Ideal Haircare

Thinking about Sisterlocks or microlocs? Start here, before you book.

BEFORE YOU LOC is your free prep guide from Chaunte of Ideal Haircare. One calm read that walks you through the decision, the cost, and the consultation, so you can start your journey clear and confident.

400K views on What to Know Before Starting Locs. 2.5M plus views across platforms. Join the readers already starting here.

If this sounds familiar, you are in the right place.

  • You do not know which loc type fits your hair, your density, and your life.

  • Every loctician and every video tells you something different.

  • You are scared of choosing wrong and having to start over.

  • You want real numbers on cost and upkeep before you commit.

  • You do not have hours to piece this together alone from comment threads.

That is exactly the stage this guide was written for. Not after you start. Before.

Inside the free guide

This is the decision and prep stage, covered step by step.

  • Sisterlocks and microlocs, in plain language: what they are and how they differ.

  • What installation really costs, and how to budget for it.

  • Reties and maintenance: what the upkeep actually looks like over time.

  • Choosing the right loctician, and the questions to ask at your consultation.

  • The Consultation Checklist, ready to take with you.

  • The Before You Say Yes checklist, for the moment before you commit.

  • What the starter phase feels like, so day one holds no surprises.

Free. No spam. Just the guide and follow up education from Ideal Haircare.

I have been where you are.

I am Chaunte, owner of Ideal Haircare and co-owner of Ideal Barbers in Atlanta. I hold a certification in cosmetic chemistry and skin care science, and I bring 10 plus years of loc knowledge to this guide.

I started my own locs from approximately four inches of dense hair, and my establishment cost was around $800. That is my experience only. Your pricing will vary by your hair, your professional, and your area.

I retie my locs on approximately a six week schedule. That is my schedule only. Your loctician will help you determine yours.

I wrote this guide because the prep stage is where most women feel the most alone with the biggest questions. You do not need someone to save your journey. It is your journey. You just deserve a guide who has walked it and will walk step by step with you.

When you are ready for stage by stage support: The Crown Collective

Know exactly what to do at every stage of your loc journey, and keep the length you grow.

BEFORE YOU LOC covers the decision. The Crown Collective walks with you through every stage after it, inside the Ideal Loc School curriculum: Start Here, Starter Stage, Budding Stage, Teenage Stage, Mature Loc Care, Reties and Maintenance, Repairs and Weak Spots and Thinning, Product and Tool School, Loc Styling School, and The Next Chapter.

What is inside founding membership:

  • The stage by stage classroom, from before you lock through mature loc care and combing out.

  • Ideal Loc School, all modules, organized so you always know your next step.

  • The Styling Library: the bun, the fishtail, roller sets, and more.

  • BEFORE YOU LOC and the Lock Guide materials, included.

  • Ask Chaunte: bring your photos and questions, get answers.

  • For Crown Access: a live hairstyle tutorial and a live Q and A every month, plus the replay library.

  • Founding rate locked for life.

The Journey: $27 per month founding. Regular pricing $47 per month after founding closes.

Crown Access: $67 per month founding. Regular pricing $97 per month after founding closes.

100 founding spots, ever.

Founding closes when 100 spots fill or 14 days after the doors open, whichever comes first.

Until checkout is live, this form joins the founding waitlist. You will be tagged and emailed first when doors open.

This page is for you if:

  • You are seriously considering Sisterlocks or microlocs and have not installed yet.

  • You have a consultation coming up, or you are trying to choose a loctician.

  • You want the full journey mapped, not just the first month.

If you have already started your locs, the guide still helps you check your foundation, and The Crown Collective meets you at your current stage.

Coming soon: the Lock Guide, in app form

The full Lock Guide is becoming a separate app: the guide in your pocket, organized by stage, searchable, and built for tiny locs, microlocs, and Sisterlocks. The app will be a paid version of the guide, and inside the app, the next step will still be The Crown Collective community. Join the waitlist and you will hear first when it opens.

Start with the guide. Decide with a clear head.

Download BEFORE YOU LOC free, work through the checklists, and walk into your consultation knowing your questions and your numbers. When you are ready for support at every stage, The Crown Collective will be here.

Ideal Haircare. Questions: [email protected]