Thinking About Getting Sisterlocks? This Is What You Should Know Before You Start.
The second coming of the natural hair movement has ushered in a no-rules and no-limits approach to styling curly hair. From experimental colors to braided styles that defy geometry, the creativity and versatility of textured hair continue to be reimagined and redefined on our own terms. Of these is an enduring protective style that takes a spin on traditional loc’d hairstyles, known as Sisterlocks.
What Are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are a micro-sized, slimmer spin-off of traditional dreadlocks. Using a patented hooking tool and interlocking weaving method, the hair is intricately woven into itself to create a thin, uniform appearance.
In 1993, Dr. JoAnne Cornwell pioneered Sisterlocks with the goal of offering Black women of color a natural, chemical-free, and extension-free hairstyle that promotes hair health and growth. With its minimal upkeep demands and versatile nature, Sisterlocks has remained a popular natural hairstyle even 30 years later.
Because of their slim nature, each lock can range from one-eighth inch to three-eighths inches in width, with most individuals having between 250 to 400 Sisterlocks in their hair.
According to Dr. Cornwell’s aim in creating this style, “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle. It's about a lifestyle. Sisterlocks invites women who are interested in self-empowerment and cultural self-expression to embrace a natural hair care system that is self-affirming and truly gorgeous."
What Is the Difference Between Sisterlocks and Traditional Dreadlocks?
When it comes to starting one’s Sisterlock journey, it’s important to note that dreadlocks and Sisterlocks are similar but require vastly different techniques to achieve. Since Sisterlocks are a trademarked style, a trained and certified Sisterlock consultant is required in order to install them, whereas dreadlocks can be started at home or by a loctician at a salon.
Installing Sisterlocks is a time-consuming process, with a process that can take 24-36 hours to complete due to the sectioning, parting, and small strands of hair needed for each loc. Dreadlocks on the other hand are a hairstyle that can be achieved through techniques like braiding, coiling, twisting, or palm-rolling thicker sections of hair.
How Are Sisterlocks Installed?
With a Sisterlock consultant, the installation process is broken up into three key steps:
Consultation: The process typically begins with a consultation with a certified Sisterlocks consultant where you discuss your hair type, expectations, and the desired size and number of locks. Consultants may also use this time to install five and 10 Sisterlocks in your hair to determine the most suitable pattern for the complete installation.
Installation session: Your consultant will use a special tool, often called a "Sisterlocks Key," to divide your hair into small sections where the full installation begins. These sections are typically square or rectangular and are much smaller than traditional dreadlocks and are essential for creating consistent and even-sized locks. This process can take several hours or even multiple sessions, depending on your hair's length and density.
Follow-Up Appointment: With your new Sisterlocks complete, maintenance is key. This follow-up appointment is a time for you and your consultant to go over tips for upkeep and any concerns or questions you might have following the installation. Because Sisterlocks require regular maintenance to keep them neat and uniform, you will need to visit your consultant every 4-6 weeks for retightening to ensure that your locs stay in top shape.
How Much Do Sisterlocks Cost?
Let’s just say, installing and upkeeping Sisterlocks will be a considerable investment. Typically, the cost of Sisterlocks installation can range from $450 to over $1000 depending desired thickness, length of hair, stylist, and the city you’re in.
For the ongoing cost of maintenance, you'll find each session costing approximately $100 to $250 every 4-6 weeks.
Are Sisterlocks Permanent and Can They Damage the Hair?
Sisterlocks are designed to be a permanent hairstyle. However, they can be removed by a trained Sisterlocks consultant through a time-consuming process that may result in cutting the locs if they are well-established. Reserving your Sisterlocks between one to six months after installation can ensure a better chance of hair retention, but if you decide you no longer want Sisterlocks, it's possible to transition to a different hairstyle, but it may take some time and effort.
With proper care, regular washing, consistent retightening, and limited tension in styling, your Sisterlocks will not only stand the test of time but will continue to showcase the natural beauty and versatility of textured or kinky hair, allowing you to flaunt this unique look for years to come.
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Featured image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY MEDIA GROUP
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images