Why Every New (and Transfer) Loc Client Needs a Consultation Before a Service
“ I wish someone had explained things before I started”
We hear this a lot from loc'd clients who skipped the consultation stage during their loc installation.
Let’s paint an actual picture here…
Most of the clients often have lint, product build up, scaling, dry scalps, thinning strands, slippage, unraveling, holes and receding edges.
And often tell similar stories.
I saw someone with good-looking admirable locs, and I thought I should have them too
So…
I googled the next salon with availability and booked myself in for locs installation.
I never had any consultation, so I went back to Google to find ways to care for my locs...
And we get it.
When you’re excited to get your locs done, a consultation can feel like an extra step you’d rather skip.
Now, you may think, “Why can’t I just book my appointment and get started?”
What a Loc Consultation Really Is
A loc consultation is the first, most important part of ensuring your loc journey is seamless and caring for your hair properly.
It is a one-to-one session where we (locticians) take a close look at your (client's) hair and talk about your loc goals.
We assess your hair or locs and help you develop a bespoke starterloc method or a retie management plan.
Here at TressesByK, we offer two types of loc consultation
In-person (aka starterlocs & take a look at my locs)
Virtual consultation
If you’re coming in person we’ll:
look at your scalp
check your hair’s thickness, length and texture,
assess your hair’s health.
Discuss suitable starterloc method and put in ‘sample locs’ based on your lifestyle if installing locs.
Discuss pricing and potential repairs.
Educate you on loc maintenance, common mistakes to avoid and product recommendation.
And plan a workable retie schedule for you
If it’s virtual you’ll:
send clear photos and videos of your hair
join a short video call so we can see your hair from different angles.
All points stated above also apply here.
PS: Only clients wanting to install locs can have a virtual consultation. Clients who already have locs can only have in-person consultation.
We’ll talk about things like:
your hair care routine,
what methods you’ve tried before,
how much time you’re ready to commit to maintenance.
We'll also give room to address any concerns and questions.
Think of it like a tailor taking your measurements before sewing your outfit. You wouldn’t want them to just guess your size, right?
Why You Need a Consultation (Even if You’ve Had Locs Before or Were Referred)
Why bother if you’ve already got locs, or if your friend referred you to us?
Here are our 4 main reasons:
1. Hair Health Check
Sometimes locs look fine on the outside but have buildup, weak roots, or thinning spots inside.
A consultation allows us to spot these things early so we can fix them before they become a bigger problem.
For instance...
We once had a client come in with buildup from wax-based products that had started to harden at her roots.
She didn’t notice until it started itching. A quick wash wouldn’t fix that.
We had to deep clean and change her routine completely.
Without a consultation, she might have booked a simple retwist that would have unknowingly cost her more money and time.
2. Style and Method Matching
There are several ways to start or maintain locs. From palm rolling to interlocking to instant locking.
If you’re switching from another loctician, we need to know what method was used before and if it was the best method.
Here’s why:
If your locs were started with palm rolling but maintained with interlocking later, your roots might look uneven or feel tight in some areas.
A consultation helps us see what’s going on and decide the best way forward without causing breakage.
3. Pricing and Time Estimate
Not every “retwist” takes two hours. Some take longer.
It depends on your hair length, the size of your locs, and how long it’s been since your last session.
A consultation helps us price fairly and book enough time so you get the care you deserve — without anyone rushing you out of the chair.
4. Trust and Connection
Your loc journey is personal. You’re trusting someone to care for your hair, month after month, sometimes for years.
A consultation helps both of us feel comfortable — you get to see how I work, and I get to understand what you need.
Many of our long-term clients started with one simple consultation where they said, “I just want someone who listens.”
That’s what our space is for.
Here’s what most people discover after their Loc Consultation with us:
They finally understand their hair, what it needs and why.
They feel confident choosing a method that fits their lifestyle.
They avoid spending money on the wrong services or products.
They start building a real relationship with their stylist.
So whether you’re starting your first set, getting another set of locs, switching from your loctician, or just exploring your options, take that first step.
It’ll set you up for years of healthy growth, confidence, and ease.
Book your in-person or virtual consultation with TressesByK Studio today.
And we’ll help you understand your hair better, even if you’re not ready to book a service yet.
Your loc journey deserves the right start.
FAQs: Loc Consultations at TressesByK
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Our sessions last 30-40 minutes. This time is majorly dependent on your hair and the questions you have. Virtual consultations are usually shorter. We try to give as much information, so sometimes, we may go well past the 35-minute mark.
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Yes. Even existing locs can have issues that need addressing before we take you in as a client. We don’t want to keep making the same mistake and end up spoiling your locs in the long run.
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Absolutely! We encourage people to book consultations even if they can’t come to us as clients. We stand on loc health, and our aim is to educate as many people as possible about how to care for their locs. Though, those who already have locs can only have an in-person consultation.
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While we applaud the good work other locticians do, we choose to charge for our loc consultation services because of the following reasons:
Consultations are time-consuming
We pay to get the education and advice we give you
We charge a fee to cover our specialist’s time,
Charging ensures commitment from both parties. (You show up and we deliver our best.)
NOTE: All consultation fees are non-refundable and non transferable.
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That’s completely fine. You’ll still leave with personalized advice and a clear understanding of your next locs steps.
At TressesByK, we’re genuinely happy to consult with clients through our virtual option, even if you don’t end up taking our services.
We prioritize education and healthy locs.
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No. Consultations are for assessment and planning only. If your locs need repair, we’ll schedule a separate appointment.
We, however, can make special arrangements for same-day consultation and service, especially for clients outside the Midlands.
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For in-person consultations:
Come with your hair washed and patted dry.
No products or oil in it
Come with your hair in its most natural state.
You can also bring photos of your desired look or any products you currently use.
For virtual consultations:
be in a well-lit room
Share photos of your head in various angles that we will ask you to before the call.
Have a steady network and clean your camera, please.
Have your hair washed and in its most natural state.
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Yes. Your hair should be loose and in its natural state. If it’s covered or styled tightly, it would be difficult to assess your hair accurately.
