Maintenance frequency depends on your loc type and lifestyle. For traditional locs, every 4–6 weeks is standard. For microlocs using interlocking, every 6–8 weeks is typical. Waiting too long between appointments can lead to matting at the roots, breakage, thinning, and grid distortion. During your consultation, we create a personalized maintenance schedule designed specifically for your locs.

Yes — but only when done professionally and with the right assessment beforehand. Chemical processes can weaken locs if your hair is already fragile, you have thinning areas, or your locs are newly installed. At Tended, we assess hair strength and scalp health before approving any color service. Healthy locs come first. Color is always secondary.

We use lightweight, residue-free products — professional scalp-safe cleansers, moisture-balancing conditioners, and growth-supporting oils that won't build up inside your locs over time. We avoid heavy waxes, greasy formulas, and anything that compromises loc integrity or scalp health. Clean foundations produce healthy locs.

It depends on your desired loc size, hair density, hair length, and chosen installation method. Traditional starter locs typically take 3–6 hours. Microlocs installation requires 8–16+ hours and may be completed over multiple sessions. Because microlocs are a precision service, we cap the number of installations we accept each month to maintain quality.

Yes — scalp health is foundational to everything we do at Tended. We offer clarifying detox treatments, moisture-restoring scalp therapy, anti-itch treatments, and professional product buildup removal. Chronic itching and dandruff are most commonly caused by product buildup, improper maintenance, or scalp dehydration — all of which we assess and address directly.

After your installation, you'll receive detailed, written aftercare guidance including when and how to wash your locs, how to moisturize properly, how to protect your locs while sleeping, which products to avoid, and when to schedule your first maintenance appointment. How you care for your locs in the early stages directly impacts how beautifully they mature. We educate — not just style.