Rhi-Twists

Rhi-Twists works only with traditional locs. The business describes its work as supporting a healthy loc journey with a creative touch. Visits take place in a private studio suite at 614 Main Street, Suite 2, and the owner, Rhickisha, is the stylist clients work with. Mail goes to a PO Box in Penn Hills.

Starter locs are recommended for curly to kinky natural hair that is 4 inches or longer. They can begin with comb coils or two strand twists, with a choice of square, diamond, triangle, C-part or random parts, and the appointment includes a protective style, wash, deep conditioning, install, loc jewelry and an aftercare kit. Starter loc prices begin at $250 and can rise depending on the condition of loose natural hair. Other services include loc maintenance, which covers a hydrating steam conditioning treatment, three shampoos, an eye mask, a retwist, up to five loc repairs and loc jewelry; crochet maintenance or retwists for clients who have gone three or more months without one; extended loc styles with added hair for length and volume; loc color, which begins with a consultation and strand test and is priced separately from maintenance; loc repair for thinning, loc combinations and locs that have come out; and permanent loc extensions and reattachment. Instant locs are formed with a crochet hook from the client's own hair, with no extensions, and take roughly four to eight or more hours. The business also offers mini visits for wash only, style only or repair only, plus after-hours and premium VIP appointments that include an aftercare kit and a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment.

A consultation is required before any service, and it costs $50. Virtual consultations are available for starter locs and for new clients. Any services suggested during the consultation carry a separate deposit. Clients must disclose allergies, hair conditions or hazards before the appointment, and a reminder email goes out 26 hours before each visit. The business notes that its services are not medical advice and are not meant to treat medical conditions, so clients with a medical condition are asked to see a doctor first. Remaining balances are due at the time of service in cash or by Zelle.

Booking terms are firm. Deposits are applied to the total cost and are not refunded, and a deposit can move to up to two rescheduled appointments, with a third reschedule cancelling the booking. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes late brings a $20 fee plus the balance due, and arriving more than 15 minutes late forfeits the deposit and appointment. Cancellations, reschedules within 24 hours and no-shows carry a fee of 50% of the remaining balance, which is non-refundable. The studio does not serve clients under 16 or clients with more than 200 locs, and it reserves the right to refuse any individual. Photos and videos may be posted for marketing, and clients can ask that their face not be shown.

Traditional locs only, built around a long-term plan for each client and at-home teaching so clients can keep their locs in good shape between visits.

Visits take place in a private studio salon suite.