What Your Stylist Wishes You Knew About Hair Prep

Before every appointment, your stylist is already thinking about you — your hair type, your comfort, and the best way to help you walk out feeling like you again.

But there’s one thing most clients don’t realize, and that is that great braids start long before you sit in the chair.

How you prepare your hair before your appointment can make a huge difference in how your braiding session feels, how your braids look, how long they last, and how healthy your scalp feels afterward. So today, we’re letting you in on what your stylist really wishes you knew about hair prep.

1. Clean Hair Is a Blessing (for You and Us!)

We know it can be tempting to come in with a bit of buildup — maybe you oiled your scalp earlier in the week, or you haven’t had time to wash. But braiding on dirty or oily hair can lead to itching, dandruff, and shorter-lasting styles.

Your braids won't last long if it's itchy, plus the feeling of an itchy scalp is just horrible.

When your hair is clean, we can part neatly, the extensions hold better, and your scalp breathes freely.
Think of it this way: your braids deserve a clean canvas.

If you’re not sure how to prep your hair or prefer a professional wash, ask us! We offer pre-braid treatments to make the process even smoother.

2. Come with a Moisturized Scalp, Not a Soaked One

We love when clients take care of their hair, but sometimes too much product can do more harm than good. Heavy creams, oils, or leave-ins can make braiding slippery and cause buildup that leads to itching later.

Stick to light moisturizers or scalp oils before you show up for your appointment. The goal is hydration, not heaviness — we’ll handle the rest once you’re in the chair.

3. Know What You Want (and Bring a Picture)

We love having creative freedom, but nothing beats a clear visual. If you’ve seen a braid style on Instagram or Pinterest that you like, save it and bring it along. Don't worry, we don't mind at all. 

A photo helps us understand your desired thickness, length, color, and parting style — and we can adjust it to fit your face shape and hair type.
Communication saves disappointment and ensures we’re both on the same page before we even begin.

4. Your Edges Need Love Too

Tight braids are not a badge of honor, and you don't need that for a cute hairstyle.
Healthy edges are always in style!

If your hairline hurts, please let your stylist know. We can loosen the tension, switch up your parting, or recommend styles that protect your edges instead of stressing them.

Our goal is always healthy beauty, not just temporary perfection.

At the end of the day, we want what you want — healthy hair, beautiful braids, and a stress-free experience.

When you come to your appointment with clean, detangled, and lightly moisturized hair (and maybe a little inspiration picture), you make it easier for us to give you braids that last and a scalp that stays happy.

So before your next appointment, take a few minutes to love on your hair — wash it, detangle it, treat it kindly; or, give us the chance to do it for you. We’ll handle it and make sure you leave feeling refreshed, confident, and completely yourself. Coming in and wanting your braids started right away just might affect the quality of your braids.



Bonus Tip:
If you’re not sure what your hair needs before your appointment, just ask us. We’re always happy to guide you — send us an IG message to start.