First Time Fauce locs? What to Expect, How to Prepare
By Tina African hair braiding | October 16, 2026
Quick truth: your first Fauce locs appointment is a multi-hour braid-and-wrap install, usually 4 to 8 hours depending on size and length. I’ll tell you exactly how to prep, what the install feels like, and how to care for them after so you don’t leave with questions.
People tell me all the time they were nervous before their first appointment. That’s normal. The good news is, professionalism matters here. One reviewer put it simply: “Tina is always so professional and goes above and beyond for her clients! Her work speaks for itself”. If you’re coming to me in the South Dayton area near Deeds Avenue and the University of Dayton, I want you walking in feeling prepared, not anxious.
This guide covers prep (what to do 24 to 48 hours before), what to bring for a long install, what “normal” tightness feels like, and simple aftercare that keeps your locs neat and your edges protected.
Fauce locs preparation: 24 to 48 hours before matters
Start with clean hair. A first-timer said it plainly: “You do have to wash your hair before.” I agree. I generally recommend washing 24 to 48 hours before your appointment so your scalp is clean but not overly slippery.
Skip heavy oils right before. Too much oil or a heavy deep conditioner right before an install can make it harder to grip clean parts and can cause early slipping. Light leave-in is fine if your hair needs it. Just don’t drench your roots.
Bring-this list for a long install: a phone charger, water, snacks, and comfortable clothes you can sit in for hours. Fauce locs are beautiful, but they’re not a quick in-and-out style.
Tell me what you want, and what you don’t. One reviewer said I was “respectful of my wishes and never tried to push her idea of what my hair should look like.” That’s exactly how I work. Bring a couple photos if you have them. And tell me if you’re tender-headed, if you’ve had tension bumps before, or if your edges are thin.
If you’re coming in from Kettering, Oakwood, Riverside, or Centerville, plan your timing. Installs tend to fit best on a day you can really commit to the chair, especially if you’re using I-75 to get over to South Dayton.
Your Fauce locs install, step-by-step (and what it feels like)
When you arrive, I’ll confirm the look you’re going for, the size you want, and how much length you’re comfortable wearing. Size and length are the big reasons timing varies. Smaller locs take longer because there are more parts and more wrapping. Longer locs take longer because there’s more hair to control and wrap neatly.
Next comes the foundation. I part your hair and braid or base each section so the loc has a strong start. Then I wrap the loc hair around that base to get the finished look. This is where “fast and thorough” matters. One client described me that way, and that’s the balance I aim for. I work efficiently, but I’m not rushing through your parts or yanking through tangles.
Comfort is a real concern for first-timers. I hear you. If you’re tender-headed, speak up early. One reviewer said, “I’m tender headed and I didn’t even have to take any pain pills.” That’s the goal. You might feel mild tightness at the root at first, especially around the perimeter, but it should not feel like your scalp is on fire.
Speak up if: your forehead feels pulled tight, you get sharp pain, you see bumps forming fast, or you feel like your edges are being caught. One client appreciated that I left a bit of edges out so they weren’t braided. If edge protection is a priority for you, tell me before we start so I can plan your perimeter accordingly.
The vibe matters too. People mention a “very peaceful and quiet vibe, ” plus clean space and conversation when you want it. That’s intentional. A long install goes better when you feel comfortable in the chair.
“She was respectful of my wishes and never tried to push her idea of what my hair should look like.”
a reviewer
Fauce locs aftercare that keeps them neat in Dayton weather
Right after your install, the most common feeling is mild tightness that eases over the next day or two. If your scalp feels overly tight, let me know. I’d rather adjust early than have you uncomfortable at home.
First 48 to 72 hours: don’t rush a full wash
I generally recommend waiting 48 to 72 hours before a thorough wash so everything has time to settle. If you need to refresh sooner, use light scalp care, not heavy scrubbing.
Moisture: light and consistent beats heavy and greasy
Dayton summers get hot and humid, and winters can feel dry and cold. That combo can mess with your scalp. A light moisturizer on the scalp and a satin bonnet or scarf at night usually keeps things calm without buildup.
Edge care: protect the perimeter
Avoid tight ponytails or pulling your locs straight back every day. If you have thin edges, I want you leaving space for them to breathe. One reviewer said they have thin edges and felt I grabbed them “without stressing them out.” That only stays true if you keep tension low at home too.
If you want a deeper aftercare breakdown, I wrote it out in my Fauce locs aftercare guide. It’s the same advice I give in the chair.
Real talk: install time, price, and what “worth it” looks like
Time: Plan for 4 to 8 hours for Fauce locs, depending on size and length. This is why snacks and a charger aren’t “extra.” They’re smart.
Price: Our listed Fauce locs service is $200 for a 360-minute appointment. People regularly say the price is worth it, and one client noted it includes braiding hair.
If you like boho texture, one client shared they brought “human body wave feather crotchet” to add for that look. If you want to bring add-on hair, tell me ahead of time so I can confirm what works best with the style you’re choosing.
My best first-time Fauce locs tips (especially for edges and comfort)
Here’s what I want you to remember. You don’t have to “tough it out” in the chair. If you’re tender-headed, say it. If you need more edge left out, say it. One first-time visitor mentioned they’ll request less sideburn left out next time. That kind of feedback is normal, and it helps me give you a result you love.
People come back because they feel listened to, and because the work lasts. I hear “I will definitely be back” and “Only person I’ll let braid my hair” more than you’d think. If you’re a University of Dayton student or you live around South Park, I’m right here in South Dayton near Deeds Avenue, which makes it easier to plan a longer appointment without turning it into an all-day travel situation.
If you want more context before you book, these two posts help a lot: my braid styling guide for South Dayton and Fauce locs for thinning edges. And when you’re ready, reach out so I can confirm timing and make sure you come in fully prepared.
Ready to plan your install day?
Call +18622504282 or email saki5etoile@gmail.com. If you’re commuting from Oakwood, Riverside, Beavercreek, or Centerville, tell me what day you’re aiming for so we can pick a start time that fits a full install.
Location: 126 Deeds Ave, Dayton, OH 45404-1716
If you’re browsing, you can also see more of our work on the gallery or review the full list of options on services.