Everything You Need to Know About Invisible Locs: Pros, Cons & Styles

Invisible locs are a popular protective hairstyle that went viral on TikTok. They mimic the look of traditional locs without all the maintenance and are becoming a new favorite for folks who want to change their hair style often. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about invisible locs, including what they are, how to get them, and how to maintain them at home for fast and effortless style. Read on to learn more and find some inspiration for your next loc look!

Invisible Locs at a Glance

Invisible locs are a type of faux loc that are flat-twisted into natural hair, making them seem "invisible." They gained popularity after videos featuring the style went viral on TikTok. Invisible locs are lighter than standard faux locs, easy to remove, and work with all kinds of curl patterns and hair textures.

Section 1 of 8:

What are invisible locs?

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Invisible locs are a protective hairstyle that mimic traditional locs. Invisible locs are a type of faux locs that resemble a mix between locs and twists. Two flat twists are made on your natural hair, then Marley hair is twisted into your flat twist. Because the extensions are blended closely with your natural hair roots, the extensions seem “invisible” compared to standard faux locs.^{[1]
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- Why are they so popular? Invisible locs gained popularity after going viral on TikTok. The invisible locs tag has over 90 million views, with popular videos from hairstylists like IamVeronicaC and IamDejaJanee, as well as people like jasminedyonna2, who are learning to do the style at home.

Section 2 of 8:

How to Get Invisible Locs

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Visit a professional stylist for the best results. Installing invisible locs is a lengthy process that usually takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the length and the size of the twists. It is possible to install invisible locs at home, but most recommend visiting a professional hair salon, especially if you’re not an experienced braider.^{[2]
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- If you want to get invisible locs styled professionally, talk to your stylist about what to expect. They can help you choose a style, size, and color that will work best for your hair.
- If you want to install invisible locs on yourself or a friend, watch this video. Just remember that it will take several hours, so don’t make any other plans!

Section 3 of 8:

Pros and Cons of Invisible Locs

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Traditional locs require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, so in comparison, invisible locs are relatively low maintenance. You won’t have to spend hours retwisting or palm-rolling your locs, so invisible locs are a perfect protective style for people with busy lifestyles.^{[3]
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Pro: They’re versatile. Because invisible locs are essentially a combination of locs and twists, they offer the best of both worlds. There are many ways you can wear invisible locs, so play around with different hairstyles (like updos and braids) and accessories to create a unique look that matches your aesthetic.^{[4]
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Pro: They’re easy to take out. Removing traditional locs can be a lengthy process. With invisible locs, however, all you have to do is remove the elastic bands from the barrels and unravel the twists like you would a twist out. Because of this, invisible locs are a temporary commitment and you can easily switch up your hairstyle whenever you want.^{[5]
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Pro: Invisible locs work well for all curl patterns. Invisible locs can easily be adapted to different curl patterns and textures, making them an inclusive and accessible style for various hair types. Just make sure to consult a professional stylist to ensure your locs are installed properly and suit your hair’s characteristics.
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Con: Invisible locs may not work well for thinning hair. The flat twists of invisible locs are on the scalp, which means a lot of your scalp will be visible. Because of this, they may not be the best option for people who have thinning hair. Regular faux locs typically work better in this case, as long as you’re working with an experienced braider.
Invisible locs can last up to 8 weeks but often only last about 3 or 4 weeks, as they start to get too frizzy. Unlike individual locs, you can’t get invisible locs retouched, so you’ll need to remove the twists before getting them installed again.^{[6]
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Section 4 of 8:

Invisible Loc Hairstyle Ideas

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Before making your hair appointment, take some time to look through different invisible loc styles online, like like this Pinterest board. Pick some photos you really like and bring them to your appointment for inspiration. Your stylist can then work with you to figure out which style will work best for your hair.
Invisible locs look great with any hair color. If you prefer a bold look that makes you stand out, consider dyeing your hair and getting invisible locs in a bright color like red, pink, or blue. If you don’t want to dye all of your hair, go for a few colored highlights to make it pop.^{[7]
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There are all kinds of ways to style invisible locs. If you’re going for a cute but casual look, put your locs into a short ponytail. Leave a few strands out at the front to frame your face for a simple, feminine style.^{[8]
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This style looks great if you have a small face or a sharp, oblong face. Tie the top half of your hair in a bun on top of your head and leave the rest down. This look can work well for both casual and classy outfits.^{[9]
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Bohemian invisible locs are a unique take on the style. Instead of having all of your hair twisted, some curls will be left loose between the locs. This creates a feminine, carefree aesthetic.
In many cases, a shoulder-length (or shorter) bob is a great length for invisible locs. Wear your locs down for a simple, feminine style that can be both casual and elegant. This length also allows you to play around with different hair styles, like ponytails and buns.

Section 5 of 8:

How long do invisible locs last?

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In general, the better you care for your locs, the longer they’ll last. To keep your invisible locs looking their best, wrap your hair each night and apply a hair oil or a hydrating mist a few times each week. If the twists start to look frayed, finger comb a bit of mousse through them to help smooth flyaways.^{[10]
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Section 6 of 8:

Maintaining Invisible Locs at Home

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To prevent frizz and maintain the root placement of your locs, wrap them in a silk scarf before you go to bed. Wear a silk bonnet on top of the scarf to further protect your hair while you sleep.^{[11]
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To properly maintain your invisible locs, it’s important to keep them hydrated. Regularly mist your hair with a water-based hydrating spray, or apply a lightweight oil to keep your locs moisturized.^{[12]
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After a few weeks, your invisible locs will likely start to get frizzy. If you’re not ready to take them out, apply some hairspray or finger comb a small amount of mousse from your roots to the tips. This will help tame flyaways and frizz to keep your locs looking their best.^{[13]
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Section 7 of 8:

Invisible Locs vs. Faux Locs

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Standard faux locs are heavier and more noticeable than invisible locs. Technically, invisible locs are a type of faux loc. With standard faux locs, the hair is crocheted in a way that is clearly visible. Invisible locs, on the other hand, are done with Marley or Cuban twist hair, which is more coarse-textured to mimic the natural loc look. Standard faux locs are also heavier and cause more tension on the hair.^{[14]
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- Soft locs are another type of faux loc that invisible locs are often mistaken for. The main difference is that soft locs use a specific crochet technique with pre-formed locs that are noticeably wrapped around the hair. This creates a fuller, textured look whereas invisible locs aim for a discreet appearance.

Section 8 of 8:

Can men wear invisible locs?

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Anyone can wear invisible locs, regardless of gender. Invisible locs are a great protective hairstyle for men, women, and people of any gender. If you’re a man or prefer more masculine hairstyles, keep your locs short for a look that’s both sleek and modern.
- If you want an edgier style, consider rocking red tips or dyeing one half of your head another color, like blond.
- Try jumbo invisible twists if you want your hair to look thicker.
- If you have longer hair, put some of it in a bun on top of your head to keep it out of the way. This is another great gender-neutral hairstyle.
- If invisible locs aren’t your style, there are plenty of other loc styles for men.