Stages of Loc'ing Hair.

Locks
Locks are individual ringlets of intertwined natural hair. The locking process varies from 6 to 12 months. Locking time depends on the natural coil. The smaller the coil pattern (fine to normal hair) the shorter the locking time. The larger the coil pattern (normal to coarse hair) the longer the locking time. There are various stages of growth and restructuring that the locks will undergo during this period.

Phase I - Pre lock stage, 1st month to 3rd month
Phase II - Sprouting stage; 4th month to 12th month
Phase III - Growing stage; 12th month to 18th month
Phase IV - Maturation stage; 2nd year to 4th year
Phase V - Atrophy stage; complete process