12 Faux Loc Styles and How Long Each One Lasts

3. Boho Bohemian Locs

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Boho locs blend the structure of traditional faux locs with a deliberately relaxed, slightly undone aesthetic that looks soft, textured, and artfully messy. Rather than fighting for a neat appearance, boho locs embrace looser sections, sometimes with curly or wavy sections mixed in, and intentional texture that makes them look more like naturally developing locs. They’re installed with enough intentionality that they hold together, but loose enough that they develop character and movement as you wear them.

What Makes Them Stand Out

The bohemian aesthetic gives you permission to let your locs be imperfect, which paradoxically makes them feel more natural and personal than their neater cousins. Boho locs work beautifully with layering—some locs can have braided sections, some can have straight sections, and some can have curly ends, all on the same head. They suit people with an artistic sensibility, those who want a more relaxed vibe, and anyone who finds the process of maintaining perfect locs exhausting. The looser installation also means less tension on your hairline.

Lifespan and Style Characteristics

• Lifespan: 6 to 8 weeks with moderate care; 4 to 6 weeks if you style them frequently. The intentional looseness means they naturally loosen faster than tighter styles.
• Installation approach: Often a blend of braiding and twisting with intentional loose sections. Installers create boho locs by being deliberately less precise, which takes different skill than creating neat locs.
• Perfect for: People with a bohemian or eclectic aesthetic, artists, anyone who prioritizes comfort and ease of styling over pristine neatness, and those who want that organic, naturally-growing-locs feeling.
• Styling diversity: You can wear boho locs in dozens of ways—twisted into buns, braided together into larger sections, half-up styles, loose down your back, and everything in between.

Insider tip: Boho locs actually benefit from slightly less-frequent retwisting of the roots. If you retwist them every 8 to 10 weeks rather than every 6, they develop even more character and that coveted well-developed-locs appearance.

4. Goddess Locs

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Goddess locs are a hybrid style that combines twisted or braided sections with perfectly defined curly ends, usually achieved by wrapping the extension hair around a rod or through crochet techniques to create spiraling, springy curls at the tip of each loc. The overall effect is glamorous, voluminous, and instantly recognizable—the curly ends make goddess locs pop visually and create a completely different silhouette than straight-ended locs. They’re a style statement that reads as intentional, playful, and put-together.

Why They’re a Game-Changer

Goddess locs solve the problem of straight faux locs looking very obviously installed—the curly ends create movement and visual interest that makes the whole style feel more dynamic. The curls also add volume, making goddess locs particularly flattering on people with thinner hair or smaller head shapes. Styling options are slightly more limited than with straight locs (the curls at the ends limit certain updos), but the tradeoff is that you get a more finished, intentional aesthetic right out of the installation chair.

Longevity and Maintenance Reality

• Lifespan: 5 to 8 weeks depending on curl type and how tightly they’re installed. Tighter curls hold longer; loose, gentle waves frizz faster.
• Installation time: 4 to 6 hours typically. Adding the curled ends is faster than hand-twisting an entire head of locs.
• Cost: Usually mid-range, between boho locs and highly precise styles. The curl work adds to the price but not as much as installation time would suggest.
• The curl reality: The curls will gradually loosen and soften as you wear the style, which many people actually prefer—after 4 weeks, the curls become gentle waves rather than tight spirals, creating a different aesthetic.

Important consideration: If you have a smaller head shape or fine, delicate hair, goddess locs can sometimes feel heavy at the ends due to the curl weight. Discuss this honestly with your loctician during consultation.

5. Soft Locs

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Soft locs are a technique-specific style where extension hair is loosely wrapped around very fine braids or twists in a way that creates a pliable, almost yarn-like texture to the locs. Unlike crochet locs, which are tightly crocheted, soft locs use a wrapping method that creates locks with actual flexibility—you can bend them and they’ll maintain their shape, but they feel softer to the touch than traditional faux locs. The aesthetic is contemporary and distinctly different from every other style on this list.

What Makes Soft Locs Unique

Soft locs deliver that magical combination of faux-locs structure with an almost yarn-like softness that feels surprisingly comfortable against the neck and shoulders. Because they’re wrapped rather than tightly crocheted, they don’t have the same rigidity as many other styles, which means less tension at the scalp and a more comfortable wearing experience overall. The visual result is clean and contemporary without feeling as formal as sisterlocks or as relaxed as boho locs. Soft locs have become increasingly popular specifically because they balance aesthetic appeal with genuine comfort.

How Long They Last

• Lifespan: 4 to 6 weeks with careful maintenance; can stretch to 7 weeks with excellent care. The wrapping method means they naturally loosen faster than braided or twisted locs.
• Installation process: Requires a specific wrapping technique that’s faster to install than some methods but still demands precision. Usually takes 3 to 5 hours.
• Maintenance level: Moderate. You’ll notice loosening around the 3-week mark, but it’s often part of the style’s charm.
• Best for: Anyone who prioritizes comfort, those who find tightly installed locs painful, and people who want a contemporary, styled-on-purpose aesthetic.

Things to know: Soft locs can sometimes be prone to slippage if the wrapping isn’t quite tight enough, so finding an experienced soft-locs installer is important. They’re also better suited to people who moisturize regularly, as the wrapping method can sometimes feel drier than other styles.

6. Braided Locs

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Braided locs are created by doing a three-strand or four-strand braid from root to end, either incorporating extension hair into the braid or braiding extension hair around your natural hair. Unlike other faux loc styles that rely on twisting or crocheting, braided locs have visible braid texture running down the entire length, creating a distinctive aesthetic that reads as clearly intentional and artistic. They’re a fantastic choice for people who want visual texture and definition throughout their entire style.

Why Braided Locs Are Different

The braid texture gives braided locs a completely different visual personality than twisted or crocheted styles—they look more sculptural and defined, with clear textural lines running through each lock. Because the braiding technique is so visible, braided locs work beautifully if you want people to see the artistry and intentionality of your styling. They’re also surprisingly durable because braids naturally hold their structure well, which means braided locs can look neat for longer than some other installation methods.

Durability Timeline

• Lifespan: 7 to 10 weeks, especially if the braids are installed tightly. Braided locs maintain their neat appearance longer than most other faux loc styles.
• Installation time: 5 to 7 hours depending on braid complexity and the number of locs. Braiding takes longer than twisting, but the longevity often justifies the time investment.
• Visible texture: The braid pattern remains clearly visible throughout the entire lifespan, which means even loose roots don’t feel as visually “undone” as they might with other styles.
• Styling versatility: Braided locs can be worn down, up in ponytails, braided together into larger sections, and styled in nearly infinite ways.

Pro tip: Many people combine braided locs with other installation methods on the same head—for example, braiding the front sections and twisting the back—to create visual interest and combine the benefits of multiple techniques.

7. Faux Locs With Curly Ends

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Faux locs with curly ends are a broader category that includes goddess locs but extends beyond them—these are any faux loc style where the tips have some form of curl, wave, coil, or texture rather than being straight. This might mean tight spiral curls (like goddess locs), loose beach waves, textured coils, or even kinky curls that echo natural texture. The curl ends can be added through crochet, rod-wrapping, braiding, or twisting methods depending on the installer’s approach.

Visual Impact and Styling

The curly ends completely change the visual weight and movement of faux locs, creating a style that photographs beautifully and feels energetic and dynamic. Unlike straight faux locs that can sometimes read as very obviously installed, curly-end locs blend that intentional styling with movement and natural-looking texture. The curls also allow you to create volume around your face and shoulders without the bulk of straight locs at those points. For people who love texture and movement in their hair, curly-end locs feel like the perfect solution.

Longevity Specifics

• Lifespan: 5 to 8 weeks depending on curl tightness and maintenance. Tighter curls hold longer; looser waves soften faster but often look even more beautiful as they relax.
• Curl type matters: Tight, well-defined curls hold their shape better than gentle waves, so a goddess-locs-style spiral will last longer than a soft-wave version.
• Curl progression: Expect the curls to gradually loosen and soften over the wearing period, which many people actually prefer—the style becomes softer and less uniform as time goes on.
• Best for: Anyone who loves the aesthetic of curls, people with an edgy or playful styling preference, and those who want to create volume and movement in their hairstyle.

Real consideration: The weight of the curls at the ends can sometimes create neck and shoulder tension, especially if you have fine or delicate hair. Make sure your loctician uses appropriately lightweight extension hair for the curl sections.

8. Loop Locs

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Loop locs are a unique style where extension hair is looped and secured at specific points rather than being twisted, braided, or crocheted into a traditional locked formation. The loops create an intentional, sculptural aesthetic that’s visually distinct—part of the appeal is that they look very deliberately styled rather than attempting to mimic naturally developing locs. Loop locs have a contemporary, almost architectural quality that appeals to people with a modern or avant-garde aesthetic sense.

What Sets Loop Locs Apart

Loop locs don’t try to create the illusion of naturally developing locs like many other styles do—they’re unapologetically installed, which is precisely their appeal. The looped structure creates visual texture and dimension, and the style reads as intentional artistic expression rather than a protective styling choice. This makes loop locs ideal for people who want their hair to clearly communicate that they’ve made a deliberate style choice, and who embrace the artificial-yet-beautiful aesthetic of protective styling.

Installation and Longevity Details

• Lifespan: 5 to 7 weeks depending on how tightly the loops are secured. Loop locs naturally loosen faster than tightly twisted or braided styles because the loop structure relies on consistent tension at specific points.
• Installation method: Hand-installation by twisting extension hair into loops and securing with thread or through specific looping techniques. It’s a specialized method that requires experience.
• Installation time: Usually 4 to 6 hours depending on head size and the complexity of the loop pattern.
• Styling options: Loop locs work beautifully worn down, and they create dramatic movement when you style them into updos or braided sections.

Things to consider: Loop locs can sometimes feel looser than you might expect from other styles, so they’re best suited to people who are comfortable with a more relaxed, undone aesthetic and who plan to replace them when they loosen rather than trying to stretch the lifespan longer.

9. Crochet Locs

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Crochet locs are installed by creating a base braid or twist and then using a crochet hook to pull extension hair through the braid, creating tightly interlocked sections. The crochet method creates exceptionally tight locs with minimal frizz and a very neat, polished appearance right out of the installation. Crochet locs are one of the fastest styles to install (often 2 to 4 hours for a full head), making them accessible for people with limited time or budget, and they’re incredibly durable because of how tightly they’re constructed.

Why Crochet Locs Are Popular

The efficiency of crochet installation means you can get a professional-looking faux-locs style without spending half a day in the chair or paying premium prices. The tightness of the crochet method creates locs that hold their structure beautifully and resist frizzing, which means they maintain a polished appearance longer than many other styles. For people who want the faux-locs aesthetic without the time commitment or who plan to keep their style for extended periods, crochet locs hit the sweet spot.

Durability and Installation Reality

• Lifespan: 6 to 10 weeks, with many people successfully wearing crochet locs for 10 to 12 weeks with excellent care. The tight installation means they hold their structure remarkably well.
• Installation time: 2.5 to 4 hours for a full head. It’s one of the fastest faux-locs installation methods, which makes it accessible for many people.
• Cost: Usually more affordable than hand-twisted or braided styles because of the faster installation time. Many people find crochet locs offer the best value.
• Initial tightness: Crochet locs are installed quite tightly, which means some people experience temporary scalp tenderness. This usually resolves within a few days.

Important note: While the tight installation of crochet locs is great for longevity, it also means slightly more tension on your hairline. If you have any scalp sensitivity or hairline concerns, discuss this with your loctician before committing to crochet locs.

10. Jumbo Locs

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Jumbo locs are the thickest faux-loc style available, with each individual lock typically ranging from the thickness of a highlighter marker to a quarter-sized diameter. This creates a bold, statement-making aesthetic that’s visually striking and immediately recognizable. Jumbo locs suit people who want drama, those who prefer fewer total locs on their head (usually 20 to 40 on a full head), and anyone who prioritizes ease of styling and maintenance over versatility of wearing options.

Visual Impact and Styling Reality

Jumbo locs create massive visual impact and completely change the silhouette of your head and face—they’re a bold statement that’s impossible to ignore or downplay. The thicker structure means each individual lock has more presence and weight, which can actually feel quite beautiful and grounding to wear. Jumbo locs are trickier to style into certain updos because of their bulk, but worn down or in simple braided sections, they’re absolutely stunning. They’re ideal for people with larger head shapes, those with thicker hair, and anyone who loves drama and presence in their styling.

How Long Jumbo Locs Last

• Lifespan: 6 to 10 weeks depending on installation method and maintenance. The thicker structure means they hold together well and maintain their appearance even as they loosen.
• Installation options: Jumbo locs can be braided, twisted, or crocheted. Crocheted jumbo locs tend to hold longest; hand-twisted versions loosen faster.
• Maintenance ease: Jumbo locs require less frequent root touch-ups and less intensive moisture care than thinner styles, simply because there’s less total surface area to manage.
• Best for: People who want a low-maintenance faux-locs style, those with thicker hair, anyone who loves bold statements, and people who prefer styling simplicity over versatility.

Real talk: Jumbo locs can sometimes feel heavy on the neck and shoulders, especially if you have a delicate frame or fine natural hair. Discuss weight distribution with your loctician before installation.

11. Medium Locs

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Medium locs strike the balance between thin styles like microlocs and thick styles like jumbo locs, offering a versatile sweet spot that works for most people. Individual locks are usually about the thickness of a pencil or crayon—thick enough to feel substantial and to look professional, but thin enough to allow for versatile styling and multiple wear options. Medium locs are the Goldilocks of faux-locs styles: not too fine, not too chunky, and appealing to the widest range of people.

Why Medium Is Often the Best Choice

Medium locs offer the most balanced combination of benefits: they look polished and intentional, they allow for versatile styling options, they’re relatively fast to install, they don’t require as much intensive root maintenance as thinner styles, and they work well on most head shapes and face shapes. Many locticians actually recommend medium locs as a starting point for first-time faux-locs wearers because they hit so many advantages at once. The thickness provides good structure and durability while still allowing you to create intricate styles, braided sections, and varied styling options.

Lifespan and Maintenance

• Lifespan: 6 to 9 weeks with good maintenance; 5 to 7 weeks with moderate care. Medium locs hold their appearance well throughout their lifespan.
• Installation speed: Usually 4 to 5 hours depending on the specific installation method. Not as fast as crochet, but faster than some hand-twisted styles.
• Styling versatility: You can wear medium locs in ponytails, braided updos, half-up styles, twisted buns, and worn loose in numerous configurations.
• Cost: Mid-range pricing. Not as affordable as jumbo or crochet styles, but not premium-priced like certified sisterlocks.

Why they’re reliable: Medium locs have the sweet spot of longevity, ease of styling, and ease of maintenance. Many people find that once they discover medium locs, they stick with that thickness because it checks all the boxes.

12. Textured Distressed Locs

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Textured distressed locs are deliberately installed with an undone, slightly unkempt appearance—some sections are braided, some are twisted, some are looser, and the overall effect is that the locs look like they’ve been developing naturally for months and have that organic, imperfect texture. Unlike boho locs which have intentional looseness, distressed locs embrace visible frizz, varied thickness within individual locs, and an overall aesthetic that reads as authentically undone rather than artfully arranged. This style suits people who love the real, unglamorous look of mature locs without waiting years to develop them.

The Aesthetic Appeal

Distressed locs solve a real problem for people who love the look of naturally mature, well-worn locs but don’t want to wait the years required to grow them naturally. By intentionally creating texture, frizz, and variation during installation, locticians can create an aesthetic that feels earned and lived-in from day one. This appeals to people with an artistic sensibility who love imperfection, authenticity, and that organic, undone aesthetic. Distressed locs also offer freedom from the pressure of maintaining pristine, polished hair—the whole point is that they’re meant to look naturally imperfect.

Durability and Long-Term Appearance

• Lifespan: 6 to 8 weeks, though the beauty of distressed locs is that they often look even better as they continue to loosen and develop more texture over time.
• Initial appearance: Unlike other styles that start looking perfect and gradually loosen, distressed locs start undone and often improve with age as more texture develops.
• Maintenance approach: You can be much more relaxed about root touch-ups and maintaining perfection, which makes this style easier to maintain mentally if not always physically.
• Best for: Artists, people who love imperfection and authenticity, anyone who feels constrained by the pressure to maintain pristine protective styles, and those who are genuinely excited by the look of mature, naturally-developed locs.

Insider perspective: Many people find that distressed locs actually require less emotional energy to maintain than other styles, because they’re already “allowed” to look undone. There’s a freedom in that permission to be imperfect.

Final Thoughts

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Choosing between faux loc styles ultimately comes down to understanding your priorities: Do you want something that lasts as long as possible, or are you comfortable refreshing every 6 weeks? Do you prioritize a polished, intentional aesthetic, or do you love that organic, imperfectly-developed look? Are you looking for maximum styling versatility, or would you prefer something low-maintenance and simple to style? Do you have time and budget for specialized installation methods, or do you need something faster and more affordable?

The longevity of your faux locs matters, but it matters less than choosing a style that actually reflects who you are and how you want to feel in your hair. An eight-week-lasting style that makes you feel absolutely confident is infinitely better than a twelve-week style that you’re constantly trying to hide because it doesn’t match your aesthetic. Talk honestly with your loctician about what success looks like for you—whether that’s pristine neatness throughout the entire wear period, the freedom to let them loosen and develop texture, or something in between. The right style is the one that makes you feel like yourself.