How to Install and Remove Butterfly Locs - Butterfly Locs Hairstyles 2025 & Tutorials

Butterfly loc is a popular hairstyle for black women; it can be found all over social platforms. This article covers the basics of butterfly locs, including their features, installation and take-down tutorial, maintenance, and more, as well as trendy butterfly locs hairstyles in 2025.

What Are Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs are a stylish and protective hairstyle that gives a soft, boho look with curly loops that resemble butterfly wings. Unlike traditional dreadlocks, butterfly locs are temporary and use water wave synthetic hair to wrap around your natural hair, creating lightweight, textured locs that blend well and lock in moisture. This hairstyle is great for those who want something different from regular braids or faux locs. It can protect your hair from damage while making it look fresh and fashionable.

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How to Do or Install Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs can be installed in several ways depending on your comfort level, hair texture, and desired look. Below, we break down some popular methods to do butterfly locs, with step-by-step instructions for each.

1. Braided and Wrap Butterfly Locs Tutorial (Without Crochet)

What you need:

Synthetic water wave extensions (two pieces per loc, one longer than the other)
Comb for parting
Edge control (optional for neat parts)

Steps:

Step 1: Part your hair into small, neat sections using a comb. This creates the base for each loc.
Step 2: Braid your natural hair downward about one inch in each section. Keep the braids tight but comfortable.
Step 3: Take two pieces of synthetic hair; one piece should be twice as long as the other. Attach the shorter piece to your braid by braiding it together with your natural hair for about one inch.
Step 4: Use the longer piece of synthetic hair to wrap around the braid and the shorter piece. Wrap in a way that changes the tightness and neatness occasionally to create the butterfly-like loops along the loc.
Step 5: Continue wrapping the longer synthetic hair down the length of the braid until you reach the end.
Step 6: At the bottom, wrap the leftover longer piece back up the loc to secure the ends firmly.

Pros:

Gives you full control over the wrapping and butterfly loop effect.
Allows for more natural, flexible locs with movement.
Doesn’t require special tools like a crochet needle.

Cons:

It can be very time-consuming, especially if doing it yourself.
Requires patience and skill to keep wraps tight without making locs stiff or bulky.

2. Crochet Butterfly Locs Hairstyle Tutorial

This is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to install butterfly locs, especially if you want a quick install and less tension on your scalp.

What you need:

Synthetic water wave loc extensions
Crochet needle
Rubber bands (optional, to secure hair sections)
Edge control
Apple cider vinegar or vinegar rinse (optional, for sensitive scalps)

Steps:

Step 1: Start by parting your natural hair and braiding or twisting it into small sections. You can also secure sections with rubber bands. For sensitive scalps, soak your synthetic locs in an apple cider vinegar rinse before installing to prevent itchiness.
Step 2: Separate the synthetic water wave loc extensions into two pieces, one longer, one shorter, similar to the braided method.
Step 3: Insert the crochet needle through the base of your braid near the scalp. Hook the synthetic hair on the needle and pull it halfway through so that about ¾ of the longer piece stays on one side.
Step 4: Wrap the longer piece of synthetic hair around your natural braid about 6 to 7 times at the root to secure it firmly. For the rest of the loc, wrap looser to create the butterfly effect.
Step 5: Once you reach your desired loc length, seal the ends by looping the synthetic hair near the bottom and wrapping the leftover hair upward. You can add nail glue for extra hold if needed.
Step 6: Repeat for all sections until your entire head is done.

Pros:

Much faster to install because you attach pre-made synthetic locs with a crochet hook.
Less strain on your scalp since the synthetic hair is attached rather than braided in.
Easier for beginners or stylists to achieve consistent locs quickly.

Cons:

Slightly less control over the wrapping style and butterfly loops.
Requires a crochet needle and some practice to use it properly.
Sometimes the locs may feel heavier or less natural if too much synthetic hair is used.

How to Take Down or Remove Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs should be removed after about 6 to 8 weeks.

Work in sections, removing one cornrow or section at a time for safety.
Cut the synthetic loc hair near the end of your natural hair to make removal easier.
Find the braid or cornrow underneath the loc and gently pull the synthetic hair out.
For individual locs with your hair inside, carefully stretch the loc and locate your braid, then unbraid or cut or unravel.
Take your time and be gentle to avoid breaking your natural hair.
After removal, wash and condition your hair thoroughly to refresh your scalp and strands.

How Long Do Butterfly Locs Last?

With proper care, butterfly locs can last 4 to 8 weeks. Leaving them in longer may cause matting or damage due to buildup and tension at the roots.

How Many Packs of Hair Do You Need for Butterfly Locs?

Typically, you will need about 6 to 8 packs of hair extensions to complete a full head of butterfly locs, depending on the size and length of the locs you want, as well as your hair density. Smaller or thinner locs usually require more packs because you use less hair per loc but more locs overall. Longer locs also need more hair. It’s always a good idea to buy an extra pack or two to be safe, especially if you are doing the style for the first time.

Can You Wash Butterfly Locs?

Yes, you can wash butterfly locs, but you should do it gently to avoid loosening or frizzing the locs. Use a diluted shampoo or a gentle cleansing spray applied directly to your scalp, and focus on rinsing the scalp rather than soaking the entire loc. Avoid scrubbing the locs harshly; instead, gently massage your scalp and let the shampoo run down the locs when rinsing. Dry your locs thoroughly using a towel or a hooded dryer to prevent mildew or unpleasant smells.

How to Maintain Butterfly Locs?

To keep butterfly locs looking fresh and lasting longer, maintain a clean scalp by washing gently every 1-2 weeks and moisturizing with light oils or sprays to prevent dryness. Use edge control to keep your hairline neat, and avoid heavy products that can cause buildup. Sleeping with a satin scarf or bonnet protects the locs from frizz and breakage. Also, be gentle when styling and avoid pulling too tightly to prevent tension on your scalp.

Which Type of Hair Is the Best for Butterfly Locs?

Butterfly locs are usually made with kinky-textured hair or water wave hair extensions that mimic natural Afro-textured hair. These synthetic fibers are chosen because they hold their shape well, offer a natural look, and create the unique butterfly loop effect when wrapped properly. Popular brands include Marley hair and Kanekalon. If you love human hair bundles, we offer affordable kinky and curly Brazilian hair with high quality and durability.

How Long Does It Take to Install Butterfly Locs?

The braided and wrap method typically takes longer, about 3 to 6 hours, because you braid your natural hair and then carefully wrap the synthetic hair around each braid to form the butterfly loops. The crochet method is faster, usually taking 1 to 1.5 hours, since you cornrow your hair and use a crochet hook to attach pre-made locs, then wrap the hair to finish the butterfly effect. The exact time depends on loc size, length, and stylist experience.