retightening
I've had my sisterlocks 10 years this March and it was during a tough season where I was between locticians and money was tight because of a failed startup, that I had to either lose my locs or figure out how to retighten them. This was 9 years ago. There were not as many great DIY content videos and very few consistent sister- and mico-loc bloggers, but I was able to figure it out and saved my locs. I eventually found a new loctician and restarted my career but I still would retighten my locs from time to time.




I had a 6 week retighten appointment booked for the weekend after the shelter in place mandate was issued by the California governor because of COVID-19. So I found myself leaning on my DIY skills to save my locs again. Full disclosure, I didn't get to even start retightening until 2 weeks later, so my locs were dramatically overdue and I ended up merging at least once to save some of my really thin locs in the front, but I don't feel the stress and hopelessness I see being voiced in Sisterlocked's group by newbies who don't yet know how to self-maintain their locs.

Here are some basics on self retightening and some great how-to videos to start your journey.

Full disclosure: I have never taken a Sisterlock training course and I am not a licensed cosmetologist. If you can, discuss with your loctician and proceed at your own risk. This is just knowledge accumulated via trial and error and conversations with professionals.

Tools



I have purchased, created and misplaced so many locs tools it is laughable. Though my favorite go-to tool has remained blunt Steel Yarn Knitting Needles ($2) or the Nappy Loc Tool ($24) there are so many to choose from nowadays. These knitting needles were the only thing I could find a decade ago before you all these awesome loc tools on amazon for less than $15, see a list of some options I found online:

Other supplies

  • Spray bottle - to moisten locs you are working on and prevent breakage. I love this continuous water mister, it's a little fancier than usual and I keep distilled water in it. The silver bottle pictured above has my special moisture mix.
  • Hair Clips - to isolate locs and prevent the accidental merging of locs. I got lazy and didn't use it recently and accidentally merged two locs.

To start

  1. Deep clean locs, I usually use a clarifying shampoo right before retightening so I don't lock in more dirt and oil into my locs by retightening on dirty hair
  2. Towel dry excess moisture 
  3. Section hair into four or more sections, leaving the first section you plan to work on out
  4. Use hair clips to section off the first loc(s) you want to work on and begin
To retighten locs

Let's start with this video of interlocking traditional locs, which is very similar to how I retighten my sisterlocks. 




Always visualize the loc pattern as the face of a clock, so for sisterlock pattern three you enter at 9 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock again, and 12 o'clock. I don't pay attention to patterns anymore and I don't even remember what mine was or if I was ever told (my first consultant was no about empowering or educating). So I just focus on rotations. A rotation would be entering from the left side, down, the right side, and up. Similar to the video above and repeating until retighten to the scalp.

Remember 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.

What not to do!

Learn from my novice DIY mistakes in this video below. I did not isolate my locs and almost merged them (more than once). I was retightening on dry locs, which encourages breakage. My eyebrows were too thin and I was not taking my time. (LOL)



What you should be doing...


  • Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Retightening Your Locs At Home
I've had my sisterlocks 10 years this March and it was during a tough season where I was between locticians and money was tight because of a failed startup, that I had to either lose my locs or figure out how to retighten them. This was 9 years ago. There were not as many great DIY content videos and very few consistent sister- and mico-loc bloggers, but I was able to figure it out and saved my locs. I eventually found a new loctician and restarted my career but I still would retighten my locs from time to time.




I had a 6 week retighten appointment booked for the weekend after the shelter in place mandate was issued by the California governor because of COVID-19. So I found myself leaning on my DIY skills to save my locs again. Full disclosure, I didn't get to even start retightening until 2 weeks later, so my locs were dramatically overdue and I ended up merging at least once to save some of my really thin locs in the front, but I don't feel the stress and hopelessness I see being voiced in Sisterlocked's group by newbies who don't yet know how to self-maintain their locs.

Here are some basics on self retightening and some great how-to videos to start your journey.

Full disclosure: I have never taken a Sisterlock training course and I am not a licensed cosmetologist. If you can, discuss with your loctician and proceed at your own risk. This is just knowledge accumulated via trial and error and conversations with professionals.

Tools



I have purchased, created and misplaced so many locs tools it is laughable. Though my favorite go-to tool has remained blunt Steel Yarn Knitting Needles ($2) or the Nappy Loc Tool ($24) there are so many to choose from nowadays. These knitting needles were the only thing I could find a decade ago before you all these awesome loc tools on amazon for less than $15, see a list of some options I found online:

Other supplies

  • Spray bottle - to moisten locs you are working on and prevent breakage. I love this continuous water mister, it's a little fancier than usual and I keep distilled water in it. The silver bottle pictured above has my special moisture mix.
  • Hair Clips - to isolate locs and prevent the accidental merging of locs. I got lazy and didn't use it recently and accidentally merged two locs.

To start

  1. Deep clean locs, I usually use a clarifying shampoo right before retightening so I don't lock in more dirt and oil into my locs by retightening on dirty hair
  2. Towel dry excess moisture 
  3. Section hair into four or more sections, leaving the first section you plan to work on out
  4. Use hair clips to section off the first loc(s) you want to work on and begin
To retighten locs

Let's start with this video of interlocking traditional locs, which is very similar to how I retighten my sisterlocks. 




Always visualize the loc pattern as the face of a clock, so for sisterlock pattern three you enter at 9 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock again, and 12 o'clock. I don't pay attention to patterns anymore and I don't even remember what mine was or if I was ever told (my first consultant was no about empowering or educating). So I just focus on rotations. A rotation would be entering from the left side, down, the right side, and up. Similar to the video above and repeating until retighten to the scalp.

Remember 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.

What not to do!

Learn from my novice DIY mistakes in this video below. I did not isolate my locs and almost merged them (more than once). I was retightening on dry locs, which encourages breakage. My eyebrows were too thin and I was not taking my time. (LOL)



What you should be doing...


Read more




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

Thanks for watching!

Video: Retightening with a Tapestry Needle




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

Thanks for watching!

Read more
Happy Hump Day!


I am finally getting around to re-tightening my locs. I have yet to even try to find a new stylist in Southern California (nor did I even try to go to that big Sisterlocks gathering).

For some reason I am only inspired to re-ti during awkward moments (like the middle of Women's bible study), at least more than half of my locs are redone!

Still using the nappyloc tool and those fabric store needles since they really get the job done for $1!


I have skin care updates and product recommendations pending so look out for those in days to come!

Hump Day!
Happy Hump Day!


I am finally getting around to re-tightening my locs. I have yet to even try to find a new stylist in Southern California (nor did I even try to go to that big Sisterlocks gathering).

For some reason I am only inspired to re-ti during awkward moments (like the middle of Women's bible study), at least more than half of my locs are redone!

Still using the nappyloc tool and those fabric store needles since they really get the job done for $1!


I have skin care updates and product recommendations pending so look out for those in days to come!

Read more



The Nappyloc tool is $25 and takes a million years (or two weeks to arrive). The sisterlock tool essentially costs a few hundred dollars because you have to take their training classes in order to purchase. A while back I posted how to make your own  tool from an altered yarn needle. But since my hair is long enough, I no longer have to alter and can use  the yarn needle whole. I find the needles actually caused my hair less tension and breakage than the often bulkier tools. At about $2 each they are totally worth trying.


  • Thursday, June 06, 2013

Cost Effective Interlocking Tool



The Nappyloc tool is $25 and takes a million years (or two weeks to arrive). The sisterlock tool essentially costs a few hundred dollars because you have to take their training classes in order to purchase. A while back I posted how to make your own  tool from an altered yarn needle. But since my hair is long enough, I no longer have to alter and can use  the yarn needle whole. I find the needles actually caused my hair less tension and breakage than the often bulkier tools. At about $2 each they are totally worth trying.


Read more
A fresh re-tightening made all the difference! Because I was an hour late, my consultant (Mofe) did the front and back. I will go back this weekend to complete the middle.



I forget how a great stylist can make your locks seem so immaculate and perfect.


Check out my baby locs!

Fresh Re-Ti
A fresh re-tightening made all the difference! Because I was an hour late, my consultant (Mofe) did the front and back. I will go back this weekend to complete the middle.



I forget how a great stylist can make your locks seem so immaculate and perfect.


Check out my baby locs!

Read more
New Growth

1st 3-Pattern Rotation
Read More

A Retightened Lock in 3 Pictures
New Growth

1st 3-Pattern Rotation
Read More

Read more
Correct me if I'm wrong, it is a great way to learn.

In my previous post, "Everything She Dislikes, I Love About My Hair", I may have unintentionally been discouraging about 4 Pattern Sisterlocks. One reader, who has very lovely long mature 4 pattern locs, has a fullness that I can only dream of at that length. So 3 pattern Sisterlocks are not the only path to a desired look nor will it yield the same results for everyone. Those test Sisterlocks are so important because our various hair textures will react differently to each pattern. That consultant I tested out felt differently and meant well but I don't want an air tight Loc nor do I desire a heavy handy method to achieve said Loc.

Also, I still need to take the sisterlock class. I will take the full consultant class and install my sister's locks. Don't get me wrong, the plan is still to have others do my hair from time to time but I'm a mother of 2, with a demanding career and a hot husband. So my time is more than just money. I need more flexibility and freedom than most. So for now I'm using the (DIY cliche) YouTube and blog taught method until October.

Sisterlock Patterns Comment Corrections
Correct me if I'm wrong, it is a great way to learn.

In my previous post, "Everything She Dislikes, I Love About My Hair", I may have unintentionally been discouraging about 4 Pattern Sisterlocks. One reader, who has very lovely long mature 4 pattern locs, has a fullness that I can only dream of at that length. So 3 pattern Sisterlocks are not the only path to a desired look nor will it yield the same results for everyone. Those test Sisterlocks are so important because our various hair textures will react differently to each pattern. That consultant I tested out felt differently and meant well but I don't want an air tight Loc nor do I desire a heavy handy method to achieve said Loc.

Also, I still need to take the sisterlock class. I will take the full consultant class and install my sister's locks. Don't get me wrong, the plan is still to have others do my hair from time to time but I'm a mother of 2, with a demanding career and a hot husband. So my time is more than just money. I need more flexibility and freedom than most. So for now I'm using the (DIY cliche) YouTube and blog taught method until October.

Read more

Because of recent schedule conflict issues and out of an act of desperation, I tried a new consultant. She was very forth coming and meant well but most of the "issues" she had with my hair, I've always felt were strengths:

The locks in the front are too small. It takes a GREAT DEAL of TLC to re-ti my front locks. And post-pregnancy hormones and heavy handed consultants have not helped. But this woman had a mouthful to say about my front mico-locks (some are like 1/16th of an inch) and it was mostly negative. She was so flustered by them. But small locks = fullness. Which I need at the top.

Your hair is too frizzy. Let me scream it from roof tops... I LOVE MY BIG POOFY 3 PATTERN SISTERLOCKS! Love them  and though I can appreciate that 4 Pattern on others, I would hate them on myself. 3 Pattern is for fine hair and gives more volume.

The more scalp the better. Maybe some like that scalpy look after a fresh retightening but I prefer my hair a few weeks after, when it is full.

She meant well and I am sure she is a 4 pattern master, but she had issues starting locs for my shorter new growth areas, ones I was able to create myself and others have been done for me at similar lengths. She did show me the sisterlock tool for the first time and I've been locked 2 years. She was very forth coming with guidance and information and more personable than most consultants. She had tons of compliments on the general beauty and softness of my hair (thanks Kiss My Face shampoo and conditioner). But she has a heavy touch and my hair is so tight that I will have hair that pops after every visit with her if I stay. And it took her 4 hours to do a fourth of my hair when Mofe at Nubian Knots does my whole head in 2.5 hours. She will not be a good fit for me.

I do have some crazy nasty bunching and some locks that hang on to a few strands at times because of post-pregnancy hormones and a toddler who has attempted to pull out locks on more than one occasion. My grid is all kind of hellacious but I LOVE MY HAIR!

I will finish my hair with my trusty home-made tool since my nappyloc went down the drain and will be making an August appointment with Mofe.

Sources
MyDreadLockJourney, Kreyola, NaturallyUniqueSisterlocks, RetighteningMyOwnSisterlocks

Everything She Dislikes, I love About my Hair

Because of recent schedule conflict issues and out of an act of desperation, I tried a new consultant. She was very forth coming and meant well but most of the "issues" she had with my hair, I've always felt were strengths:

The locks in the front are too small. It takes a GREAT DEAL of TLC to re-ti my front locks. And post-pregnancy hormones and heavy handed consultants have not helped. But this woman had a mouthful to say about my front mico-locks (some are like 1/16th of an inch) and it was mostly negative. She was so flustered by them. But small locks = fullness. Which I need at the top.

Your hair is too frizzy. Let me scream it from roof tops... I LOVE MY BIG POOFY 3 PATTERN SISTERLOCKS! Love them  and though I can appreciate that 4 Pattern on others, I would hate them on myself. 3 Pattern is for fine hair and gives more volume.

The more scalp the better. Maybe some like that scalpy look after a fresh retightening but I prefer my hair a few weeks after, when it is full.

She meant well and I am sure she is a 4 pattern master, but she had issues starting locs for my shorter new growth areas, ones I was able to create myself and others have been done for me at similar lengths. She did show me the sisterlock tool for the first time and I've been locked 2 years. She was very forth coming with guidance and information and more personable than most consultants. She had tons of compliments on the general beauty and softness of my hair (thanks Kiss My Face shampoo and conditioner). But she has a heavy touch and my hair is so tight that I will have hair that pops after every visit with her if I stay. And it took her 4 hours to do a fourth of my hair when Mofe at Nubian Knots does my whole head in 2.5 hours. She will not be a good fit for me.

I do have some crazy nasty bunching and some locks that hang on to a few strands at times because of post-pregnancy hormones and a toddler who has attempted to pull out locks on more than one occasion. My grid is all kind of hellacious but I LOVE MY HAIR!

I will finish my hair with my trusty home-made tool since my nappyloc went down the drain and will be making an August appointment with Mofe.

Sources
MyDreadLockJourney, Kreyola, NaturallyUniqueSisterlocks, RetighteningMyOwnSisterlocks
Read more
Because I missed two appointments with my regular consultant, I decided to try some others in my area with just plain disappointing experiences just trying to schedule an appointment. UGH Now I am 6 weeks past due!

My Biggest pet peeves with SOME sisterlock consultants is that they treat you like they are doing you a FAVOR. Not that you are paying them anywhere from $25-75 per hour for a re-tightening. Some don't return phone calls timely if at all, so many only have availability that conflicts with most working hours. More often than not, I am competing with a dozen other corporate chicks for a Saturday spot. And some are just plain unprofessional. I am not overly serious about my hair but some folks just don't take their side or main gigs so seriously.

That is why I am taking the next sisterlock training class. I need the freedom to start new locs in my hair and other's hair when necessary!

Pet Peeves With Sisterlock Consultants
Because I missed two appointments with my regular consultant, I decided to try some others in my area with just plain disappointing experiences just trying to schedule an appointment. UGH Now I am 6 weeks past due!

My Biggest pet peeves with SOME sisterlock consultants is that they treat you like they are doing you a FAVOR. Not that you are paying them anywhere from $25-75 per hour for a re-tightening. Some don't return phone calls timely if at all, so many only have availability that conflicts with most working hours. More often than not, I am competing with a dozen other corporate chicks for a Saturday spot. And some are just plain unprofessional. I am not overly serious about my hair but some folks just don't take their side or main gigs so seriously.

That is why I am taking the next sisterlock training class. I need the freedom to start new locs in my hair and other's hair when necessary!

Read more
I had another re-tightening this weekend at Nubian Knots. The Locs are great and so is my new position. I went into further detail about making my larger "brotherlock" like sisterlocks smaller. It involves branching off the lock at the root and creating a new lock while maintaining the signature sisterlock grid.

21 Months Sisterlocked!

Retightening and Lock Splitting
I had another re-tightening this weekend at Nubian Knots. The Locs are great and so is my new position. I went into further detail about making my larger "brotherlock" like sisterlocks smaller. It involves branching off the lock at the root and creating a new lock while maintaining the signature sisterlock grid.

21 Months Sisterlocked!
Read more


Recently I posted that I was heavily considering cutting off my sisterlocks and starting with a fresh set. I had been maintaining my sisterlocks myself for a few months now because life and family has kept me so busy. After reading everyone's responses and finally getting a re-tightening and advice from a seasoned sisterlock professional, Ive made a decision.

First I want to respond and share some comments and suggestions I've received over the past two weeks:
  • Everyones hair is unique and their sisterlocks will be equally unique. I did not expect my sisterlocks to be exactly like another person's, but I did want a certain size throughout my entire head. The locks in the front are 1/4 the size of those in the back. Sisterlocks are installed in three sizes: small, medium and large, but I did not desire such a dramatic size difference. I've met seasoned sisterlock wearers who had gorgeous sisterlock and brotherlock combos, but I wanted to stay in the small and medium range.
  • Though micro-sisterlocks similar to Kreyola's are very common in the community, they are not without their demands. Some are not willing to maintain them regularly at home and others like myself are more that willing to balance professional re-ti's with at-home care.
  • Throughout any hair journey, you'll have some not so great moments and some second guesses. I think that it is important to remember what you want for your hair and keep true to that reasoning.
  • Part of being a Certified Sisterlock Consultant is agreeing to up hold the standards as dictated by the founders of the technique and network. If your consultant does not uphold these standards and they are registered, you as the consumer have certain rights. If you have issues with your install, address them right away to make sure they are rectified before you have to pay for it.
  • In order to not loose length, I can always comb out my sisterlocks. Depending on the size this could be a monster project and I would loose hair that may have otherwise shed naturally if not for being locked.
  • I was aware of lock merging techniques but I also have the option to also separate the larger locks. Splitting my locks will be laborious to say the least, but instead of paying an additional $500+ for a new set I can just see a consultant a bit more frequently. Then slowly but surely I can get the size locks I desire that will also fit perfectly into my present grid.
  • (Later Update) Give it some time. A few years into my loc journey, I stopped obsessing over the little things and I fell deeply in love with my imperfect locs. 


What To Do When You Are Unhappy With Your Sisterlocks


Recently I posted that I was heavily considering cutting off my sisterlocks and starting with a fresh set. I had been maintaining my sisterlocks myself for a few months now because life and family has kept me so busy. After reading everyone's responses and finally getting a re-tightening and advice from a seasoned sisterlock professional, Ive made a decision.

First I want to respond and share some comments and suggestions I've received over the past two weeks:
  • Everyones hair is unique and their sisterlocks will be equally unique. I did not expect my sisterlocks to be exactly like another person's, but I did want a certain size throughout my entire head. The locks in the front are 1/4 the size of those in the back. Sisterlocks are installed in three sizes: small, medium and large, but I did not desire such a dramatic size difference. I've met seasoned sisterlock wearers who had gorgeous sisterlock and brotherlock combos, but I wanted to stay in the small and medium range.
  • Though micro-sisterlocks similar to Kreyola's are very common in the community, they are not without their demands. Some are not willing to maintain them regularly at home and others like myself are more that willing to balance professional re-ti's with at-home care.
  • Throughout any hair journey, you'll have some not so great moments and some second guesses. I think that it is important to remember what you want for your hair and keep true to that reasoning.
  • Part of being a Certified Sisterlock Consultant is agreeing to up hold the standards as dictated by the founders of the technique and network. If your consultant does not uphold these standards and they are registered, you as the consumer have certain rights. If you have issues with your install, address them right away to make sure they are rectified before you have to pay for it.
  • In order to not loose length, I can always comb out my sisterlocks. Depending on the size this could be a monster project and I would loose hair that may have otherwise shed naturally if not for being locked.
  • I was aware of lock merging techniques but I also have the option to also separate the larger locks. Splitting my locks will be laborious to say the least, but instead of paying an additional $500+ for a new set I can just see a consultant a bit more frequently. Then slowly but surely I can get the size locks I desire that will also fit perfectly into my present grid.
  • (Later Update) Give it some time. A few years into my loc journey, I stopped obsessing over the little things and I fell deeply in love with my imperfect locs. 


Read more

I have had my fair share of thin locks, mostly from hair loss at the edges after intense re-tighten sessions.  Once the hair starts to grow back and grow longer I am faced with a dilemma similar to Kreyola's... Should I or Shouldn't I cut them off. I have made the decision on a loc by loc basis to cut them off for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes the loc is hanging by a string and thick at the root, again ruining my overall look.  So then I cut them off as soon as it grows long enough.

In instances where the lock breaks off, my new consultant has successfully re-attached them as if nothing has happened at all! But we all face thinning or locs that break if we stay loc'd long enough, including those with traditional locs.

Photo Source
  • Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Cutting or Re-attaching Thin Locs

I have had my fair share of thin locks, mostly from hair loss at the edges after intense re-tighten sessions.  Once the hair starts to grow back and grow longer I am faced with a dilemma similar to Kreyola's... Should I or Shouldn't I cut them off. I have made the decision on a loc by loc basis to cut them off for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes the loc is hanging by a string and thick at the root, again ruining my overall look.  So then I cut them off as soon as it grows long enough.

In instances where the lock breaks off, my new consultant has successfully re-attached them as if nothing has happened at all! But we all face thinning or locs that break if we stay loc'd long enough, including those with traditional locs.

Photo Source
Read more
(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!

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
The woman that started my sisterlocks is a master braider in addition to a sisterlock consultant and has a booming and booked solid for weeks business.  Because of the aforementioned scenario coupled with a canceled early November appointment, I had an emergency visit to another consultant in order to have extremely well groomed hair for a series of business meetings that I had scheduled for early December.  Much to my dismay, I discovered via this new consultant that my much adored SL consultant may have been jacking up my locks. She kindly informed me that:
  1. I should not be loosing as many locks as I have at my edges
  2. That some of my locks at my perimeter were much too small or thinning
  3. That my parts were loosing their patented SL uniformity
  4. That I was using too many products too soon and should have been getting more guidance
  5. That my hair was a combination of pattern 3 and pattern 4
  6. That she could repair my locks if they were to pop or fall out
That she has had other clients from my first consultant that has had all the issues that I am experiencing, including herself. I was mortified to discover my locks were in such poor shape. I did have some fears about my original consultant because she has such a dramatically receding hair line but I thought that maybe she had a pre-sisterlocking condition. This new consultant has such healthy hair and has been doing SL's for over a decade. I am optimistic going forward about my hair! I WILL NOT LOOSE MY HAIR LINE!

My Consultant Has Been Jacking Up My Hair
The woman that started my sisterlocks is a master braider in addition to a sisterlock consultant and has a booming and booked solid for weeks business.  Because of the aforementioned scenario coupled with a canceled early November appointment, I had an emergency visit to another consultant in order to have extremely well groomed hair for a series of business meetings that I had scheduled for early December.  Much to my dismay, I discovered via this new consultant that my much adored SL consultant may have been jacking up my locks. She kindly informed me that:
  1. I should not be loosing as many locks as I have at my edges
  2. That some of my locks at my perimeter were much too small or thinning
  3. That my parts were loosing their patented SL uniformity
  4. That I was using too many products too soon and should have been getting more guidance
  5. That my hair was a combination of pattern 3 and pattern 4
  6. That she could repair my locks if they were to pop or fall out
That she has had other clients from my first consultant that has had all the issues that I am experiencing, including herself. I was mortified to discover my locks were in such poor shape. I did have some fears about my original consultant because she has such a dramatically receding hair line but I thought that maybe she had a pre-sisterlocking condition. This new consultant has such healthy hair and has been doing SL's for over a decade. I am optimistic going forward about my hair! I WILL NOT LOOSE MY HAIR LINE!
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After discussing essential oils on the Facebook page, I realized that there were very good mixtures to prevent lock loss. I have noticed some lock atrophy after every re-tightening and to hedge this excess popping of the shaft due to tension, I've decided to try a treatment.

I like to shampoo before a re-tightening and to avoid shampoos with hard ingredients and preservatives that are starting to be linked with hair loss and even cancer. So I went to Wholefoods and purchased a few supplies:
  • I start with Dr. Bronner's Castile soap with a few drops of peppermint added. Dr. Bronner's liquid soap is an organic fair trade bit of magic. I've cleanses without stripping your hair and skin. 
  • Peppermint oil is an astringent that balances your scalps pH, neutralizes dry scalp and excess oil build up. It also stimulates growth.
  • Afterward I plan on treating my scalp with a spritz of clary sage, jojoba oil, distilled water and bergamot oil.
  • Clary Sage is proven to boost hair growth, soaks excess oil and reverse hair loss problems. It is also used in aromatherapy to soothe anxiety, stress and depression.
  • Bergamot is a potent it is an anti-fungal pH balancing oil that also stimulates growth.
  • Jojoba oil's molecular structure is very similar to natural oils humans produce (sebum) and works with varied hair types. It is also a carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. 
Let's see how it works.

    Sisterlock Pre Re-tightening Treatment
    After discussing essential oils on the Facebook page, I realized that there were very good mixtures to prevent lock loss. I have noticed some lock atrophy after every re-tightening and to hedge this excess popping of the shaft due to tension, I've decided to try a treatment.

    I like to shampoo before a re-tightening and to avoid shampoos with hard ingredients and preservatives that are starting to be linked with hair loss and even cancer. So I went to Wholefoods and purchased a few supplies:
    • I start with Dr. Bronner's Castile soap with a few drops of peppermint added. Dr. Bronner's liquid soap is an organic fair trade bit of magic. I've cleanses without stripping your hair and skin. 
    • Peppermint oil is an astringent that balances your scalps pH, neutralizes dry scalp and excess oil build up. It also stimulates growth.
    • Afterward I plan on treating my scalp with a spritz of clary sage, jojoba oil, distilled water and bergamot oil.
    • Clary Sage is proven to boost hair growth, soaks excess oil and reverse hair loss problems. It is also used in aromatherapy to soothe anxiety, stress and depression.
    • Bergamot is a potent it is an anti-fungal pH balancing oil that also stimulates growth.
    • Jojoba oil's molecular structure is very similar to natural oils humans produce (sebum) and works with varied hair types. It is also a carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. 
    Let's see how it works.
      Read more
      I'm extremely past due for a re-tightening. I was due for one two weeks ago and had to miss my 8-week re-ti for a special event with OnStar. Because my consultant is usually booked solid and the next available appointment is at the end of December. Because I have some crucial conservative business meetings that require a well manicured look, I can not wait until then. So thanks to a South Florida recommendation on the sisterlocks' Facebook group I'm am trying a new consultant. Wish me luck!

      6 Months
      I'm extremely past due for a re-tightening. I was due for one two weeks ago and had to miss my 8-week re-ti for a special event with OnStar. Because my consultant is usually booked solid and the next available appointment is at the end of December. Because I have some crucial conservative business meetings that require a well manicured look, I can not wait until then. So thanks to a South Florida recommendation on the sisterlocks' Facebook group I'm am trying a new consultant. Wish me luck!
      Read more
      Yesterday I had my first retightening at 7 weeks sisterlocked.  My consultant at Mo Betta Braids and Things , Denise did it in a little under two hours.  I must admit that at this stage in my journey I love the way my hair looks a few weeks after I've seen Denise.  I like the fuzziness and the new growth.  I probably will feel differently when they are longer but for now I enjoy the less groomed maintained look.

      From here:


      To here:






      First Retightening
      Yesterday I had my first retightening at 7 weeks sisterlocked.  My consultant at Mo Betta Braids and Things , Denise did it in a little under two hours.  I must admit that at this stage in my journey I love the way my hair looks a few weeks after I've seen Denise.  I like the fuzziness and the new growth.  I probably will feel differently when they are longer but for now I enjoy the less groomed maintained look.

      From here:


      To here:






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