Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sisterlocks™/Brotherlocks™?:

Sisterlocks™/Brotherlocks™ are uniform locks that allow you to style and manage your hair without relaxers, gels or waxes like used in dread locks or palm rolls. They can be styled, curled, wet set, braided or put up in a pony tail-You Name it. Take advantage of your hairs natural curl or kink and never have another bad hair day. Sisterlocks™/Brotherlocks™ is a trademarked technique designed for highly textured hair. This system uses your natural hair quality to produce small locks that can be styled the same ways as chemically relaxed or curled hair. It’s a technique that takes advantage of the natural texture of your hair to create discrete locks and can be created in individuals with all natural hair and/or hair with new growth and relaxed hair.

Q: Do I have to cut my relaxer off in order to get my hair done in Sisterlocks™?
 

One of the great things about Sisterlocks™ is that you don't have to cut off your relaxer in order to start them. All you need is 1½ inches of new growth at the scalp to start the locks. Then you can trim the relaxed ends gradually over time as your natural locks grow in. There are some things to watch for here though. For example, if you have a relaxer you know that when you let your natural hair grow in at the scalp you increase the chances of breakage. You will need to take measures to protect your hair while you're letting the natural hair grow in. Some options during this transition period are: · braided extensions; · natural braided styles; · frequent moisturizing and conditioning; · always dampening the hair before combing through it; · gently finger-combing only for de-tangling and styling. Once the locks are put in, work closely with your Consultant to ensure that the relaxed ends stay as smooth as possible during your transition into fully natural locks.

Q: Can I transition from traditional locks?

This is not recommended for many reasons. Here are some of them: · The exquisite look of Sisterlocks™ is due in large part to the way they are started. The hair is sectioned according to pre-set patterns, then parted into lock sizes that are based on the density of the hair growth pattern, and the location on the head (i.e. usually smaller around the face). Parting for most traditional locking methods is not as detailed, and so won't produce the same results. · When you change locking techniques within a single lock, for example going from a twisting method to a Sisterlocks™ method, you create a vulnerable area at the transition point. This weak area will tend to open up over time, exposing individual strands of hair that are prone to breakage. The weak area doesn't show up right away, but will begin to show from 6 months to 2 years down the line! · With Sisterlocks™, the hair is pulled into the lock formation more tightly than with most traditional locking methods. This means that the size of the traditional lock will decrease noticeably at the point where you begin the Sisterlocks™ method. Also, because the parting size for traditional locks is too large for Sisterlocks™ to begin with, this "shrinkage" results in too much scalp showing. (… not pretty!)

Q: Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks™?

"African-type" hair varies greatly, as we all know. The 'best' hair for locking is the kind with the smallest, tightest curl pattern. Hair with a smoother, more open wave pattern tends to be more difficult to lock. Don't dismay though! There are a variety of Sisterlocks™ techniques designed to cope with difficult-to-lock hair. Many, many people who could not start locks with any other method have found satisfaction with Sisterlocks™!

Q: Are Sisterlocks™ permanent?

Because Sisterlocks™ allows the hair's natural interlocking process to unfold, they are true "locks." This means that they are not meant to be undone. Technically, they can be taken out, but it would be almost absurd to try, especially once the locks are mature! (Imagine getting a small, needle-shaped object and gently undoing each of the 450-plus locks from the tip right down to the roots!) Our rule of thumb: "As long as the potential client is worried about getting them out, we don't put them in to begin with!"

Q: Can I re-tighten my hair myself once I have the Sisterlocks™ done?

We recommend that clients work closely with their Consultants for at least 6 months before taking a re-tightening class. This is so that the locks will be stable and somewhat mature. Remember, a lot can happen in the first few months of locking, so it's best to let your Consultant get you through this phase. Also, re-tightening is tedious, and clients can do a lot of damage to their hair, especially while the locks are still settling in. After 6 months (or on the advice of the Consultant), customers can take a Re-Tightening Class. These are offered ONLY from our Certified Training Associates, and Certified Sisterlocks™ Consultants who have completed their "R" Certification.