Sisterlocks are a unique take on the dreadlock style. Ever since their inception, this hairstyle has gained widespread popularity.
We’ll cover what sisterlocks are, how you can get them, and much more.
No matter what kind of locs you have, let us help you take care of them with the right products.
Related: Freeform Locs Guide
What Are Sisterlocks?
You’ve probably seen them before — sisterlocks are micro-braids or mini dreadlocks. They’re created and maintained with the interlocking method, and the primary difference between sisterlocks and traditional dreadlocks is their tiny size.
Most people with sisterlocks get between 250 and 400 locs; however, if you have a larger head, your sisterlocks could easily consist of over 400 small locs.
How Do You Get Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are created by certified consultants formally trained in the style. Unlike dreadlocks, there is a precise method for making sisterlocks. However, here is a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Sectioning your hair: Your sisterlocks consultant will section your hair using a unique method.
- Parting each section: They will go back through each section, parting them into rows that will act as guides when parting your hair for each loc.
- Installing the locs: They will use a special locking tool to interlock each tiny section from your hair’s tip to the root.
While the process can seem simple, it can take up to 24 hours to get your completed set of sisterlocks if you have long hair.
How Much Do Sisterlocks Cost?
Sisterlocks aren’t cheap – they take training and a lot of time to create. But, depending on a few factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 for a complete set.
The installation price of sisterlocks ultimately depends on the following:
- Your desired loc size: Typically, the smaller you want your locs to be, the more you will pay.
- The length of your hair: Longer hair means it will take your loctician longer to create each loc, which in turn will cost you more.
- The size of your head: Larger heads will require more locs to cover, driving up the price.
- The loctician you choose: The price you pay for sisterlocks will also vary based on who you go to and their experience level.
Maintaining Sisterlocks
When considering sisterlocks, you also need to think about the maintenance costs.
After the initial installation, your hair continues to grow like normal, and you will need to incorporate this hair into each loc.
Maintaining your sisterlocks means returning to your consultant multiple times per year for retightening, which can cost you a few hundred each time, depending on your loctician.
Self-Maintaining Your Sisterlocks
While the company that owns the sisterlock technique doesn’t recommend retightening your own sisterlocks, you can learn to do it.
They offer a retightening class that you can take for around $250 to learn how to maintain your sisterlocks. However, it’s easier for many people to visit their initial loctician for maintenance.
Related: How to Retwist Your Locs
Can I Make My Own Sisterlocks?
If you love the look of sisterlocks but can’t afford to have them professionally done and maintained, you can create a similar style at home.
The sisterlocks technique involves parting your hair into tiny sections and interlocking each section using a miniature interlocking tool. With a lot of time and patience, you can create a look similar to sisterlocks; however, it won’t look quite the same.
How Long Do Sisterlocks Take To Create?
Sisterlocks take a long time to install. For medium-length hair, this time is typically anywhere between eight and twelve hours. If you have shorter hair, it will take less time. On the other hand, if you have exceptionally long hair, it might take multiple sessions and 24 or more hours to complete the installation.
If you plan to get sisterlocks, we recommend bringing a few snacks, something to keep you hydrated, some entertainment, and a neck pillow — staring at a wall for hours isn’t only boring, but it can also cause neck pain.
Depending on the length of your hair and the size of your head, it might take two or more appointments to finish your sisterlocks.
Do Sisterlocks Cause Breakage?
There’s a common misconception that sisterlocks cause thinning, balding, and breakage. However, the technique is typically gentle on the hair and scalp and may even promote healthy hair growth.
The cause of breakage and thinning of sisterlocks is usually due to the lack of maintenance — this style requires retightening multiple times per year.
It’s also crucial to keep your roots separated if they start to intertwine when you have sisterlocks so they don’t start to thin out and break off.
Worried about your loc’s thinning or breaking off? We can help keep your locs strong, healthy, and happy!
Are Sisterlocks Permanent?
This hairstyle is meant to be permanent. After installation, they should mature over time with regular retightening sessions. However, you can remove sisterlocks without cutting off your hair.
While taking down each loc one by one is a long, tedious process, it is an option. If you’re not 100% sold on sisterlocks, we recommend waiting until you’re ready to make the commitment.
Are Sisterlocks Right for You?
Before determining if your want to commit to sisterlocks, look over these pros and cons:
Benefits of Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks are:
- Versatile — Because each loc is so small, you can manipulate sisterlocks into any style you want.
- Easy — Other than having your sisterlocks tightened every few months, there’s not much maintenance besides washing your hair.
- Natural — Sisterlocks look and behave their best when they aren’t doused in styling products. Once you wash and dry your locs, you’re ready to go!
Cons of Sisterlocks
However, sisterlocks do have some downsides, including:
- Cost — Between the initial installation and maintenance, you’ll easily spend $1,000 in the first year of having sisterlocks.
- Thickness — Your sisterlocks might start out looking extremely thin, which isn’t always flattering.
- Patience — Getting sisterlocks can make your hair seem shorter, and it will take lots of time to get longer. But with regular maintenance, they will grow long and luscious!
Related: What Are Faux Locs?