Braids and Loc Cultivation
The Braids & Locs Specialization Certificate Course is a 12-week comprehensive training designed to prepare students for professional excellence in the craft and culture of braiding and locking Afro-textured hair. Offered as a bundle of skill-specific courses, this certification builds mastery in both traditional techniques and contemporary trends in protective styling.
This course teaches the full braiding spectrum—from knotless, stitch, and feed-in braids, to goddess, butterfly, and faux locs. Students also receive in-depth instruction in twisting, curling, and loc starting, as well as the phases of loc development, loc maintenance, and client consultation.
You’ll learn both artistry and technique—how to work with different hair textures, choose the right tools, and create styles that are beautiful, durable, and protective. Whether you aim to become a braiding specialist, loc technician, or launch your own hair business, this specialization equips you with the skills and cultural knowledge to lead with confidence and purpose.
Learning Pathway
All students begin with our foundational course, Science of Black Hair (Course 101), which grounds you in hair structure, scalp health, porosity, and the cultural heritage of Afro-textured hair. From there, you’ll advance into hands-on styling modules in braiding, twisting, and loc artistry.
Flexible Learning Options
- Fully Online: Complete all modules from anywhere
- Hybrid: Study theory online, and practice hands-on at our center
- In-Person Practicum: Available Mondays & Tuesdays (9–12Am, 1–4Pm, 5–8Pm)
- Weekends: Reserved for students practicing with live models
Certification & Career Pathways
Upon completion, you’ll receive a Specialization Certificate in Braids & Locs, validating your training for clients, salons, and entrepreneurial ventures. Graduates are fully equipped to:
- Offer expert braiding and loc services
- Build a personal client base
- Launch a business specializing in Afro hair artistry
- Create culturally resonant, income-generating protective styles
This course does more than teach technique—it honors heritage, empowers skill, and prepares you to show up as a knowledgeable and creative leader in the Black beauty space.
The courses below make up the certification program
Unlock the secrets to healthy, manageable, and beautiful afro-textured hair with this comprehensive course on hair care, detangling, and maintenance. Whether you are new to caring for afro-textured hair or looking to improve your existing routine. We will provide you with all the tools and techniques you need to confidently care for and maintain textured hair. You’ll learn about the unique characteristics of afro-textured hair, including the best products to use, how to detangle without damage, and how to create a personalized hair care regimen tailored to your needs. Course Highlights: - Understanding the science behind afro-textured hair - Proper detangling methods for minimal breakage - Moisturizing and sealing techniques for long-lasting hydration - Building an effective hair care routine for healthy, thriving hair - Protective styles to preserve length and reduce stress on your hair - Tips for maintaining hair health between shampoos From understanding moisture retention to exploring protective styling options, this course covers it all. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to manage and maintain natural afro-textured hair, ensuring it stays healthy, vibrant, and beautifully styled. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of hair needs and learn how to nurture it for long-term growth and vitality.
Afro Haircare and Treatment Course equips you with practical knowledge and techniques to care for Afro-textured hair. The course explores cleansing methods, deep conditioning, detangling, and moisture retention strategies tailored to the unique needs of Afro-textured hair. You will also gain expertise in product selection, scalp health, protective styling, and heat damage prevention, with an emphasis on cultural significance and safe practices.
The course focuses on the techniques of hair sectioning and braiding, specifically using the bricklay pattern. Here are the key points covered in the course: 1. Sectioning and Patterns: - The importance of hair sectioning and patterns in achieving aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking braids. - Explanation of the bricklay pattern, which involves placing one braid in the middle of two others to avoid visible lines, ensuring a more natural and cohesive look. - Techniques for finding side parts and middle parts using facial features as guides. 2. Braiding Techniques. - Instructions on proper hand and finger placement for effective braiding. - The role of different fingers during the braiding process: the pinky, ring, and middle fingers act as "keepers," while the index finger and thumb are "movers." 3. Braiding Process: - Step-by-step guidance on creating braids by sectioning the hair into three equal parts and using specific hand movements to maintain control and tension. - Importance of not pulling the hair too tight to avoid discomfort. 4. Adding Extensions: - Methods for seamlessly incorporating extensions into braids without the addition being noticeable. - Tips to maintain even tension and control when adding extensions. 5. Cornrows: - Similar finger and hand positions are used for cornrows, with emphasis on feeding hair properly to keep them clean and smooth. - Techniques for adding extensions to cornrows, ensuring they blend seamlessly and maintain the desired size and uniformity. 6. Additional Tips: - Recommendations for adjusting tension and handling different hair textures. - Encouragement to practice regularly and review techniques to improve speed and proficiency.
Dreadlock & Faux-Locs Cultivation is an immersive training designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques, tools, and cultural significance behind natural dreadlocks and faux-locs. From their rich historical roots and spiritual symbolism to the modern art of installation, maintenance, and styling, this course equips aspiring professionals with the practical skills and cultural awareness needed to create and care for healthy, stylish locs across all hair textures. Gain hands-on experience with traditional methods like twisting and interlocking, explore faux-locs techniques using crochet and extensions, and learn how to support clients on their loc journey with respect and professionalism.