Soft Locs with Same Day Locs: How to Prepare & What to Expect for First-Timers
By African hair braiding by fama | August 15, 2026
People tell me they’ve tried multiple stylists, but with me they “always walk away feeling/looking fresh” and end up becoming regulars. If you’re nervous about your first Same Day Locs appointment, that’s completely normal. This is a big change, and you deserve to know exactly what’s going to happen before you sit in the chair.
Same Day Locs are a full install that typically takes 3–6 hours. Come with clean, fully dry, detangled hair and a few photos of the look you want. A little tightness at first is common, and it usually eases up within 1–2 weeks. I’ll also walk you through simple aftercare so your locs stay neat without feeling heavy, especially in Woodland Hills heat.
Quick reality check: Same Day Locs use the crochet instant loc method for mature-looking locs in one appointment. Hair needs to be at least 3 inches. Starting at $500 (up to 100 locs), with final pricing based on your length, density, and loc size.
Prep for Same Day Locs (the 24-hour plan that keeps your install clean)
The best installs start before you arrive. I’m big on neat, clean work, and people notice it. One client told me after I did her locs, she gets compliments everywhere she goes. That usually starts with simple prep that lets me section cleanly and install evenly.
Do this before you come in
- Wash your hair the day before or the morning of. Make sure it’s fully dry when you arrive.
- Detangle well. If your hair is stretched, that’s fine, but don’t press or add heavy product just to “look neat.”
- Skip heavy conditioners, silicones, and thick oils right before your appointment. They can make the hair slippery and harder to grip for a clean install.
- Bring 2–4 inspiration photos that show the size and parting you like. Photos save time and avoid misunderstandings.
If you’re unsure about sizing or you’re deciding between softer, smaller locs versus thicker locs, I’ll confirm it with you in a consultation first. New clients book a consultation before scheduling, and it’s worth it because pricing depends on your hair and the loc count.
Inside your 3–6 hour Same Day Locs install (step-by-step, no surprises)
When you arrive at my Ventura Boulevard location in central Woodland Hills, I start by talking through your goal. I’ll look at your length and density, confirm the size you want, and make sure we’re on the same page before we begin. People come to me for detail and consistency, and I keep communication simple and direct the whole time.
1) Clarifying shampoo and prep
Same Day Locs include a clarifying shampoo. This helps remove buildup so your locs form cleanly and hold. If you’re sensitive or your scalp is already irritated, tell me before we start. I’ll work gently and keep the tension appropriate.
2) Precision sectioning (this is where the final look is decided)
Next comes precision sectioning. This is the foundation for symmetry, neat parting, and how full the style looks. Starting price includes up to 100 locs, and we’ll confirm your loc count as we plan your grid. Smaller locs usually mean more sections and more time. Larger locs go faster but look fuller right away.
3) Crochet instant loc installation
This is the main part of the appointment. I form each loc with the crochet instant loc method so you leave with mature-looking locs the same day. You might feel some tightness as we install, especially if you’re used to wearing your hair loose. Mild tenderness can happen, and it tends to improve over the next week or two.
Comfort matters: If something feels too tight, say it right away. One of the best compliments I hear is that styles come out “clean, neat, and not too tight.” That’s the goal.
“Always on point. Take down hair quickly. Braid in hair just as quick 🙋🏾♀️ sometimes two ladies on one scalp. 10/10”
one of our regulars
Timing-wise, plan to block off a half-day. Some installs run longer than 6 hours if your hair is very dense, if you want smaller locs, or if we’re working toward a specific fullness. If you’re coming from Tarzana, Calabasas, Canoga Park, West Hills, Reseda, or Winnetka, it helps to schedule with that time cushion so you’re not stressed.
After your Same Day Locs: tightness, washing, and summer-proof care in Woodland Hills
Right after your install, your scalp might feel a little tender and your locs can feel “new” and firm. That usually settles as your scalp adjusts. If you ever feel sharp pain or you notice bumps that weren’t there before, tell me so I can guide you. I’m known for being gentle and paying attention to detail, and I want you comfortable long after you leave.
First 30 days: keep it light
- Wait 24–48 hours before your first wash so everything can settle.
- Use a lightweight moisturizing spray instead of heavy oils. Heavy oils can trap sweat and lint, which is extra annoying in Woodland Hills’ warm, dry summers.
- Sleep with a silk or satin scarf (or bonnet). This helps with frizz and keeps your parts neat longer.
- If you’re outdoors a lot, wipe around the hairline after sweating. A clean scalp keeps irritation down.
Swimming and shampooing are fine once you’re past that first 24–48 hour window. If you swim, rinse your hair afterward and keep products light so your locs don’t feel coated.
Maintenance timing depends on your growth and how neat you like your look. If you’ve had retwists before, you already know the difference between “fresh” and “grown in.” People come back because they like that clean finish, and I’m happy to set a realistic maintenance schedule during your consultation.
3 insider tips that make your first loc install feel easy (plus pricing details)
Here’s what I wish every first-timer knew before booking.
Tip 1: Bring photos that show size close-up. Saying “medium” means different things to different people. A picture keeps us aligned.
Tip 2: Don’t ignore tightness early. Speak up during the install. My goal is neat work that still feels comfortable.
Tip 3: Plan for the deposit. Same Day Locs require a 50% non-refundable deposit, and new clients start with a consultation so I can quote you accurately.
Pricing starts at $500 and includes up to 100 locs. Final price depends on your hair length, density, and loc size. If you want added extensions, that also changes the total. I’d rather be clear upfront than surprise you later.
Ready for a consult? I’m located in the Ventura Boulevard corridor near Warner Center, and I work with clients coming in from across the west Valley. If you want Same Day Locs that look neat, feel comfortable, and fit your lifestyle, book your consultation first and bring your photo ideas so I can match you to the right size and method.
Address: 22738 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1333 | Call: +13233206914 | Email: makhaasllc@gmail.com
