Just finished my consult! The price is 140. I had to pay 20 today for the deposit which will be taken off of the 140. She does use gel but not a lot; I think she uses Joi gel. She assessed my hair and std that my hair was good to go for locs. I told her I wanted them small and at least 200 (I was going to do 250, but that's just too much for me) and she std no problem. She std she considers the size of the head and the density of the hair.
The interesting thing is, I will go to her every 2 wks until my hair buds and then every 3wks and then once the locs are formed it will be every 6wks.
Every 2wks she will do a gentle spray wash and retwist. She retwist with a homemade oil that she sells. She offers 3 different oils.
As far as her disposition, she seems really sweet and authentic. I also like that my scalp will be getting cleaned every 2 wks and retwisted. As far as cons, the price is a little high. I was thinking it would only be 100. Another con was that she was almost 30 mins late.
It sounds like you had a good consultation overall, but I definitely see some red flags there.
Before I go in I'll start with the positives though. I've seen a lot of people talk about that particular gel and the people who like it seem to swear by it. Just pay attention to how your hair reacts to it and make sure it doesn't flake. I've heard people say it doesn't, but of course you know products react differently on different hair types and in conjunction with other products.
I'm also glad it seems like her personality and spirit agree with yours. That's important. What was the atmosphere of the salon like?
It's good you're going to get frequent washes, but I'm not so sure you should let her retwist every 2 weeks That seems like too much. Also, what was the price she quoted you for those visits? Maybe you should just ask her to wash your hair and separate your locks and maybe do a style in lieu of the retwist. Or just retwist the ones that have unraveled. That could make the price considerably less, but you won't know unless you ask.
Now, if you want them extremely manicured and small, then sure, but otherwise, it seems like too much. Sisterlocks don't even get retightened that soon initially and for maintenance. Are you starting with coils?
The other things that I made note of were the cost. On one hand, I agree it seems high, but you have to consider that you want small locks and you want 200 locks. For those factors alone, I can see why it will cost $140, and if your hair is dense, it's going to take a longer time and labor for her to complete that. Plus, if you're getting a wash, condition and deep condition before she puts your locks in that might be included in the $140 price tag.
So when you consider those things that may be a good price. Why did you think it would only be $100? Did she quote you that initially? Is there a price list displayed somewhere that indicates that that service is $100 flat, or $100 and up, based on an evaluation of the client's hair? Hopefully you took a picture of it to show her or if she has a website that lists her prices, you can refer to that. If so, you should make her honor that price and not the $140. (Less the deposit...at least the deposit was reasonable)
Also, ask her if she runs a referral fee program and if you like her work you can recoup some of the money back by referring clients to her.
If you still have a problem with the price, continue shopping around until you find someone that will do it for $100.
Her being late was a concern also. Hopefully it doesn't continue but she should respect your time and vice versa. If it continues and that's a deal breaker, be prepared to part ways with her.
Have you set your install appointment with her yet? You didn't mention that in your post.