makes the locking process slower and sometimes less durable. Relaxed hair has been chemically straightened, which means the cuticle structure is different from natural hair. Locs form when the hair coils and tangles around itself — relaxed hair does this less readily, so it takes longer and will appear thinner than how your natural hair would have

The bigger consideration is that relaxed hair and natural hair growing from the same root creates a line of demarcation — a weak point where two very different textures meet. Over time, especially with the weight of growing locs, this junction can be a point of breakage.

What most stylists recommend

The standard advice is to transition — stop relaxing, allow your natural texture to grow out, and start your locs once you have a few inches of natural growth to work with. This gives the locs a stronger foundation from the start.

The transition period can feel awkward. Two textures of hair is not easy to manage, and a lot of people give up and go back to relaxing during this phase. A stylist who understands the transition process can help you manage your hair and keep it looking intentional while you wait.

I personally recommend starting whenever you feel ready. I basically treat relaxed hair like i treat caucasian hair. If i can handle that, relaxed hair is not a problem. Before crocheting it, i back comb like i do caucasian hair so it can loc permanantly and not come out, I haven't had any problems so far. One thing you quickly learn in this business is that everyone is an individual. I've had African hair that was harder to crochet than caucasian hair although Africa hair is usually easier to loc. So whenever you feel ready is when we do it.

If you want to start now

Some clients don't want to wait through a full transition. In that case, there are options. We can start your locs on the relaxed hair while being upfront about the maintenance involved in the early stages, and keep a close eye on the demarcation line as the locs grow.

The most important thing is that you understand what you're starting. Locs are a long-term commitment — they're not something you take out after a few weeks. Going in with realistic expectations means you won't be disappointed when things don't look perfect immediately.

Book a consultation first

If you're seriously considering locs and you have relaxed hair, come in for a consultation before making any decisions. We'll look at your hair's current condition, talk through your goals, and give you an honest assessment of what to expect.