Crossword Genius

Lock where key may be found a hindrance (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ringlet

'lock' is the definition.
(both can mean a piece of someone's hair)

'where key may be found a hindrance' is the wordplay.
'where key may be found' becomes 'ring' (as in a key ring).
'a hindrance' becomes 'let' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ring'+'let'='RINGLET'

(Other definitions for ringlet that I've seen before include "Curl, of an Irish dancer say" , "Handy device" , "A curl - kind of tingler" , "Bit of hair" , "hair styling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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