Locs at Hairetics Salon
Dreadlocks, jatas, locs: whatever you call them, they’re a commitment, and people make it for all kinds of reasons. Personal, professional, cultural, spiritual. At Hairetics, we’re passionate about locs and honored to care for them. We’ve trained in techniques for every texture of hair, so your scalp and your locs stay healthy through every stage of your journey.
If you’ve been searching for a loctician in San Francisco, here’s a look at the locs services we offer at our SoMa salon, how a new set gets started, and what maintenance looks like.
What are locs?
Locs form when sections of hair mat and intertwine over time into defined, rope-like strands. They can be started and cultivated in different ways depending on your hair texture and the look you’re after, and they can be worn fine and delicate or thick and substantial. We work with natural hair and with human hair or synthetic extensions, for every texture of hair.
What’s the difference between locs and dreads?
There isn’t one! Locs, dreads, dreadlocks and jatas are different names for the same hairstyle: hair that’s been sectioned and allowed to lock together over time. Many people prefer “locs,” and we use the terms interchangeably. What matters most is what feels right to you.
We also know this hairstyle comes with real personal, cultural and spiritual weight, and we’re committed to the ongoing conversations around it.
Our locs services
Starting new locs
We create locs with your natural hair using the crochet method, the thread-tie with crochet method, palm rolling, and backcombing when it suits your hair, or we add human hair or synthetic extensions to give you the locs of your dreams.
Loc extenders
Want more length? Extenders add length to your existing locs. We recommend human hair for extenders, so they blend in and wear like your own locs.
Loc extensions
Loc extensions add locs to your look, in human hair or synthetic. Wear them without locking your own hair (a great way to try the look) or blend them into the locs you already have for a pop of color.
Locs maintenance
Care and maintenance of your locs by a loctician, using the crochet method and the thread method to keep new growth tidy and your locs looking the way you want.
Detangling and prep
Ready for a fresh start? Our detangling and prep service carefully works through matted hair or uncombs dreadlocks, so you’re set up for your next service.
A note on Sisterlocks
We don’t offer the Sisterlocks style. Sisterlocks is a trademarked method installed and maintained by certified Sisterlocks consultants, so if that’s the look you have your heart set on, we recommend finding a certified consultant. If you love the look of smaller locs, bring it up at your consultation and we’ll talk through your options.
Every locs journey begins with a consultation
Before we start anything, we sit down with you, in the salon or virtually, for a 15 to 30 minute consultation. We’ll look at your hair texture and length, talk through the look you’re going for and the methods we’d use, answer your questions, and make a plan together, including time and budget.
Consultations are required for all new locs guests and for returning guests we haven’t seen in 6 or more months. There’s a $25 non-refundable consultation fee, separate from your service price. Not sure whether you need one? Call, text, email, or fill out our consultation form and we’ll let you know.
Installation time varies a lot depending on the size, length and number of locs. Our locs services are priced by the hour, and the rate depends on your stylist’s level, so we’ll plan your time and cost with you at your consultation.
Caring for your locs
One of the best things about locs is how they evolve. As your hair grows, your locs keep developing, and regular maintenance keeps them looking the way you want. Maintenance can include:
- Crochet or thread maintenance to tidy new growth and refine the shape of your locs
- Palm rolling new growth to keep your locs smooth and defined
- Keeping your scalp clean and moisturized
- Taking care of loose hairs and the overall look of your locs
Over time, locs can hold on to product buildup, oils and everyday residue that regular washing doesn’t fully reach. That’s where our Dollylocks loc detox comes in: a deep-cleansing treatment that draws out that buildup, so your locs feel lighter and fresher and your scalp gets a clean start. It’s a great reset on its own or before maintenance.
How often you’ll need maintenance depends on your hair, how your locs were started, and the look you prefer. We’ll help you find a routine that works for you.
How to book
Locs consultations can be booked online. For every other locs service, new and returning guests alike, please call or text us to book. Calling or texting is often the best way to find more (and sooner) availability, too.
Find your loctician at Hairetics Salon
If you’re thinking about locs or looking for a new loctician in San Francisco, we’d love to meet you. Hairetics is a queer-owned and operated salon on 7th Street in SoMa, and we’ve spent more than a decade building a space where everyone can feel comfortable being exactly who they are.
Whether you’re ready to start a new set or need care for the locs you already have, book a consultation with Heather or Lisa today and let’s start your locs journey together!