If you’ve ever wondered whether or not using a latch hook to tighten your locs was damaging and could pull your hair out, please allow me to dispel that myth and ease your mind!
First of all, the sheer mechanics of a latch hook won’t allow for snagging, pulling or tugging of the hair.
The latch hook has a latch that closes across the hook and therefore, prevents snagging as you’re pulling it back out of the hair.
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Also, the insertion of the hook won’t cause any damage because the top of the hook is smooth and rounded.
But there ARE instances where a latch hook can be damaging and those are when people do it too tightly, too frequently or both! That’s it!
Now I’ve heard of people using a crochet hook and THAT definitely snags. I tried using a crochet needle before and YEE-OUCH… it snagged the mess outta my hair!
I never experience that with the latch hook.
A couple of helpful tips:
1. When latching your new growth, be sure to use metal clips or something to keep other neighboring locs and hairs out of your way so that THEY don’t end up getting snagged as you’re tightening a loc
2. Be sure to separate your locs that are trying to “marry” together before tightening
Hopefully this has assured you that using a latch hook is NOT going to cause damage to your hair when done properly and again, not done too frequently or too tight to the scalp!
But I get it…
Sometimes it can be awkward for some people to grasp how to hold and maneuver it.
If you don’t feel confident using a latch hook or you’ve tried and just can’t quite get it, there are interlocking tools you can purchase and use.
They’re pretty much as easy to use as a needle and thread. The loc is inserted into the large opening of the tool and slid up to the smaller portion. Then the tool, along with the loc, is woven through the new growth.
Blessings & Warmest Regards,