Sisterlocks Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my hair need to be to start my Sisterlocks?

Although Sisterlocks can be installed with just 1½ inches of natural unprocessed hair, I suggest that clients have 2 inches or longer of virgin hair and may begin with 1½ inches with relaxed hair.  I recommend that if you are transitioning from a relaxer to Sisterlocks that you do not trim the relaxer off prior to the installation.

How do I choose a Consultant to install and maintain my Sisterlocks?

Sisterlocks is a trademark product taught in an approved training class by Master Trainers or Certified Training Associates that have been handpicked by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. Certified Sisterlocks Consultants and Trainees offer the Sisterlocks as a package and maintain their certification to stay in good standing with Sisterlocks in order to be listed on the Sisterlocks.com website.  Unfortunately, it is possible to find individuals both trained and untrained that will take a client's money and not deliver the service the client wants.  This is why you must do the research, ask the questions, see pictures and speak with their clients in an effort to find the Consultant that will meets your expectations.

How long does it take for the initial installation of Sisterlocks?

​The initial install can range from 16-18 hours, sometimes longer depending upon the length and density of the hair. Installations are broken up into 2 - 3 day increments. Your installation is the 1st and only time you will sit that long for Sisterlocks services because unlike extensions, the hair does not have to be taken down - only the new growth is retighten and that usually takes anywhere from 3-5 hours each 4 - 6 weeks.

What is the cost for the Sisterlocks Package?​

​Sisterlocks are offered as a 3-part package; Consultation, Installation and Follow-up visits.  The cost begins at $750 for up to 3 inches of natural unprocessed hair and $50 per inch thereafter. The cost of the informational consultation is $60. To reserve your installation dates, 25% of the total price is required as a deposit. This deposit is non-refundable and is deducted from the total price of the packaged price which is paid at the end of the first day of the installation.

Do I need to cut my relaxed hair?

​No, you don't have to cut your hair.  Sisterlocks can be started with your relaxed length left untouched as relaxed hair will not lock.  As your hair grows, and is set into a locked pattern, your relaxed hair will be trimmed away.

Can I add extensions to my Sisterlocks?

No, Sisterlocks uses your natural hair.  Without extensions, your hair is free of the extra weight that puts tension on the roots. Over time this sort of tension can lead to permanent hair loss.  Without extensions, your natural hair is free to grow to its fullest potential, so don't let the idea of short hair for a short period of time rob you of years of freely growing, healthy, manageable hair. 
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What should I expect from a Certified Sisterlock Consultant

​You should expect to receive professional, customer service.  Expect to receive a 3-part Sisterlock package and pleasant ongoing appointments thereafter.  Your consultant should give you an idea of what to expect as your locks mature, then be available to celebrate every phase of your development. Expect a caring and knowledgeable professional.

Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks?

​All hair with a curl or wave pattern is the right type for Sisterlocks.  Sisterlocks has developed several "locking patterns", one of which is just right for your hair type.

If I change my mind about my Sisterlocks, can they be taken down?

Yes you can, but it is not encouraged. You should consider Sisterlocks in the same way that you consider relaxers in that you do not relax your hair to unrelax it at a later time. So although taking down Sisterlocks can be done, it is not recommended.

Can I re-tighten my hair myself once I have the Sisterlocks done?

It is recommended that clients work closely with their Consultants for at least 6 months before taking a re-tightening class. This is so that the locks will be stable and somewhat mature. Remember, a lot can happen in the first few months of locking, so it's best to let your Consultant get you through this phase. Also, re-tightening is tedious, and clients can do a lot of damage to their hair, especially while the locks are still settling in.
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​Can I get Sisterlocks with permed hair?

Yes you can. Transitioning clients can start Sisterlocks with as little as 2 inches of new growth. We simply install Sisterlocks on the new growth portion of the hair, not the permed portion. Once installed, you style as you normally would. As your locks grow, you slowly cut away the permed portion of your hair. This way you do not have to start your locks with a very short length of hair. ​

I have traditional locks; can I start Sisterlocks with my existing locks? 

​This is not recommended for many reasons, here are a few: the exquisite look of Sisterlocks is due in part to the way Sisterlocks are started. With Sisterlocks the hair is sectioned according to preset parting structure. Parting for most traditional locking methods are not as detailed, and may not produce the same results. In addition, when you change locking techniques within a single lock, for example going from a twisting palm role method to a woven interlocking method, you create a vulnerable area at the transition point. This weak area will tend to open up over time, exposing individual strands of hair that are prone to breakage. The weak area doesn't show up right away, but will begin to show from 6 months to 2 years down the line! · With Sisterlocks, the hair is pulled into the lock formation more tightly than with most traditional locking methods. This means that the size of the traditional lock will decrease noticeably at the point where you begin the Sisterlocks method. Also, because the parting size for traditional locks is too large for Sisterlocks to begin with, this shrinkage results in too much scalp showing.

Will Sisterlocks damage or thin my hair?

​No! Sisterlocks incorporates a woven pattern that makes the hair extremely resilient. Because there are no chemicals, beeswax, or gels used to install or maintain the locks, the scalp and hair have the most ideal environment to thrive and restore itself naturally. With Sisterlocks you may actually experience hair growth in areas that had once stopped growing altogether.

What is the process of settling?

​Often times you may hear the phrase, “your locks have not settled yet.” Basically what this means is, when you have Sisterlocks installed, your locks will have a beautiful woven pattern that may be mistaken for braids. The hair can slip and slide within the structure or framework of the Sisterlocks pattern causing an undesirable look called slippage. After several months the lock will settle (mature) and be less prone to slippage. Signs of settling is when your locks starts to look more like uniformed matted locks and less like a braid. The settling phase is different for each individual but can range from 3 months to a year, sometimes longer.

​What could happen if you don't regularly maintain your Sisterlocks?

​Bunching locks. An inconsistent appearance. Locks that develop more like traditional locks instead of the very unique Sisterlocks. The integrity of your Sisterlocks can be compromised and you could end up with locks that may break or shred due to spaces that may develop in the locks from infrequent re-tightenings. Some of us are not diligent about separating our locks after shampooing; a regular re-tightening can see to it that locks remain separated as well.

A relationship with your consultant is very different from the one you may have had with your stylist when you hair was chemically treated. We would do whatever we wanted with our hair, go to the salon, sit in the chair, and the stylist had to make everything okay again. The relationship with Sisterlocks is different. From the time you have the Sisterlocks put in, until they are completely settled in and on their way to locking, your cooperation is mandatory. You have a responsibility to work with your consultant to achieve the results you desire, beautiful Sisterlocks. This means following your consultants recommendations, regular re-tightenings and periodic grooming

Should I color my hair before I get Sisterlocks?

​Always color your hair before you get Sisterlocks because you cannot color your hair again until after your locks have settled.

Can I do the locks myself?

​This is not advised. Not all types require the same locking technique, and your hair care professional is the best trained to give you locks that will be best suited to you. Also, hair care professionals are trained to give you cuts, styles and grooming tips that will ensure the lasting beauty of your locks.

Can you put my Sisterlocks in so that there won't be any parting?

​The answer is no. With a fresh head of Sisterlocks you are going to see some parting. Even if the client has very thick hair, there will still be some parting.

I've heard that I can use curling irons on my locks, do you recommend this?

I don't. When you apply heat you run the risk of ruining your locks. I've had clients that used curling irons on their locks and actually singed their locks. The irons were too hot and they ended up with a press. Even after they shampooed their hair the straightness was still there. I find that a roller set is the best for locks. You can wear a roller set for one to two weeks without rerolling your hair again. Even though they are smaller locks, they are still locks.

If you have questions that you would like answered that I have not please ask on the contact page and I will included them here.  You are probably not the only person that has that question.  Thank you