9+ Questions To Ask a Loctician Before Getting Microlocs or Sisterlocks
Choosing the right loctician is key to a successful journey. Microlocs are an investment, and your loctician’s expertise will shape your experience. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of essential questions to ask a microlocs loctician or Certified Sisterlocks Consultant. While a skilled loctician will likely provide this information upfront, we’re here to ensure you ask the right questions before committing your time and money.
1. Services
What services do they offer?
Do they provide installs, retightenings, or both?
Are they accepting new clients?
Do they work with transfer clients?
Is there a transfer client fee?
Each loctician offers different services. Some may not accept clients whose microlocs were not originally installed by them, while others may charge a transfer fee. Be sure to ask about these details upfront.
2. Consultations
Do they require a consultation before servicing you?
Does the consultation need to be in person or can it be virtual?
How much is the consultation fee?
Will the consultation fee be applied to the service?
Consultations are highly recommended before getting microlocs and required for Sisterlocks. They allow you to discuss the best method for your locs, ask questions, and connect with your loctician. The consultation fee covers the loctician’s time and expertise. While some locticians apply the fee toward your service, others do not. Be sure to confirm this in advance.
3. Techniques
What locking methods do you offer?
Which technique is best for my hair texture and density, and why?
What installation and retightening techniques are you trained in?
Can you do microlocs extensions if I want to add length?
What type of hair do you recommend for extensions?
How long does the process take?
There are various methods for starting microlocs (twistlocs, braidlocs, interlocs, loc extensions), and some techniques work better for certain hair types. Your loctician should consider both your hair and preferences to recommend the best approach for you.
4. Pricing
What’s your pricing structure?
How much do you charge for installations?
How much is it per inch of hair?
Are there price differences for each locking technique?
What do you charge for retightenings?
Do you charge a fixed fee or an hourly rate? If hourly, how long does a retightening take on average?
Sisterlocks typically follow a consistent pricing structure, though costs can vary based on location, the loctician’s expertise, and hair length. Microloc pricing, however, tends to be less uniform. Be sure to clarify the details to avoid any surprises.
5. Repairs
Can you do repairs if I have issues with my microlocs?
Is there an additional cost for repairs?
Common microloc issues include slippage, bunching, unraveling, thinning, broken locs, and gaps. Not all locticians are trained to fix these problems. Some may address issues during your regular retightening, while others might charge extra depending on the severity of the repairs. Be sure to clarify this in advance.
6. Maintenance
How should I maintain my hair between retightenings?
How often should I get a retightening?
How frequently should I wash my hair?
What products should I use?
What products should I avoid?
Microlocs maintenance is generally simple. Most people use a cleansing shampoo for washing and rose water or regular water to moisturize their scalp and locs. Overusing products can cause unraveling or buildup. Trust your loctician’s advice to find what works best for your hair type and needs.
7. Location
Do you work out of your home or a salon?
How should I prep my hair before the service?
Every loctician has their own setup. Some offer mobile services and may travel to your home, or work from their own space. In these cases, they might ask you to wash and dry your hair before the appointment. Make sure you're comfortable with this arrangement. Other locticians work in a full-suite salon, where washing may be included in the service.
8. Licenses & Certifications
What licenses do you hold?
Do you have a cosmetology or natural hair license?
Do you work in a state that requires a license?
How were you trained in microlocs?
What certifications, if any, have you completed?
How long have you been locking hair?
There is no universal standard for cosmetology, and requirements vary by country and state. In some US states, a license is required to practice cosmetology, while others don't require a license to braid hair. While certifications can demonstrate professional training in microlocs, they don’t equate to a license. Not all Certified Sisterlocks Consultants hold a cosmetology license. Make sure to research your state’s requirements and your loctician’s qualifications.
9. Web Presence
Do you have a website or social media?
Can you provide pictures of your work?
Can you share the progression of your work over time?
Before committing to a loctician, review samples of their work to ensure it meets your expectations. Most locticians have social media profiles where they showcase their work, and clients often tag them in photos. It’s important to see not just installation photos, but also how the locs progress as they mature. Be cautious if a loctician refuses to share their work or if you suspect they’re posting someone else’s photos as their own.
