
Looking for beautiful, lightweight butterfly locs in New York City? Makoula African Hair Braiding creates soft, textured loc styles designed to give you a stylish, natural-looking finish while helping protect your hair.
Our experienced braiders carefully install each loc to achieve the signature distressed, looped appearance that makes butterfly locs stand out. Whether you prefer a short bob, shoulder-length locs, or a longer style, we can customize your butterfly locs to complement your hair, face shape, and personal style.
Call (917) 519-2371 or (646) 294-7038 to schedule your butterfly locs appointment in NYC.
Butterfly locs are a type of protective hairstyle known for their soft texture, loose loops, and intentionally distressed finish. Unlike smooth traditional faux locs, butterfly locs have small curls and loops throughout each section, creating a fuller and more relaxed appearance.
At Makoula African Hair Braiding, we focus on creating clean parts, secure foundations, and evenly shaped locs. Every installation is completed with attention to your comfort, natural hair, and desired final look.
Our butterfly loc styles can be customized by:
Bring an inspiration photo or speak with your braider about the look you want before your service begins.
No two clients have the same hair, preferences, or lifestyle. Our braiders can adjust your style to create a look that feels personal and comfortable.
Short butterfly locs provide a lightweight, easy-to-manage option. A butterfly loc bob can frame the face beautifully while delivering plenty of texture and volume.
Shoulder-length and mid-back butterfly locs offer a balance between versatility and manageability. This length can be worn down, swept to one side, or styled in a partial updo.
Long butterfly locs create a bold, flowing appearance. Because longer installations require more hair and additional braiding time, discuss your desired length when scheduling your appointment.
Butterfly locs do not have to be limited to natural black or brown shades. Depending on hair availability, you may choose burgundy, blonde, copper, ombré, mixed tones, or another color that suits your style.

Refresh your look with customized butterfly locs from Makoula African Hair Braiding. Whether you want a short butterfly loc bob, medium-length locs, or a long statement style, our braiders can help create a look suited to you.
Call today to discuss your desired size, color, length, hair requirements, and appointment availability.
Makoula African Hair Braiding
Butterfly locs combine the appearance of traditional locs with the flexibility of a modern protective hairstyle. They are an excellent option for clients who want a textured, fashionable style without permanently locking their natural hair.
Clients often choose butterfly locs because they are:
The slightly undone appearance is part of the style. Each loop, curl, and textured section contributes to the distinctive butterfly loc look.
Butterfly locs can be installed on many natural hair textures. Your natural hair is typically sectioned and secured before the loc extensions are added and shaped.
The condition and length of your hair may influence the installation technique. If your hair is very short, fine, fragile, or experiencing breakage, let your braider know before the appointment. This allows us to discuss an appropriate size, length, and level of tension.
A protective style should not feel excessively tight. Please communicate with your braider if you experience discomfort during installation.

Proper care can help preserve the style while supporting a clean, comfortable scalp.
Wear a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or use a satin pillowcase. Reducing friction can help prevent unnecessary frizz and preserve the textured loops.

Clean your scalp carefully as needed without heavily soaking or roughening the locs. Use lightweight products and make sure your hair dries thoroughly.
Thick gels, creams, and excessive oils can collect around the roots and inside the extensions. Apply scalp products sparingly.
Repeatedly pulling the locs into tight ponytails or buns may place unnecessary tension on your roots and edges.
Some frizz is expected and complements the distressed appearance of butterfly locs. Avoid excessive cutting or pulling, which could loosen the style.
Butterfly locs belong to the broader faux loc family, but the finished appearance is different.
Traditional faux locs usually have a smoother, more uniform shape. Butterfly locs feature visible loops, curly pieces, and irregular sections that create a softer, distressed texture.
Choose traditional faux locs if you prefer a polished and consistent loc appearance. Choose butterfly locs if you want a more relaxed, voluminous, and textured finish.
Arriving with properly prepared hair can help the installation process go more smoothly.
Unless your braider gives you different instructions, you should:
Ask in advance whether extension hair is included with your service or whether you need to bring a specific type and quantity.

Installation time depends on the length, thickness, size, parting pattern, natural hair condition, and technique used. Short or large butterfly locs may take less time than long, small, or highly detailed installations.
When booking, provide clear details about the style you want. This helps the salon estimate the time required and prepare for your appointment.
Because butterfly locs are created individually, clients should plan for a multi-hour braiding appointment.

Makoula African Hair Braiding is a professional braiding salon serving clients throughout New York. We specialize in natural hair braiding, protective hairstyles, and extension-based styles for different hair types.
Clients choose our salon for:
We take time to understand the look you want and complete your butterfly loc installation with care.
Butterfly locs are generally worn for several weeks, but the exact duration varies. Hair growth, installation method, scalp care, activity level, nighttime protection, and maintenance habits can all affect how long the style remains neat.
Keeping a protective style installed for too long may lead to excessive buildup, tangling, or stress on the natural hair. Monitor your scalp and new growth, and remove the style when it no longer feels comfortable or manageable.
Butterfly locs are a temporary protective hairstyle made with loc extensions. They have a textured, distressed appearance created by adding loose loops and curly sections throughout each loc.
Butterfly locs are a temporary protective hairstyle made with loc extensions. They have a textured, distressed appearance created by adding loose loops and curly sections throughout each loc.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Butterfly locs are a form of distressed faux loc distinguished by their soft loops, irregular texture, and fuller appearance.
They may be installed on relatively short hair when there is enough length to create a secure foundation. Suitability depends on your hair length, density, condition, and the installation technique.
They may be installed on shorter hair when there is enough length to create a secure foundation. The appropriate technique depends on the length, density, and condition of your natural hair.
The weight depends on the length, thickness, number of locs, extension hair, and installation method. Shorter or larger locs may feel lighter than very long or densely installed styles.
You can clean your scalp carefully while wearing butterfly locs. Avoid rough handling, heavy product application, and leaving the hair damp for extended periods.
Any style can cause stress when installed too tightly, made excessively heavy, neglected, or left in for too long. A careful installation, proper maintenance, and gentle removal can reduce the risk of unnecessary tension or breakage.
Gather the locs loosely and cover them with a large satin or silk bonnet or scarf. Avoid pulling them into a tight nighttime style.
Yes, depending on their length and fullness. Keep ponytails, buns, and updos loose enough to avoid excessive pressure on the roots and edges.
The hair used depends on the desired texture and installation method. Braiding hair, water-wave hair, or other textured extension hair may be used. Contact the salon before your appointment to confirm what you should purchase or whether hair is provided.
Pricing varies based on the length, size, thickness, installation method, amount of extension hair required, and condition of the client’s natural hair. Call Makoula African Hair Braiding for current pricing based on your requested style.