Finally, I have gotten to it: Here is my update on my 2 year Sisterlocks Journey.
In this article, I will share my firsthand experience, from why I decided to get Sisterlocks, to the challenges I faced along the way, and any regrets I have.
I will also share the before and after pictures throughout the journey.
Sisterlocks Journey (Before and After)
The transformation of my Sisterlocks has been remarkable.
From the initial baby stage, marked by the delicate formation of tiny locks, to the teenage phase, characterized by a more relaxed and fluffy appearance to finally reaching maturity.
Sisterlocks Installation – Day 1
I started my sisterlocks on about 13 inches of hair. My hair was very healthy. 6 months prior to installation I was on a consistent deep conditioning and hair repair regimen and I think it paid off.
Sisterlocks at 6 weeks – First Retie
Notice the shrinkage! I experienced about 70% shrinkage by the 6th week.
Sisterlocks at 1 Year
At this stage my hair was thickening, my locs looked very fluffy but not as fluffy as month 6 and 7.
Sisterlocks at 2 Years
At 2 years, I finally started to gain both length and volume. The locs at this stage look mature and fully formed.
Why Sisterlocks: Should You Get Sisterlocks?
In 2020, the sight of a colleague flaunting stunning Sisterlocks sparked my curiosity and ultimately led me down the path of Sisterlocks.
Tired of the constant styling demands of my natural 4C hair (I have been natural since 2015), I yearned for the freedom and versatility my friend enjoyed with her Sisterlocks.
I started doing extensive research on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, coupled with a consultation with a recommended loctician. I finally made my decision to transition to Sisterlocks in November 2021.
So, why Sisterlocks? Here are the top 5 reasons for getting Sisterlocks.
1. Easy Maintenance
One of the primary reasons for choosing Sisterlocks was the promise of easy maintenance. I craved a hairstyle that aligned with my busy lifestyle, requiring minimal daily upkeep.
The ability to maintain a polished appearance without spending hours on styling or detangling was a game-changer for me as I was seeking a practical solution for both beauty and convenience in my hair care routine.
2. Versatile Styling
Sisterlocks offered me a newfound freedom in styling that I hadn’t experienced with my 4C hair. The smaller size of the locks allows for intricate and varied styles, from updos to cascading curls.
Whether I wanted a professional look for work or a more casual, carefree appearance for weekends, the versatility of Sisterlocks has become a canvas for self-expression.
3. Sisterlocks are Beautiful
Beyond practical considerations, the aesthetic appeal of Sisterlocks played a crucial role in my decision.
The elegance and uniqueness of Sisterlocks have added a touch of sophistication to my overall look. The uniformity of the locks, combined with their slender and defined appearance, created a head-turning style.
My Sisterlocks have become more than just a hairstyle; they became a statement of individuality and beauty, empowering me to embrace my natural hair with pride.
4. A Break from Constant Manipulation
Transitioning to Sisterlocks provided a welcome break from the daily manipulation and maintenance that came with my natural hair. No longer did I have to deal with the challenges of detangling, combing, or styling my hair regularly. Sisterlocks have allowed me to embrace a low-maintenance approach, promoting healthier hair by reducing stress on the strands.
5. Growth Experiment
Curiosity about the growth potential of my hair motivated me to choose Sisterlocks. Unlike other hairstyles, Sisterlocks allowed me to leave my hair alone. The only time I manipulate my hair is during reties and a few other times when styling.
Tracking the length and speed of my hair growth became a fascinating aspect of the experience, inspiring patience and a deeper appreciation for the natural locking process.
Disadvantages of Sisterlocks
In all honesty, it has not been all rosy. Having Sisterlocks has come with a fair share of challenges, but I have learnt to embrace the journey with all its ups and downs.
1. Long Installation and Retie Hours
While the decision to get Sisterlocks was fueled by excitement, the installation process proved to be a test of patience.
My installation took 18 hours! It was a one-day installation, and I remember waking up at 3 am to be able to make my 4 am appointment. Having several breaks during the installation really helped.
2. Extreme Shrinkage
My shrinkage was wild; people kept asking whether I cut my hair! In the first year, the locks appeared significantly shorter than anticipated, challenging my initial expectations.
Understanding that this was a natural part of the locking process became crucial, as patience and trust in the journey were essential to overcoming the hurdle of extreme shrinkage.
3. Long Locking Time
Sisterlocks, by their nature, take time to fully form and mature. The intricate pattern of interlocking requires patience as the locks evolve from the initial installation to a more defined and established state.
Embracing the gradual transformation became a mindset shift, appreciating that the beauty of Sisterlocks unfolds over time. Here is an article on Loc Stages, what to expect as you plan your loc journey.
4. Itchy Scalp
During the first month, I had a very itchy scalp. This discomfort, likely attributed to the tightness of the newly formed locks, required a period of adjustment.
I used Rosewater or plain water to calm the itch, and in extreme cases, I would jump into the shower and have a good wash and massage. My scalp eventually adjusted.
5. Dry Locs
Navigating the conflicting advice on moisturizing, whether to moisturize during the early stages of locking or not, was a real challenge for me.
Some stylists advocate for regular moisturizing, while others suggested allowing the locks to form without interference. Finding the right balance to combat dryness and maintain the health of the locks became a trial-and-error process.
I eventually found the right balance. I had to go against the advice of my loctician of minimal moisture to allow faster locking. I personally was not going for faster locking but focused on healthy locs.
6. Hair Looking Untidy Between Reties
The 6-week waiting period for a retie introduced occasional challenges in maintaining a polished appearance. As the hair naturally grew and the locks loosened, the hairstyle could appear untidy.
Balancing the desire for a consistently neat look with the patience required for the retie cycle became a lesson in embracing the ebb and flow of the Sisterlocks journey.
7. Lint Issues
If anyone with locs tells you they have never experienced lint and specs, they are probably lying to you.
Despite efforts to protect my locks, maintaining a hair bonnet throughout the night proved challenging.
To this day, I struggle with this to the extent I am contemplating coloring my locs to mask the lint. I started experimenting with Hibiscus which has given my hair a purple-reddish tint. I will keep trying it and see whether I will achieve a color change 😊 more on that in upcoming posts.
Sisterlocks Regrets
Do I have any regrets with my Sisterlocks? Just one.
The only regret I have is that I must wait 4 – 6 weeks to retie my hair and it tends to look quite untidy quickly.
Because I embraced my journey, I did not go out comparing my locs with other people’s locs; I knew what to expect and thus for me, I loved the whole journey.
Many people regret going for tiny locs which end up breaking easily; I went for a medium size and therefore did not experience any breakage. My locs are healthy, and that is all that matters.
Will I ever go back to natural 4C hair?
At this point, I cannot tell; all I know is that I am enjoying this whole journey. I cannot trade anything for the freedom and flexibility I get from my Sisterlocs.
Lastly,
As I celebrate my 2-year Sisterlocks journey (slightly over 2 years – 800 days to be precise) the decision to transition has brought about newfound confidence, freedom, and a deeper understanding of my hair.
I am looking forward to many more years of joy with my locs.
If you are unsure about which to pick between Sisterlocks and Microlocs, this article will help you understand the difference between the two.
I hope you found this article helpful; let us know if you have Sisterlocks already, if not, what is holding you back?
Here is a video I posted on IG showing my Sisterlocks journey from day 1 to 2 years later.
