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How to Master the Loc Crown Braid: Step-by-Step Tutorial and Pro Tips

Create a stunning loc crown braid with this easy tutorial—complete with care tips, product recommendations, and expert styling advice.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Create a stunning loc crown braid with this easy tutorial—complete with care tips, product recommendations, and expert styling advice.

How to Master the Loc Crown Braid: A Step-by-Step Tutorial and Pro Tips

Among the countless stunning updos you can create with locs, the loc crown braid stands above the rest. This regal, halo-like style not only highlights the beauty of natural hair but also provides a protective and low-maintenance option that suits any occasion—from everyday elegance to special events. Whether you’re a seasoned loc lover or a beginner looking to try something new, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of achieving the perfect loc crown braid.

What Exactly Is a Loc Crown Braid?

The loc crown braid is a technique where sections of locs are intricately braided and wrapped around the head, forming a ‘crown’ effect. This timeless look—also called a halo braid—celebrates texture and grace while keeping hair protected. While locs are the star here, the method can be adapted for different textures, with variations in sectioning, braiding, and accessorizing to suit your unique style.

Loc Crown Braid: Tools and Products You’ll Need

Before diving into the step-by-step process, make sure you have these essentials ready:

Wide-tooth comb or rat-tail comb (optional, for parting locs)
Double-prong hair clips for sectioning and securing braids during styling
Elastic bands or small hair ties for securing locs at the ends
Edge control gel or light hold styling gel (optional for smoothing edges)
Lightweight loc moisturizer (spray or oil) to keep locs hydrated
Bobby pins for tucking and securing the braided crown
Accessories (optional): gold cuffs, beads, or decorative pins to finish your look

Having clean and moisturized hair makes styling easier and gives the best finished result. Select popular scalp oils and moisturizers if your scalp is prone to dryness or tension.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Loc Crown Braid

This simple yet stunning style can be achieved solo, but having a friend or stylist assist can be helpful for the first try. Follow these clear steps for a gorgeous halo braid:

1. Prepare and Section Your Locs

Start with clean, freshly moisturized locs. A spritz of water or a leave-in moisturizer helps ensure flexibility and prevent breakage as you manipulate your hair.
Use a wide-tooth or rat-tail comb to create a part where you want your crown to sit. Most commonly, stylists section out a circular row around the perimeter of the head—think of creating a ‘halo’ ring—but you can customize this parting to sit closer to your forehead or farther back depending on your desired look.
Clip away the rest of your locs so you’re only working with the section you plan to braid.

2. Start Braiding: The Crown Formation

Take about four to five locs at a time and begin braiding them together following the perimeter you’ve sectioned off. This will create a thicker, rope-like braid that stands out visually.
Continue this process, gradually incorporating new locs as you move around the head. Maintain even tension for a neat, uniform look.
As you get to the nape or sides, make sure to follow your head’s shape closely so the ‘crown’ creates a smooth circular effect.
When you reach the starting point, carefully tuck the ends of the braid underneath the beginning section and secure with a bobby pin or elastic band.

Stylist’s advice: If your locs are different lengths, braid in smaller sections for consistency and secure flyaways with double-prong clips.

3. Secure and Tidy the Style

Use bobby pins to hide any loose ends and tuck in flyaways discreetly beneath the braid.
Smooth edges or baby hairs with a bit of edge control gel for a polished finish.

4. Personalize With Accessories

Add gold cuffs, beads, or decorative hairpins to enhance the regal look of your crown. Place them evenly along the braid or cluster them for a statement moment.
You can also weave in colored ribbons or flowers for a playful or festival-inspired variation.

Pro Tips for Loc Crown Braids

Moisturize generously: Dry locs are harder to manipulate and can cause breakage. Use a lightweight moisturizer that won’t leave buildup.
Be gentle with tension: Avoid pulling too tightly to prevent stress on your hairline and scalp.
Vary the parting: For a flattering look on different face shapes, experiment with side or zig-zag parts before braiding.
Sleep with protection: To keep your style looking fresh, wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf at night. Consider a velvet wig grip beneath the scarf for extra hold while you sleep.
Edge maintenance: Keep the edges of the crown neat by touching up with edge control or by retwisting loose locs as needed.

Best Products for Styling and Maintaining a Loc Crown Braid

Product Type	Recommended Examples	Key Benefit
Moisturizing Scalp Oil	Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Fable & Mane HoliRoots Oil, Haitian Black Castor Oil	Nourishes and strengthens the scalp, promotes healthy roots
Loc Moisturizer	Lightweight leave-in spray	Keeps locs hydrated without the residue or buildup
Edge Control Gel	Eco Style Gel, Mielle Organics Edge Gel	Smooths baby hairs and adds a sleek finish
Accessories	Gold cuffs, wooden beads, silk ribbons	Enhances the crown braid’s regal look and personalization

Why Choose a Loc Crown Braid?

Protective styling: Keeps ends tucked and reduces daily manipulation, promoting healthy hair growth.
Low maintenance: Once installed, the style can last several days (or longer with touch-ups) and requires little daily effort.
Versatility: The crown braid can be dressed up or down, accessorized for festivals, weddings, or professional settings alike.
Elegance: The halo effect of the crown braid frames the face beautifully and exudes a sense of confidence and beauty.

Stylist Q&A: Troubleshooting and Customization

What If My Locs Are Different Lengths?

If you have uneven locs, braid in smaller sections and gradually blend the shorter locs into the larger braid. Secure any stray pieces with bobby pins and use light edge control to lay down flyaways.

Can I Do a Crown Braid on Short Locs?

Absolutely. For shorter locs, create a mini crown by braiding closer to the scalp or using cornrowing techniques. You can also add extensions for volume and length if desired.

How to Make the Style Last?

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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