The Best Way to Take Down Protective Styles for Maximum Length Retention
When it comes to protective styling, the goal is clear: protect your hair, promote growth, and keep your crown looking flawless. But here's the thing most people don’t talk about — how you remove your protective style matters just as much as how you install it.
At Boho Locs, we’re all about helping you slay your look AND protect your natural hair, and that includes the takedown process. Removing your locs the wrong way can lead to breakage, knots, and even shedding that sets you back on your growth journey. Not on our watch, sis.
That’s why our founder, Lulu, created a full, step-by-step tutorial showing you how to properly remove your Boho Locs while protecting your hair and preserving them for reuse.
Watch the full video here:
Why Proper Removal Matters
Protective styles like Boho Locs are amazing for retaining moisture, reducing manipulation, and giving your hair a break, which helps with length retention. But if you rush or pull your locs out carelessly, you risk undoing all that progress.
Improper removal is one of the most common causes of breakage, especially around the hairline or where your natural strands have tangled with the install. That’s why this tutorial is essential if you want to keep those hard-earned inches.
Lulu’s Length-Retaining Takedown Method
In the tutorial, Lulu removes a full head of Boho Mermaid Locs in Auburn and walks you through her personal technique.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. Start at the Front
Lulu begins by removing the individual front locs that were installed using the pull-through method, meaning no glue or double wrapping. With this method, your natural hair is tucked inside the loc.
Look for the loop that your hair passes through.
Gently tease and pull your natural hair out.
Loosen the crochet loop and slide the loc right out.
Boom. No hair pulled. No breakage. Loc is still reusable.
2. Remove Mermaid Strands with Care
For installs that include wavy mermaid strands, Lulu shows how to:
Loosen the latch.
Slide the strand out the same way as the locs.
Keep the strands intact for your next look.
3. Work Row by Row
Once the front is done, Lulu moves to the back and removes the rest row by row.
With her method, she can take out a full install in about 15 minutes or less—yes, for real.
Can You Reuse Your Boho Locs?
Yes!
Lulu’s technique ensures your locs stay in good condition for reuse. That means more value for your purchase and more ways to slay with your fave style.
She’ll be back with another video on how to wash, dry, and reinstall your Boho Locs for your next style switch-up.
After Takedown: What’s Next?
Now that your crown is free and your hair is still thriving, it’s time to pick your next style. Whether you’re going bold, classic, or colorful, we’ve got a look that’s ready for your glow-up.
Here are 6 bestselling styles we’re loving right now:
Boho Goddess Locs in Bey-Blonde/Bronde 14"
Boho Mermaid Locs in Bronde 22"
Boho Goddess Locs in Midnight 22"
Boho Goddess Locs in Brauburn 14"
Get ready to elevate your style with the ultimate locs you’ve been craving.
Don’t wait—your next flawless look is just a click away!
Shop the Full Boho Locs Collection
Removing your Boho Locs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your length or causing damage. With Lulu’s method, you can protect your natural hair, reuse your locs, and step into your next install with confidence.
Remember, protective styling isn’t just about how you wear it—it’s also about how you care for your hair in between.
Got questions or want to share your takedown journey? Drop a comment under the video—our team is here to support you every step of the way.
