How to Find the Right Loctician (And Questions to Ask Before Booking Them)
Here is a question for you...
What goes through your mind when you are searching for “a loctician near me?”
Do you look for a one-time loc service or a long-term loc partner to ride with you through the loc journey?
See, when I decided to start my locs, I didn’t even know the basic type of locs, so I didn’t have a clue what to ask for. My knowledge began and ended at “I want locs.” I never pause to think what the maintenance period would look like, or if I'd have bad hair days or not. Heck, did I even know such things existed?
My installation loctician was great at her work. But the only advice I got for my locs was, “You need to come for monthly maintenance.”
How the maintenance would work, or why I needed to maintain my ‘natural locs’, and what to do in between visits, wasn't part of my loc starting curriculum.
I also kept changing my stylists, and as you can imagine, each of them had a different approach to managing and maintaining my locs.
Over a decade and three years later, I've learnt so much about locs that I sometimes pause and wonder how I managed to wear my locs for that long with just the flimsy one-line loc knowledge I had then.
Some of my locs fell. Some matted with others. I also battled lint and struggled with traction alopecia. In short, bad hair days nearly saw me cut my locs twice. Thankfully, I talked myself out of the scissor solution both times.
If you are reading this, I want to help you avoid all those unpleasant loc experiences by asking the right questions before sitting on that chair.
Finding the right loctician starts with trust, not just their technique
Listen here. Anyone can part, twist, and clip hair.
But not everyone can listen, note your hair needs, and walk your loc journey with you.
A good loctician takes time to know your hair type, lifestyle, and patience level. But a great one makes you feel safe enough to share details and ask questions about your locs without feeling silly for doing so.
So, how do you even find a great loctician, especially when you’re still at that point where you don’t know where to start?
Here are some questions to guide you during your search:
Where do I start looking for a loctician from?
Begin locally. Search for salons or stylists who specialize in locs, not just general hair services. Read their Google or Instagram reviews and note how they discuss loc health.What kind of loctician do I need for my lifestyle?
Are you a minimalist who prefers low-maintenance hair care, or someone who enjoys frequent styles and touch-ups? Knowing this helps you choose someone whose rhythm matches yours.What should I look for on their website or socials?
Look for transparency, such as a clear service list, prices, and photos of real clients (not just Pinterest inspiration). A solid loctician’s page feels honest and well-kept, not rushed or vague.Do they share educational tips or talk about loc care?
Stylists who teach are often the ones who care. If they post advice, show before-and-after photos, or discuss what works for different hair textures, that’s a green flag.Can I book a consultation before making a decision?
A brief conversation reveals everything you need to know about their patience, process, and energy. The right loctician will welcome your questions. They won’t rush you off the phone.
Finding your loctician isn’t about luck. It’s about connection. And it’s also about building trust. The one you end up choosing will shape how you experience your loc journey, so take your time. Ask questions. And when you find that person who listens, explains, and cares, you’ll just know.
Here’s what to ask your next available loctician before committing your money:
The methods they use for starter locs or reties
→ This helps you understand their process and see if it aligns with your hair goals.How often do they recommend maintenance
→ Over-maintenance can thin your roots; a thoughtful loctician will help you find your sweet spot.The products they use and why
→ Healthy locs start with a healthy scalp, not heavy buildup.How they handle clients transitioning from other locticians
→ It reveals patience, skill, and empathy.If they provide aftercare tips
→ A loctician who teaches you between appointments genuinely wants your hair to thrive.
Note: We partner with NYLAH Naturals to stock select products from their line for our clients. Please remember to ask for our recommended combos during your next visit. If you aren't a client yet but would like to buy them from us, please email us.
Red flags that whisper ‘maybe not this one’
I often advise my clients to trust their guts. When it comes to your locs, some signs are too clear to ignore. Here are some obvious giveaways that a loctitian may not match your needs:
They have vague pricing or hidden add-ons
They keep dirty tools or chaotic setups
They have no consultation before installation
They are always late, always rushing
They give no discussion on hair health
Locs are a long-term commitment, so you deserve someone who values your time and your scalp.
What TressesbyK Offers
At TressesbyK, we believe your hair is a unique part of you, and it deserves to be understood and appreciated. And our mission is to empower you to carry your crown with confidence.
We offer 30-minute consultation slots that often run longer than scheduled. Some may see that as time indiscipline, but we see it as exhausting all our clients' questions and equipping them to either start or look forward to the next phase of their loc journey.
We take the time to study your hair/locs, lifestyle, and comfort level to ensure a personalized experience. And then align our sessions with that in mind.
Instead of just styling your locs, we also help nourish them.
If you’re starting fresh or switching locticians, this is a safe space to begin again, one where your hair feels seen, cared for, and valued.
Book our Loc Services & Consultations
Final thought: it’s your journey, not a race
Starting, restarting or continuing your loc journey is a personal decision. So...
Take your time.
Ask questions.
Choose care over convenience.
Because the right loctician doesn’t just do your hair, they walk with you through every phase of your growth.
When you’re ready for that kind of care, we’ll be right here at TressesbyK.
