Trimming Or Cutting Your Sisterlocks? Here’s What To Know

Have you ever noticed someone with their sisterlocks always at a specific length? I, too, have sisterlocks just at my shoulders. It’s not that our hair has miraculously stopped growing.

We’re trimming or cutting our sisterlocks!

Cutting or trimming your locks is an often-recommended activity on your hair journey.

It’s not about style but often something deeper.

Grab those shears. Let’s talk about trimming or cutting your sisterlocs and how you should do it without messing up your hair.

5 Reasons to Cut or Trim Your Sisterlocks

Sisterlocks are thin, versatile locs that are part of the dreadlock family, installed using a special method and locking tool. Their uniform appearance makes them look like natural hair, which means you can style them in different ways and cut them as you would your natural hair.

You might feel like you’ve gone through all the effort of growing your precious locs but there are reasons to give them a snip.

1. Health benefits for your locs

When hair grows, its ends can become unhealthy. They turn brittle, get dry, or turn into split ends from product buildup or damage from the elements. Not only can this slow the growth of your locs, but it can also lead to breakage. Trimming those damaged ends keeps your hair healthy. Cutting your hair also prompts growth, speeding up your sisterlocks journey.

2. Aesthetic reasons (shape, fullness, evenness)

There is no control over the speed of growth and fullness of your locs. Your general health, maintenance, and genetics determine how your sisterlocks grow. As a result, your hair can grow unevenly. Some locs are longer than others, and some areas do not look full or even. Trimming your sisterlocs allows you to shape your hair, creating a more balanced, fuller look that gives your sisterlocks a well-maintained, polished appearance.

3. You like your hair’s length, but not so much

Your sisterlocs have finally matured and are now growing at a rapid pace. Perhaps you wanted them at a specific length. Or maybe they are so long and thick that they feel heavier than you’d like. If your locs have grown past your comfort zone or feel heavy, cutting them can make them more manageable while keeping the length you love. You can find a happy medium that complements your style and lifestyle.

4. Maintenance advantages

Simply put, shorter hair is just easier to manage! Your longer hair needs more sisterlock products and time to wash, dry, style, and moisturize. Or you probably find yourself going to your loctician more to manage and retighten your locs. Cutting your locs ‘cuts’ your maintenance time. You can have a simpler routine while still enjoying your locs.

5. Style evolution opportunities

Sometimes, you need a new style. Moving, changing careers, or getting ready for an event can prompt you to take on a bold new style. Whether you want to try a bob, layers, or an edgy asymmetrical cut, trimming your locs allows new styling possibilities without starting over completely.

6. Need a shift in energy

Do you believe that your hair holds energy? It absolutely does. Every strand that comes out of your hair carries your essence, energy, and memories. Maybe your hair is now a symbol of a bad time or relationship in your life that you need to release. A trim or big chop can be an empowering way to release the old and welcome something new.

 

When To Trim Your Sisterlocks

These reasons aren’t an excuse to pick up your scissors whenever you feel like it.

Sisterlocks do not require regular trims like your loose natural hair.

There should be an appropriate time to trim your sisterlocs. You should inspect your sisterlocks every now and then for thinning ends, breakage, and unevenness. If it’s subtle, give your hair some time to work itself out. If it begins to look more concerning, it’s time to trim your sisterlocks.

Your locs go through different stages of growth.

During its starter phase - the first 6 months - no trimming is necessary. Let your locs form and settle. When they start to bud, swell, and develop, you should keep trimming to a minimum.

If you notice stray, loose ends, you can lightly trim them to maintain uniformity, but avoid excessive cutting to allow full maturity. You can begin to shape your locks After 1-2 years. Your locs may look fantastic by now, but there are uneven lengths. A light trim can help shape your style while maintaining the integrity of your locs.

After 2 years and your hair is fully mature, you can trim or cut your hair more regularly. You can trim every 6-12 months to remove damage, maintain evenness, or keep them at your desired length.

If you do notice weak ends, breakage, uneven growth, or a lack of volume before the 2 year mark, you can cut your hair for health purposes. Speak with a hair stylist for some advice before you go through with it.

Sometimes your hair grows rapidly within the first year beyond your comfort zone. If that happens, you can give it a snip.

DIY vs. Professional Trimming

Should you cut your hair yourself? Or should you get a pro to cut your sisterlocks? Well, it depends. By all means, if you’re doing a basic trim in the budding stage, do it yourself. You can also perform minor trims to shape and fullness your hair or make cuts of an inch or less between professional sessions.

Cutting your hair yourself is a cost-effective, quick, and convenient option that allows you to gradually cut your hair.

But you risk uneven cutting if you lack experience or a steady hand. It’s also harder to create complex styles yourself like layering shaping. Your mistakes will be a little more glaring than you’d like and take time to grow out, leaving you a little self-conscious.

Pros are great for major length adjustments or a full-style transformation. You get a well-balanced cut from a professional who can see your hair more accurately at the back and follow your goals more closely.

Tools and Techniques

Ok, here’s what you’ll need for trimming your sisterlocks yourself. You’re going to need:

• High-quality, professional hair-cutting scissors. Do not use blunt household scissors.
• Sectioning Clips to keep your locs organized while trimming.
• A Fine-Tooth Comb (Optional) if you want to shape your locs to guide your cut.
• A Hand Mirror is useful for checking the back of your head if you’re trimming at home.
• Spray Bottle with Water for lightly misting your locs can make them easier to handle but avoid soaking them.
• Measuring Tape (Optional) if you’re a stickler for symmetry.

 

You can either do a traditional straight cut or cut them at a slight angle for a more natural finish. For a straight cut, simply section your locs, determine the amount to cut, and snip in a straight line. You can also cut them at a slight angle, which will give a more natural finish.

You can style them if you’d like. For instance, you can trim locs at different lengths to create volume and movement. Start with small snips and assess as you go. For a bob cut, go shorter in the back and gradually longer in the front. Your mirror is your friend. Better yet, get a loved one to help you here.

 

It might take several attempts before you get good at cutting and styling your own hair. If you’re doing it for an important event, you should probably leave it to the pros.

Caring for Your Sisterlocks After A Trim

After trimming your sisterlocks, use lightweight oils and moisturizing sprays to keep your ends nourished and prevent dryness. Maintain your new shape by gently separating locs after washing to avoid bunching, and schedule light trims as needed to keep the look fresh. It’s natural to feel a bit of shock or regret when you’re done. Don’t worry, it will pass! For the best results, continue to take care of your hair with scalp cleansers, shampoos, and moisturizers. 

Growing Out a Shorter Cut

If you decide to grow out your sisterlocks after a cut, be patient. Expect about ½ inch per month, though this varies. Transitional styles like layering, adding sisterlocks extensions, or adding accessories can help manage uneven growth. Regular maintenance and hydration will keep your locs healthy as they regain length.

Final Thoughts

This is what makes sisterlocks so versatile. You can give them a trim, and they still look amazing! Giving your hair a cut or trim is necessary for its health and growth, and addressing split ends. You can also cut your hair to keep it at your preferred length or for a change in energy.

Whatever your reasons, be careful. Take your time so you do it evenly without issue. We recommend seeing a pro first to get your first cut when your locs are fully mature. You can then get sound advice on when to trim your hair and maintain optimal length and health.