You should generally retwist your locs every 4 to 6 weeks for optimal health and appearance, but the exact timing depends on several factors including your loc phase, hair texture, growth rate, and lifestyle

. Guidelines by Loc Phase:

• Starter Phase (0-6 months): Retwist every 2 to 4 weeks, especially in the first one to two months, to help form the locs. However, avoid overtwisting to prevent breakage

• Budding Phase (6-12 months): Retwist every 4 to 6 weeks as the locs begin to mature

• Teen Phase (12-18 months): Retwist every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain shape

• Mature and Rooted Phases (18 months+): You can extend retwisting intervals to every 8 to 12 weeks or more, focusing mainly on reducing frizz and maintaining neatness

Other Factors Affecting Retwist Frequency:

• Hair Growth Rate: Faster-growing hair requires more frequent retwisting, while slower growth allows longer intervals, sometimes up to 2 months or more

• Hair Texture: Thinner or finer hair may need more frequent retwisting than thicker, coarser hair

• Lifestyle: Active lifestyles, frequent washing, or scalp conditions may necessitate more regular maintenance

• Personal Preference: Some prefer a neat, manicured look and retwist every 4 to 6 weeks, while others like a more natural, less manipulated style and may stretch retwists to several months

Risks of Over- or Under-Retwisting:

• Retwisting too often can cause thinning, breakage, and damage to locs

• Waiting too long can cause locs to mat together, leading to discomfort and difficulty during retwisting

In summary, a typical retwist schedule is about every 4 to 6 weeks, but mature locs can be retwisted every 8 to 12 weeks or longer depending on your hair’s needs and how you want your locs to look. Listening to your hair’s growth and condition is key to determining the best frequency for you