I’ve had an affinity for locs for many years. After going from having long hair most of my life to cutting it into a shortcut and growing it back out, I decided it was time to try something different. I no longer wanted to “be bothered” with my hair on a daily basis and constantly had to decide what to do next.
Trust me, it took a lot of research on my behalf to decide if traditional locs or Sisterlocks would be best for me, and if I should even get my hair locked. One of the many deciding factors for most is the cost and time commitment of Sisterlocks. Oh, it’s no secret that Sisterlocks can be very costly and the installation can take days to complete.
Some people may be turned off by the cost of installation or the need to have their hair retightened every 4 to 6 weeks. However, I wanted to be happy and satisfied with my decision about my hair, so initially, I didn’t let the cost or time deter me from moving forward, especially when this decision would be, for the most part, permanent.
Here are some facts that you should know before you decide to free yourself of hair dilemmas, woes, and bad hair days. Once you get Sisterlocks, I promise you that bad hair days are non-existent!
1. Let’s talk about the commitment of having Sisterlocks
Image Source: @chinithaj
I did my due diligence of effectively researching various certified Sisterlocks consultants, making an appointment for tester locks and then waiting to see how my hair would respond. After installing the tester locks, I became apprehensive about continuing to move forward. I decided to cancel the appointment for the installation that I booked with the consultant because the thought of it being a lifestyle change for me started to scare me a bit. After a while, the other drawback was the amount of time it would take for me to get my Sisterlocks installed, due to the density of my hair and the length. The thought of this alone made me want to run and never entertain Sisterlocks again.
Image Source: @eat.love.locs
It wasn’t until May 2015 that I decided to set all of my fears to the side about getting my hair locked and just do it! I actually lucked up, too. I found an amazing consultant who happens to come to her clients. So she came to my home to do my installation, which made my experience very comfortable. After an entire weekend of breaks, 26 hours, and 421 locks later, my babies were finally installed!
Whew, let’s just say that it was intense. If I had to do it all over again, would I? I definitely would. I’ve had my Sisterlocks for almost nine months now, and I love them! This is truly the best hair decision that I have ever made. Every day when I wake up, I simply run my fingers through my hair and go, unless I decide to do a style with it.
As you know by now, Sisterlocks can be a lifestyle change and a true commitment.
2. Sisterlocks are not cheap
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The prices can vary based on several factors. Where I’m located, the prices start around $500 and go up for installation. Typically, a consultant can charge per inch after a certain number of inches. They can also charge extra for density. Retightening can be costly, too, and depends on the frequency of your “retight/retie.”
So my suggestion is to definitely shop around and find someone who you are extremely comfortable with. Now, I’ll be honest: my amazing consultant did not charge me anywhere close to what everyone else charges. My retightening appointments are extremely reasonable, too.
3. You should use a Certified Sisterlocks Consultant
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Be sure to check out Sisterlocks.com to ensure that you are only selecting certified individuals. Their official title is Certified Sisterlocks Consultants. If their name does not appear on that list, I would keep it moving.
4. You should ask to see their work
Image Source: @growingwiththegardners
Request pictures of the installations they have done. Just because they are Certified Sisterlocks Consultants is only half the battle. You want to ensure that their work is satisfactory to you. In addition to this, I would also do reference checks with their current clients.
5. This is a lifestyle change
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Currently, you are used to combs, brushes, flat irons, and curling irons. Well kiss all of that goodbye! You will no longer be using or needing those tools. You also cannot use any hair products on your hair as it is not recommended while your locks mature. So pack up a bag of hair products you still have left and give them to a good friend who can use them.
6. Shampooing your hair will be slightly different
There is a special technique to washing your hair as you won’t wash the same way as you are used to. If you decide to move forward with getting your Sisterlocks, which I hope that you do, your Certified Sisterlocks Consultant will demonstrate how to do this. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not totally different from how you currently wash, however you will become very familiar with the term “bundling”.
Last but not least, embrace the journey
You must be patient and understand that everyone’s journey will differ. Your hair may go through a few changes, and you may deal with a term called slippage or frizz, depending on the texture of your hair. However, know that your consultant is along for the ride and committed to the success of your Sisterlocks. They should be just as excited as you are.
If you decide to move forward, you will not regret your decision. For me and the thousands of other Sisterlocked sistas across the globe, we truly love our hair.
Sisterlocks have been around for a very long time. This trademarked company was founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell.
This article was written by Patrice Tartt and published on CurlyNikki.
Have you rocked sisterlocks? Currently rocking ’em? Share your experiences below!
