How to Prepare Your Natural Hair for Braids or Locs
Thinking of getting braids or starting your loc journey? Great choice. These protective styles not only look amazing but also help your natural hair grow and thrive. But hold up—before you hit the salon chair, your hair needs a little TLC. Proper pre braid hair care or locs hair preparation can make a big difference in how your style holds up and how your scalp feels later on.
At Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs, with over two decades of experience serving the Denver Metro area, we’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re coming to Lucky Braiding for box braids or Lucky Locs for a fresh set of Sisterlocks, here’s how to prep your crown the right way.
Start With a Clean Slate
We can’t stress this enough: wash your hair! Use a sulfate-free shampoo to get rid of buildup, oil, and dirt. Clean hair helps your stylist work more efficiently and ensures your style lasts longer. Don’t forget to gently scrub your scalp—healthy hair starts there.
Pro tip: If you’re rocking heavy products like gels or edge control, do a clarifying wash at least a week before your appointment.
Deep Condition Like a Pro
After cleansing, show your strands some love with a deep conditioner. Natural hair needs moisture to stay strong under braids or locs. This step softens your hair, makes it easier to detangle, and prevents breakage during styling.
Choose a deep conditioner rich in ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. Apply it thoroughly, cover with a plastic cap, and let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Rinse it out and follow with a light leave-in conditioner.
Detangle to Avoid Snags
Detangling is one of the most important steps in both pre braid hair care and locs hair preparation. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, starting from the ends and working up to the roots. This makes it easier for your stylist to part your hair and reduces unnecessary tugging.
Split ends or knots? Now’s the time to trim them. Don’t wait until after the install when it’s too late.
Moisturize and Seal
Dry hair and tight styles are a bad mix. Moisturize your hair with a water-based leave-in or a light oil like jojoba or almond. Then seal in that moisture with a thicker oil or butter. This locks in hydration and protects your hair while it’s tucked away.
Skip heavy greases—they can clog your scalp and cause buildup that’s hard to clean later.
Stretch It Out (But Gently)
You don’t need to flat iron your hair, but a little stretching can make installation smoother. Try banding, African threading, or light blow drying on low heat. This gives your stylist a more even surface to work with—especially helpful for intricate braids or neat parts during loc installation.
Scalp Check: No Flakes Allowed
Itchy, flaky, or irritated scalp? Let’s fix that before you book. Use a gentle scalp scrub or tea tree oil treatment a few days before your appointment. A healthy scalp helps your style look clean and feel comfortable.
If you have scalp conditions like eczema or psoriasis, mention it during your consultation at Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs. We’ll recommend styles that work best for your needs.
Don’t Skip the Consultation (Seriously)
For new locs hair preparation, an in-person consultation is required at Lucky Locs. No consultation, no appointment—it’s that important. We’ll evaluate your hair type, discuss your goals, and choose a loc method that fits your lifestyle.
For braids, it’s also helpful to consult in advance if you’re unsure about length, size, or hair extensions.
Protect Your Edges
Your edges are precious. Avoid slicking them down with heavy gels right before your appointment. Come in with clean, product-free edges so your stylist can part and braid without any residue. We always braid with care, but healthy edges start with good prep.
Plan for the Day
Braiding and loc installs can take several hours, depending on the style. Eat a solid meal, hydrate, and wear something comfy. Bring headphones, snacks, or a book—you’ll be sitting for a while, but trust us, the result is worth it.
Final Thoughts
The key to long-lasting braids or locs isn’t just the install—it’s the prep. Taking time to care for your natural hair before your appointment makes the styling process smoother and sets you up for success. At Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs, we’re committed to keeping your hair healthy and stylish every step of the way.
FAQs
Q: Should I blow-dry my hair before getting braids or locs?
A: Light blow-drying is fine but not required. Stretching your hair with no heat works too.
Q: Can I get braids or locs if my hair is short?
A: Yes, but the style options may vary. We’ll help you choose what works best during your consultation.
Q: How long should I wait between taking out braids and getting a new set?
A: Give your hair at least a week to rest and recover before rebraiding.
Ready to book your next protective style?
Visit us at Lucky Hair Braiding and Locs in Aurora. Whether you’re starting fresh with locs or switching up your braids, our team is here to bring your vision to life—with love, care, and 20+ years of experience.