The world of protective hairstyles has grown tremendously in the past few years. While it’s true that classic looks like box braids and cornrows are still popular, there are tons of new styles to explore. This year has been one of the most creative for the category, with the success of the braided baldie and other unique looks like Bora-Bora braids.
But the latest style to steal the spotlight is in a lane of its own. River Locs, also known as Waterfall Locs, blend a less traditional braiding method with the breezy feel of boho braids to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. Despite being new to the braid scene, they’ve already gained a cult following on TikTok and Instagram.
Protective styles are a popular choice come summer, thanks to their ability to keep curls tucked away. But they also provide a stylish look, and with so many options, it’s always fun to change it up. The allure of airy boho braids or crisp stitch braids never gets old. However, if you’re looking for a fresh way to shake up your hairstyle, River Locs could be the style for you.
As with any new protective style, it’s good to know the ins and outs before committing. We get it; braids aren’t exactly cheap and have a longer lifespan than a silk press or twist-out. Fortunately, we got the rundown from three stylists and braiders to help you out. Below, they share everything you need to know about River Locs, including how to keep them looking salon-fresh.
What are river locs?
Like Goddess Braids, River Locs have an ethereal and beachy feel. “They are considered a crochet hairstyle and create a bohemian, free-flowing appearance thanks to curls at the root and ends of the locs,” says Kadidja Dosso, founder of Dosso Beauty and Philadelphia-based braider. However, unlike braids, River Locs are lightweight. “It’s a great style for those who like mid-back braids because they’re not too heavy and offer less tension at the root of the hair,” she says.
River Locs are still fairly new in the braid community. A quick Google search will yield just a few pictures for inspiration. Still, it’s not hard to see why they’ve become so sought after—especially for summer. The style is breezy and quick to install, making them ideal for vacations. “It is perfect for creating a weave look thanks to the curls, but it doesn’t have the extra maintenance that comes with having those styles,” says Shay London, a Brooklyn-based braider and owner of the namesake hair salon Shay London Beauty Bar.
What Makes River Locs Unique
Faux locs have become a popular protective style that offers less tension and is often much lighter than knotless braids. You’re probably familiar with a few hairstyles, such as butterfly locs and soft locs. Both were top trends last year and could be seen all over Instagram. River Locs offers the same lightweight protection but varies in a few ways.
The first is how the look is achieved. According to celebrity stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, the hairstyle is installed by crocheting the locs into your natural hair, which is usually twisted flat on the scalp. “This method is easy to install and makes River Locs lighter than other protective hairstyles,” she says. It also creates less tension and allows your strands to breathe a little better.
Another glaring difference between River locs and other faux loc styles? The overall appearance. Sturdivant-Drew explains that while some loc styles have a beautifully messy look to them, River Locs are more polished thanks to a neatly defined root structure.
How long do river locs last?
Dosso and Sturdivant-Drew tell ESSENCE that most River Locs hairstyles last between 6 and 8 weeks when properly cared for (more on this below). But as with any type of extension, the type of hair you use can also play a role in the longevity of the style. Most River Locs looks are created using locs crafted of synthetic hair, which can help keep the curls intact and tangle-free.
Others are created using a blend of loc extensions and human hair. In this case, London explains that human hair adds curls and volume to the locs, similar to Boho braids. She mentions that this type of installation can last up to three months with salon touch-ups to keep them looking fresh.
How To Maintain River Locs At Home
If you’ve had braids in the past, you know that having a routine in place is essential. Not only will it keep your style looking good, but it will also ensure your natural hair remains healthy. That said, you’ll need a handful of moisturizing and nourishing products. “A braid shampoo is key to breaking up products that can build up at the root of your hair,” says Dosso. Between edge controls, gels, and oils, the roots of your style can become saturated with debris. She recommends using a detoxifying shampoo every two weeks to keep your roots clean.
Scalp care is just as important as having a good wash routine. Sturdivant-Drew mentions that using a scalp oil will help lubricate the scalp and nourish the roots. She also recommends adding a scalp spray, like Jamaican Mango Lime’s No More Itch Gro Spray, to your routine. “It refreshes your scalp and reduces itching, so the style lasts longer,” she says. The pro also suggests looking for gels that prioritize nurturing ingredients, like manuka honey and Jamaican castor oil.
Dehydration can be a common problem with braids. In that vein, you’ll need to invest in a fortifying braid spray to ensure that your natural hair is moisturized and well-kept. Rice water is a popular choice for protective styles because it’s full of vitamins and nutrients that hydrate and replenish the style and your hair. Dosso suggests adding a spray with the ingredient, like Dosso Beauty’s Rice Water Braid Spray, to your daily routine to lock in moisture and prevent breakage. Lastly, all three experts say that covering your hair with a satin or silk bonnet at night will keep the style neat and moisturized as you sleep.
