Should You Do Beginner Sisterlocks On Thin Hair?

Sisterlocks are growing as one of the go-to styles for Black women today.

And as someone with sisterlocks for more than a decade, I can’t recommend them enough.

Yes, they are a labor of love and can take many hours to install.

But the benefits outweigh the effort.

Not only have they helped me preserve and embrace my natural hair, but they are also versatile and easy to maintain.

Black women opting for sisterlocks can do so with any hair type, but hair health is another concern.

More specifically, thinning hair.

Beginner sisterlocks on thin hair should not be taken lightly.

And as a dermatologist, assessing your hair health should take priority, especially if you want to pursue specific styles like locking your hair.

So I'm here to give you some advice on your thinning hair and whether you should do beginner sisterlocks.

What Are Beginner Sisterlocks?

Sisterlocks are a unique form of locking your hair performed by a skilled loctician. It uses a locking tool and a specific technique that produces several hundred thin locs. After this process, which can take multiple hours spanning at least 2 days, you’ll have periodic retightening sessions for the rest of the year.

Beginner sisterlocks are what you end up with when your hair is locked for the first time. This stage is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire loc journey. During this time, the hair is in its most delicate state, as the interlocking process is just beginning to form the locs.

During the beginner phase, the locs are more prone to slippage and unraveling, so gentle handling is essential. Your hair takes time to lock, grow, and mature, so patience is key.

 

Understanding Thinning Hair

Have you noticed your hair is losing its volume?

Hair thinning or alopecia is a gradual reduction in hair density, characterized by finer, weaker strands and increased scalp visibility. It arises from various causes, including genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia), hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, stress, and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.

For Black women, thinning hair can be particularly distressing due to societal beauty standards often emphasizing thick, voluminous hair.

Consequences extend beyond aesthetics, impacting self-esteem and emotional well-being. 

Additionally, certain hairstyles commonly worn within the Black community, like tight braids or weaves, can exacerbate thinning through traction alopecia. Attempting to lock thinning hair presents several challenges.

The already weakened strands are more susceptible to breakage during the locking process, and the resulting locs may be thin, fragile, and prone to further damage. Furthermore, the underlying cause of the thinning needs to be addressed before or during the locking process.

If the thinning is caused by traction alopecia, tight hairstyles must be avoided. If the thinning is caused by something else, a dermatologist should be consulted. Without addressing the root cause, locs may not thrive, and the thinning may continue, leading to further hair loss and dissatisfaction.

Sisterlocks on Thin Hair: Should You Do It?

If you’re thinking about sisterlocks but struggle with thinning, you should weigh the pros and cons before deciding:

Pros:

• Sisterlocks encourage hair growth by minimizing manipulation. So you can potentially help your hair long-term hair growth.
• Sisterlocks add volume and fullness to thin hair.
• Protects hair from breakage and damage.

Cons:

• Potential for increased hair loss during the initial locking phase.
• Risk of traction alopecia if locks are too tight.
• May not be suitable for extremely thin or fragile hair.

Choosing to lock your hair is a personal decision. However, you must think about the long-term health of your hair. Even with the pros and cons, you should seek help from a dermatologist before your sisterlocks journey.

A Dermatologist's Perspective

Thinning hair can be a concerning issue. As a dermatologist, it’s important to get the appropriate treatment first.

Visit a board-certified dermatologist for a treatment plan. Your doctor will assess your hair with a thorough scalp examination that includes density, thickness, and overall health. Your doctor will also ask about any underlying medical conditions or the use of current medication that may be leading to hair loss.

The assessment will help your doctor tell you if sisterlocks are suitable for you and your hair type. He or she can then help you with a personal plan to improve your hair health before and during your sisterlock journey along with recommendations or treatment for pre-locking hair care to strengthen and prepare the hair.

"If your hair or scalp condition is not improving, then it's time to see your board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Ife Rodney is the nation's leading hair and scalp expert. Her practice, Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics, is located in the Washington DC / DMV area."

 

Common treatment options include:

1. Minoxidil and finasteride: These are FDA-approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter, while finasteride requires a prescription.
2. For conditions like alopecia areata, steroid injections or immunosuppressive therapies may be recommended.
3. Treating the underlying conditions, including lifestyle adjustments and medication.

Tips for Maintaining Sisterlocks on Thin Hair

If you already have sisterlocks or you’ve just got sisterlocks, there are steps you can take to maintain your hair health while still enjoying your new or existing style.

Avoid excessive combing and detangling, as it can cause further damage. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers and minimize tension on the scalp. 

Deep condition regularly to prevent dryness and breakage, while using lightweight oils and moisturizers. Schedule regular appointments with a qualified sisterlocks specialist and adhere to recommended maintenance routines. These tips should help maintain your thinning hair.

Final Thoughts on Your Sisterlocks Journey

Sisterlocks offers a beautiful and versatile styling option for many Black women, including those with thinning hair. The protective nature of the style makes it useful on many hair types and even potential issues like thinning hair.  

While they present unique challenges for those with hair loss concerns, with proper care and professional guidance, you can get and enjoy your sisterlocks. 

The key takeaway is to prioritize your hair health above all else.

Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist before beginning your sisterlocks journey is essential, especially if you're experiencing thinning. 

They can help identify the underlying causes of your hair loss, recommend appropriate treatments, and determine if sisterlocks are suitable for your specific situation.

For those who proceed with sisterlocks, remember that gentle maintenance is crucial. Regular appointments with your loctician, proper moisturizing routines, and avoiding tension on the scalp will help preserve both your locks and your hair health.

Ultimately, sisterlocks can be more than just a hairstyle—they can be a celebration of your natural hair and an expression of your personal style. With the right approach, even those with thinning hair can enjoy the beauty and versatility that sisterlocks offer, while potentially supporting healthier hair growth in the long run.

Your hair journey is unique to you. By making informed decisions and seeking professional guidance, you can find the perfect balance between embracing stylish sisterlocks and maintaining the health of your precious sisterlocks.