Sherman Oaks add on options that actually change the finished look
By Studio 818 Locs & Braids | July 14, 2026
Our add ons and enhancements are short, focused upgrades we tack onto your main appointment to amplify the final result. Think extra length, extra curls, or extra design detail, without turning your day into an all-day hair marathon. In Sherman Oaks, especially along the Ventura Boulevard corridor, most people want something that fits into real life, quick enough before dinner plans or a weekend errand run, but still polished when you step out. This guide breaks down the add on options we do at Studio 818 Locs & Braids, how to pick the right one, and what to ask us before we start so you’re not guessing.
The real reason people book add ons in Sherman Oaks
Most add ons exist for one simple reason: you want the style to look finished, not just done. A main service can look great on its own, but little details are what take it from “fresh” to “wow, who did your hair?”
In our chair, add ons are usually about a specific goal. You might want more movement in photos, a cleaner parting pattern, extra length for a certain outfit, or a design that makes your style feel personal. And since so many Sherman Oaks schedules run on that US-101 rhythm, we keep these upgrades clear and intentional. You’ll know what we’re adding, why we’re adding it, and what it changes in the final look.
3 add ons we do at Studio 818 Locs & Braids, plus who each one is best for
Design add-on
This is for the finishing touches that make your style feel signature. We add clean design elements, parting details, or visual accents that work with the base style, not against it. The goal is intentional, not busy.
Best for: You want your look to stand out up close, especially in photos, videos, or events where details show.
Boho / curls add-on
If you love movement and softness, this is the upgrade. We add curls that give the style a lighter, more lived-in finish. It’s a popular choice when you want your hair to read “effortless, ” even though we’re being very precise with placement.
Best for: You want body and texture, or you don’t want the style to look too “straight and uniform.”
Waist length add-on
Length changes the whole vibe. Going to waist length gives you drama, swing, and that extra impact when you walk in a room. We’ll talk through how you wear your hair day-to-day so the length looks great and still feels manageable.
Best for: You want a statement look, you love long styles, or you’re planning for a trip, event, or photo moment.
Quick picking tip: If you’re torn, start with your goal. Want detail? Choose design. Want softness? Choose boho curls. Want impact? Choose waist length.
What these enhancements change in the final result (and what they don’t)
An add on isn’t a random extra. It changes something specific you’ll see in the mirror.
A design add-on changes the “close-up” factor. The overall style may be the same, but when someone looks at your parting or the pattern work, it reads intentional and personal.
Boho curls change the silhouette. The hair tends to look softer around the face and through the length, and it photographs with more movement.
Waist length changes presence. It gives more swing and drama, but it also asks a little more of you day-to-day, like being mindful of friction from bags and clothing so the length stays looking neat.
What happens in the chair when you add an enhancement
When you sit down, we’ll start with one question: what do you want to look different when you leave? Not the service name. The actual finish. More detail, more softness, more length, or a mix.
Then we look at the base style and make sure the add on makes sense with it. If you’re choosing boho curls, we’ll talk through the amount of curl and where you want the movement to show most. If you’re choosing waist length, we’ll confirm what “waist” means on you, because height and torso length matter.
Before you leave, we’ll tell you the simple maintenance steps that keep the add on looking fresh. Nothing complicated. Just the few habits that actually protect your finish.
Ventura Boulevard timing: how to add 10 to 45 minutes without blowing up your day
Most add ons land in that 10 to 45 minute range, depending on what you’re adding and how detailed you want it. If you’re already coming in for your main service, that extra time is usually the difference between “nice” and “finished.”
- If you’re tight on time: pick one clear upgrade, like curls or a simple design detail, instead of stacking multiple enhancements.
- If you’re planning a weekend appointment near Sherman Oaks Village: tell us what you’re doing after. We’ll help you choose an add on that looks good immediately and wears well.
- If you’re coming from nearby: We’re a convenient option for Encino, Studio City, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Toluca Lake, and Tarzana, so you’re not driving across the whole valley just to add finishing touches.
12 years of doing this: how we help you choose the right add on (without overdoing it)
We’ve been doing hair in Sherman Oaks for 12 years, and the biggest mistake we see with enhancements is piling them on without a plan. More isn’t always better. The right add on should match your lifestyle and the look you want to be known for.
We’ll be direct with you. If waist length is going to feel like too much maintenance for your day-to-day, we’ll talk about a length that still gives impact but won’t annoy you by day three. If curls are your thing, we’ll help you choose the amount of texture so it looks soft, not messy.
Ready to book? Call +13237435414 or email info@studio818locsandbraids.com and tell us your main service plus the finish you want (detail, softness, length). We’ll help you pick the add on that makes sense.
Studio location: 13719 Ventura Blvd suite G, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
4 questions to ask us before you commit to add ons
1) “What will this change in the final look?” We’ll point to the exact difference you’ll see.
2) “How much extra time should I plan for?” Most enhancements fall in the 10 to 45 minute range.
3) “How often do I need this add on?” Some people do it every visit, others save it for trips or events.
4) “What do I need to do at home to keep it looking fresh?” We’ll keep it simple and realistic.
