Right away, they will be pretty big and puffy. They'll look like new dreads! But if you’ve used the KB Wax they WILL be neat and presentable. Generally, after the first wash (after the initial two week waiting period) they will tighten up and lay flatter. You won’t need to take any time off work, but you might want to use a bandanna or a dreadband to keep them in line for the first little while.