Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Savis Davis began wearing her hair in gypsy locs in 2017. She’d admired the look since seeing actress Lisa Bonet rock locs on The Cosby Show. Recently, such celebs as Zendaya, Meagan Good, and Ciara have also embraced the hairstyle. “Natural hair has come around,” Davis says. “People are no longer getting relaxers.” A former tattoo artist, Davis gravitated toward styling hair while searching for a way to maintain her own. She thought of Bonet. “I took to that, but I still wanted a messier look and I wanted to add my own creativity to it.” Now, Davis travels to clients in cities from L.A. to New York, giving other women her signature style.
What is the process like? Depending on the person’s hair type, it could last from three to five hours. We get to know each other for a few seconds, figure out what colors they want, and then I show them the jewelry that I set out for them based on what I got from their personality. If they agree, I start braiding their hair into parts. Then, I attach the hair I wrap and make the loc out of. Braiding takes about an hour. The wrapping part takes an hour or two. The final steps are adding the messiness, which is the curl pieces and jewelry and feathers—that can add another hour and 30 minutes. They’re wired in, so if someone’s work doesn’t allow the feathers and charms, they can take it out whenever they want. We might put on a good show or a movie. The latest thing we’ve been watching is Euphoria.
Where do you draw inspiration from? For myself, it’s maybe what I am going through at the time or what color I feel emotionally. Right now, I have blue. I tried to dig deep and figure out what pushed me to pick blue this time. I guess I am seeking wisdom and strength right now with everything going on in the world. I would say shells and feathers are my go-to. I haven’t figured out why I like feathers so much. As far as shells—I am not near a beach and I love water, sand, things like that, so I try to incorporate it into whatever jewelry I come up with.
What is the difference between faux locs and other types? There are four different types. I do gypsy locs, which is super messy. I am more of a free spirit. Some people don’t like the messiness of it, which comes from the curly pieces I add at the end.
What are the benefits of wearing your hair in locs? I’ve seen clients who’ve kept them for three months and their hair grew. There’s little to no maintenance. You don’t have to wash your hair. You just wear it. I know when I didn’t wear these, I was changing my hair up every three weeks. You save a lot of money. It brings out your natural beauty. When women see themselves with braids, their confidence gets boosted.
