Welcome to Your Home Care Headquarters
This resources will help you to care for your hair at home. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Extension & Hair Piece Aftercare:
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Cleansing: Oi Shampoo & Conditioner for dry scalp types
K18 Prep Maintenance and Oi Conditioner for oily or build up prone scalp types
Cleanse 1-2x/week. Shampooing more often will reduce the life of your extensions.
Important! Completely detangle before showering. Hair expands when wet and is more difficult to detangle!
Use the finger claw technique we discussed to make sure to get in between all of your rows.
Only use conditioner at the mid to ends of your hair to avoid buildup.
Optional: The “half wash” method, if you need to shampoo your own hair more often than 1-2x/week.
Recommended: A good shower cap to keep your hair dry between shampoo days so you don’t have to restyle as often.
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Gently squeeze the water out of your hair, do not rub! A microfiber towel can help remove more wet than cotton towels.
Before drying: Protect your hair with a heat protectant (K18 Oil).
Moisturize your hair daily, with a leave in. I recommend Oi All In One Milk.
Brush these products through with an extension brush.
Start drying the hair with the blow dryer. When the hair is 50% dry (doesn’t drop any water or appear super damp) apply styling products. Finish blow drying.
YOUR HAIR MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE GOING TO BED.
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Shampoo, conditioner and other hair products need to be extension friendly – meaning they should be paraben and sulfate-free.
Any Davines product fits this bill.
Recommended products: Oi, NouNou, and K18 for extension guests because of the added benefits.
You should also use a serum/oil/leave-in conditioner from your ears down, daily, for moisture! I recommend K18 Oil, Oi All In One Milk, and Oi Oil.
If you have products at home that you would like to use, or are interested in trying something new, please check with me to make sure it is safe for extensions.
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Hair MUST be dry before bed. It will damage your natural hair and can cause matting and mold.
Sleep with your hair in a loose braid, low bun, or in a silk bonnet wrap.
Recommended: A silk pillowcase and scrunchies.
Cotton pillowcases can cause frizz, dryness, and split ends over time.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT!
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You can straighten and curl your hair like normal!
Always use a heat protectant before you use heat. DO NOT use a silicon based protectant.
Most hair types should not heat style above 390 degrees Fahrenheit. .
The fewer hot tools you use, the better, but you should find that extensions hold a style longer. You should need fewer styling days each week.
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Can you swim with extensions?
Yes – BUT
Pool & salt water can react poorly with extensions, causing discoloration or dry them out.
This is true with all hair!
To avoid this, I advise to do the following:
* Wet your hair before getting into the pool/lake, etc. Apply a leave in conditioner or hair mask.
* Comb your conditioner or mask through your hair, then braid it or put it in a tight bun or pony.
* Brush & wash your hair immediately after swimming.
* Beware of sunscreen, most brands contain ingredients that will turn your extensions a brassy orange or peach color. Reef safe sunscreens are less likely to do this. Stay away from any sunscreen that includes "Avobenzone" as an ingredient.
Color Service Aftercare
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Shampoo Recommendation:
-Davines Minu or Oi shampoo & conditioner to help protect their color.
-K18 Damage Shield Shampoo an
Conditioner to protect from UV, pollutants, and heat
-Hairstory New Wash for clients that like a simpler, soap free cleansing system.Wait 72 hours to shampoo after your color service, if possible.
This allows the hair cuticle to fully rest, which will make your color last a bit longer.
Shampoo 1-2x per week. If you feel like you need to shampoo more often, try washing with cooler water, Hairstory, or simply using conditioner instead of shampooing every time. This allows the cuticle layer to stay in closed, reducing color fade.
Your diet, medications, and health can play a huge role in how often you will need to shampoo your hair.
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You must use color safe products after a color service. We use safer. more natural products which means it takes a little more work to protect your color.
I love K18 pH prep, MINU shampoo & Conditioner, and Hairstory, along with a leave in like Minu Hair Serum, and Liquid Spell to style.
Finish off with any Davines Hairspray.
Your color results can not be guarantied if produces are purchased outside of the links above.
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Not sure when to come back in for your next visit? Here is a general maintenance schedule for my most popular services:
REVIVE- This is a gray coverage or minimal balayage service, or a roots to ends glaze. You should see me for this service every 6-8 weeks.
Lush 3 Hour Option: This is a service to choose if you need to make subtle changes or freshen everything up. This service needs to be performed every 8-12 weeks.
Lush 4 Hour Option: This service is for everything else! This is the longest color appointment I offer, and it is for changes or full blonding services. It can be done every 12+ weeks or whenever you need a full highlighting service.
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Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair. This ensures the product penetrates the cuticle appropriately.
Protect your hair regualrly with a masque. I often tell guests to use a K18 Leave In Mask 1x/monthly.
Protect your hair form UV rays to prevent fading. MINU Hair Serum is perfect for this!
Crochet Loc Aftercare
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Shampoo Recommendation:
-Cult & King Wash Bar
-K18 Damage Shield Shampoo and
Conditioner to protect from UV, pollutants, and heat
-Hairstory New Wash Deep for clients that like a simpler, soap free cleansing system.Wait 3-14 days before washing your hair.
This allows the hair cuticle to fully rest, which will make your locs knit together better.
Shampoo 1-4x per month. If you feel like you need to shampoo more often, try washing with a cream cleanser. This allows the cuticle layer to stay in closed, reducing breakage.
Sometimes less is more! Cleansing with baking soda and water, than rinsing with Apple Cide Vinegar has been known to work well.Your diet, medications, and health can play a huge role in how often you will need to shampoo your hair. If a cleanser doesn’t seem to work for you, I have other suggestions.
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If you like more natural products, be careful of oils and build up. 100% I recommend Cult & King. This is what I use!
I love K18 pH detox prep shampoo and Damage Shield Conditioner, if you like getting your locs sudsy. It used activate charcoal and balances the pH of scalp and hair.
Use Vegan Hair Balm after your hair is dry as a leave in conditioner if your locs are dry.
Tonik is AMAZING while your locs mature for dealing with irritated or itchy scalp AND helps your locs mature.
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Detailed Summary of Crochet Loc Maintenance
To keep your crochet locs looking fresh, neat, and healthy, regular maintenance is essential. Here's what you need to know:
Daily Maintenance:
Protect Your Scalp and Hair:
Apply a light, water-based leave-in conditioner or scalp spray to keep your natural hair and scalp hydrated without causing buildup.
Use natural oils (like Cult and King Vegan Balm or Tonik) to massage your scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness.
Use a silicon scalp scrubber to massage during cleansing (Cult & King sells my favorite).
Preserve the Style:
Avoid over-manipulating the locs; constant pulling or styling can loosen the crochet loops or cause tension on your natural hair. HOWEVER, braiding, twisting, styling, and bending the locs will help them soften.
Gently separate the locs daily to prevent tangling or matting, especially near the roots.
Weekly Maintenance:
Cleanse Your Scalp:
Use a diluted shampoo or a dry shampoo spray to clean your scalp without disturbing the locs. Focus on cleansing the roots and rinsing gently.
Avoid harsh rubbing, which can loosen the crochet installation.
Rehydrate Locs:
Mist the locs with a hydrating spray or water-based moisturizer to keep them looking fresh and reduce frizz. Love Superwater from Cult & King
Check for Loose Loops:
Inspecyour locs for any loose or weak sections. It is not uncommon for loc extensions to slip or break out over time. Use a crochet needle to secure them back into place if needed or collect them for your next maintenance appointment.
Bi-Weekly or Monthly Maintenance:
Re-tightening:
Visit for a re-tightening session to secure any loose or grown-out areas, especially if the roots begin to look untidy.
For DIY maintenance, use a crochet needle to tighten the loops gently.
Refresh the Edges:
Redo or neaten the perimeter locs if they’ve loosened or frayed, as these are most prone to wear from styling and daily activity.
Wash Thoroughly (Every 2-4 weeks):
Use a gentle cleansing method to wash your entire scalp and locs. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the locs to dry completely to avoid odors or mildew.
After washing, follow with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or oil to restore moisture.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips:
Protect Your Locs While Sleeping:
Wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to prevent friction and preserve the style.
Alternatively, use a silk or satin pillowcase if you prefer not to cover your hair.
Avoid Excessive Weight:
Be mindful of adding additional products that can weigh down the locs. This is especially important with synthetic hair, which can become heavy when wet.
Limit Heat Styling:
Avoid applying heat tools directly to the locs. For natural crochet locs, use a heat protectant.
When to Remove or Refresh Your Locs:
Timeline: Crochet loc maintenance typically last 6–8 weeks between appointments, depending on the quality of installation and your maintenance routine. You can go longer as they mature.
Signs to Refresh/Remove:
Noticeable thinning or breakage at the roots.
Significant loosening of the body of the loc.
Excessive buildup or scalp irritation.
Removal should be done gently to avoid breakage of your natural hair.
By following this maintenance routine, you can keep your crochet locs looking fresh, healthy, and stylish throughout their lifespan. Regular care ensures not only a polished appearance but also the health of your natural hair underneath.
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Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair.
Hydrations is important, but remember that anythig that detangles your hair will make your locs slip and loosen.
Locs get split ends! This will work into the loc eventually, so don’t worry about cutting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are many reasons to remove tipping from your service. First, it lets me focus on your service. It also ensures that all guests are paying the same amount for the same services.
Gratuity is never requested at check out.
If you feel moved to gift additional funds or items, you are welcome to. I recommend using cash or gifts for gratuity so that you won’t need to ask to have it added to your final bill.
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Hair Care Brands:
Cult & King for all natural styling.
K18 for detoxing and repairing hair
Hairstory for a simple cleansing and styling approach
Davines for high sustainability with amazing styles.
I use an ammonia free color line by Oligo. It uses exothermic reactions to process your color instead of ammonia.
Calura/Oligo for permanent and Demi Permanent colors.
Funk Hue by Oligo for semi permanent color (also called temporary).
Black Light lighteners for high quality blonding.
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Cancellation Policy. 24 hours’ notice is required for all cancellations. Cancellations within 24 hours of booking time will result in a 50% charge of the service amount. Missed appointments will be charged at 100% of services. Cancellations should be made by texting or email lara@shearlara.com.
If you cancel more than 2 times within a 60 day period of a scheduled appointment, a non-refundable 50% deposit will be required for all future appointments scheduled.
Redo Appointment Policy. If you are not completely satisfied with your service, please let me know during your appointment or within 7 days from your service. If I am notified of your wish for an adjustment, we will consider scheduling you for an adjustment.
The price of this adjustment may vary depending on our interpretation of the specific circumstances and can range from no charge to cost of product only, to full price.
Please note that this Agreement does not cover a change in the style or color from the initial request/consultation as that would be considered a whole new service in contrast to an adjustment or redo.
Refunds will not be issued for services performed.
Product Returns. Product returns will only be accepted for unopened/unused merchandise. You will receive a full credit towards your next appointment if you notify us of the return request within 7 days of your purchase. Samples of products are available prior to purchase, except for aerosol sprays.Extension Hair and Hair Units are Nonrefundable. If you decide not to move forward with installing your hair, every attempt to sell your hair to a future client will be made, but is not guaranteed as the color must match a new client. If a match is made, the amount refunded to you will be based on the amount paid at time of order and how much of the order is able to be used.
Bookings. Your name, address, email, phone number, and at least one (1) emergency contact are required for all appointments.Services and Pricing. All services and prices may be subject to change without notice.
Payment. For your convenience, we accept all major credit and debit cards, cash, and contactless phone payments. Payment is due upon completion of your service.
Card Authorization. You authorize us to keep your signature and your credit card information securely on file in our account. You also authorize us to charge your credit card for any outstanding balances when due.
Punctuality. Please understand that appointment times are limited. If you are running more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, we may, at our discretion, still accommodate you in the remaining time frame or reschedule your service. For repeat offenses of lateness, 50% of the service amount will be imposed as rescheduling charges.
If we do not hear from you for 10 or more minutes into your scheduled appointment time, it is considered a “No-Show,” and your card will be charged for 100% of the service scheduled. If a credit card is not on file, a negative balance will be added to your account for this amount.
Illness. If you are sick or are concerned you are sick, you must reschedule your appointment.
Right to Refuse Service. The safety of you, our staff,and other clients is paramount. As such, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone we feel may pose a health or safety risk to anyone. This includes but is not limited to lice, skin infections, open wounds, contagious illness, displays of any distress or inappropriate behavior.
Guests, Minors, and Pets. Only those with appointments will have reserved spots to be seated.
Our salon is not child or pet-proof. Hot styling tools, sharp scissors, chemicals, and a busy space can become a safety hazard.
We also ask that you refrain from bringing any pets other than service animals into the salon. There are often service animals in our space who are working. Please do not interact with these animals unless invited to.
Wheelchair Access. We have access for one (1) wheelchair at a time in the salon. If you require any assistance, please advise us and we will do all we can to accommodate you.
Smoking and Vaping. Please note that it is illegal to smoke or vape anywhere in our salon.
Personal Items. Please ensure you retrieve all your personal items before leaving our salon as we cannot be held responsible for lost items.
Limitation of Liability. You shall not hold the Shear Lara llc or our employees liable and agree to indemnify us for any harm, claim, loss, costs, damage, injury, or product reaction to any person or property arising, either directly or indirectly from our service, or any other reason whatsoever.
Dispute Resolution. Any dispute arising from this Agreement must first attempt to be resolved by means of meaningful informal negotiations between Shear Lara llc and you. The period for informal negotiations shall be 60 days from receipt of the written notice of dispute unless such time is modified by written agreement between us. In the event that we cannot resolve a dispute through informal negotiations, we agree to submit the dispute to mediation. Within 120 days following the expiration of the time period for informal negotiations, either Party shall propose and agree upon a neutral and otherwise qualified mediator. In the event either of us fails to agree upon a mediator, either Party shall request that the American Arbitration Association, Anchorage, Alaska, appoint a mediator and the mediation will be held in Anchorage, Alaska or another mutually agreed venue.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws in the State of Alaska.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents all the terms and conditions agreed upon between us. No other understanding or representations, oral or otherwise regarding the Agreement shall bind any of us. This Agreement may not be amended, except in writing, and signed by both of us. In any action or proceeding involving a dispute between [Insert Company Name Here] and you arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonable attorney’s fees.
