Nala's Blog

• YouTube
• Booksy
• Instagram
• TikTok

© Styles By Nala. All rights reserved.

How to Become a Loctician, Braider, or Natural Hair Stylist in Las Vegas:Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there! Are you interested in becoming a loctician, braider, or natural hair stylist in Las Vegas? You're in the right place! I'm a Las Vegas-based stylist, and I've gone through the process myself. You can watch my Youtube video here. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the steps to get your license and start your career in the hair industry.When I first started, I was overwhelmed by the information I found on Google and YouTube. But after talking to experienced stylists, I discovered the correct steps. First, you need to visit the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology website to find out the specific requirements for braiders or natural hair stylists in Las Vegas.One of the first steps is to fill out an affidavit stating that you need one year of practice. You'll need to list the names of the relatives whose hair you've done over the course of a year, along with the dates you started and finished. Once you've filled it out, you'll need to get it notarized. I went to my local post office to get mine notarized, and it was easy.After that, you'll need to email the affidavit along with a picture of your photo ID back to the State Board office. It may take a few days for them to respond, as they can get busy, but don't worry. When they do, they'll send you dates to choose from for your practical exam.The practical exam is held at the State Board in Las Vegas, and you'll need to bring a kit with you. In your kit, you'll need braiding hair, Wef or weave bread, needle combs, braiding products, clips, and other tools for each section of the test. There are four sections to the test.The first section is the cornrow braid, where you'll need to braid a straight braid with natural hair from the front to the back.The second section is a feed-in braid, where you'll need to add fake hair into a cornrow braid.The third section is a vertical braid, which goes across the center of the head and needs to be tightly secured because you'll be sewing a weft into it. You'll need weave hair and a needle for this section.The last section is an individual braid, which needs to be a box braid braided straight down and tightly secured.Once you've completed all four sections of the practical exam, you're done! Congratulations, you're on your way to becoming a licensed loctician, braider, or natural hair stylist in Las Vegas.Good luck on your journey, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

• Back

When to Start Kids Locs:My Professional Opinion

As a loctician with 8 years of experience, I often get asked the question, "How old should your kids be when you start their locs?" It's a challenging question as opinions vary, but based on my professional experience, I believe that starting kids locs at around 2 years old to 2 & 1/2 years old can be a suitable age, as long as the child is able to sit through the process comfortably.For me, two-year-olds are usually my best clients. I start by putting on some cartoons on the TV to keep them entertained throughout the process. Since they are often too small for the shampoo bowl, I lay them across the counter and wash their hair just like how Grandma used to do it. Having the parents leave the room or the area while I'm working helps, as the children tend to sit still and cooperate better. I also make sure to use their favorite cartoon as a distraction while I finish their service, treating them like any other client.Starting locs at a young age can be a positive experience for children, but it's essential to ensure that they are comfortable and able to sit through the process without feeling overwhelmed. It's important to communicate with the child's parents and understand their preferences and comfort level. As a loctician, I prioritize creating a positive experience for my young clients and making their first time in the chair a good one.In conclusion, as a professional loctician, I believe that starting kids locs at 2 years old to 2 & 1/2 years old can be appropriate, as long as the child is comfortable and able to sit through the process. It's crucial to communicate with the child's parents, use distractions like cartoons, and create a positive experience for young clients. If you have any questions or concerns about starting locs for children, feel free to reach out to me for expert advice.

• Back