About Us

Sisterlocks™ FAQs

What are Sisterlocks™?

Sisterlocks™ is a natural hair management system that allows those with tightly textured hair to take advantage of a wide range of today's hairstyles without having to alter the natural texture of their hair.  Sisterlocks™ are tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use of a specialized tool used to place the hair into its locking formation. The Sisterlocks™ method does not require the use of waxes or gels. The small size and parting grid form about 400 easily styled locks.

How long does my hair need to be to start Sisterlocks™?

In general, Sisterlocks™ can be started with 1 ½ inches of natural unprocessed hair. This will ensure the first stages of locking will be easier to manage during your home care.

Do I need to cut my relaxed hair?
No, you do not have to cut your hair. Sisterlocks™ can be started with your relaxed length left untouched (as long as you have 1 ½ inches of natural hair at the root. As your hair grows, and is set into a locked pattern your relaxed hair will be trimmed away.

How long will it take to start my Sisterlocks™?
The initial locking process takes about 2 to 3 times as long as getting extensions of comparable size.  Other factors that will affect the length of the initial locking session are:  hair length, density, condition, size of head and lock size desired.  The beauty of Sisterlocks™ is that re-tightening them as your hair grows out is extremely simple since there are no extensions to remove and reset.

Are Sisterlocks™ extensions, or can I add extensions?
No, Sisterlocks™ uses your natural hair. Without extensions, your hair is free of the extra weight that puts tension on the roots. Over time this sort of tension can lead to permanent hair loss. Without extensions, your natural hair is free to grow to its fullest potential.

What should I expect from a Sisterlock™ Consultant?
You should expect to receive your Initial Consultation, Locking Session, First Follow-Up visit, and Customer Starter Kit as a package. Expect to be educated during your Initial Consultation, and test locks set in. Your Sisterlock™ Consultant should give you an idea of what to expect as your locks mature, then be available to celebrate every phase of your development. Expect a caring and knowledgeable professional.

Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks™?
All natural hair with a curl or wave pattern is the right type for Sisterlocks™. Sisterlocks™ has developed several "locking patterns", one of which is just right for your hair type.

Will Sisterlocks™ cause my hair to break or thin?
Just the opposite!  Sisterlocks™ is a gentle technique that requires no chemicals, no excessive tightening, and causes no damaging abrasion to the hair or scalp.  You will find that with regular care, your locks will grow and grow, and your styling options will increase.

Are Sisterlocks™ permanent?
During the first six months of development, Sisterlocks™ can be removed. Removal will likely take more time, and be more costly than your Initial Locking Session. I will not lock your hair if removal is a great concern. You should be sure that the Sisterlocks™ method is right for you prior to having them installed.

How do Sisterlocks™ differ from other locks?
Where Sisterlocks™ are true locks (a matting of African, kinky, tightly curled, nappy hair), they differ from "dread locks, dreads, or traditional" in the technique used to form them. The Sisterlocks™ method uses a precise parting grid, and a tool to produce small easily styled locks. Sisterlocks™ does not use any waxes, gels, creams or hair extensions, so everything that can add weight, stress, or hamper your hair growth is removed.

Are Sisterlocks™ expensive?
Some people will say that Sisterlocks™ are expensive, and claim to have found a less expensive copy cat lock that "look just as good". Be aware, many ladies who have tried the less expensive route end up removing them and replacing them with Sisterlocks™ by a Sisterlocks™ consultant to avoid long term dissatisfaction. Pay the few extra dollars and get a Sisterlocks™ consultant to start your locks out on the right path.

Do I need to have 'fine' hair for Sisterlocks™ to work?
Not at all. In fact, the course, thick, 'nappy' hair is best for Sisterlocks™. Your natural abundant texture adds body and makes styling easier.

Can Sisterlocks™ be installed so that there won't be any parting?
No.  With a fresh head of Sisterlocks™ you are going to see some parting. Even if the client has very thick hair there will be some parting.

How long will it take for the partings to fill in?
It depends on the rate that your hair grows. Usually within the first three weeks or after your first shampoo you will notice your partings filling in. Thinner hair takes a little while longer.

Exactly what is meant by filling in?
Filling in is the process where your hair starts to grow and your locks start to expand.

What should I expect during maintenance (re-tightening) visits?
In their early stages, you should expect your consultant to troubleshoot your locks as potential issues arise. Most of the time, these issues are merely a part of lock development, however, if not corrected they can lead to weak, breaking or mis-shaped locks. This type of troubleshooting is routine and should be a part of your maintenance sessions including establishing new locks on an emerging hairline.

How often can I wash my Sisterlocks™?
Sisterlocks™ can be washed as often as needed. If your hair is dirty, wash it! There is no  "minimum time" before new locks can be washed nor is there a standard time for how often your hair should be washed. Before shampooing, ensure that hair is braided and banded properly and that the bands are NOT pulled from the hair. Your locks will remain beautiful and healthy if they are free from products, lint, dirt, etc.

What is the cost of Sisterlocks™?
All Sisterlocks™ Consultants are "independent consultants" so the investment varies from person to person. If you find that a consultants prices are too expensive verify with the home office at sisterlocks.com and they can probrably find someone else to refer you to.

For more about the Sisterlocks™ brand, visit www.sisterlocks.com.

New Clients

1.  Fees will be discussed at your consultation.

2.  A non-refundable deposit is required reserve your appointment to establish Sisterlocks®. This fee is applied to reduce the amount payable on installation date. 

3.  Clients are required to pay the entire balance PRIOR TO the start of the installation session. 

Appointments

1.  Please arrive on time for all services.

2.  Hair must be clean (washed within the last 48hrs) and product free. 

3.  All client services require an appointment. 

4.  Advance scheduling (approx. 2-4 weeks) is highly recommended.

5.  Retightening sessions may range from 3-5 hours if regular 4-6 week appointments are maintained.  A rate increase may occur for excessive growth.  

6.  Due to limited seating please refrain from bringing additional guests with you to your appointment.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

1.   2 weeks notice is required to cancel or rescedule an installation appointment.  If an installation appointment is cancelled, full payment will be required prior to rescheduling the appointment.

2.  ALL changes or cancellation of appointment require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to avoidbeing charged a cancellation fee.

3.   ALL NO SHOW appointments will be charged a fee that is payable PRIOR toschedulingyour next appointment.

Lateness

1.  Clients are required to call (not text) if they are going to be more than 15 minutes late to ensure your appointment does not need to be rescheduled.

2.  Services are billed according to your appointment time, not the time of your arrival.  (Breaks taken by your consultant are not included in billed time.

DO
After your installation, you will need to shampoo with the Sisterlocks™ Getting Started Shampoo. This shampoo is especially formulated to assist in the locking process. Never skip this step or you CAN prolong your locking process. Sisterlocks™ Getting Started Shampoo, is also great for those problem locks that don't seem to want to lock. There is never a set time that you will stop using the Sisterlocks™ Getting Started Shampoo. Everyone's hair texture is different, and individual locking times are different too so continue to use the Sisterlocks™ Getting Started Shampoo until locks are COMPLETELY locked...

DON'T
Use cheap shampoos or other hair products (even after your hair is completely locked). Please do not shampoo with anything you get your hands on.  Most Sisterlocks™ wearers have spent $500 & upward on having their locks installed so please be cautious of what you put in your hair. If you are not using the Sisterlocks™ line of products, please research and purchase a professional line of hair care products, that will keep your locks well moisturized.

DO
Use or invest in proper styling tools. Pipe cleaners are used for cleaning pipes and have a wire inside which may cause damage to your locs if not used carefully. Avoid application of heat directly to your locs and be mindful that hair types are different and some techiques can weaken, break or cause excessive frizziness. There are many styling tools on the market (lock loops, wrap-a-loc, perm rods w/end papers) all are favorable.

DON'T
Excessively manipulate your Sisterlocks™. This is very important in the beginning stages. Excessive manipulation (of your locs) WILL prolong the locking process. Sisterlocks™ will need to settle in the beginning stages, in order that they take on their locking form. Certain styling practices should wait until locks are in the latter part of the settling stage. You should not (in the beginning stages) overly TOUCH or RAKE through locs with your fingers.. We call this " Hands in Locs" syndrome... Sisterlocks™ start the locking process from the tip/end of the lock...up to the root/scalp....Any excessive touching/raking through the locks with your fingers, CAN prolong the process. Instead...just place your locks in the position you choose to style it in.

DO
Hair color looks beautiful on Sisterlocks™. However permanent color should only applied well before installation or after locs have been completely locked. Semi-permanent color on the other hand, should be safe to use, as long as the locs have passed the encasing stage.  Note: Applying any hair color (even semi-permanent color) in the beginning stages, can prolong the locking process. It is always best to wait until locs are mature. Permanent color should ONLY be applied by a lic. professional colorist. If applied by a non-professional, you run the risk of locks opening and at worst breakage. It is worth going to a professional, if using permanent color, to keep locs healthy and looking good.

DON'T

Try everything that you see on youtube. There is an abundance of videos which will give you styling and maintenance tips but everything is NOT good for everybody. That 2 minute clip of a self-applied home color looks nice, but you won't see the follow-up when that person wakes up with her hair on the pillow. Nor will you see the loc damage as a result of a DIY home made tool.

DO

YOUR RESEARCH!!! There is much information available via the internet in regards to Siserlocks. Sisterlock consultants (trainee or certified) who are in good standing are listed on the Sisterlocks website. Fees can vary however all operators are REQUIRED to offer a "package price" of at least 3 visits (consultation, installation and retight). As well one should receive an official starter kit when beginning the Sisterlock journey.

DON'T
Neglect your Sisterlocks™! Cover your locks up at night or before bed, even if just lounging around on the couch.  Lint is almost impossible to take out of Sisterlocks™. So the only way to prevent locks from getting lint is to ALWAYS cover them, before you start to relax for the evening.  Braid outs, twist outs, roller sets, spiral sets, cornrows are all fine, when wanting to style locs as long as they are not pulled too tight.Tension on Sisterlocks™ are one of the leading causes for our locs to thin and break....NEVER sleep with hard rollers. This is very important for the health of your locks.  Greasy products WILL clog hair follicles, get trapped inside and attract dirt to your locks. If you are looking for healthy, growing locks then keep them clean by shampooing at least once every two weeks (weekly if you exercise regularly) and hydrate your locks between shampoos