Are you interested in locking your hair but confused about the difference between sisterlocks and microlocs? With the rise of natural hair, many people are exploring different styles, and these two options have become increasingly popular. Sisterlocks and microlocs both involve creating small, uniform locks, which is why people often confuse them. However, there are important differences between the two. In this blog post, I will compare sisterlocks and microlocs to help you determine which one is the best fit for you.
Sisterlocks is a well-known lifestyle brand that offers a trademarked method, developed by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 1993, for creating tiny, uniform locks through the use of a specialized tool. This intricate process involves dividing the hair into small sections and using the tool to create a very neat, uniform grid that is specific to sisterlocks. Sisterlocks are typically very small, measuring about the width of a pencil, and are associated with 4 specific patterns.
Installing sisterlocks requires special training to ensure that they are installed properly according to the sisterlocks brand. Because sisterlocks are so tiny, they need to be retightened routinely about every 4-6 weeks, otherwise they may become at risk of breaking off. Depending on the individual, a sisterlocks installation can consist of creating anywhere from 400 to 1,000 locs.
What are Microlocs?
Microlocs are similar to sisterlocks in that they involve creating small, uniform locks. However, the method used to create microlocs is not trademarked, and there is more variation in the size and shape of the locks. The size of each lock can vary from the width of a pencil to the width of a marker.
Microlocks can be started in multiple ways and there is no specific training required for installation. With microlocks, you can also have nice parts that make up a grid but the parts are not required to follow a certain type of grid. The parts can be larger squares, diamond shapes, or any other shape, without any requirement on specific sizing. The installation of microlocs can be started as interlocks, two strand twist, palm rolling, braids, etc. It really depends on the individual’s hair on which way the loctician may decide to start the locs. Microlocks can be priced more affordably and don’t require a certified loctician to perform the installation. Anyone who knows how to do microlocs can install them using any type of tool.
Many women who have microlocs have installed them themselves and are self-maintaining them, which can mean that they may go longer between retightenings and not follow the 4-6 week timeline. This can also help them save money from not having to pay someone else to retighten their hair each time. However, they take on the responsibility themselves to self-retighten which can take time.
Differences Between Sisterlocks vs Microlocs
Sisterlocks Differences
- Sisterlocks is a hair style that can only be started with the trademarked sisterlocks method, while microlocs can be started with various methods.
- The sisterlocks method requires a particular grid where the sisterlocktician will part the hair, whereas microlocs doesn’t have to have a particular grid.
- Sisterlocks have four patterns to use during installation or retightening, while microlocs have two patterns.
- Depending on the individual and the sisterlocktician, sisterlocks can be more expensive than microlocs.
- Only those who have been trained and certified by the sisterlocks brand can deliver the sisterlocks service, while microlocs can be done by any loctician who has experience with the microlocks.
- It is not possible to get extensions on sisterlocks, while microlocs can be extended.
- In the first year or two of having sisterlocks, you have to braid and band the locs every time the locs are washed to help prevent slippage.
- In the first year or two of having sisterlocks, you should use specific sisterlocks products, avoid oils, and avoid using moisturizing and conditioning products.
Microlocs Differences
- Microlocs are generally less expensive than sisterlocks, making them a more affordable alternative.
- Microlocs can be started using different methods such as braids, twists, or interlocking, while sisterlocks can only be started using the trademarked sisterlocks method.
- Microlocs only have two interlock patterns to choose from, while sisterlocks have four patterns.
- Anyone can do microlocs as there is no certification requirement necessary, while sisterlocks can only be done by those who have been trained and certified by the sisterlocks brand.
- With microlocs that are started with braids or two-strand twists, it may take longer for the texture to disappear and for them to start looking fully locked.
Similarities Between Sisterlocks vs Microlocs
Microlocks are gaining more recognition in the hair industry and are equally as beautiful as sisterlocks. They offer a great alternative to sisterlocks, as they provide the same tiny locs. Many people don’t see a tremendous difference because they look very similar. Let’s take a look at the similarities between sisterlocks and microlocks:
- Both sisterlocks and microlocs involve sectioning the hair into small parts and locking the hair.
- Both styles require regular maintenance and retightening to keep the locs looking neat and healthy.
- Both styles offer a stylish and low-maintenance loc hairstyle.
- Both styles provide hair freedom and versatility.
Factors to Consider When Deciding on Sisterlocks vs. Microlocs
The choice between sisterlocks and microlocs ultimately comes down to personal preference and hair goals. Here are some factors to consider:
Size
If you prefer extremely small locs and are willing to endure more time installing and retightening due to their tiny size, then sisterlocks would be the best option for you. However, if you have difficulty sitting for extended periods, microlocs might be a better choice. Microlocs can be larger in size compared to sisterlocks, thus they can require less retightening time.
The Grid
If you are determined to have the sisterlocks grid, then get sisterlocks. However, if you are not too particular about having the sisterlocks grid and it is not a major concern for you, and you prioritize the overall appearance of the locks over the specific foundation details, then microlocks may be a good option for you.
Maintenance
If you are willing to commit both your budget and time to maintain your hair every 4-6 weeks, then sisterlocks may be a suitable option for you. However, it is important to note that maintaining sisterlocks requires the assistance of a certified sisterlock consultant or trainee, which may be limited depending on your location. If you live in a less populated area, it may be challenging to find a certified sisterlock consultant or trainee to service your locs. In that case, I recommend getting microlocks instead of sisterlocks.
Products
If you are comfortable using sisterlocks products for the first and/or second year, then sisterlocks may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if your scalp can tolerate not using oils, moisturizers, and conditioners during the initial stages of your journey, then sisterlocks is a good option.
If you have a very sensitive scalp that requires alternative hair products other than the sisterlock products, then I recommend trying microloks. If your scalp cannot handle not using oils, moisturizers, and conditioners in the beginning of the journey, then get microlocs.
Cost
Sisterlocks are typically more expensive than microlocs. If cost is a factor for you, microlocs may be the more affordable option, in some cases but not all the time. Sometimes sisterlocks and microlocs can be priced the same. There are multiple factors that go into pricing for sisterlocks. Some of these factors are also considered for microloc prices too.
The Pricing of Sisterlocks can vary depending on:
- # of hours it takes for an install/retightening
- Some sisterlock trainees/consultants charge for additional hours.
- The amount of time you’ve gone in between retightenings
- If longer weeks in between, it could take longer and be a higher price.
- Location
- Sisterlock consultants/trainees in different areas can charge different prices.
- Hair Length
- Some sisterlock consultants/trainees charge for additional inches.
- Experience
- As experience grows and work is perfected, the sisterlock consultants/trainees can increase their rate.
- Sisterlock Trainee vs. Consultant Title
- A sisterlock trainee starts at an introductory rate $400.
- A sisterlock consultant can raise that price from $400 to $800, and often times higher.
- The Amount of Hair
- For example, if you have shaved sides then the price could be reduced. Hair density is also considered. If you have a ton of hair then the sisterlock consultant/trainee may have to create a higher amount of locs, which takes more time and increases the price.
Summary
- Get Sisterlocks if you:
- Want the pride of having sisterlocks. You want people to notice that you are part of the sisterlocks community and you want people to recognize the sisterlocks brand.
- Want a certified sisterlocks consultant/trainee to install and maintain your sisterlocks.
- Want to have the uniformity of the specific sisterlocks grid.
- Want the small sizing of locs.
- Have the budget to spend a little more.
- Get Microlocks if you:
- Want the ease of finding a microlocks loctician in your area.
- Don’t care about the sisterlocks name/brand.
- Don’t care about having the specific grid.
- You need more affordable pricing.
Ultimately, the choice between sisterlocks and microlocs comes down to personal preference. Both styles can look beautiful and be a great choice for those looking to lock their hair. What it really comes down to is if someone gives you a compliment on your locs, are you more escatic about them recognizing that they are sisterlocks, or about your hair being beautiful. Ultimately, do your research, talk to a multiple people who have sisterlocks and microlocs, and choose the option that feels right for you and your lifestyle.
Darlesha
Thank you so much for giving this in-depth information about the difference between the two. I have many people who ask what the differences are. I have even had clients who made the switch and wanted to change from Sisterlocks to Microlocks based on life changes they had especially after the pandemic. This will help many people out with their choices and figure out what they want to do and need to do before getting started.
tashaonlock
DarleshaSure! Absolutely. I figured people were still having trouble with deciding. It’s a tough decision. Wow, yes, I’ve heard of people switching over and combining their sisterlocks into microlocks. Yes, I hope people can read this and have some take aways to help them figure out their decision before getting them.