Skip to main content

What to Expect at Pashens Beauty Locs & More in South Carolina

A full-service salon specializing in locs, braids, and natural hair care

Pashens Beauty Locs & More is a salon focused on natural hair services, particularly locs and protective styling. The salon offers braiding, loc maintenance, and related hair care in a space designed around the needs of textured and natural hair. If you wear locs or are considering starting them, or if you're looking for braiding services, this is a destination salon rather than a walk-in spot—appointments are how the salon operates.

The salon's name signals its core expertise: locs are the primary service, but the "& More" reflects a broader menu that includes other natural hair work. This matters because loc care is specialized—it's not something every stylist knows well, and finding someone experienced with your hair type and loc style can take time. Pashens has built its reputation on that specialization.

Key Takeaways

  • Pashens specializes in locs and braiding services for natural and textured hair, with loc maintenance and installation as the primary focus.
  • You will need to book an appointment in advance rather than walk in, so plan ahead and contact the salon directly for availability.
  • Services at a specialized loc salon typically take several hours, so block out your schedule and bring something to do or eat while you're there.
  • The salon carries beauty supplies and products alongside services, so you can purchase maintenance items for your locs or braids on the same visit.

What services Pashens offers and how long they take

Loc installation, whether you're starting fresh or adding to existing locs, is the anchor service. Installation times vary widely depending on the method (interlocking, two-strand twist, crochet) and the thickness and length of your hair—expect anywhere from four to eight hours or more for a full head. Pashens also handles loc maintenance appointments, which are shorter but still substantial, typically two to four hours depending on how many locs need retightening and how long it's been since your last visit.

Braiding services—box braids, cornrows, Senegalese twists, and similar styles—are also available. Like locs, braiding is time-intensive work. A full head of box braids or similar protective styles usually takes six to ten hours depending on braid size, hair length, and whether you're adding extensions. The salon's "& More" likely includes related services like twist-outs, loc styling, and consultations about hair health and maintenance routines.

Because these services are lengthy, the salon operates by appointment only. This protects both your time and the stylist's schedule. When you contact Pashens to book, ask about the specific service you want, how long it typically takes, and what to bring or prepare beforehand.

How to book and what to prepare

Contact the salon directly to schedule your appointment. You'll need to tell them what service you want—whether that's starting locs, maintaining existing ones, or getting braids—and provide details about your hair type, current hair condition, and any specific requests. If you're starting locs for the first time, the stylist may ask questions about your lifestyle, how you plan to maintain them, and what look you're going for, since those factors affect which installation method works best.

Arrive with clean or freshly washed hair if that's what the stylist recommends for your service. Bring cash or confirm what payment methods the salon accepts. Because appointments run long, wear comfortable clothes, bring a phone charger or book, and eat something beforehand or plan to grab food during your appointment. Some salons allow you to step out during your service; ask when you book whether that's an option at Pashens.

If you're getting locs or braids with extensions, ask whether the salon provides the hair or whether you need to bring your own. Pricing and product sourcing vary by salon and by the specific service, so clarify this when you call.

Maintenance and aftercare for locs and braids

Locs are not a one-time service—they require regular maintenance to stay neat and healthy. Most people return every four to eight weeks for retightening, depending on how fast their hair grows and how active they are. Pashens can advise you on a maintenance schedule when you get your locs installed. Between appointments, you'll wash your locs (usually with a residue-free shampoo), keep them moisturized, and avoid activities that cause excessive frizz or loosening.

Protective styles like braids typically last four to eight weeks before they need to be taken down to prevent buildup, matting, or tension on your scalp. After you remove braids, your hair needs a deep conditioning treatment and gentle detangling. Pashens can recommend products and techniques for aftercare, and many salons offer removal and conditioning services as well.

The salon likely carries products designed for loc and braid maintenance—shampoos, moisturizers, oils, and styling products formulated for natural hair. Buying these during your appointment means you have what you need for upkeep at home, and the stylist can show you how to use them.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Loc and braiding services are priced based on several factors: the method used, the length and thickness of your hair, whether you're adding extensions, and how long the service takes. Installation is more expensive than maintenance because it's more labor-intensive. A full head of locs might range significantly depending on these variables, and braiding costs similarly vary. The salon's location in South Carolina and its reputation for specialized work also factor into pricing.

When you contact Pashens for a booking, ask for a price quote based on your specific hair and the service you want. Some salons offer package deals for multiple services or discounts for regular clients. Clarify whether the price includes products, whether tips are expected, and whether there are any additional fees.

Why choose a specialized loc and braiding salon

Not every stylist has the training or experience to install and maintain locs well. Locs require understanding of different hair textures, growth patterns, and installation methods. A salon that specializes in locs has stylists who do this work regularly, which means they can troubleshoot problems, advise you on maintenance, and create a look that suits your hair and lifestyle. The same applies to braiding—it's a skill that improves with practice and specialization.

Pashens' focus on natural hair and locs also means the salon understands the cultural and personal significance of these styles. You're not explaining your hair or justifying your choice; you're working with someone who knows the work inside and out. That expertise is worth seeking out, especially if you're new to locs or if you've had bad experiences elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if locs are right for my hair type?

Locs can be created on most hair types, but the method and maintenance routine vary. Tighter curl patterns often loc more easily and require less frequent retightening, while straighter hair may need a different installation method. When you contact Pashens, describe your hair texture and ask the stylist whether they recommend locs for you and which method would work best.

Can I remove locs without cutting my hair?

Yes, but it's time-consuming and requires patience. Locs can be carefully unraveled, though the process takes many hours and works better on newer locs than on locs that have been in for years. Ask Pashens whether they offer removal services and what the process involves if you think you might want to remove your locs later.

What's the difference between starting locs and getting braids?

Locs are a long-term commitment—they're meant to stay in and grow with your hair, requiring regular maintenance for months or years. Braids are a temporary protective style that you remove after a few weeks. If you want a protective style for a shorter period, braids are the better choice. If you want a permanent or semi-permanent style, locs are what you're looking for.

Do I need to wash my locs differently than regular hair?

Yes. Locs need a residue-free shampoo to prevent buildup, and you wash them less frequently than loose hair—usually every one to two weeks. You also need to be careful about how you dry them to prevent mold or mildew. Pashens will give you specific washing and drying instructions when you get your locs installed.

What should I do if my locs start to frizz or loosen between appointments?

Some frizz is normal and part of the loc journey. You can use a loc gel or mousse to smooth flyaways, and a retwist tool can help tighten small sections at home. However, professional retightening at your maintenance appointment is the best way to keep locs neat. Ask Pashens for product recommendations and techniques you can use between visits.