Sisterlocks?

[CaribbeanQueen]

I was just wondering if any ladies on this forum have or are considering getting sisterlocks.

 

[kytrona]

I've thought about it, but I heard that it's a lot of work to get the hair to dread in small neat strands like we see in the pictures.

 

[hopeg80]

What is a sisterlock?

 

[Healthb4Length]

Sister locks are gorgeous teeny tiny dreds, they look like natural or un locked hair from afar but up close you'll see that it's dreds. It takes time to do but the results are stunning and you can do an array of styles with them, more so than you could do with regular locks. Check out this link and you'll see beautiful styles...www.sisterlocks.com

 

[littleaudie]

A friend of mine has sisterlocks so I've been following her journey. Its been about 2 years.
They really are beautiful, and unlike dreads, the ends of her hair have a really pretty curl/coil so it looks even more natural. She has to get them retouched every couple of months. It's takes several hours 12-16 split into two sessions. It's also very expensive. She paid $600 for her first "locking" session. They look like tiny crochet chains of hair.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

It's a cool look, but it's expensive to maintain.

Part of my decision to go natural was to avoid going to hairdressers. So any kind of locks are probably not in my future.

 

[PittGirl06]

you can learn to maintain them yourself, but you'd have to give up $$ for classes. In order for sisterlocks to BE sisterlocks, they have to be done the "official" way or whatever.....I really lke themn and was considering them as it's GREAT for growing your hair really long, but mty thing is, I like to change up too much and I know I would get tired of them.

There are several albums ont he internet following peoples' journeys with sisterlocks. Here is another forum...a Yahoo group...where you can ask lots of questions and i thinkt hey have weekly yahoo chat sessions as well. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LockItUp/

 

[hopeg80]

Sister locks are gorgeous teeny tiny dreds, they look like natural or un locked hair from afar but up close you'll see that it's dreds. It takes time to do but the results are stunning and you can do an array of styles with them, more so than you could do with regular locks. Check out this link and you'll see beautiful styles...www.sisterlocks.com

They are beautiful!

 

[qtgirl]

I am going to say something very unpopular, but I really do not like sisterlocks. Why, because IMO the whole purpose of them is to not really be locs, but to look like loose hair. It purports to "take advantage of the wide range of today's hairstyles without altering the natural texture of [your] hair", but I feel like it capitalizes on those who don't like the "look" of natural nappy hair. Its like the ppl. who think locs are the only way their hair can grow long so they go for this.

*this is just my opinion*

 

[Crackers Phinn]

^^ I agree. Sistalocks are kind of like micro braids in that they can appear so small as to mimic straight hair. I like the style but as I said no hairdresser for me and those sistalock classes were running $1200, but hell who is going to feel like tightening up 400+ individual locs.

 

[blkbeauty]

Well, I am not a die hard fan of sisterlocks. But I have wanted to lock my hair. When I went natural I said that I would not lock my hair, but looking at the men & women in my area (DC) with the beautiful locks, i am thinking about it.

 

[littleaudie]

I am going to say something very unpopular, but I really do not like sisterlocks. Why, because IMO the whole purpose of them is to not really be locs, but to look like loose hair. It purports to "take advantage of the wide range of today's hairstyles without altering the natural texture of [your] hair", but I feel like it capitalizes on those who don't like the "look" of natural nappy hair. Its like the ppl. who think locs are the only way their hair can grow long so they go for this.

*this is just my opinion*

That's a really interesting comment. I never thought of it that way.

 

[asummertyme]

i love sisterlocks..i think they look great, just another natural style..i dunno why some people make natural styles out to be sooo friggin deep, for me its just a hairstyle , that some prefer and some dont.

 

[CaribbeanQueen]

^^ I agree. Sistalocks are kind of like micro braids in that they can appear so small as to mimic straight hair. I like the style but as I said no hairdresser for me and those sistalock classes were running $1200, but hell who is going to feel like tightening up 400+ individual locs.

You have a very good point. But there are women who do spent a lot of money going to the hairdresser anyway, so for them this may be a great option. For example, someone who always gets their hair braided and has a full head of natural hair may want to try this because they will achieve a similar look with their real hair.

A while back I was considering getting them done but I dont like how they look when they are "fresh". they look like twiglets until they actually start to loc properly.

But some of the styles on that site are really beautiful

 

[Crackers Phinn]

Girl, you betta get yourself some starter 'twiglets!

 

[sunflower]

I was just wondering if any ladies on this forum have or are considering getting sisterlocks.

I'm getting my sisterlocks in April. I've been natural for about four years now. I've been doing a shake and go for most of those four years. I agree with the poster who stated sisterlocks are meant to mimick individual strands of hair. In my case I need a change, I've been wearing the same hairstyle for four years now. I decided that locking would be the next phrase for me and I like the versatility that sisterlocks offer. I'll post pics of before and after sometime next month.

 

[baglady215]

I love them as well. Being that I love micro braids, I can see myself getting these one day. But I too change up too much. Maybe I'll get them when I'm 80.

 

[honeycomb719]

I'm getting my sisterlocks in April. I've been natural for about four years now. I've been doing a shake and go for most of those four years. I agree with the poster who stated sisterlocks are meant to mimick individual strands of hair. In my case I need a change, I've been wearing the same hairstyle for four years now. I decided that locking would be the next phrase for me and I like the versatility that sisterlocks offer. I'll post pics of before and after sometime next month.

Im looking forward to seeing your pics. I love the look of sisterlocks. Im on the fence if they are something I would do.

 

[thefineprint]

I am going to say something very unpopular, but I really do not like sisterlocks. Why, because IMO the whole purpose of them is to not really be locs, but to look like loose hair. It purports to "take advantage of the wide range of today's hairstyles without altering the natural texture of [your] hair", but I feel like it capitalizes on those who don't like the "look" of natural nappy hair. Its like the ppl. who think locs are the only way their hair can grow long so they go for this.

*this is just my opinion*

although this thread is very old i still have to disagree. i think that many women have a pre/mis-conception of sisterlocks as being very expensive and too costly to maintain. this simply is not true. yes the initial installation can be costly, depending on your budget. for instance, my hair cost $500 to install. to me, that price was very low considering this style can/will literally last the rest of my lifetime. that means i paid $500 to finish styling my hair forever. now, if you so choose you can continue to visit your consultant and pay for retightenings OR you can DIY at home with a nappyloc tool or some other means of retightening. when i was relaxed i paid about $100 PER salon visit, which was about every 4 weeks. in less then a year i have made the cost of my locks worth it. as a loose natural i was spending hundreds of $$ each year trying to find those 'miracle products' that would ease detangling, loosen my curl pattern, increase sheen, etc. now i have oils, shampoo and conditioner. that's it. you have to look at sisterlocks as an investment. now, i choose to return to my consultant every 2 months and pay $40 for retightenings (takes an hour and a half) because i am a full time worker and graduate student but you don't have to do that.

i think sisterlocks are a wonderful option for naturals and relaxed heads who desire to grow beautiful natural long hair quite quickly, without the hassle of styling, detangling and straightening.

and yes, sisterlocks are real locks. the hair is locked, matted, whatever you want to call it. to claim that sisterlocks aren't real locks because they are small and seem to mimic natural hair isnt accurate.

Looking at Tuere's sisterlocks you can see that it is a very intricate process and investment - it's not something that just happens overnight (i think her locks are about 6 years old here):

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

I have been thinking about getting sisterlocks on and off and I think increasingly it is an option for me. I like the versatility and low manipulation of it all! I also love the fact that I would be able to dye my hair and not worry about the consequences. Woo hoo!

 

[jamaraa]

Lately I'm curious about the various dreadlock processes (tho I'm natural not personally considering it)...can you remove these sisterlocks in some way or is it like w/ uncultivated dreads...the big chop?

 

[coconow2007]

Lately I'm curious about the various dreadlock processes (tho I'm natural not personally considering it)...can you remove these sisterlocks in some way or is it like w/ uncultivated dreads...the big chop?

I think they have to be chopped off like locs for you to start over

 

[cabellera]

Lately I'm curious about the various dreadlock processes (tho I'm natural not personally considering it)...can you remove these sisterlocks in some way or is it like w/ uncultivated dreads...the big chop?

According to the Sisterlock website, it's a long process to dismantle them, so if you get them, you bests want them. Same for locs, if you have the time and patience, you don't have to chop off all your hair. Again that's TIME and PATIENCE, most don't...so CHOP!

 

[Quailbird]

I know this thread but I am seriously considering getting Sisterlocks so if anybody that has them can offer me some answers or explanations to my concerns, I'd appreciate it. (1) And this is a big one. My hair is almost waistlength and I do NOT want to cut my hair for a more economical price. Any suggestions? (2) My hair is thick and I find that putting my hair in ponytails and such is a lot on my scalp. Will I be able to put my hair into high ponytails with Sisterlocks without it hurting my already thin edges and giving me a headache? TIA

 

[Ivonnovi]

I've had sisterlocks for almost 7 months now. I'm also a SisterLock trainee. With that said I'll answer your questions in reverse order.

2) Yes you can style your hair any many variuos styles with ease (once you get the hang of manipulating locs vs. loose hair. Regarding your fragile edges: I've bun/ponytail almost everyday, you will have to take extra measure to maintain the "health" of your edges, I've even made it a point to flat twist the edges 1-3 rows back to ensure there's not tension on them. So far I've been successfull. Regrading the headache, I'm very very very tenderheaded, I use the tops from knee-hi's as my ponytail holders, they are gentle and allow you to adjust the tension without loosing the style.

1) With the length & price concerns I would steer you towards starting with braidlocs. Basically you just get your hair put into microbraids and then maintain them with an interlocking method.

Braidlocs Blog: Big Curls Don't Cry

Previous thread on Sisterlocks (I need to update this): http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forum6/thread441436.html Post 65 shows my hair in one of my "protective" styles.


I hope this helps.

I know this thread but I am seriously considering getting Sisterlocks so if anybody that has them can offer me some answers or explanations to my concerns, I'd appreciate it. (1) And this is a big one. My hair is almost waistlength and I do NOT want to cut my hair for a more economical price. Any suggestions? (2) My hair is thick and I find that putting my hair in ponytails and such is a lot on my scalp. Will I be able to put my hair into high ponytails with Sisterlocks without it hurting my already thin edges and giving me a headache? TIA

 

[Quailbird]

Ivonnovi Thank you for your response. I don't think the Braidlock technique would work for me. I strictly only want Sisterlocks. However, I have no problem with my natural hair so if it will cost me too much or I have to cut my hair, then I won't get them. I was just curious and throwing around the idea because I don't know how I feel about straightening to play around with my length.
Kind of OT: I am taking the Sisterlock training course soon and I am very excited.

 

[Ivonnovi]

No problem Quailbird, and you're welcome.

Yes your install will be a bit pricey and time-consuming, the only thing I can see you saving on is "install" time by having 2 consultants work on your hair at the same time. It's the length that's adding to the cost and install time, BUT I'd never tell someone to cut their hair to start this process.

HOWEVER, since you plan to take the course you will also soon have the knowledge to do your own install;.....or barter with another consultant to exchange services..... Having done your own is a GREAT PROMOTIONAL TOOL for you.

Good luck with your decision process.

 

[honeycomb719]

Thinking long and hard about getting some SL.....Still in research mode tho. My hubby likes the idea, but likes them middle to long in length.

 

[runwaydream]

good thing you bumped this thread. i got my SLs installed the other day. and for now im happy w. it.

 

[runwaydream]

Thinking long and hard about getting some SL.....Still in research mode tho. My hubby likes the idea, but likes them middle to long in length.

wait..i just saw the original date of this. you still dont know if you want them yet? its been 4 yrs. lol