Started Loc Society because I kept seeing the same 3 mistakes wreck people's locs early on:

1. Retwisting too often. Weekly retwists sound disciplined but they actually thin your hair and cause breakage at the root. Every 4-6 weeks is the sweet spot for most textures.

2. Using heavy products to "speed up" locking. Waxes and heavy butters coat the hair and trap buildup instead of helping it lock. Cleaner is faster — a residue-free shampoo and light gel go further than any "locking cream."

3. Judging progress by month 3. Locs go through an awkward, frizzy "budding" phase between months 2-6 that looks like nothing is happening. That's normal maturation, not failure. Most people quit right before it clicks.

If you're starting or in year one, patience + a light hand beats any product. Building out a full course + community for people navigating this — happy to answer questions here.