As someone who has had Sisterlocks since 2018 and is comfortably into my own personal “hair goals” era, it’s only right that I keep it 100 with my friends who are considering loc’ing their hair.
If you’ve recently started your Sisterlocks journey or are considering doing so, chances are you’ve already heard the term: the awkward phase. It’s that stage where your locs are still finding themselves—short, poofy, frizzy, shrunken, maybe sticking up in directions you didn’t approve, and definitely not looking like the Pinterest-perfect locs that inspired you to begin this process in the first place.
The majority of us go through it, and it’s almost like a rite of passage to get the beautiful locs you envisioned.
And let’s be real—it can be a little discouraging. You might catch yourself in the mirror wondering, What did I do to my hair? But here’s the truth that every mature Sisterlocks queen will tell you: the awkward phase is not only normal, it’s necessary. And it’s worth it.
What is the Awkward Phase?
The awkward phase is that in-between stage where your hair is transitioning from loose natural to fully loc’d. Your scalp might be visible, your parts might seem too sharp, and your ends might still be unraveling. Some locs may slip, shrink, or fuzz up more than others. You might not know how to style it yet. And all of that is okay.
This stage can last anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on your hair texture, length, and maintenance routine. And while that might sound like a long time, remember: you’re not just growing a style—you’re cultivating a lifestyle. Stay the course, and trust the journey, and you will be happy in the long run!
Why You Must Embrace It
1. It Teaches Patience
We live in a world of instant gratification. But Sisterlocks? They don’t rush for anyone. The loc’ing process unfolds in its own time. Learning to love your hair as it is—not just as you want it to be—is a powerful act of self-love and patience.
2. It’s a Part of Your Story
Every mature Sisterlocks journey has a “before” picture that tells a story of growth, commitment, and transformation. Your awkward phase is part of that story. The photos you take now—the ones you don’t want to post—will one day be the ones that inspire someone else to start their journey.
3. You’ll Get Creative
Because your hair isn’t “finished,” you’ll learn to experiment. Scarves, headbands, wigs, box braids, soft updos, braid-outs, and rollers will become your best friends. You’ll discover styles that suit your current stage and make you fall in love with your hair right now—not just later. The first 12 months into my loc journey, I lived in wigs, unapologetically, and doing so helped make the awkward phase less awkward.
4. Your Confidence Will Grow
It’s one thing to feel beautiful when everything looks polished. It’s another to feel beautiful when things are a little wild and unpredictable. Sisterlocks will teach you that beauty doesn’t always come from perfection. Sometimes, it comes from presence—being comfortable in your own skin, wherever you are in the process.
Tips to Survive (and Thrive) in the Awkward Phase
Document your journey. Take pictures every month—you’ll be amazed at the subtle changes you miss day to day.
Moisturize minimally. Too much product can slow the locking process. Trust your loctician’s advice.
Don’t compare. Everyone’s Sisterlocks look different depending on hair texture, density, and install method. Stay in your lane.
Talk to your loctician. If something doesn’t feel right, communicate. They can adjust techniques or offer styling suggestions.
Join a community. Find a Facebook group or local meet-up. Nothing beats seeing others who are in the same stage—or have made it to the other side.
The Beauty That Awaits
One day, without even realizing it, you’ll look in the mirror and see the locs you dreamed about. They’ll be full, settled, and unique to you. You’ll run your fingers through them and feel proud—not just of how far your hair has come, but of the woman you became in the process.
So, if you’re in that awkward phase, take a deep breath. You are exactly where you need to be. Keep showing up for your hair, and more importantly, for yourself. The journey may feel slow now, but the crown you’re building is worth every step.
Your Sisterlocks are becoming. And so are you. 💫
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To watch the full YouTube video where I brought my loctician on, and we talked about the awkward stage of locs, offered suggestions, and discussed what has worked for us, click below:
Have you made it through the awkward phase? Or are you currently in the thick of it? Share your experience in the comments—let’s support one another through the journey.
Dr. Tiffany Ofili Porter 