Nervous About Your First Faux Loc Appointment? Here’s How It Works
By Besties beauty bar braiding | August 3, 2026
One of our clients told us, “My hair is not tight and I was able to lay on my pillow that night” and that right there is the energy we aim for with faux locs. If you’re nervous, you’re normal. Faux locs are a long appointment, and it’s a lot of new sensations if you’ve never done them. But the process is pretty straightforward when you know what’s coming.
In this guide we’ll walk you through prep, what happens step-by-step in the chair, how long it usually takes (often 4–8 hours depending on size and length), and the aftercare that keeps your locs looking neat in Memphis heat and humidity.
Quick answer: We’ll start with a consultation, then prep your hair (washing and detangling if needed), section, and install the locs. Most first appointments land in the 4–8 hour range depending on size and length. Mild scalp tension for a couple days is common. Bring snacks, a charger, and a small travel pillow. Aftercare is simple: gentle cleansing every 2–3 weeks, light scalp oil, and a satin bonnet at night.
Prep for Faux Locs in Memphis: clean hair, clear photos, and a comfort plan
Coming in prepared makes the whole day smoother, especially if you’re driving in from Germantown, Cordova, Bartlett, Collierville, Olive Branch, or Lakeland. We generally recommend you arrive with hair clean and fully detangled. If you need us to wash, let us know ahead of time so we plan your time correctly.
What to tell us before we start
- Size + length: smaller, thinner locs usually take longer than chunky ones. Be specific about where you want them to fall.
- Scalp sensitivity: if you’re tender-headed, say it. We’ve had sensitive-scalp clients tell us this was “the BEST braiding experience ever, ” and it starts with communication.
- Hair allergies: if certain braiding hair bothers you, bring your own. One client came with specific itch-free hair and products and did great.
Bring these: snacks, water, headphones, a phone charger, and a small travel pillow for your neck. Long installs feel a lot shorter when you’re comfortable.
And a local tip: East Memphis summers get hot and humid. Early-morning or late-afternoon appointments often feel better, and it helps when you’re doing your first wash and dry after install.
The step-by-step faux loc install: consultation to final check (and why timing varies)
When you arrive at our East Memphis (White Station / Waring Road area) shop, we start by looking at your inspo photos and talking through size, length, and the look you want. Some people come in knowing exactly what they want. Others tell us, “whatever you could do, ” and we still make sure you leave feeling like yourself.
1) Hair prep and sectioning
We’ll detangle and prep your hair so the parts are clean and the foundation is neat. Then we section. This part matters because neat parting is what keeps faux locs looking fresh as they grow out. Clients mention our work being “super neat and not too tight, ” and that starts here.
2) Installation and comfort check-ins
Then we install the locs section by section. Timing depends on the size you choose, the length, and how full you want the set. In reviews, people are often surprised by our speed, like being out in 3.5 to 6 hours for detailed styles. But we don’t rush the finish. We keep checking in on tension, especially if you told us you’re tender-headed.
“ATTENTION: FOR ALL SENSITVE SCALP/TENDER-HEADED INDIVIDUALS, Besties is the place to book your appointment and go for BEAUTIFUL braids!!!”
, one of our regulars
3) The final look, length check, and pricing clarity
Before you head out, we do a final check for consistency and neatness. We also confirm the length you’re getting. One reviewer pointed out that asking for mid-back and getting waist-length can change price, so we’ll talk through length clearly before we finish so there are no surprises.
After your faux loc appointment: the first 72 hours, wash schedule, and humid-season tips
Right after install, it’s normal to feel a little scalp tightness. It usually settles within 1–3 days. Gentle scalp massages and a light oil help a lot. The goal is comfort without soaking your roots in heavy product.
For cleansing, we generally recommend washing every 2–3 weeks using diluted shampoo. Focus on your scalp, then let the suds run down the locs. Blot with a towel instead of rough rubbing. Drying matters, especially in Memphis when it’s hot and humid. Give yourself time to air-dry, or sit under a dryer if you have access. Damp roots for too long can lead to that itchy, sweaty feeling nobody wants.
Night protection: Sleep in a satin or silk bonnet to cut down frizz and keep your parts looking cleaner longer.
How long faux locs last depends on your hair growth and how you maintain them, but many people plan a refresh once new growth and frizz start showing more than they like. If you’re commuting in on Poplar or I-240, booking your refresh a little early saves you the stress of squeezing in last-minute.
East Memphis faux loc day tips: timing, traffic, and how regulars make it easy
Long installs feel less intimidating when you plan the day like a mini reset. If you’re in the White Station / Waring Road area, you can grab a coffee before, handle a quick errand after, and still leave feeling put together. A lot of our clients mention we’re on time, we respond quickly, and we’re “quick without compromising quality.” That combination matters when you’re trying to fit hair into real life.
If you have a sensitive scalp, speak up early. If you have hair allergies, bring what you trust. If you’re unsure on size, we’ll talk it out with you so you don’t end up with something heavier than you wanted.
“She started my hair at 0820 and I was out the door at 0117. She was so thorough and her work is impeccable.”
, a recent return visitor
And one more thing we’ll say plainly: be ready for compliments. People regularly tell us that once they leave, they get noticed, and that confidence boost is a big reason they come back again and again.
Ready for faux locs without the nerves? Let’s plan your set
If you’ve been thinking about faux locs, we’d love to make your first appointment feel easy. Tell us your ideal length, your scalp sensitivity, and if you’re bringing your own hair. We’ll help you pick a size that fits your lifestyle and your time budget.
Besties beauty bar braiding | Memphis, TN
700A Waring Road, Memphis, TN 38122
Call: +16467533027 | Email: yacinesamb15@gmail.com
You can also start by browsing our braid gallery or checking our services list.
First-time Faux Locs FAQ (quick answers)
Want the short version? These are the questions we hear all the time before a first faux loc appointment.
