Locks Style: Installation, Maintenance, and Care Guide for Sisterlocks
Sisterlocks, a popular hair care system for Afro-textured hair, is a unique and intricate process. This style, created by Dr. JoAnn Cornwell in 1993, offers a convenient and easy-to-manage natural look. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when getting Sisterlocks installed.
The Installation Process
The installation of Sisterlocks is a detailed, time-intensive process, carried out exclusively by a certified Sisterlocks consultant. The process typically spans between 15 to 36 hours, often split across multiple sessions for client comfort.
Preparation and Sectioning
The consultant begins by washing and conditioning the hair thoroughly to remove any product buildup and ensure the hair is clean and moisturized. The hair is then systematically sectioned into small, uniform parts and arranged into rows. This step is crucial for creating the uniform grid pattern characteristic of Sisterlocks.
Locking/Interlocking
Using a patented Sisterlocks locking tool, the consultant twists and interlocks each small section of hair from root to tip, forming tightly uniform micro-locs. This meticulous process is performed on every section and row.
Tools Required
The installation process requires the use of the patented Sisterlocks locking tool, which is unique to this technique and can only be used by certified consultants. Additionally, hair washing and conditioning products suitable for natural hair, as well as sectioning clips and combs, are necessary.
The Role of a Certified Sisterlocks Consultant
Only certified Sisterlocks consultants are trained and licensed to install Sisterlocks with the patented tool and method. They conduct the entire preparation, sectioning, and locking process with systematic precision, provide guidance on maintenance and care post-installation, and ensure the proper technique is followed to protect hair health and promote uniform, long-lasting locks.
Post-Installation Care
After the initial installation, a person must schedule a retightening session every 4-6 weeks. Between retightening appointments, it's recommended to wash the hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a gentle shampoo.
In summary, Sisterlocks installation is a specialized, multi-step procedure requiring a certified consultant to ensure proper tool use, hair sectioning, and interlocking for the best results. This long-term or permanent hair care system offers African diaspora populations a convenient way to wear natural locs, but it requires a commitment due to the cost, long installation process, and routine retightening appointments.
The use of specific tools, such as the patented Sisterlocks locking tool, is essential for the installation process, which provides a fashion-and-beauty solution for African diaspora individuals seeking a convenient and natural-looking hairstyle. Regular home-and-garden care, including washing and retightening sessions every 4-6 weeks, is necessary to maintain the longevity of the Sisterlocks and protect hair health, making it a lifestyle commitment for those who choose this hair care system.
