My sisterlocks did not resemble my loc crush in the beginning and that was something I was not prepared for. I had to learn to love my sisterlocks in the phase that they were in. In the second or third year I really appreciated the appearance of my hair. Any natural hair journey can be respected for each individual that is experiencing it.
1. WASHING YOUR HAIR
In the beginning of having your sisterlocks there is a method for how to wash your locks. The braiding and banding stage is used to keep the new locks from “slipping”. For more details, check out this video where I show you how I was washing my hair in first year.
- Sisterlocks Shampoo
- Costco Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-Moisture-Shampoo-33.8-fl-oz-.product.100375353.html
- Suave Clarifying Shampoo, Can be found in my Loc Livin’ Storefront https://a.co/fFQH1
2. BRAIDING AND BANDING
Braiding and banding is apart of the process to ensire your new sisterlocks do not unravel or slip out when washing. you part your hair into sections and begin to create a braid within that section. After the braid is complete you add rubber bands to secure the braid. my braiding and banding stage lasted for a year.
3. YOUR HAIR WILL LOOK THIN OR SCALPY
There will be people who will want to touch your hair and I don’t know why that seems to be acceptable.
4. YOU NEED A SCHEDULE
If you want to self maintain your sisterlocks take into consideration you do not want to mess up your grid that was intricately sectioned.
5. LONG INSTALLATION PROCESS
i had a 15 hour installation, which was done in one day. Li at lovlilocs studio in stockbridge,GA was the only loctician offering a one day install at the time.
6. COLORING YOUR SISTERLOCKS
It is best to get your hair colored prior to your installation day. This is because in the phase where your sisterlocks have not loc’d you do not want there to be any issues. It will be a long process before you can actually color your hair. This will ensure that your hair is healthy before depositing color onto your locs.
7. PRODUCT JUNKIE NO MORE
Your scalp may not be accustomed to not having a lot of products. Adding oils, conditioners and moisturizers do not allow your hair to actually form into mature locs.
8. You Can Wear Wigs
Yes with the versatility of having Sisterlocks you can wear wigs. This goes for most loc lovers! Depending on how flat you want the wig or how small you make the braid down then you are able to switch it up!
9. SHRINKAGE!
I started with 11-13 inches of loose natural hair, but you could not tell when I got the sisterlocks installed. If you have tighter curl pattern then when the interlocking phase happens then your hair strands are going to shrink up when the Loctician is retightening your hair. sisterlocks start off in an enlongated appearance but once you do your first braid and band wash you can expect some major shrinkage.
10. REQUIRE PATIENCE
11. *BONUS* YOU MAY LOOSE LOCS
I had the unfortunate reality of loosing some of my sisterlocks, check out these videos for more details!