Sisterlocks are becoming an increasingly popular method of locking for those making the transition from loose natural hair to locs, or from relaxed hair to locs. Many naturals would agree that anything which releases a woman from the perpetual relaxer cycle is a positive thing. However, the division in the loc community over Sisterlocks, very similar to the split between naturals and relaxed women, for those of you who are unfamiliar, I will explain what Sisterlocks are:

• Sisterlocks is trademarked method and name, originally developed by Dr. Jo-Anne Cornwell.

• Sisterlocks, even in their largest size are extremely small in comparison to traditional locs.

• Sisterlocks can be started on both relaxed and natural hair, and is a particularly popular method for locking relaxed hair. The hair should be at least 3 inches or longer.

• Sisterlocks should be started and maintained by a trained, certified “Sisterlock consultant”, or a trainee. The installation can take anywhere from 10 hours to a few days. This depends on hair density, length, and skill of the consultant. I cannot explain specifically how the technique works, because of the trademark.However Sisterlock wears say that it is similar to interlocking.

• Sisterlocks generally range from 300-1000+ dollars in price depending on hair length, and the consultant. Often you can get a better deal by using a trainee. The new locs should be maintained every 4-6 weeks by a consultant or a re-tightening training class can be taken, so one can maintain them on their own.

• Sisterlocks also have their own line of products, but a wearer is not limited to them.

• Sisterlocks are marketed toward those who want micro-sized locs, which can be styled like relaxed hair, and have the appearance of relaxed hair.

This is just a brief overview of the Sisterlocks method, for those interested; I suggest visiting http://www.sisterlocks.com/ and checking out www.youtube.com for Sisterlock vloggers.

Regardless of how one begins their locs, or whether or not they have some brand name associated with them, locs are shed hair that has been allowed to tangle and mat together. The method makes no difference other than in aesthetics. What matters is the attitude of the wearer, and this is where controversy comes in with various loc methods, particularly Sisterlocks. Sisterlocks are marketed as an alternative to both relaxed hair and to traditional locs.

I have seen many consultants around the web, that present Sisterlocks as a way to have “nice” locs, and Sisterlock forums where members are very strict about maintaining the sanctity of Sisterlocks, and are not very friendly with those who have less than a certain number of locs. Or those who do not use the product line. Perhaps, the biggest gripe traditional loc wearers seem to have is that some Sisterlock wearers, claim that Sisterlocks are not dreadlocks, and don’t want them to be associated with dreadlocks. I’m happy to repeat myself when I say a loc is a loc is a loc. It does not matter whether someone spent twelve plus hours and hundreds of dollars to get them done, its a loc, just like the person who spent sixty dollars and two hours to get them done, or went the DIY route.

It has also been suggested that Sisterlocks are more acceptable as compared to traditional locs because of their appearance and the fact that they mimic relaxed hair very well. Conversely, traditional locs are much more acceptable in the society and in the work place these days, than they were previously. Frankly, I could spend another few paragraphs explaining every single problem that some traditional loc wearers have with some Sisterlock wearers, however my effort would be fruitless.

What has been deemed controversy between Sisterlocks and traditional locs is really does not have to made into such a dispute. It seems that people cannot enjoy anything without trying to create some division within it. If a person has the money to spend and wants Sisterlocks, then it is their prerogative to obtain them, regardless of their motive, regardless of whether or not they started with relaxed hair, regardless of whether or not they think Sisterlocks are somehow better than traditional locs.

I have seen many threads in the hair forums start with a simple question about Sisterlocks and turn into page and pages of arguing. While some Sisterlocks wearers might subscribe to believing they are better than other locs, how are they any different from a natural thinking they are better than a perm wearer? Also, there are plenty of traditional loc wearers with their own issues. There are those who believe that their locs are more “real” because they started with no product, or they started with a loctitcian or a tool, or free-formed.

There will always be those people who have to believe they are somehow better than another person who is doing the same thing, and this pertains to all areas of life, not just locs. So, if you are a hair board user, particularly a locked user, next time you end an argument with a Sisterlocks wearer with the famous, “to each their own” line, mean it! If you are a traditional loc wearer, put yourself in their shoes.  Imagine how you would feel if you were berated for your loc choices. I’m not insinuating that you should not correct someone if they attack your loc choices, or imply that their locs are somehow better than yours. However, I am saying that you should do your best not to be that person.

Disclaimer: This article was not meant to degrade Sisterlocks or Traditional locs, and is based purely on self-observation.

Tags: controversy, dreadlocs, dreads.locs, sisterlocks, sisterlocs

This entry was posted on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 9:12 pm and is filed under Beauty, Hair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.