Micro Locs vs Sister Locs: Which Should You Choose?

So you’re thinking about locking your hair? Go for it! It’s a great way to protect your hair, save you time with hair care, and gives you some versatility. It’s also a great way to express your individuality and culture.

I’m telling you from the perspective of someone with locs for years. I’ve never regretted my decision.

Did you know that you have multiple options?

Different techniques, like traditional locks and freeform are available but perhaps the most popular include micro locs and sister locs.

Both micro locs and sister locs are beautiful styles that are growing in popularity, but which one should you choose? We’re breaking down the variation of locs and helping you with micro locs vs sister locs to make an informed decision.

Before we talk about these, we should discuss what it means to ‘lock’ (loc) your hair. The strands of African/Black hair naturally grow and want to combine with each other in a matted form and pattern. But through combing, cutting, and styling, we keep our many strands from knotting together. Locking one’s hair means combining multiple strands in a controlled manner, creating a more uniform look.

You can do this with a number of techniques such as twisting, coiling, and palm rolling. Others do them freely, allowing them to take on a more matted look.

Many see the technique as more appealing, allowing the hair to grow naturally while meeting any cultural or social standards. Others love the look for it’s meaning. Locking the hair has a deep history and origins, going back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Africa and Asia. Many tribes have developed patterns like micro locs, which are used today. Now, let’s break down the difference between these two popular styles.

What are Micro Locs?

Micro locs are a beautiful and versatile hairstyle consisting of small, numerous locs. They offer a unique way to express personal style while maintaining the natural beauty of textured hair. As the name implies, micro locs are thin locs - about the width of a shoelace or straw - that take on a grid pattern.

How Are Micro Locs Created?

The process of creating micro locs involves sectioning the hair into small parts and then locking the strands using methods such as:

• Two-Strand Twists: This method involves twisting two sections of hair around each other. Over time, the twists lock and form micro locs.
• Coil Method: This technique involves coiling individual sections of hair with a comb or by hand. As the coils mature, they develop into locs.
• Interlocking: A process where the ends of the hair are pulled through the roots to create a locked pattern, often used for finer textures or more secure locs.

You can then use a product, like a loc wax, to hold them in place. The method chosen will depend on hair texture, desired appearance, and personal preference.

What Do Micro Locs Look Like?

Micro locs are characterized by their small size and uniform appearance. They are significantly thinner than traditional locs, creating a fuller and more intricate look. The smaller size allows for more styling versatility, closely resembling loose natural hair while maintaining the benefits of locs. They also don’t take on any specific grid pattern, so you can get creative with how you want them to look.

Pros and Cons of Micro Locs

Pros:

• Versatility: Micro locs are highly versatile and can be styled in numerous ways, including updos, braids, and curls. Their smaller size makes intricate styles easier to achieve.
• Easier to Start: Microlocs are often easier to start because you have multiple locking options to choose from. In other words, you don’t need a certified stylist, just a lot of patience!
• Less Maintenance Initially: Once installed, micro locs require minimal maintenance during the early stages, making them a convenient option for busy lifestyles.

Cons:

• Prone to Frizz: Due to their smaller size, micro locs can be more prone to frizz, especially during the early stages of locking.
• More Frequent Retouching: Micro locs may require more frequent retightening to maintain their neat appearance, which can be time-consuming.
• Installation Time: The process of installing micro locs can be lengthy due to the number of sections involved. It can take a long time (and some mistakes) if you choose to do them by yourself.

Micro locs are a fantastic choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish and versatile natural hairstyle. Understanding the process, appearance, and maintenance needs will help you make an informed decision about whether micro locs are right for you.

What About Sister Locs?

Sister locks (or sisterlocks) are a patented hair-locking system that creates small, uniform locs using a unique interlocking technique and a symmetrical grid pattern. This method is designed to work with natural hair textures, providing a neat and polished look.

How Are Sister Locs Created?

The Sister locs method involves using a special interlocking technique performed by a certified Sister locs consultant or ‘loctician’. This process sections the hair into a precise, grid-like pattern and then secures each loc from the tip to the root using a small patented tool. Unlike traditional locs, Sister locs do not require products like wax or gel, making the process gentler on the hair. This process, however, can take at least 20 hours as you’ll end up with hundreds of individual locs.

What Do Sister locs Look Like?

Sister locs are known for their small, uniform size and grid-like pattern. The precision of the parting system gives them a polished and consistent appearance. Sisterlocks are typically much thinner than traditional locs, offering a sleek and elegant aesthetic that works well for various hair lengths and styles.

Pros and Cons of Sisterlocks

Pros:

• Neat and Polished Look: The uniformity of Sisterlocks creates a clean, professional appearance that is easy to maintain.
• Long-Lasting: Once established, Sisterlocks can last for years with proper care and regular maintenance. They are also versatile, allowing you to style them in many ways.
• Less Prone to Frizz: The interlocking method minimizes frizz, keeping the locs tidy and well-defined.

Cons:

• Higher Maintenance: Sisterlocks require regular retightening sessions, which can be time-consuming and must be done by a certified consultant. For your locs to truly look their best, you’ll need some upfront care and great hair care products. Lack of care can lead to thinning locs.
• Specialized Training Required: The installation and maintenance of Sisterlocks must be performed by someone trained in the patented method, which can limit accessibility.
• Expensive: Some people consider sister locs installation to be expensive. The first session can cost hundreds of dollars as it can take at least 20 working hours to complete.

Sister locs offers a refined and durable option for those seeking a structured and sophisticated loc style.

Comparing Micro Locs vs Sister Locs

Micro locs and Sisterlocks are both great ways to lock natural hair.

From first glance, they may even look the same, yet they differ in key aspects such as cost, maintenance, and appearance.

Micro locs offer a more affordable and DIY-friendly option, as they can be installed using various techniques like two-strand twists, coils, or interlocking—often without the need for a certified professional. They provide a natural, voluminous look but may require frequent retightening to maintain neatness.

On the other hand, Sister locs are created using a patented interlocking method performed by a certified consultant, resulting in a highly uniform, grid-like pattern that gives a sleek, polished appearance.

While Sister locs are less prone to frizz and easier to maintain long-term, they come with a significantly higher upfront cost and require professional maintenance to prevent thinning.

This may sound like a slight against sister locs, but it’s not. When it matures, the result is a high-quality, consistent look that’s versatile, and long-lasting look that you’ll love and cherish.

In terms of comfort, both styles allow for lightweight, low-tension wear, but the finer structure of Sister locs may feel lighter on the scalp. Ultimately, the choice between micro locs and Sister locs depends on budget, styling preferences, and your willingness to commit to professional upkeep.

So Which Should You Choose?

As someone with sister locs, I’m partial to tell you to choose this style, but there are great advantages to each. If you want to take on the loc journey yourself with smaller, neater locs, which also require creativity, think about micro locs.

You’ll also save a bit in upfront costs and time.

But if you want a symmetrical, neat look that’s arguably the darling of the loc space, go for sister locs. You’ll be putting your hair in the hands of a pro (you can do this with micro locs too, but lots of people try DIY), and aiming for a long-term, more permanent commitment, but it’s worth it.

Of course, these are just two of many other locking options such as twists, faux locks, butterfly locks, and much more. But when it comes to the natural locking of your hair with a sleek finish, look no further than micro locs and sister locs.