I've done hundreds of heads of braids at this point, and the #1 thing clients get wrong is going in with dirty or product-heavy hair. Knotless takes longer to install cleanly than regular box braids, but your hair needs to be freshly washed and fully dry — otherwise you're looking at mildew smell by week 2 and edges that won't lay right.

A few things I always tell first-timers:

• Knotless ($55) vs. regular box braids ($45): knotless is gentler on your scalp/edges since there's no knot at the root, worth the extra $10 if you're prone to tension headaches or edge thinning.

• Glue-in extensions ($75) are the move if you want length/volume without a multi-hour install — great for special occasions or if you're short on time.

• Dreads need re-twisting every 4-6 weeks with a proper wash + detox ($70) — skipping the detox is how buildup and odor happen. Don't just get the twist without the wash.

• Lashes ($15) — book these same-day as a hair appointment and you'll walk out feeling like a completely different person for way less than most studios charge.

If you're local and want to book, I'm doing all of the above out of my studio — Ebaby Eyelashes & Hair. Drop a comment if you've got questions about prepping for your appointment.