To get lint out of locs, follow these effective methods and tips:
Removal Techniques
- Use Tweezers or Curved Tweezers: Gently pick out embedded lint with fine-point tweezers or specialized curved tweezers designed for precision. Be careful to avoid damaging your locs during this process
- Fine-Toothed Comb or Rat Tail Comb: Use a fine-toothed or rat tail comb to tease out lint fibers, especially at the tips of locs. Gently coax the lint out and then recoil the tip tightly
- Loc Brush or Pick: A loc brush or pick can help loosen and remove lint. It is easier to do this when your hair is slightly damp
- Soft Boar Bristle Brush: Lightly brushing your locs with a soft boar bristle brush can help remove lint and debris without damaging the locs
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Soak: Soaking locs in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water (about 1 cup ACV per basin) for 20 minutes can help remove dirt and product build-up that may trap lint. Squeeze locs during soaking to allow the solution to penetrate, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free microfiber towel
- Clarifying Shampoo and Detox Kits: Use clarifying shampoos or loc detox kits to deep clean locs and remove product build-up that can hold lint in place. Alternating shampoo with treatments like bentonite clay or vodka rinses can also help break down build-up
Prevention Tips
- Cover Your Locs at Night: Wear a silk or satin bonnet or use satin pillowcases to reduce lint accumulation from fabrics
- Avoid Lint-Heavy Fabrics: Protect your locs from contact with lint-prone materials like wool or certain upholstery
- Regular Maintenance: Brush locs regularly and check for lint to remove it before it becomes embedded
- Use Lint-Free Towels: Dry your locs with lint-free microfiber towels to prevent lint transfer
- Limit Heavy Products: Avoid heavy butters, petroleum-based products, and excessive oils that cause product build-up and attract lint
If lint is deeply embedded and removal is difficult, some people opt to dye their locs darker to camouflage lint temporarily
. By combining gentle removal tools with regular cleaning and protective measures, you can effectively get lint out of your locs and minimize future buildup.
