Bulk human hair braids to start traditional sized locs?

I see people start micro locs this way but I haven’t seen any normal sized locs started this way. Is it possible? If not please could you tell me why not? I have been very ill for a very long time and now I’m in recovery I’d love to start my journey but my hair is only 1.5 inches - after waiting to be well for so long I don’t really want to wait for my hair to grow. Please help?