3 Things To Do Before Your Retightening (Your Loctician Will Thank You)
By Tunisia Ali – I AM MELANIN MAGIC
Your loctician isn’t just collecting payments—she’s caring for your crown and aiming to exceed your expectations. When you do your part between visits, the synergy is better, communication is easier, and your results improve. Today, we’re getting practical: what to do before your retightening so your appointment is smoother and your hair stays healthier.
1) Detangle Before You Go (light, thorough, gentle)
Even if your loctician washes your hair, pre-detangling helps: less matting in the bowl, cleaner parting, and less tugging at the hair.
How to do it
Timing: ideally 2 days before your appointment (1 day is okay, if you must, but your scalp may be tender).
After a wash and while hair is a tad damp, work in small sections. You can also work on dry hair, simply moisten or oil.
Add slip: lightly mist the grid/parts with oil for glide (I use the I AM MELANIN MAGIC Premium Blend because it includes detangling botanicals).
Method: use 2–3 fingers to gently separate locks along the parting lines, then down the length. Some will slide apart; others need a moment.
Goal: reduce interlocking between neighboring locks.
Detangling matters. Extra scalp irritation at appointments often comes from ripping apart matted sections—not just tight tension.
2) Do What You Two Agreed To (and know why)
Follow the guidance your loctician recommends between appointments—as long as you’re aligned with it. If she asks for:
Wash cadence (e.g., every 2 weeks for a scalp concern, or slippage, etc.),
Temporary product changes (e.g., Sisterlocks shampoo to roughen a too-soft cuticle),
Daily shake-outs to release lint/dust
…then do it, or ask why so you understand the purpose. If a recommendation conflicts with your core values (e.g., your stance on oils), have a calm conversation and agree on a plan that works for your hair.
3) Inspect & Mark Problem Areas (so nothing gets missed)
Before the appointment, scan your whole head. If you notice thinning, a weak spot, a merged pair, less locks, or a section that always feels tender:
Mark it (small band/knot) or plait a section.
Snap a picture (easy to find later and track over time).
Bringing focused notes helps your loctician address issues early and serve you more efficiently.
Professional energy matters
Show up with clean hair, detangled hair, on time—and be the client who communicates, follows through, and respects the craft. That energy comes back to you in care, attention, and long-term results.
FAQ
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Ideally 2 days before so that your scalp is not tender when you go in for your retie. Do it after a wash while hair is damp, using light oil for glide, and separate gently along the parts. If your hair is dry, moisten.
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This depends on your loctician and what your beliefs are regarding oil. A little oil can ease friction. Too much can be problematic. If you detangle and oil lightly 2 days before, you should be ok.
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Mark the lock with a small band or knot, or bring a photo of the area. This helps address thinning, merging, or tender spots, inflammation, dandruff and other concerns early.
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Ask why the recommendation was made and align on a plan that fits your hair and values. Clear communication keeps the relationship healthy.
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