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The good news: You decided to take the plunge andloc your hair.
Courtesy Hair by Susy Salon
If you’re starting your journey from square one,loc extensionsmight be worth looking into.
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: Loc extensions and faux locs arenotthe same things.
Still interested and don’t know where to start?
If your hairstylist doesn’t suggest a consultation first, take that as a red flag, Faulk advises.
How Are Loc Extensions Installed?
There are multiple ways to install loc extensions, though some, Faulk says, are better than others.
“The technique will determine the quality [of the extensions],” she advises.
“I use a bit of hair and split that in half.
One half is braided down and the other half is wrapped around the braid,” Faulk explains.
The final step is knotting the ends andvoila!
you could achieve this with pre-made locs or by building the locs directly onto your own hair.
Some locticians will use nylon and wool string to extend the hair their clients already have.
Again, loc extensions are meant to be kept in for a long time.
“In most situations, they are cut after two to four years.”
The relative permanency of the style is the reason why it’s best done with human hair.
How Much Do Loc Extensions Cost?
Let’s keep it real loc extensions are an investment.
Most locticians we asked confirmed that this sounds like typical pricing.
Courtesy NappStar salon
If they say yes, Faulk encourages you to research what brand of hair will be used.
“If they don’t share this information, run,” he says.
“The quality of hair is 50 percent of the service the other 50 percent is the technique.”
Courtesy Privacy Parlor
Faulk recommendsHis and Her Hairand the brandLord and Cliff.
Oludele suggestsSumlocks.comto clients who want to purchase loc extensions.
She also offers them for sale upon request at her salon in Brooklyn.
Courtesy Duafe Salon
Once they’re installed, Faulk recommends doing as little as possible to your hair at first.
“It’s important to leave the locs alone for the first few weeks,” she says.
Faulk recommends scheduling an appointment for a loc wash four to six weeks after installation.
We like theTaliah Waajid Shea-Coco Daily Leave-in Conditionerfor this.
Faulk suggests theCrown Elements Moisture Infusion, created byJocelyn Renee, a well-known YouTuber and loctician.
It’s the only other leave-in product Faulk likes to use other than her own.
At that point, you may want to speak to another stylist about coming up with a fix.
Where to Get Loc Extensions
Ready to get your extensions now?
California
Location:Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Specialty:Natural hairstyling, loc extensions, and loc maintenance.
After building up his D.C. salon, he was able to open a Los Angeles location in 2019.
She’s known for delivering her top-notch services with the quickness.
“I can do sister locs in an hour, where some people take three to four hours.”
English is available by appointment only at Creative Stylez Salon.
Can’t make it to either location?
Shop her online store,FashionDreads.com.
Illinois
Location:Chicago
Specialty:Loc extensions, starter locs, and loc maintenance.
IG:@hairtamerstudio
Hair Tamers does all kinds of natural styles, but locs are their specialty.
Coco prides herself on creating stable, secure locs for her clients in the New Orleans area.
IG:@thelocshop
Want to dye your locs purple?
Trying to copy that intricate style you saw on Instagram?
Take a visit to The Loc Shop.
This appointment-only salon is known for doing killer dye jobs and its cool atmosphere.
From the curated playlist to the art on the wall, this salon is avibe.
“It’s a very dedicated experience to our clients,” owner Frida Brown says.
Each loctician is licensed and they offer a complete service for every stage of your loc life.
A smattering of celebrities swear by Oludele’s work, including Beyonce.
Remember her iconic braids inLemonade?
Oludele was the stylist behind them.
They do locs for both adultsandchildren.
IG:@locstardfw
Check out Loc Star if you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas.
Location:Houston
Specialty:Starting locs, loc grooming and styling, loc repair, and loc extensions.
