Q: Do I have to cut my relaxer off in order to get my hair done in Sisterlocks?

One of the great things about Sisterlocks is that you don't have to cut off your relaxer in order to start them. All you need is 1½ to 2 inches of new growth to start the locks. Then you can trim the relaxed ends gradually as your natural locks grow in. If you have a relaxer, however, when you let your natural hair grow in you increase the chances of breakage. Once the locks are put in, work closely with your Consultant to ensure that the relaxed ends stay as smooth as possible during your transition into fully natural locks.

Q: Can I transition from traditional locks?

This is not recommended for many reasons:

· The exquisite look of Sisterlocks is due in large part to the way they are started. The hair is sectioned according to pre-set patterns, then parted into lock sizes that are based on the density of the hair. Parting for most traditional locking methods is not as detailed, and so won't produce the same results.

· When you change locking techniques within a single lock, you create a weak area that will tend to open up over time, exposing individual strands of hair that are prone to breakage. The weak area won't begin to show for about 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.

Q: Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks?

Natural hair varies greatly in texture and density. The best hair for locking is the kind with the smallest, tightest curl pattern. However, the Sisterlocks technique can work with most types of natural hair. Many people who could not start locks with any other method have found satisfaction with Sisterlocks!

Q: Are Sisterlocks permanent?

Because Sisterlocks allows the hair's natural interlocking process to unfold, they are true "locks." This means that they are not meant to be undone. Technically, they can be taken out, but it would be almost absurd to try, especially once the locks are mature! (Imagine getting a small, needle-shaped object and gently undoing each of the 450-plus locks from the tip right down to the roots!) Our rule of thumb: "As long as the potential client is worried about getting them out, we don't put them in to begin with!"

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

We recommend 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. After 6 months (or on the advice of the Consultant), customers can take a Re-Tightening Class. These are offered ONLY from our Certified Training Associates, and Certified Sisterlocks Consultants who have completed their "R" Certification.

Source: Sisterlocks.com