Year 1 sisterlocks

Hindsight is 20/20 and I made many mistakes with my sisterlocks early on (and blogged most of them). Here is a list of advice based on the Top 5 loc mistakes we make in the early years:

1. I didn't push for more information and explanation.

Because I was not afraid to test the waters, I soon discovered all consultants aren't created equal and overtime learned how much I either did not know about my hair or was completely wrong about! This maybe a by product of the Sisterlock business model, but there wasn't enough transparency about sisterlocks.   The Sisterlocks.com website was (and kind of remains) a bit archaic and insufficient. Sisterlock and microlock bloggers were inconsistent and often went inactive.

An acquaintance of mine paid a fist to go through the consultant training, and that is what it took for her to fully understand her sisterlocks. She had no intention of becoming a stylist but she wanted full ownership of her locs and she was tired of feeling handicapped
by her consultant. I can't tell how many times consultants made side comments about my locs that they did not even attempt to clarify. All the cloak and dagger secrecy forces you to make assumptions.

Top 5 Newbie Sisterlocks Mistakes

Hindsight is 20/20 and I made many mistakes with my sisterlocks early on (and blogged most of them). Here is a list of advice based on the Top 5 loc mistakes we make in the early years:

1. I didn't push for more information and explanation.

Because I was not afraid to test the waters, I soon discovered all consultants aren't created equal and overtime learned how much I either did not know about my hair or was completely wrong about! This maybe a by product of the Sisterlock business model, but there wasn't enough transparency about sisterlocks.   The Sisterlocks.com website was (and kind of remains) a bit archaic and insufficient. Sisterlock and microlock bloggers were inconsistent and often went inactive.

An acquaintance of mine paid a fist to go through the consultant training, and that is what it took for her to fully understand her sisterlocks. She had no intention of becoming a stylist but she wanted full ownership of her locs and she was tired of feeling handicapped
by her consultant. I can't tell how many times consultants made side comments about my locs that they did not even attempt to clarify. All the cloak and dagger secrecy forces you to make assumptions.

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Sisterlocks Year 1!


Throw Back Thursday
Sisterlocks Year 1!


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7 months siterlocked, great time in my hair journey!

Throw Back Hair
7 months siterlocked, great time in my hair journey!
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5 months Sisterlocked

Throw Back Hair
5 months Sisterlocked

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I installed my sisterlocks in June of 2010, 4 months after giving birth to my daughter. There were some ups and downs, including post pregnancy hair loss and having a consultant that did not help me through the journey as much as I would have liked. I had crazy slippage and as well as more loc loss than usual. My consultant combined where I wish she would have just waited and created new locs. But I must say I have never regretted sisterlocks. Yes I want to make some changes here and there and I even considered a new set but, sisterlocks are just so wonderful and perfect for me.

Early in the morning with fresh "bed head":
Later that day with the sides pinned:

Throw Back Hair: Sisterlocks at 1 Month
I installed my sisterlocks in June of 2010, 4 months after giving birth to my daughter. There were some ups and downs, including post pregnancy hair loss and having a consultant that did not help me through the journey as much as I would have liked. I had crazy slippage and as well as more loc loss than usual. My consultant combined where I wish she would have just waited and created new locs. But I must say I have never regretted sisterlocks. Yes I want to make some changes here and there and I even considered a new set but, sisterlocks are just so wonderful and perfect for me.

Early in the morning with fresh "bed head":
Later that day with the sides pinned:

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Sisterlocks Day 1


 Sisterlocks Year 1


Sisterlocks January 1, 2012

June 2012 will be my hair's 2nd anniversary.

Then, Over Time and Now
Sisterlocks Day 1


 Sisterlocks Year 1


Sisterlocks January 1, 2012

June 2012 will be my hair's 2nd anniversary.
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(April 2020 Update: This video is a novice mess! RETIGHTENING YOUR LOCS AT HOME https://www.sisterlocked.com/2020/04/retightening-your-microlocs-at-home.html)




I've decided to try my hand at re-tightening my own sisterlocks for the first time. I want to warn you that I have not taken the official course which is pricey (~$250). Now that I am starting my own business while pursuing my Master's and pregnant with our 2nd child, I don't have as much discretionary income. So paying someone $100-150 every 4-8 weeks is just not financially feasible for my household.  After much discussion with more seasoned sisterlockers and much research, I've decided to take the self-care plunge. This comes at a perfect time since my hair seems to need TLC every 3-4 weeks these days.

The first step is making a homemade sisterlock tool instead of purchasing the traditional sisterlock tool or the nappyloc tool (which comes highly recommended and is pictured below):

I want to warn against the heat, I ruined two needles with the fire step. The third came out perfectly fine without the heat.

My current loctician explained that I am a pattern 3 and after some research I want to continue with a 3, which yields a looser, fuller and fluffier looking lock. These videos were a great help to me:

A post from a professional helped me to visualize sisterlock pattern three aka 9, 6, 9, 12 (as in the face of a clock).



Dreadlock Journey advises to:
Always enter the loc at the scalp. As you pull your loc through, always push loop down towards the loc to eliminate gaps in your lock. Repeat until you are at the scalp and cannot complete another rotation. Your retightening should resemble a fishtail and feel like a tight cord.
Thus far I have re-tightened 5 locks successfully but wanted to share this post in the interim!

  • Saturday, June 18, 2011

Re-tightening My Own Sisterlocks
(April 2020 Update: This video is a novice mess! RETIGHTENING YOUR LOCS AT HOME https://www.sisterlocked.com/2020/04/retightening-your-microlocs-at-home.html)




I've decided to try my hand at re-tightening my own sisterlocks for the first time. I want to warn you that I have not taken the official course which is pricey (~$250). Now that I am starting my own business while pursuing my Master's and pregnant with our 2nd child, I don't have as much discretionary income. So paying someone $100-150 every 4-8 weeks is just not financially feasible for my household.  After much discussion with more seasoned sisterlockers and much research, I've decided to take the self-care plunge. This comes at a perfect time since my hair seems to need TLC every 3-4 weeks these days.

The first step is making a homemade sisterlock tool instead of purchasing the traditional sisterlock tool or the nappyloc tool (which comes highly recommended and is pictured below):

I want to warn against the heat, I ruined two needles with the fire step. The third came out perfectly fine without the heat.

My current loctician explained that I am a pattern 3 and after some research I want to continue with a 3, which yields a looser, fuller and fluffier looking lock. These videos were a great help to me:

A post from a professional helped me to visualize sisterlock pattern three aka 9, 6, 9, 12 (as in the face of a clock).



Dreadlock Journey advises to:
Always enter the loc at the scalp. As you pull your loc through, always push loop down towards the loc to eliminate gaps in your lock. Repeat until you are at the scalp and cannot complete another rotation. Your retightening should resemble a fishtail and feel like a tight cord.
Thus far I have re-tightened 5 locks successfully but wanted to share this post in the interim!

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June marks one year with this super awesome natural hair style. To celebrate both the anniversary of my sisterlocks and of this website, I plan on hosting a giveaway or two of awesome natural products for sisterlocked and loose kinky and/or curly hair.

1 Year Natural, Carefree and Sisterlocked
June marks one year with this super awesome natural hair style. To celebrate both the anniversary of my sisterlocks and of this website, I plan on hosting a giveaway or two of awesome natural products for sisterlocked and loose kinky and/or curly hair.

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I am 25 weeks pregnant with a 15-month-old daughter, 11-month-old sisterlocks, 3-year-old natural hair (though I've been natural off and on for 8 years), and a 26-year-old sense of fashion.

My hair is not perfect but doing great, mostly because I have a laid back approach to my hair:
  • Either a product works for my hair or it does not
  • Either a product is natural or I don't use it
  • I'm waiting for my locks to mature before I go crazy styling
  • I love my hair as is and I will not try to make it something it is not or like someone else's
My pregnancy is going well and I am trying to maintain focus in the midst of chaos:
  • I will not force a move we are not financially or psychologically prepared for
  • I will try not take out my bad moods on my husband but vent them through prayer and meditation
  • I will not allow worry to dictate my actions nor will I allow negativity to penetrate my thoughts and emotions
  • I will appreciate and acknowledge my husbands kindness and efforts to please and encourage me
  • I will manage being a mother to two youngsters while being a fabulous me well!
The temptation to give up on maintaining the most put together you while pregnant is strong. But I have opted to:
  • Be a reasonable budget fashionista.
  • Be reflect my inner beauty outwardly
  • To find interesting spins on "maternity wear"
  • To take extra care of my skin and hair
I want to be the wife, mother, worker, and spiritual being that my husband and children can take pride in and inspiration from.

25 Weeks Fashionably Pregnant and Naturally Healthy

I am 25 weeks pregnant with a 15-month-old daughter, 11-month-old sisterlocks, 3-year-old natural hair (though I've been natural off and on for 8 years), and a 26-year-old sense of fashion.

My hair is not perfect but doing great, mostly because I have a laid back approach to my hair:
  • Either a product works for my hair or it does not
  • Either a product is natural or I don't use it
  • I'm waiting for my locks to mature before I go crazy styling
  • I love my hair as is and I will not try to make it something it is not or like someone else's
My pregnancy is going well and I am trying to maintain focus in the midst of chaos:
  • I will not force a move we are not financially or psychologically prepared for
  • I will try not take out my bad moods on my husband but vent them through prayer and meditation
  • I will not allow worry to dictate my actions nor will I allow negativity to penetrate my thoughts and emotions
  • I will appreciate and acknowledge my husbands kindness and efforts to please and encourage me
  • I will manage being a mother to two youngsters while being a fabulous me well!
The temptation to give up on maintaining the most put together you while pregnant is strong. But I have opted to:
  • Be a reasonable budget fashionista.
  • Be reflect my inner beauty outwardly
  • To find interesting spins on "maternity wear"
  • To take extra care of my skin and hair
I want to be the wife, mother, worker, and spiritual being that my husband and children can take pride in and inspiration from.
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I recently gave my sisterlocks a nice wash with Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea: Chamomile & Argan Oil. It is part of their Baby care collection and is a Head-To-Toe wash and shampoo. It's a moisturizing, softening and rejuvenating product. I can't add creamy conditioners to my natural locks so I have to find cleansers that don't leave my hair, scalp and skin thirsty for moisture and natural sheen.

My WHOLE family uses this product. I add this to my 15-month old's bath water, my husband uses it as a cleanser for his hair, and I add it to my wash cloth during my shower as a light moisturizing wash.

I've been testing out different natural cleansers for my and my daughter's hair/body and this one is definitely a keeper.

Disclaimer: Purchased with my own pennies at the World Natural Hair Show. Shea Moisture, though I am now a big fan, did not pay or influence my opinion in any other way but by creating a exceptional product.

Shampooing Natural Hair

I recently gave my sisterlocks a nice wash with Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea: Chamomile & Argan Oil. It is part of their Baby care collection and is a Head-To-Toe wash and shampoo. It's a moisturizing, softening and rejuvenating product. I can't add creamy conditioners to my natural locks so I have to find cleansers that don't leave my hair, scalp and skin thirsty for moisture and natural sheen.

My WHOLE family uses this product. I add this to my 15-month old's bath water, my husband uses it as a cleanser for his hair, and I add it to my wash cloth during my shower as a light moisturizing wash.

I've been testing out different natural cleansers for my and my daughter's hair/body and this one is definitely a keeper.

Disclaimer: Purchased with my own pennies at the World Natural Hair Show. Shea Moisture, though I am now a big fan, did not pay or influence my opinion in any other way but by creating a exceptional product.
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Thank goodness, I finally re-tightened my 10-month old sisterlocks this week! Simply stating that I was way past due for a re-tightening is an understatement.

My consultant was disturbed by the status of my locs when she did her initial inspection. My last visit was in the beginning of February and at that point only the front end was re-tightened due to time constraints! 

I received a hardcore warning that if I continued on this path that I would loose my locks! Sisterlocks need to maintained on a regular basis (4-6 weeks) and when they are not, breakage occurs. I tried on many occasions to get a follow-up appointment but my 9-6 Monday-Friday schedule is not consultant friendly. It was literally not until I quit my job (for unrelated reasons) that I was able to have my sisterlocks re-tightened. I need to learn how to re-tighten my sisterlocks myself ASAP!

I loved the way my locks look two weeks after a re-tightening when there is not as much scalp showing. I lost quite a few locks in the front because they were hanging on my just a few strands but I was able to start a few newbies.
I am excited about my progression from this point. I have learned from the mistakes of the past couple of weeks and I plan on trying more things with my natural hair and being more outgoing with styling and possibly coloring.

10 Month Sisterlock Re-tightening, FINALLY!
Thank goodness, I finally re-tightened my 10-month old sisterlocks this week! Simply stating that I was way past due for a re-tightening is an understatement.

My consultant was disturbed by the status of my locs when she did her initial inspection. My last visit was in the beginning of February and at that point only the front end was re-tightened due to time constraints! 

I received a hardcore warning that if I continued on this path that I would loose my locks! Sisterlocks need to maintained on a regular basis (4-6 weeks) and when they are not, breakage occurs. I tried on many occasions to get a follow-up appointment but my 9-6 Monday-Friday schedule is not consultant friendly. It was literally not until I quit my job (for unrelated reasons) that I was able to have my sisterlocks re-tightened. I need to learn how to re-tighten my sisterlocks myself ASAP!

I loved the way my locks look two weeks after a re-tightening when there is not as much scalp showing. I lost quite a few locks in the front because they were hanging on my just a few strands but I was able to start a few newbies.
I am excited about my progression from this point. I have learned from the mistakes of the past couple of weeks and I plan on trying more things with my natural hair and being more outgoing with styling and possibly coloring.
Read more
Because of hormones, women's hair tend to become very thick and even healthier during pregnancy. Right now, due to a mixture of being pregnant and being over due for a re-tightening, my locks are very thick! But I have to be careful because post-pregnancy hair usually thins out a great deal.

Thicker Pregnancy Sisterlocks
Because of hormones, women's hair tend to become very thick and even healthier during pregnancy. Right now, due to a mixture of being pregnant and being over due for a re-tightening, my locks are very thick! But I have to be careful because post-pregnancy hair usually thins out a great deal.

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My last Sisterlock re-tightening was in the beginning of February! I am more than a month overdue for an appointment with my consultant and to top it off, during my last my consultant only had time to do the front so the back of my head has missed two re-tightenings. This is a huge sisterlock no no. It could cause lock atrophy and thinning as my locks grow. I also was informed of the only 2011 official re-tightening class in South Florida a week too late.

Long Overdue
My last Sisterlock re-tightening was in the beginning of February! I am more than a month overdue for an appointment with my consultant and to top it off, during my last my consultant only had time to do the front so the back of my head has missed two re-tightenings. This is a huge sisterlock no no. It could cause lock atrophy and thinning as my locks grow. I also was informed of the only 2011 official re-tightening class in South Florida a week too late.

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In dire need for a re-ti!

SL Update: 9 Months
 
In dire need for a re-ti!
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My hair is healthy low maintenance and make me feel happy and confident. Could I ask for More?










Hair Update: Almost 8 Months and Loving It
My hair is healthy low maintenance and make me feel happy and confident. Could I ask for More?










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I had a half of a re-tightening yesterday. I have an important business meeting next week and needed VERY WELL GROOMED locks so I had to alter my appointment and my new consultant did maintenance to the front half of my head. It was some long over due pampering. I will go in to do the back half next week.

I am still recovering from the damages at my edges that my previous consultant caused but my hair is much thicker. My hair is much better off since I have been doing less to it. I am considering curling them for the first time very soon.

Look how far we've come!

Hair Update: Almost 8 Months
I had a half of a re-tightening yesterday. I have an important business meeting next week and needed VERY WELL GROOMED locks so I had to alter my appointment and my new consultant did maintenance to the front half of my head. It was some long over due pampering. I will go in to do the back half next week.

I am still recovering from the damages at my edges that my previous consultant caused but my hair is much thicker. My hair is much better off since I have been doing less to it. I am considering curling them for the first time very soon.

Look how far we've come!
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My Tuesday Office do!

Working Girl Hair
My Tuesday Office do!
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My New Year's Baking Soda Wash went so very well. My hair looked Incredible this entire holiday weekend. I do need to work on protecting my ends though and that is definetely a New Hair's Resolution for 2011.  I recently did a ACV Wash so I skipped it this go round but expect I will do it again in a couple of weeks.

I've needed to do ACV rinses because I could not leave conditioning behind and at this baby stage of my sisterlocks heavy conditioners are actually the LAST thing my hair needs.  But later I will be giving my sister's fro a deep conditioner then we will be sealing in the conditioner with natural oils.

Here is the Baking Soda cleanser and ACV Rinse recipie for those unfamiliar with it:

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

Directions:
Combine the water and ACV into a bowl or cup. Slowly pour over hair, scrubbing scalp and hair to remove buildup. To smooth the cuticles and restore PH balance, you can also use this rinse as your final step after washing, conditioning and detangling.

A good ACV rinse can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen.


Baking Soda Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
½ cup baking soda

Directions:
Allow to dissolve, and apply to scalp and hair. Massage. Can be used after regular shampooing or in place of it. The consistency shouldn't be gritty, it should be smooth and easy to apply.

Source

SL Update: 7 Month Baking Soda Wash
My New Year's Baking Soda Wash went so very well. My hair looked Incredible this entire holiday weekend. I do need to work on protecting my ends though and that is definetely a New Hair's Resolution for 2011.  I recently did a ACV Wash so I skipped it this go round but expect I will do it again in a couple of weeks.

I've needed to do ACV rinses because I could not leave conditioning behind and at this baby stage of my sisterlocks heavy conditioners are actually the LAST thing my hair needs.  But later I will be giving my sister's fro a deep conditioner then we will be sealing in the conditioner with natural oils.

Here is the Baking Soda cleanser and ACV Rinse recipie for those unfamiliar with it:

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

Directions:
Combine the water and ACV into a bowl or cup. Slowly pour over hair, scrubbing scalp and hair to remove buildup. To smooth the cuticles and restore PH balance, you can also use this rinse as your final step after washing, conditioning and detangling.

A good ACV rinse can remove product buildup, restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair, promote blood circulation in the scalp--which can stimulate new hair growth--and give the hair a soft, healthy sheen.


Baking Soda Rinse
Ingredients:
2 cups warm water
½ cup baking soda

Directions:
Allow to dissolve, and apply to scalp and hair. Massage. Can be used after regular shampooing or in place of it. The consistency shouldn't be gritty, it should be smooth and easy to apply.

Source
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Make a big bang with almost no manipulation of your kinky tresses with hair accessories. I recently bought two high impact hair accessories from Aldo shoe store for $10. One has mundo flare and I will be revealing later on this season, possibly on New Years and the other is a pearl and faux diamond embossed gem. At times as little as two minutes yields a cute all day hairdo!

Low Effort Holiday Hair
Make a big bang with almost no manipulation of your kinky tresses with hair accessories. I recently bought two high impact hair accessories from Aldo shoe store for $10. One has mundo flare and I will be revealing later on this season, possibly on New Years and the other is a pearl and faux diamond embossed gem. At times as little as two minutes yields a cute all day hairdo!
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I love products but I have keep my recommendations for those with loose hair or more mature locks. Thank goodness my baby sister is repping the loose hair and my best-friend the more settled locks! I was devastated by some recent news of my past consultant's techniques so bare with me as I more forward, grow and learn!

  • Wednesday, December 15, 2010

6 Months
I love products but I have keep my recommendations for those with loose hair or more mature locks. Thank goodness my baby sister is repping the loose hair and my best-friend the more settled locks! I was devastated by some recent news of my past consultant's techniques so bare with me as I more forward, grow and learn!

Read more

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