Locs consultation: starter locs, crochet repair, or freeform transition

What to bring to your starter locs consultation (and what I actually look at)

Come with a couple clear photos. Bring one or two of the loc look you want and one or two of your hair right now. That makes our 20 minutes efficient, and it keeps you from leaving with a plan that doesn’t match your real day-to-day.

If you can, show up with your hair clean, dry, and detangled. If your hair is currently styled, that’s okay. I’ll still work with what I’m seeing, and I’ll tell you what I need from you before we schedule the service. And please tell me your hair history. Chemical services, color, heat habits, scalp issues, past loc installs, and any breakage all matter when I’m helping you pick the safest method and a realistic timeline.

I’m on the East Side in the 56th Street corridor (near Emerson and Keystone East), so a lot of people come straight down E 56th St or hop off I-465. Give yourself a little buffer so you’re not rushing into your appointment.

Your 20-minute locs consultation, step by step (starter locs vs crochet vs freeform)

When you arrive, I start with your goal. Sometimes people have been thinking about locs for years, then feel nervous the moment they sit down. I get it. One client put it perfectly: they were nervous because it was a process they’d never experienced, and I made them feel comfortable “from beginning to now” while I thoroughly explained the loc process and which type of starter locs would be best for their hair type.

Next, I do a hands-on check. I’m looking at texture, density, scalp condition, and what your hair has been through. This part is quick, but it’s important. It tells me how much your hair can handle right now and what will keep your locs healthy long-term.

How I explain the difference

Starter locs consultation: We talk method, parting, size, and what you want your mature locs to look like. I’ll be honest about what’s realistic for your hair type so you don’t start with a setup you’ll hate later.

Crochet locs consultation (work or repair): This is for tightening, fixing weak spots, rebuilding areas, or cleaning up work that didn’t go well. If you’ve had a bad experience before, you’re not alone. People come in feeling unsure, and they leave feeling like there’s a real plan to restore their locs.

Freeform transition consultation: We talk lifestyle first. Freeform is lower manipulation, but it still needs a plan, especially if you’re transitioning from twists, coils, or traditional maintenance.

“Of course I was nervous when I sat in her chair, as this was a process I had never experienced. Sky made me feel so comfortable from beginning to now.”

One of my first-time clients

After your consultation: the plan, the timeline, and how often you’ll come back

You’ll leave with next steps you can actually schedule around. I’ll talk through your service options, pricing, and appointment availability so you can plan, not guess. If you’re starting locs, we’ll also talk maintenance. A lot of my regulars like a steady rhythm. One client told me they book a retwist every 4 to 6 weeks faithfully, and they stick with that because their locs stay “happy and healthy.”

If you’re coming in for repairs, we’ll talk about what needs attention now vs what can wait. People often tell me their hair feels better after the right care, and that the quality lasts. I also keep comfort in mind. I’ve been told I’m “not heavy handed, ” and that matters, especially if your scalp has been through it.

August in Indianapolis: scalp prep for hot, humid days on the 56th St corridor

Indianapolis summers get hot and humid, and your scalp feels it. For an August appointment, I generally recommend you arrive with a clean scalp and avoid heavy oils right before your visit. Buildup makes it harder to see what’s really going on and can leave your hair feeling itchy faster.

Wear something breathable. It’s a small thing, but it helps you stay comfortable in the chair, especially if you’ve been in traffic coming off I-465. And if your scalp tends to be sensitive, tell me at the start. I’ll walk you through what I’m doing as I check your hair so nothing feels surprising.

I work with clients across Indianapolis, plus nearby areas like Lawrence, Broad Ripple, Castleton, Irvington, and Meridian-Kessler. If you’re commuting, planning a morning or early evening appointment often feels easier than mid-day heat.

Two questions I want you to ask me before you book anything

Here’s the part most people skip, and it’s the part that saves you money and frustration later. Ask me:

• “What’s the realistic timeline for the look I want?” Starting locs is exciting, but it’s not instant. I’ll tell you what changes you’ll see early and what takes time.
• “How often do you want to see me for maintenance or repairs?” I’ve got clients who stay consistent every 4 to 6 weeks, and that consistency is a big reason their hair stays strong.

If you’re ready, book the consultation first. It’s required before any starter loc or repair appointment, and it keeps everything clear. You’ll walk out knowing exactly what we’re doing next and why.

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