Butterfly Locs
Temporary / Faux Loc Family
Also known as: Bohemian Locs, Distressed Locs
Illustration -- About our illustrations
Butterfly locs are a distressed faux-loc style: textured or water-wave hair is wrapped loosely around a braided or twisted base, with small loops pulled out along the length. The loops give an undone, bohemian texture rather than a smooth loc.
Distinguishing characteristics
The defining feature is the deliberate looping. The wrap is left slack and sections are pulled outward to create the "butterfly" texture. They can be wrapped individually or crocheted on as pre-made butterfly locs.
Advantages
Lightweight compared with tightly wrapped faux locs, and the undone texture looks good as it ages.
Considerations
Loops can snag on clothing and jewellery, and the style looks messier over time by design.
Warning signs
Tight or sore roots, bumps or thinning edges mean it is too tight.
Preparation
Start with clean, stretched hair and choose your length; butterfly locs are often worn shoulder-length or as a bob. Confirm whether they will be wrapped or crocheted.
Daily Care
Use a light water-based spray on the roots. Avoid heavy oils, which make the loops limp.
Night Care
Sleep in a satin bonnet to keep the loops from flattening and snagging.
Washing
Cleanse the scalp gently and squeeze the locs dry; heavy rubbing will undo the loops.
Scalp Care
Check the base for tenderness, particularly at the hairline.
Refreshing
Pull loops gently back into shape with your fingers and trim stray fibres.
Removal
Unwrap or cut away the wrapping hair carefully, then take down the base.
Styling tips
Bob, shoulder-length and waist-length versions are popular, as are dark-brown and coloured locs.
At a glance
- Estimated price
- $150–$500
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price. - Chair time
- 3–7 hrs
- Sizes
- Medium
- Lengths
- Shoulder Length, Bra-Strap Length, Waist Length, Bob Length
- Looks
- 4 looks
Looks
- Medium Butterfly Locs -- Medium, Shoulder Length, Natural Black
- Butterfly Locs with Color -- Medium, Bra-Strap Length, Honey Brown
- Waist-Length Butterfly Locs -- Medium, Waist Length, Natural Black
- Dark Brown Bob Butterfly Locs -- Medium, Bob Length, Dark Brown
Price & time
- Estimated price: $150–$500
- Estimated time: 3–7 hrs
- Confidence: Medium
Planning estimate, not a validated market benchmark -- local salon pricing varies and this figure should not be treated as a typical or standard price.
US national estimate.
Culture & history
Butterfly Locs and the Distressed-Wrap Finish
Butterfly locs use water-wave textured braiding hair wrapped firmly at the root and loosely through the length, producing the style's signature separated loops and undone, textured surface -- a deliberate distressed variant of the faux-loc wrap rather than a different base construction. Sources documenting this style treat 'Distressed Locs' and 'Bohemian Locs' as the same construction under different marketing names, which this catalog captures as aliases rather than separate styles.