The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney (Chicago MicroLoc & Faux Loc Stylist)

- 917 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Introduction / Overview

For Illinois residents seeking expert, specialized care for their natural and protective hairstyles, The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney stands out as a distinguished and highly professional hair salon and extensions supplier in the Chicagoland area. Operating under the evocative name "The Loc Doula," Tia Forney has established a "sacred space" dedicated exclusively to the installation and meticulous maintenance of various loc styles. The business proudly identifies as both Black-owned and women-owned, contributing to the rich tapestry of specialized small businesses in the region.

Tia Forney’s exceptional reputation is built on professionalism, punctuality, and unmatched expertise, particularly in MicroLocs and Faux Locs. Her loyal clientele consistently praise the quality of her work—noting that services like the MicroLocs Retie are performed without pain and leave the hair looking and feeling "amazing." Beyond the technical skill, The Loc Doula offers a truly premium, client-centered experience. The space itself is described as warm, intimate, and free from common salon distractions, offering clients a tranquil environment with appropriate music, a television, and complimentary snacks and beverages. This dedication to client comfort and respect for personal time—being "ALWAYS on time and ready to work"—sets a new standard for professional hair care in Illinois.

As a specialist, Tia Forney’s focus ensures a deep level of mastery in complex and intricate loc installations and maintenance, making her a trusted figure for anyone starting or continuing their loc journey. Furthermore, the business is committed to inclusivity, operating as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, guaranteeing a respectful and welcoming visit for every client.

Location and Accessibility

The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney is centrally located in the historic and culturally rich Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, making it an accessible destination for clients traveling from across the Chicagoland area and beyond in Illinois.

The address for this specialized hair salon is:

917 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

The salon is situated on West 18th Street, a key thoroughfare in Pilsen known for its vibrant community and local businesses. While street parking availability can vary in this busy urban neighborhood, the location is generally well-connected to Chicago’s public transit network, offering convenient options for clients who prefer not to drive. Due to the boutique nature of the service, all visits operate on an Appointment required or Appointments recommended basis, ensuring that each client receives Tia's dedicated, one-on-one attention without the stress of crowding or waiting. Clients are advised to plan their arrival accordingly, noting that the professionalism includes Tia being "ALWAYS on time," which is a highly valued trait. An available Restroom amenity is provided on-site for client comfort during their long service appointments.

Services Offered

The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney is a highly specialized hair salon and Hair extensions supplier with a core focus on advanced loc installation and maintenance techniques. The services are intricate, highly skilled, and priced to reflect the significant time and expertise involved in these transformative styles.

The specialized service menu includes:

• MicroLocs: Complete installation of the delicate and highly sought-after MicroLocs system.
• MicroLocs Retie: Expert maintenance and retightening for existing MicroLocs, a service praised by clients for being gentle and pain-free ("My retie never hurts").
• Loc Extensions (From $500.00): Professional application of permanent Loc Extensions to instantly achieve desired length and fullness.
• Faux Locs (From $400.00): Temporary, stylish, and highly-regarded Faux Loc installations.
• Boho Locs (From $500.00): Installation of the fashionable, textured, and increasingly popular Boho Locs style.
• Loc ReTwist (From $140.00): Routine maintenance for traditional locs, including a wash and steam treatment that is described as "unmatched."

Features / Highlights

The features and highlights of The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney are rooted in both its operational excellence and its commitment to community values, setting a high benchmark for local hair care businesses in Illinois.

Key highlights that define the experience include:

• High Specialization: Dedicated expertise in MicroLocs, Faux Locs, and Loc Extensions, ensuring clients receive care from a highly experienced stylist in these specific techniques.
• Professional and Community Identity: The business proudly Identifies as Black-owned and Identifies as women-owned, supporting and representing entrepreneurial excellence in Chicago.
• Unmatched Client Experience: Customers consistently laud the "sacred space" ambiance, which includes a fireplace, curated music and television, and the provision of complimentary snacks and beverages.
• Exceptional Professionalism: Tia Forney maintains exemplary professional standards, notably being "ALWAYS on time and ready to work," with no intrusive phone calls or unnecessary breaks during the client's service time.
• Inclusivity and Safety: The salon is a certified LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, fostering an environment where every client is treated with dignity and respect.
• Exclusive Service Model: Operating strictly by Appointment required / Appointments recommended ensures dedicated one-on-one attention, eliminating the rushed feeling common in high-traffic salons.
• Superior Hair Care Techniques: Specific mention in reviews of the "wash and steam treatment is unmatched" and a "retie never hurts" highlights the commitment to both comfort and hair health.

Contact Information

The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney is an appointment-only establishment. Prospective and current clients in the Illinois area should use the following contact information to schedule consultations or service appointments.

Address: 917 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Phone: (708) 553-2231
Mobile Phone: +1 708-553-2231

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney is selecting a premier, specialized hair care partner over a general salon. For anyone in Illinois committed to starting or maintaining a loc journey—particularly the complex and long-term commitment of MicroLocs—Tia Forney’s "unmatched expertise in hair care" is the primary reason to book. The title "Loc Doula" suggests a dedicated and supportive process, much like a birthing doula, offering guidance and comfort during a transformative journey.

The overall client experience is meticulously crafted to be "good vibes only." This includes the sacred, tranquil space where clients can relax or work without interruption, a level of service and respect that is "exceptional in itself" according to long-term clients. The combination of strong community identity—as a Black-owned, women-owned business that is an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace—with an incredibly high standard of professional conduct, including being reliably punctual, makes The Loc Doula a unique asset to the Chicago hair care scene. When clients pay using major Payments like Credit cards, they are investing in not just a hairstyle, but a consistent, professional, and deeply gratifying experience that is highly recommended "hands down to ANYONE" looking for exceptional loc care.

The Loc Doula ~ Tia Forney (Chicago MicroLoc & Faux Loc Stylist)

917 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA