Faux Locs in NYC
Beautiful, Professionally Installed Faux Locs
Faux locs recreate the appearance of traditional locs by wrapping or crocheting extension hair around sections of natural hair. Unlike permanent locs, they allow you to enjoy the loc look temporarily while keeping your natural hair protected underneath.
Our braiders focus on clean sectioning, secure installation, balanced tension, and a polished finish. Each appointment begins with a discussion about the look you want, including:
- Loc length
- Loc thickness
- Parting pattern
- Hair color
- Texture
- Installation method
- Desired fullness
- Styling preferences
We work carefully to create faux locs that feel comfortable and look intentional from the roots to the ends.
Box Braids Customized for You
Box braids are created by dividing the hair into individual sections before braiding each section from the root. The finished look can be adjusted in many ways, making box braids suitable for different preferences, hair lengths, and occasions.
Your style may be personalized according to:
- Braid size
- Desired length
- Extension color
- Parting pattern
- Hair density
- Preferred fullness
- Straight, curled, or decorative ends
- Simple or accessorized finish
Before beginning, we can discuss your inspiration and recommend an approach based on your natural hair and desired result.
Faux Loc Styles We Can Create
Faux locs are highly customizable. Your final hairstyle can be neat and uniform, soft and distressed, or full of bohemian texture.
Popular options include:
Traditional Faux Locs
Traditional faux locs provide a clean, defined loc appearance. They can be installed in several lengths and sizes, depending on the amount of fullness and movement you want.
Soft Faux Locs
Soft faux locs are designed to feel more flexible and lightweight than some traditional wrapped loc styles. They are a popular choice for clients who want a natural-looking finish with easier movement.
Distressed Faux Locs
Distressed faux locs feature an intentionally textured appearance. The slightly imperfect wrapping creates a relaxed, lived-in look that resembles naturally developed locs.
Bohemian Faux Locs
Bohemian faux locs combine loc extensions with loose curls or wavy strands. This creates a softer, more textured style with additional volume and movement.
Long Faux Locs
Long faux locs create a bold, dramatic look. The length can be customized, although longer installations may require more time and extension hair.
Bob-Length Faux Locs
Short or bob-length faux locs offer the visual impact of locs in a lighter, more manageable length. They are an excellent option for clients who prefer less weight around the shoulders and back.
Colored Faux Locs
Color can be incorporated throughout the hairstyle or used as an accent. Depending on your preferred look, you may choose natural shades, warm browns, burgundy tones, blonde highlights, or a more expressive color combination.
Book Your Faux Loc Appointment in NYC
Ready to try faux locs without committing to permanent locs?
Contact Makoula African Hair Braiding to discuss your preferred length, size, texture, color, and installation method. We will help you choose a faux loc style that works with your natural hair and personal aesthetic.
Call to schedule your appointment:
(917) 519-2371
Professional faux locs, personalized styling, and protective hair care—all in New York City.
Crochet and Individually Wrapped Faux Locs
Faux locs can be installed using different techniques. The right method depends on your natural hair, preferred appearance, desired flexibility, and the amount of time available for installation.
Crochet Faux Locs
With a crochet installation, the natural hair is generally braided into a foundation before pre-formed loc extensions are attached. This method can reduce installation time and create a full, consistent look.
Individual Faux Locs
Individual faux locs are created section by section. The natural hair may be braided or twisted before extension hair is wrapped around it. This technique can provide more styling flexibility and a highly customized finish.
During your consultation, we can discuss which method is most appropriate for the result you want.
Longer or fuller braids may require additional time and braiding hair. Please describe your preferred length when calling so we can provide appropriate scheduling and pricing information.
Are Faux Locs a Protective Hairstyle?
Faux locs can function as a protective hairstyle because the natural hair is braided or wrapped beneath the extensions. This can reduce daily manipulation and limit the need for frequent heat styling.
However, proper installation and maintenance are essential. Faux locs should not feel painfully tight, excessively heavy, or uncomfortable. Too much tension or weight may place unnecessary stress on the scalp and hairline.
At Makoula African Hair Braiding, we aim to create a secure installation while keeping client comfort and healthy styling practices in mind.
Who Are Faux Locs Suitable For?
Faux locs can work for many natural hair textures and personal styles. They may be a suitable choice when you want:
- A temporary loc appearance
- A low-manipulation hairstyle
- A style with multiple length options
- A break from daily styling
- A hairstyle that can be worn up or down
- A protective option for natural hair
- A bold style without permanently locking your hair
Hair density, length, scalp sensitivity, and the condition of the hairline should be considered before installation. Please tell your braider about any sensitive areas, thinning, recent chemical treatments, or scalp concerns before your appointment.
How to Maintain Faux Locs
Proper maintenance can help your faux locs remain neat and comfortable.
Protect Them at Night
Cover your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet before sleeping. A satin pillowcase can offer additional protection.
Keep the Scalp Clean
Clean the scalp carefully using a method appropriate for your installation. Avoid soaking the locs unnecessarily, and dry the hair thoroughly after cleansing.
Use Products Lightly
Apply lightweight scalp products sparingly. Heavy creams, waxes, and oils may create buildup around the roots and inside the loc extensions.
Reduce Friction
When possible, keep the locs away from rough fabrics that may cause fuzziness or snagging.
Avoid Constant Pulling
Frequently wearing tight ponytails, buns, or high-tension styles can place stress on the hairline. Choose loose, comfortable styling methods.
Monitor Your Scalp
Persistent itching, pain, bumps, excessive flaking, or tenderness should not be ignored. Loosen or remove the style when necessary and seek professional medical guidance for ongoing scalp problems.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your appointment may include the following steps:
- Style consultation: We confirm your preferred size, length, color, texture, and installation method.
- Hair assessment: Your braider evaluates your hair length, density, and scalp sensitivity.
- Sectioning: The hair is divided into clean, balanced sections.
- Foundation creation: Your natural hair is braided or prepared for the selected installation method.
- Loc installation: The faux loc extensions are attached or wrapped carefully.
- Finishing and styling: The locs are checked for consistency, comfort, and the desired final appearance.
Installation time varies according to the technique, loc size, hair length, fullness, and complexity of the style. Contact us before your appointment for a more personalized estimate.
How to Prepare for Faux Locs
Unless your appointment instructions state otherwise, arrive with your hair:
- Clean and free from heavy product buildup
- Fully detangled
- Stretched or blow-dried using low, controlled heat
- Free from knots and shed hair
- Ready to be sectioned
Avoid applying large amounts of oil, gel, butter, or leave-in product immediately before the appointment. Excess product can make the hair more difficult to grip and may contribute to buildup beneath the style.
Ask us in advance whether extension hair is included or whether you should bring a specific type, color, or quantity.
How Long Do Faux Locs Last?
Many faux loc installations are worn for several weeks. The exact wear time depends on:
- The installation method
- Your natural hair growth
- Scalp care
- Activity level
- Loc size
- Extension texture
- Maintenance routine
Faux locs should not be left in longer simply because they still appear wearable. Significant new growth, matting, buildup, loosening, or scalp discomfort may indicate that it is time to remove the style.
Why Choose Makoula African Hair Braiding?
Clients choose Makoula African Hair Braiding for careful technique, personalized service, and experience creating African hair braiding and protective styles.
When you book faux locs with us, you can expect:
- A personalized style consultation
- Clean and balanced parting
- Multiple length and size options
- Careful attention to tension
- A polished, professional finish
- Guidance on maintaining your hairstyle
- Service for different natural hair textures
- Convenient service for clients in New York City
Our goal is not simply to install extensions. We want your faux locs to match your vision, feel comfortable, and remain manageable throughout the time you wear them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Locs
Faux locs should not automatically damage healthy hair. Problems are more likely when the locs are installed too tightly, made excessively heavy, maintained poorly, or left in for too long. Proper preparation, appropriate tension, scalp care, and careful removal are important.
No. Faux locs are a temporary style created with extension hair. They provide the appearance of locs without permanently locking the natural hair.
They may be installed on relatively short hair when there is enough length to create a secure foundation. Suitability depends on your hair length, density, condition, and the installation technique.
The weight depends on the loc length, thickness, number of sections, extension material, and installation method. Shorter or softer loc styles may feel lighter than very long, thick installations.
The scalp can be cleaned while wearing faux locs, but the correct method depends on the installation. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and make sure the roots and extensions dry thoroughly.
They can get wet, but repeated soaking may increase weight, frizz, drying time, or odor if the style remains damp. Protect the hair when swimming and dry it completely afterward.
Appointment length varies considerably. Crochet installations may take less time than individually wrapped locs, while very long, small, or highly customized locs generally require a longer appointment.
Pricing depends on the installation method, size, length, desired fullness, hair requirements, and complexity of the style. Contact Makoula African Hair Braiding for current pricing based on your preferred look.
Hair requirements differ by style. Please call before purchasing extension hair so we can confirm the appropriate type, quantity, length, and color for your appointment.
Removal depends on how the locs were installed. The extension hair is carefully cut or unraveled without cutting the natural hair underneath. Work slowly, follow the structure of the installation, and detangle each section carefully.