The Truth About "Insta Locs": Why I’m Sticking to the Classics

I’m just going to say it: I tried Insta Locs, and honestly? I hated them. The "Instant Loc" or crochet method uses a tiny hook to manually knot the hair into a loc. While it gives you a mature look on Day 1, I felt like I was constantly pulling on the hair, causing unnecessary tension and breakage. This specific set in the photos took me 72 hours to install! For context, my longest install using traditional methods for small locs is usually around 10 hours.

In my opinion, Insta Locs aren't worth the extra labor or the risk of damage. Here is why I prefer the slow and steady approach.

My Preferred Method: The "Braid-to-Interlock" Start

I believe the healthiest way to start locs is with braids or two-strand twists, then interlocking the root.

Braids: Offer the most security and prevent unravelling, which is perfect for active lifestyles.
Two-Strand Twists: Give you immediate volume and a rounder, fluffier loc as they mature.
Interlocking the Root: This is much quicker than crocheting the entire strand and provides a sturdy base that stays neat between visits.

The "Wait and See" Philosophy

The best way to get beautiful locs is to install them correctly and then—this is the hard part—just let them grow. * Trust the Process: Locs go through stages (budding, teen, mature). Bypassing these stages with crochet tools can leave locs feeling stiff or thin over time.

Maintenance is Key: See your stylist every 6 weeks to 3 months. This ensures your parts stay clean and your roots are healthy without over-manipulating the hair.

JT’s Loctician Wisdom

"Patience is a luxury in beauty, but with locs, it’s a requirement. You can't rush the way hair chooses to bind together. Give it time, and it will give you a lifetime of style."

Essentials for the Loc Journey

Whether you are starting with twists or braids, keeping your scalp healthy is non-negotiable.

The Cleanse: Use a residue-free shampoo to prevent buildup inside the loc.
The Moisture: A lightweight Moisturizer can be used on the scalp to prevent the itching that often comes with the "starter" phase.
The Protection: Always sleep in a Silk Bonnet to prevent friction and breakage at the roots.

Always check the ingredients before using a new product. Your skin is the largest organ. Remember, some of what you put on your skin can be absorbed into your bloodstream

Follow my blog JTLoveBeauty.blogspot.com

YouTube @JTLoveBeauty

All Social Media @JTLOVEBEAUTY

Book JeTara aka JT at anytime by calling 737.346.2556

Let's Chat Beauty https://calendly.com/jtlovebeauty

Makeup Shopping and Face Waxing

LAMIK Beauty Tulsa, OK- The Box Yard Downtown

LAMIKBEAUTY.com Email Support@lamikbeauty.com

Please note that some of the links on this site are affiliate links. As an affiliate, I receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, which helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content. The price you pay is not affected.I only recommend products I truly love.

Comments

Make Those Eyes Pop: 10 Bold Tips for Picking the Perfect Eyeshadow Color

Ready to stop relying on the same neutral palette? Choosing the right eyeshadow color can transform your look and truly make your eyes pop. Whether you want to make a subtle statement or embrace a bold trend, here are ten vibrant tips for picking and pairing your eyeshadow shades: Vibrant Pops and Statements Green: Paired with a simple, clear lip, green instantly looks sophisticated. Try a matte green with a light glitter overlay for texture—it gets the job done without being overwhelming. Blue: Want just a little pop of color that's easy to wear? Use blue as an under-eye accent color . A deep, dark navy blue is perfect for adding definition and a hint of unexpected depth. Blue-Greens: These are a must-have for a true statement. A true turquoise with a little glitter is super bright and will guarantee you turn heads. Neon Blue: This color looks absolutely magical with brown eyes ! Since it's a bright, true matte blue, it keeps you perfectly in season and adds brilliant ...

Peach Eyeshadow: A Secret Weapon for Stunning Eyes

This is a great look for anyone, but it's especially striking on people with green eyes or when you're wearing green. It's a fantastic way to make your eyes pop and add a touch of warmth and color to your face. For this specific look, I'm using a color that's been a staple in my professional makeup kit for years: I-285 Contour Blush from LAMIK BEAUTY . This is a hard-to-find shade with the perfect balance of peach, orange, and bronze. It’s my go-to for making brown eyes pop or for creating a beautiful bronze highlight on all skin tones. Unfortunately, the I-285 Contour Blush is no longer for sale. But don't worry, you can still achieve a very similar look by mixing two beautiful shades from a different brand: Oulac Powdery Blusher for Cheeks . You'll need these two colors: Oulac Powdery Blusher in F10 Tangerine Tango Oulac Powdery Blusher in F06 Pinky Ice Get the Look: Steps for Perfect Peach Eyes You can recreate this look with a peach eyeshadow you alr...

What kind of wig works for you?

This year marks an incredible milestone for me: 10 years since I officially embarked on my journey as a beauty expert! It's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown. Looking back, my path wasn't always clear. After leaving TSU with a less-than-stellar 1.9 GPA, I felt a bit lost, trying to figure out my next step. Taking the leap and enrolling in Paul Mitchell was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I've ever made. I absolutely loved every single moment of it. One of the most valuable lessons I absorbed during my time at Paul Mitchell has stuck with me throughout my career: "The client knows and understands their beauty best, listen to them." This simple yet profound statement has shaped my approach to everything I do, especially as I ventured into the world of wig making. Your Vision, Your Wig: The All Love Your Beauty Difference When I started creating wigs under my brand, All Love Your Beauty, this principle became my guiding star. I firmly belie...

Runway Makeup

Get the Look: A Step-by-Step Guide Ready to recreate this stunning makeup look? Here’s a breakdown of the products and techniques we used. Step 1: Brows For a clean, defined brow, we used the LAMIK Revelation Brow Duo . I applied the dark brown powder and then sculpted the brows with thefor a finished look. Step 2: Eyes We created a beautiful base by priming her eyelids with Elegance Sculpting Crème . Next, we applied LAMIK Soft Black over the entire lid, followed by a shimmery silver shadow on top to add dimension. We kept the color concentrated on the eyelid and in the crease, leaving the brow bone bare. Step 3: Liner For a bold, defined eye, I used LAMIK Soft Black on both the top and bottom lash lines. I applied it precisely with a LAMIK Duo Brow Brush . Step 4: Lashes The model came with individual cluster lashes already on. To protect them from any fallout and keep them clean, I used a lash guard during the application process. Step 5: Face We be...

Feel Loved and Do Your Best.

Life can be a confusing journey, can't it? You plan everything out, you work so hard, and then one unexpected step throws everything off course. It's a frustrating feeling, but as you get older, you start to see things a little differently. You learn that as long as you don't give up, things have a way of working out. One of the most powerful ways to navigate those tough times is by connecting with the people you love. When you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, a simple act of kindness—like sending a special gift to a friend—can make a huge difference. Why? Because when you show love to others, that love comes right back to you. It's a powerful cycle that can help you feel grounded and supported. Fueling Your Mind and Body Just as we nurture our relationships, we also need to nurture ourselves. A big part of that is what we put into our bodies. A healthy mind starts with a healthy diet. I’ve found that focusing on these simple principles can make a world of differenc...

Wig Care 101

Keep Your Custom Unit Looking "Photo Ready" Whether you are wearing a custom-made unit like mine or a store-bought piece, how you care for your wig determines how long it stays beautiful. A high-quality wig is an investment in your style, and with a little TLC, it can last a very long time! To keep your curls bouncy and your lace looking natural, follow my professional "Wig Care" routine. 1. The Gentle Wash Just like your hair, wigs need a cleanse—but you have to be gentle! The Rule: Only wash your wig after 10–15 wears, or when there is a visible buildup of product. The Technique: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Submerge the wig and gently agitate. Never rub the hair together, as this causes tangling and shedding! 2. Moisture is Key Since the hair on a wig doesn't get natural oils from your scalp, it can get dry and brittle fast. Pro Tip: Always follow up with a high-quality conditioner. For curly units, use a leave-in condition...

How to Find Your Perfect Cleanser (and Why a Milk Cleanser Might Be It)

Finding the right cleanser for your skin can feel like a chore. You need something that's effective but won't strip your skin of its natural moisture. While some people (like me!) have a multi-cleanser routine, you don't have to be that extra. The key is finding one that works for you. Why a Milk or Cream Cleanser? Milk and cream cleansers are a fantastic option, especially if you have: Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Their gentle, creamy formulas help cleanse without leaving your skin feeling tight or flaky. Sensitive Skin: The mild ingredients and lack of harsh detergents make them less likely to cause irritation or redness. Healing Skin: If your skin is recovering from a procedure, a sunburn, or a breakout, a gentle milk cleanser can help you cleanse without further damage. Bonus Tip: Even if you have oily skin, a milk or cream cleanser can be a great second step in a double-cleansing routine, following a deeper-cleansing or oil-based cleanser. It ensures your skin is thor...

Soup for Days

Feeling the need for a reset after a bit of overindulgence? You're not alone! We've all been there, where eating out a little too much leaves us feeling sluggish and craving something light and nourishing. That's exactly why I turn to my go-to "cleanse" – a big pot of homemade, veggie-packed soup. It's the perfect way to hit the reset button, both for your body and your skin! My Secret Weapon: The "Feel-Good" Soup This isn't your average canned soup. It's a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying concoction that's loaded with ingredients that make you feel good from the inside out. I make a huge batch and freeze a few bowls for those times when I know I'll be tempted to order takeout. Having a healthy option ready to go is a game-changer! Here's what went into my pot this time: Veggies: Corn, Spinach, Onions, and Bell Peppers – a colorful and nutrient-dense base. Protein & Fiber: Sausage, Rice, and Beans – for a fillin...

❤️ You Made Mistakes, So Have I. Let’s Be Each Other’s Next Chance.

At LAMIK, we don't believe in "fixing" you. We believe in revealing you. I know that makeup can feel overwhelming—we’ve all had those days where the liner didn’t match or the foundation felt like a mask. I’ve made those mistakes, too. But today is a new chance. Let’s start over with a simple philosophy: Makeup = Color. If you can color in the lines, blend with kindness, and let the look flow, you can master your own reveal. Whether it’s your first time picking up a brush or you’re a seasoned pro, here is the official LAMIK 7-Step Routine to ensure your beauty is revealed, not just applied. 🎨 The LAMIK 7-Step Reveal The Frame (Brows): Always start here. Fill brows with Brow Define Powder (match your hair color) and highlight the arch with Sculpting Cream . The Canvas (Eyes): Base the lid with Sculpting Cream so your color stays true. Apply your shadow evenly and blend until there are no harsh lines. The Definition (Liner): Clean lines are key. Define the top and ...

🧼 Stop the Sabotage: Your Weekly At-Home Facial Guide

We all have that one spot we wish would just disappear. But more often than not, the "trouble spots" on our faces are the result of improper care. As a skin care professional, I talk to clients daily, and some of the "DIY" habits I hear—from putting toothpaste on bumps to aggressive over-scrubbing—honestly scare me! These "quick fixes" don't heal your skin; they destroy your skin's natural barrier. The secret to a flawless complexion isn't a miracle product; it's consistency . You should be using a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer daily . But once a week, you need to go deeper. Here is my professional guide to a safe, effective at-home facial using LAMIK’s paraben-free essentials. 🧖🏾‍♀️ The 5-Step Weekly Reveal 1. The Double Cleanse Start with LAMIK Cleanser . It’s foaming, paraben-free, and packed with aloe, green tea, and pomegranate to whisk away oil and dirt. Pro-Tip: Always cleanse twice. If your skin feels dry, follow your firs...

JTLoveBeauty

Search This Blog