Faux locs is the umbrella term for any style that imitates natural locs. Under it, you’ll find butterfly locs (soft and textured with loops), gypsy locs (long, boho locs with curly pieces), faux sister locs (tiny, lightweight micro locs), straight locs (sleek and uniform), and crochet locs (pre-made locs looped into cornrows for a fast install).
Which one is right for you depends on the look you want, how much time you have, and how much weight and tension your scalp can handle. If you want the look without hours in the braiding chair, a handmade loc wig gives you the same style in minutes.
In this guide, we’ll compare every style side by side, explain how each one is installed, and share how to make your locs last.
Faux loc styles compared
Style | Look | Weight | Install time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Butterfly locs | Soft, distressed, with loops | Light | Medium | A carefree, boho look |
Faux locs | Defined, uniform locs | Medium to heavy | Long | A classic loc look |
Straight locs | Sleek, smooth and uniform | Medium | Long | A polished, neat finish |
Gypsy locs | Long locs with curly pieces throughout | Medium | Long | A romantic, goddess look |
Faux sister locs | Tiny micro locs | Light | Very long | Versatile styling, like loose hair |
Crochet locs | Any of the above, pre-made | Varies | Fastest | Saving time in the chair |
Prefer no install at all? All of these styles also come as handmade loc wigs, which you can put on in minutes and reuse.
Each loc style explained
Butterfly locs
Butterfly locs are faux locs with small loops along each loc, which look a little like butterfly wings. They’re made by wrapping wavy hair loosely around a braid, so they look soft, textured and slightly undone. Because they’re lighter and less rigid than classic faux locs, they also put less tension on your scalp. They’re sometimes called soft locs or distressed locs.
Faux locs
Classic faux locs are smooth, defined locs that look like mature natural locs. They’re usually made by braiding your hair, then wrapping extension hair tightly around each braid. As a result, they last well and hold their shape, but they’re heavier and stiffer for the first few days.
Straight locs
Straight locs are sleek, uniform faux locs with a smooth finish and no curls or loops. They’re perfect if you want a polished, neat look that’s easy to style into buns and updos.
Gypsy locs
Gypsy locs are long, boho-style faux locs with curly or wavy pieces left out along each loc and at the ends. They’re similar to goddess locs, but usually longer and more textured, for a free-spirited, romantic look.
Faux sister locs
Faux sister locs are tiny, lightweight micro locs inspired by Sisterlocks, a natural loc method. Because they’re so small, they move and style almost like loose hair. However, they take the longest to install, so they’re often worn as a loc wig.
Crochet locs
Crochet locs are pre-made locs that are looped into cornrows with a latch hook. Any of the styles above can come as crochet locs, which cuts install time from a full day to a few hours. Plus, your natural hair stays protected in cornrows underneath.
How many locs do I need, or which wig should I choose?
For crochet locs
Crochet locs are usually sold by the number of locs per bundle, not by weight. As a rough guide, most full heads need about 60 to 100 locs, depending on loc size and how full you want the style.
Loc size | Approx. locs for a full head | NC4 bundles needed |
|---|---|---|
Large / jumbo | 50–70 | [X] |
Medium | 70–90 | [X] |
Small | 90–120 | [X] |
Tip: Buy one extra bundle. That way, you can fill gaps at your hairline or replace a loc that frizzes.
For a loc wig
With a handmade loc wig, you don’t need to count locs. Instead, choose:
- Style: butterfly, faux, straight, gypsy or faux sister locs
- Length: shorter wigs are lighter and easier to wear every day
- Colour: natural shades, highlights or bold colours
- Cap size and lace: for a secure fit and a natural-looking hairline
At NC4, you can also build your own custom unit, choosing your hair type, length and colour.
How faux locs are installed
There are three main ways to get the look. Each one starts with clean, moisturized, fully detangled hair.
Method 1: Braid and wrap (6 to 10+ hours)
- Part and braid. Section your hair and braid each part, adding a little braiding hair for length if needed.
- Wrap. Wrap extension hair around each braid from root to tip. For butterfly locs, wrap loosely and leave small loops. For straight locs, wrap tightly and smoothly.
- Seal the ends. Most braiders seal synthetic locs with hot water or a dab of glue at the tip.
- Add curls (gypsy locs only). Tuck curly pieces into each loc as you wrap, or add them afterward with a crochet hook.
Method 2: Crochet (2 to 5 hours)
- Cornrow your hair. Braid straight-back cornrows and tuck the ends.
- Hook in the locs. Loop each pre-made loc through a cornrow with a latch hook and secure it.
- Fill the hairline. Finish around your edges so the parts look natural.
Method 3: Loc wig (minutes)
Put on your wig cap, place the loc wig, secure it with the adjustable straps or combs, and blend your hairline. Since your natural hair stays braided underneath, a wig is also the gentlest option.
Tip: Faux locs can be heavy. Don’t install them tightly at the root, since dermatologists warn that tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. If it hurts, it’s too tight.
How to wash faux locs
Faux locs hold a lot of water, so wash gently and dry them thoroughly. In general, wash every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Dilute your shampoo. Mix a sulfate-free shampoo with water in a spray or applicator bottle.
- Focus on your scalp. Apply it to your parts and massage gently. However, don’t scrub the locs, as this causes frizz.
- Rinse downward. Let the water run from roots to ends.
- Squeeze out the water. Press each loc gently with a microfibre towel. Never wring or twist them.
- Dry completely. Air-dry for several hours or use a hooded dryer on low. Otherwise, wet locs can develop mildew and a musty smell.
How to maintain faux locs
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf to reduce frizz and keep the locs neat.
- Moisturize your scalp with a light oil along the parts, like the hair growth oil in our Hair and Wig Care Collection.
- Refresh with mousse to smooth flyaways along the locs.
- Keep gypsy loc curls damp. Mist them with water and a little leave-in, and detangle with your fingers only.
- Trim frizzy fibres carefully with small scissors, without cutting the loc.
Caring for a loc wig
Store your loc wig on a wig stand or in a satin bag when you’re not wearing it. Wash it every few weeks, or more often if you wear it daily, using diluted shampoo. Then let it dry completely on a stand before putting it away.
Shop NC4 locs
At NC4, every loc style is handmade, so you get the look without the hours in a braider’s chair. Choose from:
- Loc wigs in butterfly, faux, straight, gypsy and faux sister locs, ready to wear in minutes.
- Crochet loc bundles, pre-made so your braider can install them in a few hours.
- A custom unit, where you choose your loc style, length (8 to 36 inches) and colour from over 65 shades.
Fast shipping. Ready-to-ship items leave in 2 to 3 business days, with delivery in 4 to 12 business days to Canada, the US, the UK, Europe and Australia.