Sisterlock Consultant Not On Registered List

[almond eyes]

Dear Ladies,

I went in for a sister lock consultation the other day and I was so excited and I made my appointment to have my locks installed.

When I got to the salon, I felt a bit uncomfortable. My gut didn't feel right.

I checked the register and she isn't on the list at all on the consultant or trainee list. I should have checked first. I had no idea how important it was that the person has a status as a consultant or a trainee to prevent problems.

I will have to cancel now to do the installation and I feel badly because I was so excited.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[I Am So Blessed]

Dear Ladies,

I went in for a sister lock consultation the other day and I was so excited and I made my appointment to have my locks installed.

When I got to the salon, I felt a bit uncomfortable. My gut didn't feel right.

I checked the register and she isn't on the list at all on the consultant or trainee list. I should have checked first. I had no idea how important it was that the person has a status as a consultant or a trainee to prevent problems.

I will have to cancel now to do the installation and I feel badly because I was so excited.

Best,
Almond Eyes

You'd feel worse if she screwed your hair up. Good that you checked, then checked out.

And you might end up getting a lower price quote. I know you feel bad, but this could be a blessing in disguise.

 

[I Am So Blessed]

Congratulations on your new hair journey as well. Sista locs are beautiful.

 

[almond eyes]

You'd feel worse if she screwed your hair up. Good that you checked, then checked out.

And you might end up getting a lower price quote. I know you feel bad, but this could be a blessing in disguise.

Thanks for your response.

To be honest, this situation has made me pause. I had no idea to check the registry. I was so clueless.

I will reevaluate in another few months.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[simplycee]

Finding a consultant is a process. At least it was for me. It took months of calling, emailing and asking people for recommendations.

In the end, I made my decision based on the work I was able to see. My consultant isn’t on the list. She used to be though. I chose her because she did my mom’s hair (she was on the list then) and has been maintaining her hair ever since. She did a great job with my establishment.

Almond Eyes, you did what’s best for you and there’s nothing wrong with that. You should trust and feel comfortable with your consultant, especially before paying out that kind of money. Whoever you choose, ask to see their work before making a final decision.

 

[almond eyes]

Finding a consultant is a process. At least it was for me. It took months of calling, emailing and asking people for recommendations.

In the end, I made my decision based on the work I was able to see. My consultant isn’t on the list. She used to be though. I chose her because she did my mom’s hair (she was on the list then) and has been maintaining her hair ever since. She did a great job with my establishment.

Almond Eyes, you did what’s best for you and there’s nothing wrong with that. You should trust and feel comfortable with your consultant, especially before paying out that kind of money. Whoever you choose, ask to see their work before making a final decision.

Thank you for your response. I was on board with her until she said, she doesn't take credit cards, then I was aghast because if something happens I don't have any proof. Plus I didn't feel the environment was the cleanest.
Even if people get upset, you have a right to change your mind and follow your gut which is what I did.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[Ivonnovi]

No attempt to derail what your gut is telling you, BUT.......

By chance try call Sisterlock's HQ in California and make an inquiry as to whether or not she ever trained with them. I can't guarantee that they keep detailed records though.

I am sorta "non compliant" with them. I've trained, and practice the "art" but haven't submitted the paperwork for "Certification".

In the past SisterLocks wanted to request a fee to remain listed on their site. she may have declined that opportunity.

IJS.

 

[shortycocoa]

Thank you for your response. I was on board with her until she said, she doesn't take credit cards, then I was aghast because if something happens I don't have any proof. Plus I didn't feel the environment was the cleanest.
Even if people get upset, you have a right to change your mind and follow your gut which is what I did.

Best,
Almond Eyes

You did the right thing. Sounds like too many red flags. Your intuition is never wrong.

Finding a consultant is a process. At least it was for me. It took months of calling, emailing and asking people for recommendations.

In the end, I made my decision based on the work I was able to see. My consultant isn’t on the list. She used to be though. I chose her because she did my mom’s hair (she was on the list then) and has been maintaining her hair ever since. She did a great job with my establishment.

Almond Eyes, you did what’s best for you and there’s nothing wrong with that. You should trust and feel comfortable with your consultant, especially before paying out that kind of money. Whoever you choose, ask to see their work before making a final decision.

All great advice. You should feel comfortable with the consultant you choose, because you'll be spending a lot of time with them getting your Sisterlocks installed and if you choose to have a consultant do your retightenings.

It's a huge investment of time and money, so you should pick someone that has a strong portfolio, good experience, and fair billing/cancellation policies.

When I had mine, I looked on Google and came across my consultant's business page. I called her and scheduled a consultation based off of that, and I became her client. I had also asked a classmate who did hers, and she told me her consultant's name. Coincidentally, her consultant owned the shop that my consultant worked out of (she had just went on booth rent) but I didn't know that at the time.

A great place to resume your search for one is in a FB Sisterlocks group. There are usually lots of consultants in those and sometimes they post specials. I just saw my former consultant post that she was running a special for 4th of July that ended this weekend.

You can also talk to other women about their experiences and ask questions about anything you need clarity on.

I'm sure you will find the right person on your own time. Don't rush it!

 

[almond eyes]

No attempt to derail what your gut is telling you, BUT.......

By chance try call Sisterlock's HQ in California and make an inquiry as to whether or not she ever trained with them. I can't guarantee that they keep detailed records though.

I am sorta "non compliant" with them. I've trained, and practice the "art" but haven't submitted the paperwork for "Certification".

In the past SisterLocks wanted to request a fee to remain listed on their site. she may have declined that opportunity.

IJS.

Thanks for that explanation. It's so confusing. However, that's why asking questions is key. The only thing was that I always follow my gut. And my gut told me, it's a no go.

So, while I am at it. Can I ask you a question? How do you like your sister locks? do you feel it has been worth all of the time, money and sacrifice? Also, are you tender headed or suffer from dandruff? How did you remedy that?

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[almond eyes]

You did the right thing. Sounds like too many red flags. Your intuition is never wrong.



All great advice. You should feel comfortable with the consultant you choose, because you'll be spending a lot of time with them getting your Sisterlocks installed and if you choose to have a consultant do your retightenings.

It's a huge investment of time and money, so you should pick someone that has a strong portfolio, good experience, and fair billing/cancellation policies.

When I had mine, I looked on Google and came across my consultant's business page. I called her and scheduled a consultation based off of that, and I became her client. I had also asked a classmate who did hers, and she told me her consultant's name. Coincidentally, her consultant owned the shop that my consultant worked out of (she had just went on booth rent) but I didn't know that at the time.

A great place to resume your search for one is in a FB Sisterlocks group. There are usually lots of consultants in those and sometimes they post specials. I just saw my former consultant post that she was running a special for 4th of July that ended this weekend.

You can also talk to other women about their experiences and ask questions about anything you need clarity on.

I'm sure you will find the right person on your own time. Don't rush it!

Thanks also for your message. I definitely believe in following my gut, when I didn't on a situation two weeks ago, I felt really silly. So, with her it was the same feeling.

I just joined the Sisterlocks FB group, thanks for the tip. And now, before jumping into it again, making sure that I ask a lot of questions and don't feel pressured.

The other woman wanted cash and she was calling out prices and I was like whoa. Hold on, let me think. I didn't feel comfortable when she wanted only cash. And she was recommending another method before I could get into sister locks.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[almond eyes]

For me personally, it is important that my loctician is on a list of certified sister locks consultants. It's like any other profession where people have to keep up with the certifications and learning. I am not judging those who have certifications and didn't keep up or did get their certifications and don't want their names listed on the website or pay the yearly fees. To avoid trouble, I think it's best I go with someone who hits all of the benchmarks and even with that get recommendations and ask questions. There are many black women getting scammed by other women over these sister locks. I have a friend, she did hers in East Africa and now she is coming to the States and will have to do them all over again by someone on the register.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[Ivonnovi]

Thanks for that explanation. It's so confusing. However, that's why asking questions is key. The only thing was that I always follow my gut. And my gut told me, it's a no go.

So, while I am at it. Can I ask you a question? How do you like your sister locks? do you feel it has been worth all of the time, money and sacrifice? Also, are you tender headed or suffer from dandruff? How did you remedy that?

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Almond Eyes

Good morning, I unraveled my Sisterlocks a few years ago. Why? Pure cosmetic reasons (vanity); my crown is thin, very thin, and I would never wear my locks loose because I was self-conscious of the thinness. So I took them down.

Many of my client's love their locks; all love them once they have matured. The shakey time for them is between establishment and maturing.
I am very tenderheaded, and to get around this I would never retighten my hair to the scalp I always left wiggle room. There is no easy way to get around it other than taking a bit of pain relief before a session.

Dandruff? I use and retail an essential oil spray I make. It helps keep the itchy down. Recipes can be found online, My active ingredients are Basil and Rosemary Oil.

 

[almond eyes]

Good morning, I unraveled my Sisterlocks a few years ago. Why? Pure cosmetic reasons (vanity); my crown is thin, very thin, and I would never wear my locks loose because I was self-conscious of the thinness. So I took them down.

Many of my client's love their locks; all love them once they have matured. The shakey time for them is between establishment and maturing.
I am very tenderheaded, and to get around this I would never retighten my hair to the scalp I always left wiggle room. There is no easy way to get around it other than taking a bit of pain relief before a session.

Dandruff? I use and retail an essential oil spray I make. It helps keep the itchy down. Recipes can be found online, My active ingredients are Basil and Rosemary Oil.

Many thanks.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[almond eyes]

I think that's what has discouraged me from getting sister locks over and over again, the issue of dandruff and headaches during the retightening process.

I panicked when someone told me about an older lady who had to call a sister lock consultant to her nursing home.

I think sister locks are so beautiful, I just think my hair texture and scalp can't handle them.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[I Am So Blessed]

What about doing your own? I hate salons personally. If I ever want locks I'll micro braid my own hair and let them lock over time. It would also help to skip past the unraveling phase. The more you wash your hair the faster they lock.

 

[I Am So Blessed]

A lil "pick me up" for you. Dont be discouraged.

 

[almond eyes]

A lil "pick me up" for you. Dont be discouraged.

Getting me tempted again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the advice on micro braiding and then letting that loc. I just wonder though what happens to the hair that starts growing from the microbraid does one palm roll or just let it freeform or use a tool.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[I Am So Blessed]

^^ Hum...i don't know, but i think you could do either one since hair is so shapable.

 

[dyh080]

What about doing your own? I hate salons personally. If I ever want locks I'll micro braid my own hair and let them lock over time. It would also help to skip past the unraveling phase. The more you wash your hair the faster they lock.

Yes, this works. I had Sisterlocks done back in '98 ( I must have been one of the first ones,lol. I had met JoAnn at a natural hair fair I think in the very early 90s). Had them in for 6 years, then cut my hair. A few months later, I missed them so I micro braided my hair and let them lock. And yes, no unraveling, saved money, and washing made them lock faster.

I eventually got bored again and am now loose natural.

 

[dyh080]

Getting me tempted again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the advice on micro braiding and then letting that loc. I just wonder though what happens to the hair that starts growing from the microbraid does one palm roll or just let it freeform or use a tool.

Best,
Almond Eyes

When I microbraided I used a tool. I was told or heard that it is too stressful on the hair shaft to palm roll such tiny locks. I had a sister lock tool because I paid to take a retighten class when I had sister locks. Please note I had sister locks for 6 years, then cut my hair and a few months later micro braided my hair.

 

[shortycocoa]

I think that's what has discouraged me from getting sister locks over and over again, the issue of dandruff and headaches during the retightening process.

I like the feeling of tightness/tension from a retightening. That's just me, though. If you can't handle that, you can always just ask the consultant to leave room for one more rotation and not complete the last rotation of each lock so you don't feel that tension right up against your scalp. I hope that helps!

 

[shortycocoa]

A lil "pick me up" for you. Dont be discouraged.

Thank you so much for posting these! I recently started following P.R. Charles but I didn't see this video until I saw this post. Her hair is amazing. I also started following the other 2 ladies after seeing those videos. The girl who installed her and her mom's locks has some major talent. She should really consider a future as a loctitian. The third woman, I just loved her personality and her hair looked really good. Her sister did a great job on her starter locks also. I don't know if I could have completed that on my own. In 2007, I microbraided my hair to start locks, but I ended up taking them down. I didn't like how it looked after it got wet and started to shrink.

I also didn't realize it takes way longer for braidlocks to lock than if you choose another method. That may have contributed to my haste to take them down.

These videos also led me to a couple more YouTubers that I recently started following this week, so thanks again! One of them (ElleBell Royal Beauty) has hair that is very similar to mine, even down to the issues with the soft baby hair around her perimeter. It was very helpful and encouraging for me to see her videos, especially since she started the same way I did, with two strand twists. The size of her locks also seem to match mine. It's crazy.

The other girl, Daisy, I just love her spirit, her personality and the size of her locks. She's too cute. And her playlists are always on point in all her videos.

 

[almond eyes]

I like the feeling of tightness/tension from a retightening. That's just me, though. If you can't handle that, you can always just ask the consultant to leave room for one more rotation and not complete the last rotation of each lock so you don't feel that tension right up against your scalp. I hope that helps!

I just got my sisterlocks installed yesterday. Yeah. I was pleasantly surprised my scalp didn't hurt at all.

Thanks for your message.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[mz.rae]

My consultant isn’t on the Sisterlock registry but she does have her certificate. As a matter of fact, none of the sisterlock consultants in my city are on that list I’m not sure how often they update it.

But yes finding a consultant is a lot of work but I do hope you find someone that does good work.

 

[shortycocoa]

I just got my sisterlocks installed yesterday. Yeah. I was pleasantly surprised my scalp didn't hurt at all.

Thanks for your message.

Best,
Almond Eyes

Congratulations! Is the whole install finished? If so, I know you're glad that's all done. Nothing left to do now but wait!

 

[almond eyes]

Congratulations! Is the whole install finished? If so, I know you're glad that's all done. Nothing left to do now but wait!

Thanks, I am excited. The entire installation took about 10 hours because my hair was under 4 inches. Yes, I am glad it's all done. I don't mind the wait as I had been wearing my hair short and shaved in the past year. I look forward to my hair in all phases. Even though my grid is clear, because I have high density hair, it is not scalpy. It looks like my hair when I first get it braided.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[almond eyes]

It's been one month since I have been locked and I can already see the difference. My retie took 2.5 hours and I have lots of locs. My retie didn't hurt my scalp.

Best,
Almond Eyes