Have you noticed that long butterfly locs have become all the rage these days? As someone who loves to mix up my hairstyles as frequently as I change my nail designs, I’m constantly on the hunt for fresh, fashionable styles that suit my 4C hair type and my longer face shape. Of late, fashion-forward celebs like Megan Thee Stallion, Saweetie, and Beyoncé have been rocking stunning waist-length butterfly locs, accentuated with beads and cowrie shells. They caught my eye immediately.
Butterfly locs are a kind of twistless braid crafted by spiraling two strands of Kanekalon hair to form a distinctive “V” shape resembling a butterfly’s wings. These bohemian locs flow much longer than the more familiar shoulder-skimming box braids, giving off a laid-back island feel. They offer an intriguing contrast between the sleekness of braids and the loose, free-flowing vibe of locs, creating an enticing look.
After scrolling through countless glamorous Instagram photos, I toyed with the idea of getting my own jumbo butterfly locs that would reach all the way to my hips. However, considering my specific hair needs and the shape of my face, I hesitated. Despite how playful and beautiful they looked on my favorite stars and influencers, I was concerned they might not be the best fit for the volume of my hair or the proportions of my face.
Another option I pondered was the growing trend of braided wigs, like ones with luscious goddess faux locs or short, carefree pixie knotless braids, which offer a world of flexibility. The main perk of a pre-braided wig is the convenience – it’s easy to switch things up just by donning a new wig whenever the mood strikes.
These braided wigs have become incredibly popular for their adaptable styling. They merge smoothly with your natural hair at the root and provide your own hair some downtime, shielding it from constant handling. Plus, for those who are mindful of the strain from braids pulling, braided wigs are a great fit due to their tension-free advantage.
You won’t be locked into a single style for an extended period, nor will you need to sit through long sessions to have them put in or removed. Although I love the natural, customizable look of braided wigs, I ultimately figured that having my locs done would be more cost-effective over time. But I haven’t ruled out the ease and low maintenance of wigs as a fabulous alternative protective style to try down the line.
With my tight 4C curls that are prone to dryness and breakage, I was wary about the potential strain that waist-length braids could place on my fragile strands—which could lead to serious damage. And with my long, oval-shaped face, I was also concerned that the sheer volume of the locs near my cheekbones could overpower my petite features, much like a lion’s mane might dwarf a tiny gazelle.
So, instead of rushing headfirst to the salon for 30-inch butterfly locs, I took the time to thoroughly explore the pros and cons of this elaborate hairstyle for various hair textures and face shapes. My deep dive into YouTube tutorials and hair care forums was enlightening.
I learned that while butterfly locs are truly beautiful, they aren’t a universal solution. The key is to tailor them thoughtfully to enhance your individual facial traits and cater to your hair’s requirements. While rocking those waist-length jumbo locs is fashionable, it’s not necessarily the smartest choice for everyone’s unique head and facial shape. Sometimes, less is more, and that restraint can be more graceful than just blindly following fashion fads.
For someone with an oval face like mine, smaller and more defined locs could be a better fit than large ones that could be overpowering. And my delicate 4C hair type might suffer under the weight of heavy braids. It’s critical to work with an experienced stylist and choose the right size and shape of braid.
Rather than simply copying the butterfly locs of celebrities without taking your personal attributes into account, the wiser move is to get a custom loc style that flatters you. When it comes to protective styling, the details really do count. It’s more important to highlight your own personal charm than to replicate what everyone else is doing online.
In conclusion, butterfly locs can be a great addition to anyone’s look with the proper customization and hair care routine. Don’t be afraid to step away from the current online trends and select braid shapes and sizes or alternative knotless braid styles, such as Havana twists, that bring out the best in YOU! It’s not about chasing what’s popular; it’s about discovering what makes you look and feel your best.
As for my journey with protective hairstyles, I’m always on the hunt for top-notch braided wigs that deliver both fashion and comfort. In my search, I stumbled upon FANCIVIVI—a brand that specializes in braided wigs for black women, celebrating our versatile beauty. Their range of wigs offers a way to embrace bold, protective hairstyles for daily wear. As someone with a busy career, I’m grateful that brands like FANCIVIVI make it simple to change up my appearance without the upkeep of real braids.
