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Hairstyle is very important in fashion as it enhances your look to be younger and prettier. One of the beautiful hairstyles is locs which are also known as dreadlocks. These are rope-like strands of hair formed by braiding or interlocking the hair. The hairstyle is perfect for those who are looking for a versatile, low-maintenance, and permanent protective hairstyle. Mermaid locs and Goddess locs are two popular and trendy hairstyles. These are created as a form of protective styling for natural hair.
Mermaid locs have a long, flowing, and wavy texture which is achieved through crochet or braiding technique that combines natural hair with hair extensions. On the other hand, Goddess locs have a thicker and more defined appearance compared to Mermaid locs which is achieved through cornrows and crochets. You can create various hairstyles with the Goddess locs.
Let’s compare these two types of locs hairstyles! The comparison will be based on kit accessories, used hair type, application method, installation, appearance, characteristics, maintenance, protection, longevity, etc. of respective locs.
Mermaid Locs and Goddess Locs
The origin of Mermaid locs is a diverse background but mainly Africa. Mermaid waves refer to the loose, flowing, and sometimes wavy texture that is added to the faux locs to give a relaxed and beachy look. The combination of locs and wavy hair results in a super sexy loc wave hybrid. It is made with locs and synthetic hair of high quality. This hairstyle is characterized by its length, texture, and versatility as it can be customized with various colors and sizes of locs to achieve a mermaid-inspired appearance.
The origin of Goddess locs is Egypt. After discovery, these locs have been found on mummies too. Goddess locs is a special form of dreadlocks that are open-ended. The open ends reflect the texture of the hair or hair extension. This hairstyle tends to be more lightweight, and the unique texture of the ends makes it identical to other dreadlocks making it versatile. It is possible to make various hairstyles with endless options like ponytails, big braids, buns, etc. Various lengths, sizes, and colors of the loc help to achieve a goddess-like appearance.
Mermaid Locs Vs Goddess Locs
While hairstyles have more similarities, these have distinct features that make those unique. Let’s compare the two locs Mermaid locs and Goddess locs. The comparison is based on kit accessories, used hair type, application method, installation, appearance, characteristics, flexibility, water resistance, tangling, hair dyeing, maintenance, protection, longevity, and cost.
1. Kit Accessories
In the Mermaid locs kit, there are some required accessories. Firstly, you will get 100 hand-customized Boho Goddess Crochet Locs. The locs is almost 22″ – 24″ in length and its material is synthetic. Secondly, there are 40 strands of Mermaid wave crochet hair. Lastly, the kit contains more than 25 loc jewels and ties.
In the Goddess locs kit, there are some accessories too. Firstly, you will get 120 hand-customized Boho Goddess Crochet Locs. The locs are almost 22″ – 24″ in length and its material is synthetic like that of Mermaid locs. Secondly, there are 24 strands of Goddess faux locs crochet hair. Lastly, the kit contains more than 25 loc jewels and ties like Mermaid locs.
2. Used Hair Type
The inside of the locs for braids extensions is not visible while the hair used for wrapping outside is visible. The used hair type for Mermaid locs is recycled human hair extensions. But you can also select synthetic hair for the hairstyle. If you do so, use Kanekalon hair as it is a high-quality synthetic.
On the other hand, when choosing hair for Goddess locs, choose between synthetic hair and human hair. The most used hair type for the locs is Kanekalon hair which is the best.
3. Application Method
The application method of both Mermaid locs and Goddess locs is the crochet method. You can apply both the locs at your home following the proper method.
The key difference in the application method is that it is necessary to apply a wavy hair strand with a gap of 2 to 3 locs when installing Mermaid locs. As a result, the locs and waves get combined in every part. In the hairline with the Mermaid locs, create extensions with wavy hair.
4. Installation
The installation process for Mermaid locs involves braiding your natural hair and then wrapping the synthetic hair around each braid. In most brands of extensions, there are 120 locs in a single pack. As a result, 1 pack is enough for complete installation. Again, this process can be time-consuming and painful, especially in the case of sew-in extensions. You will require two hours to complete the installation process.
On the other hand, the installation process for Goddess locs is easier than Mermaid locs. It involves a wrapping technique like mermaid locs but with a looser and more irregular pattern. For safely installing the locs, 5 to 8 packs of extensions are necessary. You will require a period of half an hour to three hours to complete the installation process. The process is not painful at all if you carry out the hairstyle with the help of an expert.
5. Appearance
Mermaid locs give a long, sleek, and uniform appearance. The locs feature long, thin locs resembling mermaid hair’s smooth, flowing texture. It appears to be curly and wavy. However, the length of the strands is wavy. It is different from Goddess locs as the number of braids, twists, and cornrows is fewer, and loose hair strands are there.
On the other hand, Goddess locs are known for their more textured, bohemian, and natural goddess-like appearance. The locs feature a slightly messy, imperfect look that is like the look of natural dreadlocks. It gives a straight overall appearance with a few light curls.
6. Characteristics
Mermaid locs tend to be longer, often extending past the waist or even reaching the hips. It is also heavier compared to Goddess locs. Goddess locs can be of different lengths, but those are generally medium to long, often reaching the shoulders or mid-back.
Mermaid locs are created using braiding hair or synthetic hair extensions that are wrapped tightly around your natural hair. The result is a smooth, sleek, and shiny finish. Goddess locs are created using a natural-looking, textured hair extension, such as human hair or textured synthetic hair. This gives them a more flawless appearance.
Mermaid locs are usually smaller in size compared to goddess locs. The locs are often created using smaller sections of hair. Goddess locs are larger in size compared to Mermaid locs. These have a thicker and more voluminous look.
7. Flexibility
Mermaid locs are not very flexible like that of Goddess locs. Improper maintenance of the locs puts tension on the scalp. These locs have tightness but it is less compared to Goddess locs. Also, the locs are more prone to unravelling.
On the other hand, Goddess locs are very flexible. It is possible to create many different styles with endless options like ponytails, big braids, buns, etc. The locs put more tension on your scalp compared to the other one. And this hairstyle is less engaged in unraveling.
8. Water Resistance
Both Mermaid locs and Goddess locs have water-resistant properties. You may swim with your Mermaid locs but washing after it becomes difficult. So, if you want to swim, wear a swim cap in that case. It is possible to swim with Goddess locs too. Just wear a swim cap before you start swimming. Finally, wash the locs.
9. Tangling
Dealing with wavy hair and locs side by side may result in tangling. As a result, it is very natural for Mermaid locs to tangle. The tangling is not so extreme. On the other hand, Goddess locs usually do not tangle when properly taken care of.
10. Hair Dyeing
Mermaid locs can be applicable for dyeing in the case of hair extensions. On the other hand, hair dyeing right after the installation of Goddess locs is not a good idea although you may do it. While dyeing, you should prefer herbal colors to avoid problems after installation.
11. Maintenance
Mermaid locs require more maintenance than Goddess locs because of the presence of wavy hair. Go through the hair once or twice and separate the locs and wavy hair from each other to reduce any matting. Use a silk or soaked pillowcase or hair bands in the hair at night. You don’t necessarily need to wash the loc extensions but if you do so use cold water.
On the other hand, Goddess locs require very little maintenance compared to mermaid locs. You may need to re-twist or re-wrap some of the locs to maintain the hair look. Washing these types of locs at least once a week is necessary. While washing do not use hot water, rather use lukewarm water. Moisturize the locs daily using natural water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner.
12. Protection and Longevity
Both Mermaid locs and Goddess locs are protective hairstyles. While Mermaid locs give protection to a small amount of your hair. It does not directly influence hair growth. The locs are more long-lasting compared to Goddess locs. It can last up to 12 weeks at a time.
On the other hand, Goddess locs give protection to your hair inside the locs by shielding it from external factors. As a result, it can play a role in hair growth too. The locs can last up to 3 months if you take proper care.
13. Cost
The cost can vary due to characteristics of the locs, installation, your hairstylist, and geographic location. The cost of Mermaid locs is $100 to $200 while that of Goddess locs is $150 to $200.
Let’s look at the key differences between Mermaid locs and Goddess locs in brief.
| Mermaid Locs | Goddess Locs | |
| Kit Accessories | There are 100 synthetic, hand-customized Boho Goddess Crochet Locs, 40 strands of Mermaid wave crochet hair, and more than 25 loc jewels and ties. | There are 120 synthetic, hand-customized Boho Goddess Crochet Locs, 24 strands of Goddess faux locs crochet hair, and more than 25 loc jewels and ties. |
| Used Hair Type | Recycled human hair extensions or synthetic hair like Kanekalon hair are the used hair types. | Synthetic hair like Kanekalon hair or human hair is the used hair type. |
| Application Method | Follow the Crochet method. Apply a wavy hair strand with a gap of 2 to 3 locs. | Follow the Crochet method. |
| Installation | The installation involves braiding your natural hair and then wrapping the synthetic hair around each braid.You need 1 pack of extensions and two hours to complete the installation. | The installation involves a wrapping technique like mermaid locs but with a looser and more irregular pattern. You need 5 to 8 packs of extensions and half an hour to three hours to complete the installation. |
| Appearance | Mermaid locs give a long, sleek, and uniform appearance. The locs feature long, thin locs resembling mermaid hair’s smooth, flowing texture. | Goddess locs give a slightly messy, imperfect look. It features a more textured, bohemian, and natural goddess-like appearance. |
| Characteristics | The locs tend to be longer extending past the waist or even reaching the hips. It is also heavier compared to Goddess locs.It gives a smooth, sleek, and shiny finish.It is smaller in size than goddess locs. | Goddess locs can be of different lengths, but generally medium to long reaching the shoulders or mid-back. It is lighter than mermaid locs. It gives a natural-looking, textured hair extension and a more flawless appearance.It is larger in size than Mermaid locs. |
| Flexibility | The locs are not very flexible.It is more prone to unraveling.Improper maintenance of the locs puts tension on the scalp. | The locs are very flexible.It is less prone to unraveling.It puts more tension on your scalp than mermaid locs. |
| Water Resistance | It has water-resistant properties. You may swim with Mermaid locs but washing after it becomes difficult. | It also has water-resistant properties. You can swim with Goddess locs too. |
| Tangling | Mermaid locs tangle easily although it is not so extreme. | Goddess locs usually do not tangle when properly taken care of. |
| Hair Dyeing | You can dye Mermaid locs in the case of hair extensions. | You can dye Goddess locs although it is not a good idea. But, if you dye, use herbal colors. |
| Maintenance | Mermaid locs require more maintenance than Goddess locs. There is no need to wash the loc extensions but if you do so use cold water. | Goddess locs require very little maintenance compared to mermaid locs. Wash the locs with lukewarm water at least once a week. |
| Protection and Longevity | The locs give protection to a small amount of your hair.It is more long-lasting compared to Goddess locs. It lasts up to 3 months at a time. | The locs give protection to your hair inside by shielding it from external factors.It is not long-lasting like Mermaid locs. It lasts up to 3 months if you take proper care. |
| Cost | The cost ranges between $100 to $200. | The cost ranges between $150 to $200. |
Mermaid Locs Vs Goddess Locs: Which One to Choose
Both Mermaid locs and Goddess locs are unique and stylish choices for those looking to protect their natural hair while expressing their creativity through hairstyles. The choice between mermaid locs and goddess locs depends on your personal hairstyle preferences, the level of maintenance you are comfortable with, and the look you want to achieve. Consider the following factors for choosing the perfect hairstyle for you.
- Preferred Appearance: Those who want a long, sleek, and uniform appearance, should go for Mermaid locs. The locs will resemble mermaid hair’s smooth, flowing texture. While someone may want medium to long-length locs, and a slightly messy, imperfect look that is like the look of natural dreadlocks. Choose Goddess locs in that case. It will give you a more textured, bohemian, and natural goddess-like appearance.
- Preferred Characteristics: If you want smaller-sized locs, Mermaid locs will be preferable. While for having a larger, thicker, and more voluminous look, you should go for Goddess locs. Goddess locs are more flexible than Mermaid locs, and less prone to unraveling. So, if you want more flexible locs, which are less engaged in unraveling, choose Goddess locs rather than Mermaid locs.
- Installation Time: The installation of Mermaid locs takes a lot of time. So, if you want to avoid wasting time, go for Mermaid loc instead of Goddess locs.
- Maintenance: Those who stay busy and look for hairstyles with minimal maintenance should choose Goddess locs over Mermaid locs as Mermaid locs need a lot of maintenance.
- Longevity: Mermaid locs are more long-lasting than Goddess locs. So, if you want long-lasting locs, go for mermaid locs without any second thought.
Final Thoughts
Mermaid locs and goddess locs have gained popularity as protective hairstyles that give the appearance of natural dreadlocks. The locs share similarities, both can be stunning and versatile. But these offer different looks, have different characteristics, and require slightly different maintenance routines. The two locs can be compared in terms of kit accessories, used hair type, application method, installation, appearance, characteristics, maintenance, protection, longevity, etc. Mermaid locs appear to be long, sleek, and uniform with a smooth, and flowing texture. Goddess locs result in medium to long-length locs which are slightly messy, and imperfect with a more textured, bohemian, and natural look.
For choosing one, study the differences between the two locs, and consider some factors to find your perfect hairstyle. To save time, and get a long long-lasting hairstyle, go for Mermaid locs rather than Goddess locs but if you want a hairstyle with minimal maintenance should choose Goddess locs.
