Do's and Don'ts for Sisterlocks

I 've been meaning to post this for the longest. Finally had the time.

Now keep in mind these are just my opinions, but I'm sure it will help a few....

This post is mainly for newbies, however I'm sure it can help others as well.

Do's

1) DO make sure you do your research about Sisterlocks first before making the commitment.

2) DO make sure that you interview and see work of a Sisterlocks Trainee (if possible) or Consultant before choosing one.

3) DO make sure the Sisterlocks Trainee or Consultant that you choose has took the training and is listed on the Official Sisterlocks Website.

4) DO Listen to your Sisterlocks Trainee/Consultant.... majority of them know what they are talking about. However if you have some concerns let them know and get a second opinion.

5) DO Braid and Band your locks when shampooing or swimming (always, until locked). I know it can be a tedious task but it will be so worth it in the end.

6) DO use the Sisterlocks Starter shampoo if your scalp/hair can tolerate it, it actually works.
(However I do understand that some things don't work for everybody and some people try to stay away from some of the chemicals that are in common shampoos). I'm really thinking that maybe as a whole we can reach out to the Sisterlocks Company and maybe suggest that they make their products all natural, that way more people would be open to using them, just a thought).

7) DO wear a satin bonnet or a satin "type" covering when around dust or clothes/hats that contain lint. Over years lint can be troublesome to get rid of. Also while sleeping DO sleep on a satin pillow case if you don't use a head covering.

8) DO take the retightening class. Even if you don't plan on ever retightening your locks. It will help you in the long run. Specially on those days when you or your consultant are not able to keep the appointment. Or when you just want to freshen up the front for a special occasion. Besides you never know one day you might enjoy doing your own hair.

One of my favorite pics of my locks

Pipe Cleaner Curls Jan 2010 (4 yrs)

Now for the DON'Ts

1) DON'T use products other than shampoo specially in the beginning months. (However water spritz with Essential Oils won't hurt. Otherwise Grease, Beeswax, and Gel,  is not necessary and Heavy Oils, Conditioner, and Moisturizer will delay the locking process.

2) DON'T use too much products when you are able too, they create build up and build up can in turn be hard to get rid of.

SN: You know how they say "Less Is More" I'm starting to think that is true. I have a client who has had Sisterlocks for 10 years and she says all she does is wash them and uses a water spritz every now and then and her locks are Gorgeous! I mean ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!

3) DON'T go longer than 8 weeks without a retightening. (I recommend no longer than 6 weeks). If you wait any longer you have the chances of your locks thinning and eventually breaking off. Unfortunately this has happened two me twice during my locked years. I had complicated pregnancies in which I was too sick to get my hair done and went months without retightening. One day I will post picks of those locks, the went from normal in size to thin, normal to size and thin again.... not a good look in my book. If for some reason you can't make it to your consultant/trainee. See if they can come to you.

4) DON'T keep your Trainee/Consultant in the dark. Please express with them some of the concerns you may have with them or your hair, because they will never know unless you tell them. Sharing with them will only help them get better.

5) DON'T use heat too often this can alter your her texture and sometimes delay the locking process. Also DON'T over manipulate you hair by styling too much or constantly messing with your hair. This can also overtime delay the locking process.DON'T put too much tension or pull on your locks too often,  this can also cause breakage and thinning of locks as well.

6) DON'T treat your locks like crap, you've invested a lot of time and money to get your hair done. So take very good care of them.

7) DON'T Dye/Color your locks yourself. Please see a professional. Unless you absolutely know what you are doing.  SN: If you love to color your hair you should do it BEFORE you get your locks installed.

8) DON'T attempt to retighten your hair if you do not know what you are doing. It will create problems down the line even if you don't see them right away. Although I highly recommend taking the class I've seen people do well learning from you tube videos. However You Tube wont help ever body so if you can please take the class.

Another Favorite
May 2010 (4 yrs)

As I still plan to start my locking journey in the future I will have to apply these Do's and Don'ts myself. This is the main reason why I'm writing this. Although the thinning and balding I experienced was the main reason for starting over, it wasn't the only reason. I had to learn some things the hard way. However I still don't regret it one bit, because now that I have the knowledge that I do now, I know my next experience with locks will be so much better.

Some of these guidelines are from the official Sisterlocks website, but please remember these are my thoughts, that would be helpful in the lock process.

If you have any to add please comment and share them with me.

Until Next Time Much Love

V