The frequency of retwisting locs depends on several factors including the phase of your locs, hair texture, growth rate, and lifestyle. Generally, the recommended retwisting schedule is:

• Starter Phase (first 3-6 months): Retwist every 2-4 weeks. Some may retwist every 2-3 weeks initially to help locs form properly, but overtwisting can cause damage

• Budding Phase (6-12 months): Retwist every 4-6 weeks to maintain shape and prevent matting

• Teen Phase (12-18 months): Retwist every 4-8 weeks as locs begin to mature

• Mature and Rooted Phase (18 months+): Retwist every 8-12 weeks or even longer, depending on how much maintenance you want to do to reduce frizz and keep locs neat

Hair growth rate also affects how often you should retwist. Faster hair growth may require more frequent retwisting, while slower growth allows for longer intervals, sometimes up to two months or more for established locs

. Signs that you need a retwist include noticeable new growth at the roots (about half an inch or more), frizz, or locs starting to mat together

. Retwisting too frequently can lead to thinning and breakage, so it’s important to find a balance that suits your hair type and loc phase. Many people find a 4-6 week interval works well during early stages, extending to 8-12 weeks as locs mature

. In summary, retwisting every 4-6 weeks is typical for most phases, with longer intervals (8-12 weeks) recommended for mature locs to maintain health and reduce damage.