The first question on your mind must be, do you even need a license to practice as a Loctician?
The answer changes depending on where in the world you practice, for those who are in America, the laws differ from state to state. Just call your local chamber of commerce to check for your local ordinance. Explain to them that you do all hand made work to create and maintain dreadlocks and make sure you mention there's no special equipment or products used. This explanation should reduce the need for licensing in some states.
But even if your state requires no certification, it would be in your best interest and the best interest of your clients for you to have certification. You may know a good deal about dreadlocks by experience, but clients may bring in problems that you have never seen before. It would be useful to have a sound background in hair, so you can know what to do.
Also, when clients come to an establishment, there is an implied level of expertise. Don't put yourself in the position of having the appearance of knowledge; you don't possess.
Below we are looking at some routes you can take to becoming a certified Loctician.
1. Do Your Research
Using google search and read everything you can find about being a loctician, look at videos on YouTube, and start to learn and collect all the information you can to ensure you can make a fully informed decision.
This can be a lengthy process, which will consist of a lot of trial and error before you find what you need to know what steps to take and although you won't have a great deal of guidance or someone to help you to become the best loctician that you possibly can be. Still, this step is crucial to the process.
2. Find a Mentor
If you're more of a practical learner, you may consider finding a loctician willing to train you, allowing you to work side by side for a while, so that you can learn the ins and outs of the trade. If you genuinely want to take this route, pick a Mentor that you like and respect, ensuring that you like the work and technique. Ask yourself, "Can you deal with being around this person?".
If all the above is fine, then you must determine the cost of being trained by this person? What is the time period? And What you will learn during your training? Make sure to write up a contract detailing all the details with both you and your mentor, receiving a copy ensuring you breakdown the payment details. This is all for the peace of mind and security of you and your mentor.
3. Online or In-Person Training
Online courses
Online courses may be an excellent way for you to learn while keeping your day job. There are some very comprehensive courses available. Lessons are delivered in video format, with coaching from the platform. Without the limitation of geographical location, you are free to be taught by your dream teacher.
Ensure that if you aim to become a certified loctician, the course you choose can give you a certification that will be recognized. There are many courses available that will provide you with useful information and maybe even provide a sound education. If they are not attached to a recognized body, then your certificate won't be recognized either.
You will want a certificate that is worth more than the paper it's printed on. To find out which groups carry the most authority in natural hair and dreadlocks, and search their websites for recognized courses. These will be the more expensive courses, but earning a quality certification will be well worth it later.
Look for a course that is provided by an experienced loctician with a good reputation in the field. They can direct your learning. A good program will have a broad knowledge base, with many opportunities for practice. Being a good loctician is more than just neatening people's dreads; it is also about knowing how to do what's best for them while avoiding the many pitfalls.
A good program should include:
- Up-to-date methods for forming locs
- How to create well-formed locs
- How to section hair for locs
- Best and worst products for locs
- Proper loc maintenance techniques (with and without hair product)
- Natural dreadlocking
- Helping clients to make the right decisions with their locs
- Natural hair care
- Conversation techniques with clients
- How to open a dreadlock studio
- The business side of things
Even though you may be taught to open your studio, it might be a better idea to hold onto that information until you have worked with a more experienced loctician for a period. As with most things in life, experience is an essential ingredient to success.
The costs of online courses range from $500 to $2,000.
The Benefits of Online Courses
- The cost is far less than in live classes.
- No geographic limitation - it's all online
- Perfect for autonomous learners. (Self-motivated)
- Study at home (in your PJ's)
- Learn at your own pace
- Rewatch any video that you didn't get the first time
- Keep your day job
Alt Text: Classroom
In-person classes
In-person classes should have all the same courses (as the online) to understand and appreciate the loc creation and maintenance process fully. The benefits of being in-person are that you can ask questions as you think of them. You (hopefully) have the opportunity to use quality tools. You can gain experience at the same time as you develop knowledge.
Developing relationships with other students in your field is another huge advantage of doing an in-person course. Yes, there can be competition, but if kept in check, competition can bring out your best.
The cost of in-person classes ranges from $1,600 - $1,900 for 2 to 5 days of training.
The Benefits of In-person classes
- More hands-on learning with proper tools
- More focused approach
- Develop relationships with other students
- Potential for more hands-on experience with clients
- Watch a master loctician in person
- Ask questions as they arise
- More structure
Pursuing a career as a Loctician? Check out Lion Locs products so you can have the best dreadlock products for your clients.
Being a Loctician is a truly fantastic job where you get to meet many amazing people. It's an excellent choice for people who appreciate dreadlocks and want to be their boss, who sets their hours in a lucrative business.