LocLov Salon

LocLov was founded in 2010 by Salih Watts, a Master Loctician who runs the salon alongside a team of locticians and a colorist. The salon has two locations: a second-floor space at 1242 Pennsylvania Ave SE in Washington, DC, and a site at 4434 Slauson Ave in Los Angeles. The salon describes itself as award-winning and describes its culture as one of generosity, with a standard of excellence.

The salon takes a holistic and educational approach, aiming for healthy hair and a healthy sense of self. The salon says every client receives close, meticulous attention and that waits are not long. Consultations are in person only and cost $20; when a hair service is booked, that fee is applied to the first service. Service prices can be viewed in the app after creating a profile, under Prices & Pay.

Locs are the salon's main focus. Maintenance is done with palm rolling and interlocking. Permanent loc extensions are offered, and instalocs are made in one visit by forming locs from loose hair with small hooked needles. For interlocking, a single hooked needle is used to firm up and secure new growth close to the scalp. Traditional locs begin with two-strand twists instead of coils or gel twists. The salon's diamond part system, which the salon says gives extra volume and a striking look, is used as well. Starting locs, instalocs or extensions calls for roughly 3 inches of growth. Looser textures may require more length or additional techniques, and those carry an extra fee.

Hair color is done with vegan, organic color from Original Minerals (O&M). Sister locs can be colored, cut, and styled, but the sister loc method itself is not offered. Faux locs and loc comb-outs are not offered. Barber services are available, with one dedicated barber on Thursdays and a loctician who also offers barber services. The salon says a full-time esthetician will offer facial and body care in a dedicated beauty and personal care room. Haku Holistics, an all-natural product line, is used in the salon and sold there.

Appointments can be booked through the LocLov Salon app on Android and iPhone. Cancellations need at least 48 hours notice to avoid a $50 late cancellation fee, which is payable at or before the next appointment. Appointments cannot be cancelled in the app; clients must call or text the salon. DC is open Wednesday through Saturday, 8:30AM to 6:30PM. LA is open Wednesday through Friday, 9:00AM to 8:00PM, and Saturday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Phone numbers are 202.677.9065 for DC and 323.989.7474 for LA.

Holistic and educational, aimed at healthy hair and a positive sense of self.