Editing Royal Locks

{{Magic
|related=[[Returned]]
|world=Nalthis
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[Warbreaker]], [[The Stormlight Archive]]{{book ref|sa3|89}}
}}
The '''Royal Locks''' are a hereditary trait of the Royal House of [[Idris]] on [[Nalthis]].{{book ref|wb|1}}

Members of the Royal House can change their hair color or cause their hair to grow quickly at will. Normally the color of the Royal Locks reflects the person's emotional state by default but this can be controlled through training and discipline. The ability to grow hair at will takes effort and leads to hunger and exhaustion.{{book ref|wb|1}} 

Only members of the Royal House that are potential heirs to the throne have and can pass on the Royal Locks.{{book ref|wb|22}}

== Hair Color Indicators ==
* Black: Calm or control{{book ref|wb|9}}
* Red: Anger, embarrassment{{book ref|wb|8}}, or passion{{book ref|wb|44}}
* Yellow (or Blond): Happiness or excitement{{book ref|wb|14}}
* White: Fear, intimidation, or panic{{book ref|wb|11}}{{book ref|wb|4}}
* Brown: Saddened or upset{{book ref|wb|2}}

=== Not seen on screen yet ===
* Green: Disgusted{{wob ref|12651}}
* Pink: Unknown{{wob ref|12651}}

Wearers of the Royal Locks can imitate the grey hair of the elderly,{{book ref|wb|9}} though it is unknown whether that color is associated with a particular emotion. They can also change their hair color to unnatural colors, like pink and green.{{wob ref|12651}} Which particular color that will match up with which particular emotion is based on associations that people in the culture give them and the user's own perspective.{{wob ref|13043}}

== Other abilities ==
Like [[Returned]], wearers of the Royal Locks can also change other aspects of the physical appearance.{{wob ref|1583}}{{wob ref|6808}} With practice, wearers are able to change their age, height, and body shape.{{wob ref|7481}} They don't have as much ability as a Returned does though, as they cannot change their physical features enough to look like someone else.

[[Vasher]] suggests that all Returned can alter their appearance to an extent, and points to the Royal Locks as evidence that the Royals are descended from a Returned.{{book ref|wb|epilogue}} This indicates that all Returned could potentially mimic the effects of the Royal Locks. On the other hand, it has been revealed that [[Denth]] has the Royal Locks independent of his being Returned.{{wob ref|4112}}

Royal Locks can be regrown by the holder, but it requires energy and focus. Doing so makes them hungry and tired. Siri describes this feeling is like moving any other muscle.{{book ref|wb|6}}{{book ref|wb|39}}

The hair can be sold in the markets of [[T'Telir]].{{book ref|wb|39}}

Royal Locks abilities can extend to facial hair.{{wob ref|1219}}

== History ==
The arrangement between [[Idris]] and [[Hallandren]] was in part due to the people of Hallandren calling for their future royalty to have the Royal Locks. This would further legitimize the current regime and quiet those who believed [[Dedelin]] was the rightful heir to the throne.{{book ref|wb|1}}

While being bathed, [[Siri]] noticed a servant was struggling with snarls in her hair. She instructed her to "cut it off". After the hair was removed, Siri regrew it.{{book ref|wb|6}}

Vivenna, while living in the streets of [[T'Telir]], sold her hair in exchange for a small amount of food.{{book ref|wb|39}}

== Known Users ==
Below is a list of those known to have the Royal Locks:

{{columns|count=2|
* [[Dedelin]]{{book ref|wb|1}}
* [[Fafen]] 
* [[Ridger]] 
* [[Siri]]{{book ref|wb|11}}
* [[Vivenna]]{{book ref|wb|9}}
* [[Denth]]{{book ref|wb|57}}
}}

Vivenna has the strongest will in terms of controlling her hair, within her family.{{book ref|wb|1}}

== Trivia ==
* [[Brandon Sanderson|Brandon]] tried to work hair that would change color with emotion into [[Dark One (franchise)|Dark One]] and a story set on the [[Aether of Night|Aether]] world.{{wob ref|6711}}

== Notes ==
<references />
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{{Warbreaker}}
[[category: list articles]]