Butterfly Locs Vs Goddess Locs

Butterfly locs is a trendy protective hairstyle which is an ultra-feminine version of traditional locs. And, Goddess locs is also a recently popular protective hairstyle which is an open-ended, freeform version of dreadlocks worn by women. Let’s compare these two types of locs hairstyles! The comparison will be based on origin, used hair type, installation, appearance, characteristics, tangling properties, water-friendly property, maintenance, damage protection, longevity, and cost of respective loc.

Butterfly Locs Vs Goddess Locs

While the two hairstyles have similarities, these have distinct features to give uniqueness. Let’s have a look at the comparison between the two locs namely Butterfly locs and Goddess locs!

Origin

The origin of Butterfly Locs is in North Carolina. According to self-taught loctician, Chelsea Lauryn who invented the butterfly technique gives fake locs a textured, natural look like passion twists. On the other hand, the origin of Goddess locs is in Ancient Africa. Goddess locs, which differ from traditional loc styles in that they have a more bohemian vibe, were inspired by Lisa Bonet’s natural locs and popularized as a protective style by trichologist Dr. Kari Williams.

Used Hair Type

The used hair type for Butterfly locs is water wave hair. You will require 6 to 8 packs of hair in 22 to 28 inches to create this hairstyle. For longer locs compared to natural hair, go for Marley’s braiding hair which results in extra thickness and length. While human hair or synthetic hair may be used for Goddess locs. A minimum of 5 hair packs are necessary for the locs. There is some wavy or curly loose hair at the end of the loc which randomly adds to the actual loc length.

Installation

The application method of both Butterfly locs and Goddess locs starts with washing and conditioning the hair. After that, you can install it by braiding the natural hair, wrapping the hair, and finally sealing the locs. The installation period will depend on the expertise of the person creating the hairstyle.

Butterfly locs take less time to install than Goddess locs. It can be installed easily within 3 to 6 hours. There is no need to dip the locs as wrapping and loops make the hair well secured. Goddess locs are more complex and become difficult and time-consuming to install. As a result, the locs need expert hands to carry out the installation. 4 to 5 hours is necessary to install the shoulder-length locs and 7 to 8 hours to install the waist-length goddess locs. The locs are treated and curled using hot water or any other method.

Appearance

Butterfly locs are very natural-looking and elegant. The locs look better with time as those settle in and then start to loosen gradually. The specialty of Butterfly locs is that it is carefree, boho, and can also be imperfect.

Goddess locs appear to be lighter and thinner but still appear to be strong. The freeform look and curled ends of these locs make it distinct from other traditional locs. It looks better with time too. But still, be careful in this matter and do not leave the locs for too long.

Characteristics

Butterfly locs are a combination of goddess locs and passion twists. The hair becomes curly and bouncy providing the characteristic loops for the locs. In the case of Goddess locs, the hair includes traditional braids, crochet braids or twists, and free loosely held wavy and curly hair at the end of each locs. The Butterfly locs have a silky and shiny texture and Goddess locs are silky in texture with unfinished wavy ends. Butterfly locs are lightweight which helps to avoid weighting down the edges. Goddess locs are also lightweight.

Tangling Properties

It is possible to sleep with Butterfly locs. Just tie up the locs and put a silk scarf over the locs. As a result, it will help the locs to get rid of tangling. Similarly, you can sleep with Goddess locs too. You should wrap it with a large satin-lined bonnet. There will be no tangling as a result.

Water Friendly Property

Both Butterfly locs are 100% water-friendly. It is possible to swim with these locs. Just make sure to put the locs into a high bun. Also, the locs tend to be heavy when getting wet. So, wear a swimming cap while swimming and dry the locs as soon as possible after swimming. Goddess locs are water-friendly too. You can swim with the locs too. Just make sure to wear a swimming cap before you start to swim. Wash the locs soon after you are done with swimming.

Maintenance

Butterfly locs are low maintenance. It is easy to recreate butterfly locs which makes you easily wash, deep condition, dry, crochet, knot, wrap as well as moisturize the locs. To get the best look for 4 to 8 weeks, ensure hydration. For that, massage light serum or oil on your scalp with a gap of a few days. Goddess locs are high maintenance. It is necessary to moisturize the scalp and hair regularly. The locs should not be completely immersed underwater as a part of maintenance. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to your scalp along with dry shampoo to avoid any buildup from hair.

You may use freeze hairspray to avoid unraveling of both types of locs. You may also burn the ends using a lighter, melt the locs using a flat iron, and apply nail glue.

Damage Protection and Longevity

Butterfly locs celebrate curls and coils as well as give protection to the hair. Goddess locs, on the other hand, result in more damage to the hair with too much tension on the scalp.

The longevity of both locs depends on the level of care and maintenance. Butterfly locs can be long-lasting up to 8 weeks or even more if you can maintain them properly. On the other hand, Goddess can last for 4 to 8 weeks.

Cost

The cost in the case of extensions varies based on the number of hair packs, and the length and category of those. The cost of Butterfly locs is between $150 – $500. While Goddess locs cost between $150 to $200.

FAQs

1. Are soft locs better than butterfly locs?

Soft locs are lightweight and have a more natural appearance compared to Butterfly locs. But these locs are high maintenance offering less longevity and Butterfly locs are low maintenance and are long lasting.

2. Are butterfly locs good for natural hair?

Butterfly locs are an excellent protective style. The natural hair is confined and shielded by the wrapped hair around it giving a boho-chic vibe. This protects the locs against environmental factors.

3. Are locs better than braids?

Both locs and braids have the same “locked” appearance and the same way of maintenance. But, locs offer a more polished and complete look than braids. As a result, locs are a well-liked option among fashion-conscious people.

4. Which locs are easiest to maintain?

Younger dreadlocks require significantly more maintenance than older and mature dreadlocks. The free-form and crochet method reflects lower maintenance. While, twisting, interlocking, backcombing, etc. are higher maintenance alternatives.

5. Are butterfly locs the same as soft locs?

Maximum soft loc hairstyles wrap their ends with a passion twist or spring twist. Water Wave braiding hair with a curly, buoyant quality, is used to create this hairstyle. Soft locs are often called butterfly locs because of the way of wrapping which results in a slightly fluttery appearance of the locs.

Final Thoughts

Butterfly locs have become popular, being a versatile hairstyle that gives protection from damage with proper maintenance. Goddess locs have become popular as a versatile and protective hairstyle that looks great on all hair lengths. The two locs have similarities and dissimilarities, and while comparing we get to learn about the origin, used hair type, installation, appearance, characteristics, tangling properties, water-friendly property, maintenance, damage protection, longevity, and cost.

Let’s look at the key differences between Butterfly locs and Goddess locs in brief: