Coloring Sister Locs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you ready to add a splash of color to your Sister Locs but don’t know where to begin?

Your locks may look amazing in their natural black style but they are versatile enough to be colored. We’ve seen blonde, red, and other funky variations of sisterlocks, so don’t worry, it’s possible.

With the right approach and tools, you can safely color your locs and achieve vibrant, healthy results. You can also keep your sisterlocks healthy and happy while you sport your new radiant do.

What are Sister Locs?

Sister Locs are a unique type of micro locs that are known for their versatility and beauty. They’re smaller than traditional locs and require special care, especially when it comes to coloring. You need a specific technique and tool to install your sister locs and they are usually done by a loc technician (aka loctician).

Sisterlocks can take up to 24 hours to install and monthly retightening sessions for an entire year. Once they're done and mature, however, they look amazing. These locs preserve your natural hair, promote healthy growth, and are versatile in styling. You can also color them, which is popular in the sisterlocks community.

You should wait until your sisterlocks fully mature, about 1-3 years, before applying color to your hair. Coloring your hair too early can damage your sisterlocks or unravel the intricate locking technique.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it right.

Step 1: Assess the Health of Your Locs

Before diving into the world of color, ensure your locs are healthy and strong. Strong sisterlocks are necessary to accept and maintain their color. Some hair coloring products also contain dyes and chemicals so you want to make sure your hair can stand up to these demands.

Avoid coloring if you have any signs of damage or breakage. It’s best to start with healthy hair to minimize damage. Speak with your loctician or dermatologist for an assessment and strategies to improve your hair’s health in the coming months.

Step 2: Choose the Right Products

You need the appropriate dye and products in your color of choice.

This is different from bleaching your hair, which is using products like hydrogen peroxide to remove your natural hair color (another topic for another day?)

We’re adding color in the form of a dye.

Opt for high-quality, ammonia-free dyes that are formulated for natural hair. Consider using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye to reduce potential damage.

Other products you’ll need include:

• Plastic gloves and a plastic cap
• A barrier cream (eg. Vaseline) for your scalp
• Applicator with your hair dye that is ideal for sisterlocks

Based on how much hair you have or its thickness, you may need more than one box of color. Now you’re ready to dye your locs.

Additional Step: Perform a Patch Test

Hair care products can have additives that can cause allergic reactions. Consider a patch test to ensure it’s safe to use. Apply some of the dye to an area of the hair or skin for a few hours. Look for changes in your skin or hair and consider a different option. If everything seems fine, you can proceed.

Step 3: Prepare Your Hair

Cleanse your locs thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. You can also wash it with shampoo, ensuring it’s completely dry before proceeding. Avoid conditioning before dyeing as it might prevent the dye from penetrating the locs effectively.

Step 4: Section Your Locs

Divide your locs into manageable sections, about four or so. Use clips to secure each section to ensure even application of the dye and to easily manage the process. Use the barrier cream around your hairline and prevent staining from the dye.

Step 5: Apply the Dye

Follow the instructions on the dye package. Place the gloves on your hands. Apply the dye evenly from root to tip, making sure each loc is saturated. You might need an extra pair of hands to ensure even coverage, especially if you have a lot of locs. Use the plastic cap after application to help with processing the color.

Step 6: Rinse and Condition

Once the dye has set for the recommended time, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and strength. Sometimes you can use a heat source, like a dryer to improve the color uptake, though it is not always recommended.

Step 7: Dry and Style

Gently towel dry your locs, then allow them to air dry. Once dry, style your locs as desired.

Aftercare Tips

However, maintaining the health and vibrancy of your locs post-coloring requires proper care. Here are some essential aftercare tips to ensure your sisterlocks stay beautiful and healthy:

1. Use Color-Safe, Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners

After coloring your sisterlocks, it’s crucial to use products specifically designed for color-treated hair. Color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners help to maintain the vibrancy of your color while minimizing dryness and damage. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause your color to fade prematurely, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.

2. Keep Your Locs Moisturized

Coloring can be drying to your hair, making it important to incorporate moisture into your routine. Use leave-in conditioners and natural oils such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil to hydrate your locs and prevent brittleness. Pay special attention to your scalp to keep it nourished, as a healthy scalp promotes healthy hair.

3. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can further damage your colored sisterlocks. Minimize the use of these tools to prolong the life of your color and protect the integrity of your locs. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant beforehand and use the lowest heat setting possible.

4. Limit Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause your color to fade and your hair to become dry. Protect your sisterlocks by wearing a hat, or scarf, or using a UV-protectant spray when spending time outdoors. This will not only preserve your color but also prevent your hair from becoming overly dry or brittle.

5. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your hair’s health is a reflection of your overall well-being. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help keep your locs strong and vibrant. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E are particularly beneficial for hair health.

6. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Colored sisterlocks require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Schedule retightening sessions with your loctician as recommended to ensure your locs remain neat and healthy. Additionally, consider periodic deep-conditioning treatments to replenish moisture and restore vitality. Treat your hair with care, and your vibrant new look will last longer.

Enjoy Your Color

Enjoy your sisterlocks with their new color. You'll need to reapply color as it is not permanent and will fade over time. To avoid damage, limit coloring sessions to every few months and always assess the health of your locs before reapplying color. Continue your hair care as usual to achieve beautiful, colored sisterlocks while minimizing damage and maintaining their integrity.