Is There a Difference Between Sisterlocks and Traditional Locs BY TIYE NAEEMAH CORT

There are so many beautiful natural hairstyle options for our different hair types and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to tell
the difference. We have read quite a bit about the versatility of traditional locs from loc experts and Sisterlocks are another loc’d style that the world should know about. I reached out to a few lovely loc’d ladies about their experiences with Sisterlocks and traditional locs, and as they shared their experiences, it became clear that Sisterlocks and traditional locs actually have much in common.
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JADA, SISTERLOCKS, 3 YEARS; (@LOCDNURSE)

What made you decide to lock your hair?

I saw a lady working in a bank who had beautiful salt and pepper locks down her back - she had grown them for 10 years. She was the reason I went natural. I was natural for almost 10 years before I decided to lock my hair. My choices at that time were to cut off my hair or lock it. I chose locks.

Explain the process of locking your hair (Do you do it yourself? Are there tools involved? How long does it take? What does maintenance include and how often?, etc.)

I went to a certified Sisterlocks consultant to have my locks established. It took her 36 hours (over 3 days) to complete my hair. She used a tool that they are provided during their Sisterlocks training. Every 4-5 weeks I have to retighten my roots. Initially, I went to my loctician to do my maintenance, but now I maintain them myself.

What are some of your favorite styles for your Sisterlocks?

I'm really low-maintenance. I either wear my hair loose or in a high messy bun. For formal events, I'll curl them using flexirods. 
TENEIL, SISTERLOCKS, 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS (@ONLY1TENEIL)

What made you decide to lock your hair?

I had pondered on getting locs for about 5 years before I actually did it. However, I was afraid I would miss my loose natural hair & being able to straighten it and see my length. But I finally got tired of wasting $150+/month each time I wanted to get my hair blown out for it to last 2 days. As the years went by and my hair got longer as a loose natural, I got tired of doing it and I was wearing a bun or pony all the time. I wanted my hair to always be done or cute. I chose Sisterlocks because I knew I would still have the luxury of some of my loose natural still being out for a while. So I could still enjoy my curls.

What would you say are the best things about your Sisterlocks? What are the most challenging things about them?

The best things about my locs to me is that I NEVER HAVE TO DETANGLE AGAIN!!! I’m still so thankful for that! I’d been natural for almost 10 years before I decided to loc. So, products and detangling was my life. I don’t worry about either of those anymore. One of the most challenging is making sure I do what I need to do to avoid slippage. Because my locs are still kind of new (even at a year and 4 months) I still braid my hair down every time I work out. There are occasions where I’ll put it in a bun and wrap it up real good to go workout but that’s only if I know it will be something light were I’m not sweating that bad. But, it can be tedious to have to keep braiding your hair when we you know you’ll be around water or you may sweat badly. But, I’ll take that one con over all of the cons of being a loose natural.

What are some of your favorite styles for your Sisterlocks?

I’m so simple! I love my middle part. I love to take some and put a little pony on the top and let the rest hang. I love the deep part on the side (I think that’s so sexy. Yet simple). I love pulling my locs all to one side and I will always love my puff.
ANGEL, SISTERLOCKS, 8 ½ YEARS (@SISTERLOCK_DIVA)

What made you decide to lock your hair?

It was not something that was planned. One weekend I took out my micro braids to try some styles with my natural hair. Doing loose natural hair was new to me as I always took my braids out and put them right back in. I attempted to do a twist out, but after two days my hair was still wet. I didn’t have the patience to do anything else so I decided to get Sisterlocks.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about locking her hair?

My advice would be to be patient and don’t expect overnight growth or to be locked in a few months. It’s a journey that you’ll have to embrace at every stage.

What are some of your favorite styles for your Sisterlocks

I don’t do much styling or updos but I typically do a braid out or a twist out. 
PAMELA, SISTERLOCKS, 2 YEARS; (@THEPAMELA252)

What are some of your favorite styles for your Sisterlocks?

I don’t do much styling or updos but I typically do a braid out or a twist out. 

What made you decide to lock your hair?

I was a loose natural for 10 years. And I reached a point where I was just kind of over it. I had two options, cut it off or lock it up. I did a lot of research it first, and initially they were going to be traditional locs. But I stumbled across Sisterlocks and here I am.

What made you choose Sisterlocks over other natural styles?

Initially I was going to get traditional locs, I did about six months of research. I've heard of Sisterlocks in the past I just neglected it for some reason. And while I was researching traditional locs I stumbled across a Sisterlock picture. I was instantly attracted. I love the versatility of being able to flat iron or curl your hair. I'm a believer that all locks are actually beautiful. But for me Sisterlocks were the most versatile. Versatility with low maintenance was exactly what I was looking for.

What are some of your favorite styles for your Sisterlocks?

Truly for the first year I didn't do very many styles. I wanted to do low manipulation and allow my hair to really thicken up. This may be really basic, but I love her braid outs! It is super nice to be able to spray your hair with water and achieve a bomb braid out! That never happened as a loose natural for me. 
JOANNA, TRADITIONAL LOCS, 3 YEARS; (@LOCSANDBERRIES)

What made you decide to lock your hair?

Honestly, I loc'd my hair because I experienced a break up and I wanted to try something that was outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to be the total opposite of who I was in that relationship, including my look.

What are some misunderstandings that people have about locs?

One misunderstanding I think people have about locs are that you don't have to maintain them, you just let them knot up, and that's it. Also the most mind blowing misunderstanding I've heard thus far, which was also offensive, is that having locs mean that you're not a clean person, I’ve heard things like “ohhhh, so you never wash your hair, right?” Like wow! that doesn't even make sense!

What are some of your favorite styles for your locs?

My favorite style for my locs is the two strand twist. It looks so neat and it helps my retwist last longer because I work out often. I also like braiding my hair in plaits to give me the crimpy look.
Check out some of the ladies’ favorite products to use on their locs!

Source: Naturally Curly

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