Wick Maintenance Aftercare: First 48 Hours and What to Avoid (Hair Spa Tips)

First 24 to 48 hours: keep wicks dry, calm, and untouched

Right after I crochet at the roots, your job is to protect the structure I just tightened. In that first 24 to 48 hours, I generally recommend:

• No washing and no soaking. Skip shampoo, co-wash, swimming, and long steamy showers. If you have to shower, keep the water off your hair and cover it.
• Avoid heavy sweating. If you can, hold off on intense workouts for a day or two. In Indianapolis humidity, sweat can kick up frizz fast and make your scalp feel irritated.
• Hands off. Don’t pick, twist, or “test” the roots. Crocheted wicks hold best when they aren’t constantly being manipulated.
• Skip tight styles and accessories. No slick ponytails, tight headbands, or hats that rub. Friction is what makes fresh roots look fuzzy sooner.

If you’re near Broad Ripple or Irvington and you’re planning errands after your appointment, try not to stack it with anything that has you outside in midday heat. Early-morning slots help a lot in Warren Township summers.

Days 3 to 7: keep the “fresh” look without creating buildup

That first week is where I see people either keep their maintenance looking neat, or accidentally set themselves up for early fuzz and itchy scalp. A lot of my guests tell me they love the relaxing, spa-like wash experience here, so it’s tempting to chase that feeling at home with extra product. Go lighter than you think.

Moisture, yes. Sticky layers, no.

If your scalp feels dry, use a light, water-based mist or a small amount of lightweight oil. Avoid waxes, butters, and anything that sits on top of the hair. With wicks, buildup hides at the roots and makes maintenance harder next time.

Don’t “fix” frizz by crocheting at home

I’m all for you learning your hair, but crocheting is one of those things that goes left quickly if you overdo it. If something feels loose, a part looks off, or you’re worried about tension, let me know and I’ll talk you through the next step. Most of the time, the best fix is a simple touch-up at the right time, not a DIY session that creates thinning.

Night routine that keeps Wick Maintenance looking neat

If you do nothing else, protect your hair at night. This is where the “hair spa near me” energy turns into real results at home.

• Satin bonnet or scarf every night. Cotton pillowcases pull moisture and create friction.
• Keep wicks contained. If your wicks are longer, loosely gather them so you aren’t rolling on them and stressing the roots.
• Watch your collars. Hoodies, jean jackets, and rough fabrics can rub the nape and sides. If you’re in Lawrence, Beech Grove, or Cumberland and you’re commuting, that friction adds up fast.

Product choices after a hair treatment: what I like for wicks

After Wick Maintenance, think “clean and light.” I include your choice of All-Purpose Loc Oil or Hydration Treatment during your appointment, and I keep the same mindset for aftercare.

If you’re moisturizing at home, stick to water-based sprays and small amounts of oil where you need it. If your scalp tends to itch, don’t panic and start layering product. That’s usually how people end up with clogged roots and a heavier feel.

And keep your tools clean. Hygiene matters in loc care. I’m strict about sanitizing in the studio, and your combs, clips, and scarves at home should stay just as clean.

When to text me, and when it’s just part of the settling phase

A little tightness at the roots, mild scalp sensitivity, and small flyaways can be normal right after maintenance. What I don’t want you doing is suffering in silence or trying to “correct” it with tension and over-crocheting.

• Reach out if you have persistent soreness, bumps, or swelling, or if a section feels too tight to sleep comfortably.
• Reach out if you notice slipping that keeps getting worse, especially around your edges or crown.
• Reach out if you’re unsure about product use and you don’t want buildup before your next visit.

“Professional, always flexible and very knowledgeable of healthy loc hair.”

one of our regulars

If you’re ready to stay on a steady schedule, I usually see wick maintenance make the most sense around that 6 to 8 week mark for many people. Need help figuring out your rhythm? Start with my Loc Maintenance guide in Indianapolis, then peek at Loc Maintenance services in Indianapolis so you know what fits your hair right now.