I’ve had an affinity for locs for many years, and after going from having long hair the majority of my life, to cutting my hair into a short cut, to growing it back out, I decided that it was time to try something different. I no longer wanted to “be bothered” with my hair on a daily basis, and constantly have to make the decision on what to do next.

Sisterlocks are a commitment

Trust me, it took a lot of research on my behalf to first decide if traditional locs or Sisterlocks would be best for me, and if I should even get my hair locked at all. One of the many deciding factors for most is the cost and time commitment of Sisterlocks. Oh, it’s no secret at all that Sisterlocks can be very costly and that the install can take days to complete. From the price for installation to having to get your hair retightened anywhere from every 4 to 6 weeks, this can be a turnoff for some. However, for me I wanted to be happy and satisfied with whatever decision that I was going to make about my hair, so initially I didn’t let the cost or time deter me from moving forward. Especially when this decision would be rather permanent for the most part.

I did my due diligence of effectively researching various certified sisterlocks consultants, making an appointment for tester locks and then waiting to see how my hair would respond. After having the tester locks installed, I became apprehensive about continuing to move forward. I decided to cancel the appointment for the install that I booked with the consultant because just the thought of it being a lifestyle change for me started to scare me a bit. After a while, the other drawback was the amount of time that it would take for me to get my Sisterlocks installed, due to the density of my hair, as well as the length. The thought of this alone made me want to run, and never entertain Sisterlocks again.

It wasn’t until May of 2015 that I decided to set all of my fears to the side about getting my hair locked, and just do it! I actually lucked up too. I found an amazing consultant who happens to come to her clients. So she came to my home to do my install which made my experience very comfortable. After an entire weekend, of breaks of course, 26 hours and 421 locks later, my babies were finally installed! Whew, let’s just say that it was intense and if I had to do it all over again, would I? I definitely would. I’ve had my Sisterlocks almost 9 months now and I love them! This is truly the best hair decision that I have ever made. Every day when I wake up, I simply run my fingers through my hair and go, unless I decide to do a style with my hair.

As you know by now, Sisterlocks are a lifestyle change and a true commitment. Here are some facts that you should know before you decide to free yourself of hair dilemmas, hair woes, and just bad hair days. Once you get Sisterlocks I promise you that bad hair days are non-existent!

Sisterlocks are not cheap

The prices can vary based upon a number of factors. Where I’m located the prices start around $500 and go up from there for the install. Typically a consultant can charge per inch after a certain amount of inches. They can also charge extra for density. For the retightening, this can be costly too and depend on the frequency of your “retight/retie”. So my suggestion is to definitely shop around and find someone who you are extremely comfortable with. Now, I’ll be honest, my amazing consultant did not charge me anywhere close to what everyone else charges. My retightening appointments are extremely reasonable too.

You should use a Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

Be sure to check out Sisterlocks.com to ensure that you are only selecting individuals who are certified. Their official title is Certified Sisterlocks Consultants. If their name does not appear on that list, I would keep it moving. 

You should ask to see their work

Request pictures of the installs that they have done. Just because they are Certified Sisterlocks Consultants is only half of the battle. You want to ensure that their work is satisfactory to you. In addition to this I would also do reference checks with their current clients.

This is a lifestyle change

Currently you are used to combs, brushes, flat irons, and curling irons. Well kiss all of that goodbye! You will no longer be using or needing those tools. You also will not be able to use any hair products on your hair as it is not recommended while your locks mature. The best products to use are those from the sisterlocks.com website. So pack up a bag of any hair products that you still have left and give them to a good friend who can use them.

Shampooing your hair will be slightly different

There is a special technique to washing your hair as you won’t wash the same way as you are used to. If you decide to move forward with getting your Sisterlocks, which I hope that you do, your Certified Sisterlocks Consultant will demonstrate how to do this. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not totally different from how you currently wash, however you will become very familiar with the term “bundling”.

Last but not least, embrace the journey

You have to be patient and understand that everyone’s journey will be different. Your hair may go through a few changes and you may deal with a term called slippage or frizz depending on the texture of your hair, but know that your consultant is along for the ride and is committed to the success of your Sisterlocks. They should be just as excited as you are.

If you decide to move forward, you will not regret your decision. For me and for the thousands of other Sisterlocked sistas across the globe, we truly love our hair.

Sisterlocks have been around for a very long time. In fact, this trademarked company was founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell.

This article was written by by Patrice Tartt and published on CurlyNikki.

Have you rocked sisterlocks? Currently rocking ’em? Share your experiences below!

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