So, you saw someone with beautiful and stylish Sisterlocks the other day, and now this natural hairstyle is on your radar. You’re probably wondering what they’re all about and if you should get them. Installing Sisterlocks is a big time money commitment, so it is wise to seek as much information as you can.
Sisterlocks are like no other natural hairstyle, and it might even be hard to identify them. Some say they look like microlocs, and others say they resemble microbraids. If you want to know about Sisterlocks, keep reading.
By the time you finish this post, you’ll know all about Sisterlocks and whether you want to make them your next natural hairstyle.
Who Invented Sisterlocks?
The woman who developed Sisterlocks is an African American Studies professor named Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. She wanted to provide a way for black women to do their hair in a way that didn’t involve the use of chemicals or extensions. Wondering how to do Sisterlocks yourself? You can’t.
The brand is trademarked and protected under a patent, so you need to book an appointment with a certified Sisterlocks consultant if you want these particular locks.
Dr. Cornwell invented the hair styling method in 1993, and it remains popular today among naturals. She created a system for males too, called Brotherlocks. What are the differences between Sisterlocks vs. Brotherlocks? Brotherlocks are slightly larger but are still smaller than traditional dreads.
What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are tiny, stylable locks that are formed using an interlocking method. Interlocking is where you use a tool to create the locks instead of using a palm roll or a two-strand twisting technique. Sisterlock technicians, or “Sister Lockticians,” make the lock from the ends to the roots, so there is very little pulling at the root or damage to the hair follicle.
There are so many Sisterlocks hairstyles you can do because the locks are tiny and versatile. Sisterlocks on short hair look amazing, and you can even do Sisterlocks on twa (teeny weeny afro). If you’re dying for some length, you could opt for Sisterlocks extensions until you’re able to grow your hair to get the real deal.
Here are some hairstyle ideas:
- Sisterlocks Hairstyles for Long Hair: Long and flowing, messy top bun, braided bun.
- Sisterlocks Hairstyles for Short Hair: Mohawk, side sweep, ombre with a flower to the side.
- Sisterlocks Hairstyles for Wedding: Beehive, half-up/half-down top bun, French braid.
- Sisterlocks Hairstyles for Work: Any updo, with several curling-ironed locks at the front.
Thinking about doing Sisterlocks on low-density hair? You’ll be pleased to know that not having a lot of hair means you have less time in the chair. It could even mean your price is lower than denser-haired Naturals. You probably won’t have a problem doing Sisterlocks on thin hair, but you’ll see a grid in the first few months until it fills out.
Sisterlocks vs. Dreadlocks
If you’re wondering about the difference between Sisterlocks and dreadlocks, it has to do with the technique and the size. An interlocking Sisterlocks tool is necessary to get tiny locks, whereas dreads are formed with the hands. Dreadlocks also tend to be thicker, and are built from the root. Technicians form Sisterlocks from the ends of your hair.
You might be curious about whether you can do Sisterlocks on relaxed ends or how Sisterlocks on straight hair would look. It’s hard to lock straight hair because it does not hold well.
You can try Sisterlocks on transitioning hair, but you’ll probably see a line of where the relaxed hair begins, also known as the line of demarcation.
How to Start Sisterlocks?
You’ll need to go to a certified Sisterlocks technician to start Sisterlocks. There’s no way around it because the Sisterlocks brand is patented and trademarked. Stylists cannot install this brand of locks without taking the four-day class.
The Sisterlocks website has an exclusive list of certified Sisterlocks technicians from the U.S. and international locations. The hairstyle comes with a hefty price tag, but you can justify some of the cost by considering how much you’d save on product. Sisterlocks cost $500-$800, so they’re not cheap.
But you may be able to find a trainee Sisterlock technician who can do the style for $300-$400.
However, once you’ve made the initial investment, you’ll probably find them easier to maintain on a daily basis.
Can Sisterlocks be Undone?
Yes, you can undo your Sisterlocks, but it is a very time-consuming, tedious process, so you should do your research and be confident if you want to install Sisterlocks beforehand. You can watch YouTube videos on how to remove them yourself, or you can book a visit with a professional unbraider who may have experience removing Sisterlocks. There won’t be much of a problem if you want to remove short Sisterlocks, but installing and removing Sisterlocks with long hair would require more time and patience.
Best Products for Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks requires one primary product: The Sisterlocks Shampoo. This shampoo provides nourishment and moisture to the locks. It also encourages the locks to bind to the locking process.
Besides the shampoo, products include green tea shampoo, a light essential oil mist, a setting lotion (which the website says to use sparingly), and a strong-hold styling spray.
Daily Maintenance
The regular maintenance for this type of lock is straightforward, and this is one of the best parts about having this kind of style. You can wake up and have effortless ways to wear your hair.
One of the major differences between Sisterlocks and other natural hairstyles is that Sisterlock wearers use much less oil in their hair, and many say they use no oil at all.
How to Color Sisterlocks
Adding color to your Sisterlocks will give an interesting effect and a different look to your style. Using a semi-permanent dye will be less harsh and will leave your locks less frizzy. Excellent hair color brands for Sisterlocks include Herbatint and Naturtint.
Most types of hair color will cause dryness, so you should either color your hair before you begin Sisterlocks or be prepared to wait one full year after installation. Applying a good moisturizing conditioner, like Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow, and Restore Conditioner is a good idea too. It’s best to do coloring a few days before your retightening to make sure the hair dye product and process does not unravel your locks.
You’ll also want to make sure your hair is clean by using a clarifying or moisturizing shampoo such as Kinky curly come clean.
Retightening Sisterlocks
Your salon visits don’t stop with the initial installation. You’ll need to schedule retightening sessions every six to eight weeks, at $75-$100 per session. However, there are YouTube videos you can watch to learn how to do it yourself, using a Nappyloc tool.
Here is a good retightening video:
If you’ve watched the video, you’re probably wondering about Sisterlocks vs. Nappylocs. Nappylocs is another way to lock your hair using the interlock method. The main differences between these two are price, the tool used, and the grid pattern.
Nappylocs is much more affordable, and you have the possibility to do it yourself as opposed to having to go to a certified technician. It is the same for Sisterlocks vs. interlocks. Installing interlocks means you’re using a tool as opposed to twisting with your fingers.
Sisterlocks are a type of interlocking system with a different pattern than other styles.
It is the same for micro locs vs. Sisterlocks. It’s all about the tool, technique, and price. Both microlocs and Nappylocs are much cheaper to install.
Once you’ve begun using an interlocking method, you can stick to either the same approach or choose another interlocking method. For instance, you could start with a Sisterlock grid, and continue retightening yourself with a Nappyloc tool. However, if you try to use the twisting method on your interlocks, they could break.
So, if you start with the interlocking method, you should stick to it and not try to switch to traditional dreads.
Sisterlocks is a beautiful natural hairstyle that you can install if you have the money, time and dedication it takes for the installation and re-tightening processes. The hairstyle is versatile and could be the end of all bad hair days.
Now it’s your turn to discuss. Have you tried Sisterlocks, and if so, do you like them?
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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Can dread locks be turned into Sister locks ? I have dreads and they are small I want to get Sisters locks but was wondering if I have to cut my dreads off to start Sisters locks. Thanks
You would need to cut your dreads off first.
Thank you, Patrina. This is very informative! What would say is an appropriate age for the installation of Sisterlocks? I have two daughters, 4 and 8. What are the pros and cons of installing them in their hair?
I think the appropriate age for sister locs would be when a child can sit through the long process. I don’t see a real con as far as the hair goes however, in term of your daughters coming into their own and establishing an identity for who they are, as they get older they may decide they are no longer interested in wearing locs. I’ve never had locs and am learning from my readers that you can remove locs without cutting them but the process is as long as when they are installed. Also, children change their mind often and sistelocs is not a hairstyle that you can switch from week to week. As their mother you know your daughters best and would have to make that call for them if the pros out weight the cons. I hope this helps.
Is the interlocking technique patented or just the sisterlock brand.. Trying to clear up for a discussion I’m having in a loc group
It’s the method that is patented which is why you need to go to a specialized person. Hope this helps!
Do sister locals cause your edges to fall out? I want to get them but I’m worried about possibly getting a receding hairline over the year.
If the right person is installing them then the answer is no.
Would you suggest sister locs for me my hair is past my shoulders also would the price be different for long hair
I’m sorry I don’t install them.
The longer your hair, the more money it will cost. This is the same across the hairdressing world, long care = higher cost. Some Sisterlocks Practitioners may suggest you cut your hair to a certain length to make it affordable for you, others may work with what you have if you pay their fee. Sisterlocks are not cheap to begin with, and yes there is the retightening and the products that you are recommended to use. If you know you don’t have the funds for the installation, retightenings and the products, don’t get Sisterlocks. This is what I tell my clients. Becuase when you stray and your hair starts looking funny and you want to get upset, you’ll be looking for everyone but yourself to blame, when it’s you who wasn’t honest about your situation. My suggestion if you can’t afford Sisterlocks, is to enjoy your loose natural hair, learn about it and save money at the same time. When you’re ready financially, then go ahead.
There are many factors that need to be factored in when you decide to move forward with sisterlocks. Yes, if your hair is longer then it will cost more when you sit in a stylist chair however, that hasn’t derailed me from keeping my waist length hair. I figured it took me all of these years to grow my hair to waist length I’m not going to cut it to save money in a stylist chair. However I don’t have sisterlocks but my own loose hair.
When installed, would you say that the length of sister lock is about half of your normal hair length?
Yes, the shrinkage is real.
Oh Wow! I’m 8 months sisterloc’d and loving the journey. Thanks for this information! I have no regrets n yes…a perfect was to rock your african black hair and it has zero maintaince cost..for atleast 6 to 8 weeks. When its a bit dry..i have found spraying rose water very helpful. Thanks Patrina!
Looking forward to giving it some color in a few months.
Thank you so much, Hannah. I really appreciate it.
Hi we are in love with Sisterlocks
The woman who patented and “created” sister locs, did not create the technique, she just made it popular outside of Africa. She patented a technique that wasn’t he’s. The Maasai people of Kenya have been wearing first locs for hundreds and hundreds of yrs, both the men and the women. She went to Kenya saw what they were doing with their hair and stole the technique. You never hear her giving them credit for inspiring her. That is some white man BS going to Africa, and stealing and profiting off of something you got and benefited from the mother land. It’s sad!
Hi Sade, I had no idea thank you for this information.
I am transitioning into naural and interests in sisterlocs. I have cut a good bit of my hair but still have perm ends. Do I need to gone cut all perm out before the sisterloc process?
Hello Stephanie, It would be best to cut all of your permed ends off before you start the process.
Is there such a thing as having too weak hair. I had Sisterlocs a year ago but had to cut them all off because I developed a bald spot on the crown area. That area is still giving me problems. What would you suggest? I have a TWA and would like to begin the process again.
I feel this article will be very useful in regrowing your hair: https://www.naturalhairqueen.net/natural-hair-care-regimen/
Thank you for this information. Maybe I overlooked it but can you provide me with the website that list the certified sister lock stylist.
TIA
Hello Tia currently I do not have a list of certified sister lock stylist. I’m sorry.
Hi thanks for this article,very interesting!! I have sisterlocks but I find it to short so I want to add extensions … will it have any impact in the growing and retightening?
Hello Stella,
From my understanding it shouldn’t. Just be sure that the extensions do not dry out your natural hair.
how long should yuor hair be to start sisterlocks?
Hi Trell, Your hair should be long enough to start the twisting process.
How can I get my sister locks to be straight instead of crinkly?
Hi Akasha, I know the basics of sister locs but do not know this answer. Are you able to stretch your hair the way curly natural are? By this, I mean using the banding method to elongate the hair.