Traditional Starter Locs Aftercare

After Service Care Education | Nice Locs | Atlanta

What You Just Received

You received Traditional Starter Locs, established using a non-invasive method such as comb coils, two-strand twists, or palm rolling.

This service begins the loc formation process. At this stage, the hair is not yet locked — it is being trained to form.

Starter locs require patience, restraint, and intentional care to mature properly.

The First 72 Hours

During the first 72 hours after your service:

  • Avoid moisture (water, steam, sweat, rain)

  • Do not retwist, re-coil, or manipulate the hair

  • Avoid tight styles, hats, or friction

  • Sleep with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase

This period allows the starter pattern to set without disturbance.

The First 2–4 Weeks (Critical Phase)

This is the most fragile stage of traditional locs.

  • Expect unraveling or loosening — this is normal

  • Do not attempt to “fix” or re-twist starters

  • Avoid frequent touching, rubbing, or separating

  • Keep styles loose and minimal

Over-manipulation during this phase delays locking and can alter the loc size permanently.

Daily Care

Between appointments:

  • Keep hands out of your hair

  • Protect hair during sleep and rest

  • Avoid brushing, combing, or pulling apart sections

  • Be gentle when styling or covering the hair

Starter locs form best when they are left alone.

Cleansing & Moisture

  • Shampoo only when instructed by Nice Locs

  • Cleansing too soon can cause unraveling

  • When approved, focus on scalp cleansing with gentle pressure

  • Avoid oils, grease, waxes, gels, or creams

Heavy products slow the locking process and cause buildup.

What to Avoid

  • Retwisting or re-coiling at home

  • Heavy oils or butters

  • Tight styles or frequent restyling

  • Allowing others to “clean it up”

  • Comparing your starter phase to someone else’s

Every head locks differently. Intervention too early causes setbacks.

What’s Normal

The following are expected during the starter phase:

  • Frizz and fuzz

  • Unraveling or loosening

  • Uneven appearance

  • Texture changes

These are signs of natural loc development, not failure.

What’s NOT Normal

Contact Nice Locs if you experience:

  • Persistent scalp pain or irritation

  • Excessive shedding or breakage

  • Bald spots or thinning

  • Severe matting at the root

Do not attempt corrective work on starter locs yourself.

When to Book Again

Most traditional starter loc clients return in 4–6 weeks for their first maintenance appointment, depending on:

  • Hair texture and density

  • Lifestyle and activity level

  • How well the hair is left undisturbed

Your stylist will guide you on the appropriate timing.

Nice Locs Professional Notes

Starter locs are a foundation, not a finished look.

What you do in the early stages determines:

  • loc size

  • strength

  • uniformity

  • long-term health

Patience now prevents problems later.