FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Discover the style that is right for you
Locs:
Locs are an increasingly popular option for managing natural hair.
They don’t require chemicals to maintain and they create a foundation for a healthier scalp and stronger hair.
There are varying types of locs and different methods for starting them. The basic foundation of all locked hairstyles is that the hair is twisted or woven together forming an interlocked or matted pattern.
Locking is a natural process that will occur as long as there is a curl pattern in the hair.
On average, it takes about a year before locs fully mature.
For temporary locs the coil and two‐strand twist methods are popular.
For permanent locs, options include traditional locs, Sisterlocks™ or latch hooking techniques. The advantage of Sisterlocks™ is that it is the only loc technique that can be used to loc relaxed hair. If you are considering starting the locking process, it is recommended that you schedule a consultation to determine the best process and style that fits your needs.
FAQs About Traditional Locs
Loc is hair that is twisted or woven together which forms an interlocking or matting pattern. The hair cannot be combed or disturbed during its progression or loc maturity will be delayed.
This depends on the type of locs desired. To begin traditional locks the hair must be free of chemicals; however, with Sisterlocks™ relaxed hair can be locked as long as you have at least 1 to 2 inches of new growth.
It can take up to a year depending on the texture of the hair and the commitment to maintenance by a trained natural hair consultant.
Locs are meant to be clean; many people feel that beeswax and other sticky, gooey products make the hair loc. That is not true; these products will only make your hair look unsightly and make the process take even longer. Traditional locks can use a product that makes the locks stronger and shine, such as products that infuse moisture. Sisterlocks™ is all natural and only shampooing and moisturizing are required for this process.
This depends on the locking method that was chosen. If you have traditional locs you must have your hair shampooed at least once a month. If you chose Sisterlocks™ the hair can be shampooed as often as you like as long as you properly bundle the locs together first. For finer textured hair it is recommended that your hair be shampooed by your Sisterlocks™ consultant until the locs begin to settle.
Depending on the rate of hair growth, locs can be re‐twisted or retightened every three to six weeks.
Yes you can though it is a tedious process and can be very costly. It is recommended that you give careful consideration to your decision before going beginning the locking process to avoid being faced with this decision.
It depends on which locking technique is considered. Please view the A Natural Hair Affair gallery to find the style of locs that best suits you. It is also recommended that a consultation be booked to assist you with determining which type of locs will work best for your hair’s texture and needs.
FAQs About Sisterlocks™
Sisterlocks is a natural hair management system that allows women with tightly textured hair to take advantage of a wide range of today’s hairstyles without having to alter the natural texture of their hair.
Yes. Though the transition will take more time, your hair care professional who is trained in Sisterlocks techniques can help you make that transition. Your styling options will increase as your natural texture grows out.
Not at all! In fact, the coarse, thick ‘nappy’ hair is best for Sisterlocks. Your natural abundant texture adds body and makes styling easier.
Yes! Sisterlocks is a lot less limiting than extensions because it is your natural hair. You can curl it, braid it, wear a ponytail, cut it, spray or mousse it, wear bangs and parts You name it!
Technically, yes, though the procedure is so tedious, you will not want to get Sisterlocks with that intention. Anyway, once you discover the range of freedom with Sisterlocks, you won’t want to go back! Finally, there is a way of celebrating the natural beauty of our hair with Sisterlocks!
The initial locking process takes about two thirds as long as getting extensions of comparable size. For medium length hair this means about eight to twelve hours (maybe longer!). The beauty of Sisterlocks is that tightening them as your hair grows out is extremely simple, since there are no extensions to remove and re‐set.
This is not advised. Not all hair 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.
Just the opposite! Sisterlocks is a gentle technique that requires no chemicals, no excessive tightening, and causes no damaging abrasion to the hair or scalp. You will find that with regular care, your locks will grow and grow, and your styling options will increase.