Wick Install: How to Prepare, What to Expect & Aftercare
By Lord of Locs LLC | October 8, 2026
I hear the same thing all the time: “I’m excited… but I’m nervous.” That’s normal. A lot of people come in after reading reviews that mention I’m customer friendly and do neat work, and they just want to know what the day actually looks like. A first wick install usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your hair density and length. You’ll feel sectioning, some pulling, and firm pressure while I combine locs into wicks, but you shouldn’t be in sharp pain. If you come in with clean, completely dry hair and you follow simple aftercare, the whole process is pretty straightforward.
Quick reassurance: If you’re booking with me at 9201 Cooks Point Ct, Lanham, MD 20706, you’re not walking into a mystery appointment. I’ll explain what I’m doing as we go, check your comfort, and make sure you leave knowing how to care for your wicks at home.
How to prepare for a wick install (clean hair, dry hair, and no heavy product)
The best wick installs start before you ever sit in my chair. I generally recommend you arrive with clean, completely dry hair. Skip heavy oils, butters, and thick conditioners the day of your appointment. Product buildup can make the hair slippery, and it can slow down clean sectioning and combining.
If you have existing locs, come with a clear idea of your goal: thicker wicks for a bold look, a certain count, or a specific parting layout. And if you’ve had thinning, breakage, or a previous chemical issue, tell me before we start. I’ve had parents bring their kids in after a rough experience elsewhere, and the biggest difference is simple: we slow down, we protect the roots, and we build a plan you can actually keep up with.
Bring me these details and you’ll feel a lot more in control
- A photo of the wick size you like (thicker, medium, or chunky).
- Your current loc count and your target count if you know it.
- Any sensitive spots on your scalp, especially around the edges.
- Your schedule needs. A lot of my Lanham and New Carrollton clients fit appointments around commutes off I-495 and US-50, so timing matters.
What happens during your first wick install, step by step (and what it feels like)
When you arrive, I start by looking at your hair in good light and confirming the plan: size, parting, and how many locs we’re combining into each wick. This is also where I’ll talk through pricing. My wick install service starts at $1200 and includes shampoo services, reparting your locs, and combining 2 or more locs into one new loc. The base price covers up to 50 shoulder-length locs, and anything beyond that can mean an upcharge.
Then we move into shampoo and prep so your hair is clean and ready to grip. After that comes the parting and sectioning. This is usually the moment first-timers feel the most “tugging.” Firm pressure is normal. Sectioning has to be clean so your wicks sit right and grow out evenly.
Next is the actual combining. I’ll bring two or more locs together and form each wick using a technique that fits your hair. You may feel pulling and steady pressure while I work. You should not be gritting your teeth. If something feels sharp, speak up and I’ll adjust. A lot of people tell me they felt comfortable here because the space is clean and quiet, and because I explain what’s happening instead of rushing through it.
Time-wise, most first wick installs land in that 1.5 to 3 hour range, but hair density and length can push that longer. I’m honest about timing because many of my Bowie, Largo, and Landover clients are working around family schedules. If you’re coming in after a long day, I want you to plan enough breathing room so you’re not stressed in the chair.
“I had an amazing experience and she made me feel comfortable. The atmosphere was clean and quiet.”
A recent first-time visitor
Wick install aftercare that actually keeps them neat in Mid-Atlantic weather
Right after your install, it’s normal to feel a little tightness and scalp sensitivity. That usually settles as your scalp relaxes. What I don’t want is you going home and drowning your hair in heavy product because it “feels dry.” That’s how buildup starts.
For wick install aftercare, I generally recommend gentle sulfate-free washes, a light moisturizing spray instead of thick creams, and satin protection at night so your wicks don’t fuzz up fast. Try to avoid heavy sweating for the first 48 hours. Mid-Atlantic summers can be humid, so if you’re installing during warm months, plan your workouts accordingly. Cooler nights in October are easier on a fresh install.
A real-life expectation: People love the “fresh install” look, but the real win is how it holds up after you start living your life. I’ve had clients tell me their extensions still looked amazing after the first wash, and even after swimming. The common thread is simple aftercare and not overloading the hair.
Maintenance matters. Plan to come back for tightening and upkeep every 4 to 8 weeks depending on your growth and how neat you like your roots.
My best first-time wick install tips (the small stuff that makes a big difference)
Here’s something I’ll tell you that a lot of places skip: don’t schedule your first time wick install on a day you’re already rushing. When people are tense, everything feels tighter. Give yourself the space to settle in, especially if you’re driving in from Seabrook, Lanham, or coming off I-495.
Also, don’t be embarrassed if you tried something at home first. I’ve had people come in with parting mistakes and DIY starts. I’m not here to shame you. I’m here to fix what needs fixing and teach you what to do between visits so your hair can flourish.
“She never ever shamed me or made me feel bad, she gave me compassionate and helpful advice on caring for my locs so that they can fluorish.”
One of our regulars
If you’re ready to talk through wick sizing, loc count, and timing, I’m right here in the Seabrook-Lanham residential neighborhood at 9201 Cooks Point Ct, Lanham, MD 20706. Bring your questions. I’ll give you clear answers, a clean install, and an aftercare plan you can keep up with.
Want to book or ask a quick question first?
Call +12405246498 or email reallordoflocs@gmail.com. If you’re local to Lanham, New Carrollton, Bowie, Largo, Landover, or Seabrook, you’re close enough to make maintenance easy.
Address: 9201 Cooks Point Ct, Lanham, MD 20706, United States
Wick install FAQ: timing, comfort, short hair, aftercare, and maintenance
How long does a Wick Install appointment usually take?
Most first-time wick install appointments take about 1.5 to 3 hours. Hair density, length, and how much combining we’re doing can make it shorter or longer, so I’ll confirm a realistic time window before we start.
Will a Wick Install hurt or damage my hair?
You’ll usually feel pulling and firm pressure during sectioning and combining. Discomfort can be normal. Sharp pain isn’t. Tell me right away if something feels too tight so I can adjust and protect your scalp and roots.
How should I wash and moisturize my hair after a Wick Install?
I generally recommend a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, focusing on your scalp, and keeping product light. A watery moisturizing spray works better than heavy creams that can sit in the hair. Sleep in a satin scarf or bonnet to cut down on frizz and lint.
Can I get a Wick Install if my hair is very short?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on how short your hair is and how much grip we have to work with. If you’re not sure, reach out first with a quick description of your length and your goal, and I’ll tell you honestly what makes sense.
How often do I need to come back for Wick maintenance?
Most people do best coming back every 4 to 8 weeks. Faster schedules keep everything extra neat. Longer schedules can work too if your hair grows slower or you like a more lived-in root.