Your Ultimate Guide to the Butterfly Locs Hairstyle

By Carol's Daughter — Updated May 2026

Quick Answer: Butterfly locs are a textured, boho-style faux loc that features curly loops within each loc — a hybrid between sleek faux locs and bouncy passion twists. They're often worn shoulder-length for a chunky, carefree look, though longer styles work too. Installation uses water wave braiding hair (6–8 packs) wrapped firmly at the roots and looser through the lengths to create the signature "distressed" loops. With proper care, butterfly locs last 4–6 weeks and don't require hot-water sealing.

Protective styles come and go. Microbraids had their moment. Kinky twists took the spotlight. Now butterfly locs (sometimes called distressed locs) are the textured, boho style natural hair lovers are reaching for.

The look is carefree but intentional — defined locs with curly loops woven throughout for movement and dimension. They're gentler than tight faux locs, more textured than passion twists, and the install is more forgiving than most protective styles.

Here's the complete guide to butterfly locs — what they are, how to install them, how to care for them, and how to take them down without damaging your hair.

What Are Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs are a textured faux loc style that combines two protective style traditions:

Faux locs: straight, neat, structured locs
Passion twists / boho styles: bouncy, curly, loose

Butterfly locs split the difference. The result is a defined loc with intentional curly loops within it — the "butterfly" effect — giving you a boho, textured look without sacrificing the structure of a loc.

What Makes Butterfly Locs Different

Curly loops within each loc — the signature "butterfly" detail
Often worn shoulder-length in a bob for a chunky, full look (though longer styles work too)
More forgiving install than tight faux locs — imperfection is part of the aesthetic
No hot-water dipping required — the wrapping technique secures the locs on its own
Lighter and softer than traditional faux locs

For a fuller breakdown of related styles, see our complete guide to caring for locs and our guide to soft locs.

What's the Best Hair for Butterfly Locs?

The key is water wave hair. This bouncy, curly extension hair is what creates the signature boho look. Specific brands matter less than the type — any quality water wave hair will give you the look.

What you'll need:

6–8 packs of water wave hair for a full head of butterfly locs
Optional: Marley braiding hair if you want extra length or thickness beyond what your natural hair provides
A crochet needle (if using the crochet method)
Hair clips, a rat-tail comb, and your favorite styling products

If your natural hair is fine, thin, or shorter than the loc length you want, Marley braiding hair is your friend. It adds bulk to the braid base so your final locs look fuller and longer.

Find Your Personalized Routine

Your curl type affects how butterfly locs install and how long they last. Knowing your hair before any protective style sets you up for better results.

Take the Curl Quiz → A 5-step quiz that identifies your hair type, main concerns, and the products built for your texture.

How to Do Butterfly Locs

There are two main install methods: the crochet method (faster, using pre-looped distressed crochet hair) and the wrap method (more time-consuming, more natural-looking finish). For a true butterfly loc look, the wrap method delivers the best results.

Here's the full process.

Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair

Always start with clean, well-conditioned hair before any long-wear protective style. This is your last chance to treat your hair before it's put up for 4–6 weeks.

Cleanse: The Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo with Castor Oil cleanses while strengthening — ideal pre-install.

Condition and deep treat: Follow with the Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner with Castor Oil, then deep condition with the Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask to lock in moisture for the wear period ahead.

For more on wash-day basics, see our complete guide to moisturizing natural hair.

Step 2: Braid Your Natural Hair

Part your hair into sections based on the size of locs you want. Smaller parts = more locs, more time, longer-lasting style. Larger parts = fewer locs, faster install.

For each section:

Part neatly with clean lines (clean parts = polished finish)
Braid your natural hair into a single plait
If using Marley braiding hair for extra length or thickness, braid it in at the root and continue down
Apply the Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream with Castor Oil as you go to keep your natural hair soft and protected

The leave-in step matters more than people realize. Your natural hair is going to be wrapped up for weeks — well-moisturized hair holds up; dry hair breaks.

Step 3: Wrap the Water Wave Hair

This is the step that creates the butterfly look. Here's the technique:

Take a piece of water wave hair and attach it to the root of your braid (either crochet it into the braid or start braiding the water wave hair at the root)
Fluff the water wave hair with your fingers to get the natural, bouncy texture
Wrap firmly at the root for the first inch or two
Then wrap more loosely as you go down the length
Wrap over your thumb periodically in no particular pattern to create the signature disheveled loops
More loops = fluffier locs. Add as many as you want for your desired texture

The beauty of this style: it's intentionally imperfect. If you add extra hair mid-way, or create one too many loops, the boho aesthetic absorbs it. There's no "wrong" wrap pattern.

Step 4: Seal the Locs

Once you've reached your desired length, you'll seal each loc to prevent unraveling. Two options:

Option A: Loop and tuck (recommended)

Loop the end of the wrapped hair around your finger as if making a knot
Tuck the loop into itself and pull tight
The wrapping pattern locks it in place

Option B: Loop and glue

If your locs are significantly longer than your natural hair, loop and secure with a small amount of nail glue
Cut off any excess water wave hair below the seal
This option is more secure but harder to take down

No hot water needed. The carefree wrapping pattern secures the hair on its own. Skip the dipping step entirely.

How Do You Maintain Butterfly Locs?

Maintaining butterfly locs is similar to caring for other faux loc styles. A few habits keep them looking fresh through the full 4–6 weeks.

For comprehensive loc care fundamentals, see our complete guide to caring for locs.

Protect Your Hair Every Night

Wear a satin or silk bonnet (or wrap with a satin scarf) every single night. This is non-negotiable. Cotton friction will frizz your locs and shorten their wear time dramatically.

Satin pillowcases help as a backup but aren't as protective as a bonnet.

Care for Your Edges

Your edges remain exposed and need extra attention. The Goddess Strength Smooth & Shape Balm is built for this — apply a pea-sized amount with a soft toothbrush along your hairline to keep edges smooth without flaking or stiffness.

For deeper edge care, see our complete guide to laying edges for beginners.

Refresh New Growth

As your natural hair grows at the roots, you can refresh the look with a light spray or styling cream. The Hair Milk Refresher Spray lightly hydrates without disturbing the install.

Minimize Manipulation

This is a carefree style — but it's not a constantly-touched style. The more you handle butterfly locs (flipping, fluffing, restyling), the faster they frizz at the roots. Style once, leave it.

Can You Wash Butterfly Locs?

Yes, technically — but with limits.

Because your natural hair is wrapped under layers of braiding hair and water wave extensions, you can't get the same deep clean you would on loose hair. The goal is scalp cleanliness, not full-hair cleanliness.

How to Clean Your Scalp During Butterfly Locs:

Part your hair into sections to expose your scalp
Apply the Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Shampoo directly to your scalp using the pointed-tip applicator
Massage gently — don't scrub the locs themselves
Rinse from the scalp outward, avoiding soaking the locs more than necessary
Dry completely before bed (mildew is the #1 reason for bad-smelling locs)

The drier you can keep the wrapped hair, the longer your butterfly locs will last.

Treat Your Scalp Between Washes

The Goddess Strength 7-Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil keeps your scalp moisturized and supports the hair underneath. Apply 2–3 times a week to your scalp parts using the dropper.

For more on scalp care under protective styles, see our complete scalp care routine guide.

How Do You Sleep With Butterfly Locs?

Every. Single. Night. with a bonnet or wrap. Here's the breakdown:

For shoulder-length butterfly locs: A standard satin or silk bonnet
For longer butterfly locs (waist-length+): Wrap top to bottom with one or two satin scarves before adding a bonnet
For very long butterfly locs: A satin pillowcase as backup if your scarves shift overnight

Sleeping unprotected creates frizz at the roots and can loosen individual wraps. The 30 seconds it takes to put on a bonnet preserves weeks of style.

How Long Should You Keep Butterfly Locs In?

With proper care, 4–6 weeks is the sweet spot.

Some people stretch the style longer — but pushing beyond 6 weeks comes with risks:

Matting at the roots as new growth intertwines with the install
Breakage at the hairline as the install settles and pulls
Loss of scalp health from extended periods between proper cleansing
Difficulty during takedown as the locs become more entangled with your natural hair

If you want your butterfly locs to last longer, that's a signal to plan a takedown and reinstall with fresh hair rather than extending the original install past 6 weeks.

How Do You Take Butterfly Locs Out?

The takedown is where many people accidentally damage their hair. Take your time.

Step 1: Cut the Locs (Carefully)

Cut each loc at the tip, well below where your natural hair ends. You're cutting the extension hair, not your real hair. Most natural hair only extends 6–10 inches into the loc; the rest is extension.

Step 2: Unravel Before Unbraiding

Once you've cut the bulk off, gently unravel the wrapping hair from the bottom up. Use your fingers and patience — no aggressive pulling.

Step 3: Use Oil to Loosen Buildup

Apply the Born to Repair Reviving Hair Oil with Shea Butter to your fingertips and work through each loc as you unravel. Oil loosens buildup and reduces tension, making takedown smoother and gentler on your hair.

Step 4: Detangle Carefully

Once the wrapping hair is removed, you'll see your braided natural hair. Carefully unbraid each plait. Expect a lot of shed hair — that's normal (your natural hair sheds 50–100 strands a day, and they all collect in your braids over 4–6 weeks).

Apply the Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer for slip as you detangle.

Step 5: Cleanse and Restore

After takedown, your hair needs a thorough cleanse and deep moisture:

Clarify with the Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Shampoo to remove buildup
Strengthen with the Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner
Deep treat with the Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask
Re-moisturize with the Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Milk

Use the LOC method (leave-in, oil, cream) to seal in moisture before your next style.

For broader hair repair after long-wear styles, see our complete guide to repairing damaged hair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Locs

How long does it take to install butterfly locs?

4–8 hours depending on the size of your locs, your speed, and whether you're working alone or with a stylist. Smaller locs and longer styles take longer. First-timers should plan for the longer end. The wrap method takes longer than the crochet method.

How are butterfly locs different from soft locs?

Butterfly locs feature intentional curly loops within each loc for a more disheveled, boho look. Soft locs are smoother and more uniform, designed to mimic traditional locs. Butterfly locs are textured; soft locs are sleek.

Can I get butterfly locs on short hair?

Yes — as long as you have at least 3–4 inches of natural hair to braid. The extension hair provides the length. If your natural hair is very short, use Marley braiding hair at the base for extra length before wrapping.

Are butterfly locs damaging?

Done correctly, no — the wrap is forgiving and doesn't pull on edges the way tight braids do. Damage happens when:

The install is too tight
They're worn longer than 6 weeks
Your natural hair isn't moisturized
The takedown is rushed

For more on protecting your hair through protective styles, see our hair breakage causes and treatments guide.

Can I swim with butterfly locs?

Avoid swimming if possible. Chlorine and salt water dry out the extensions and can loosen the wrapping. If you do swim, wear a swim cap, rinse with fresh water immediately after, and dry your locs as thoroughly as possible. Allow extra time for complete drying.

How do I make butterfly locs fluffier?

Add more loops during the wrap step. Each time you wrap over your thumb, you're creating a loop that contributes to the textured look. Fluffier butterfly locs need more loops, more often, with looser tension.

Can I get my edges done while wearing butterfly locs?

Yes — just be gentle. Apply a small amount of the Goddess Strength Smooth & Shape Balm with a soft toothbrush. Don't over-style or constantly retouch your edges, as repeated manipulation along the hairline causes breakage. For full edge styling, see our complete guide to laying edges for beginners.

Should I dip butterfly locs in hot water?

No. Unlike traditional faux locs, butterfly locs don't need hot-water sealing. The carefree wrapping technique secures the hair on its own. Skip this step entirely.