Why Are Sisterlocks So Expensive? Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself

Sisterlocks, once a lesser-known form/style of traditional dreadlocks, now is a coveted hairstyle for the natural Black community. 

Locking your hair was once a simple process of palm rolling or twisting in a few hours, then letting it do its thing. Now, there are options like sisterlocks, which use thin, uniform locks a few millimeters performed using a unique technique.

What makes sisterlocks so fantastic is their versatility. It looks similar to your natural hair and can be manipulated into different styles. It’s also a great protective option if you want to manage the long-term health of your hair.

While sisterlocks styles are growing in popularity - with more women choosing sisterlocks over traditional dreadlocks or freeform locks - the cost is a sticking point.

Getting professionally installed sisterlocks can cost hundreds of dollars, and that excludes hair care products. 

With the high cost of sisterlocks, you may want to do it yourself. 

But it is easier said than done.

So why are sisterlocks so expensive? And should you pony up the cost or attempt to do it yourself? Let’s dive in.

What Makes Sisterlocks Unique

This neat, meticulously created hairstyle uses a unique locking technique to achieve a beautiful, Instagram-worthy look. Think of it as micro-braiding but with a very intentional method of knotting the hair from the ends up. This results in a much smaller, denser lock – often just a few millimeters wide.

Traditional locs are thicker and have a more organic, varied texture. Locks involve more palm-rolling or twisting with natural hair products. 

With a little effort and practice, you can install your own traditional locks.

Sisterlocks, on the other hand, require a specific technique using a patented tool to give you that grid, uniform look. As a result, it is much more lightweight, allowing for easier movement. 

As it looks and feels like natural hair, you have the ability to style it in ways you might not with traditional locks.

Moreover, the maintenance routine, while consistent, is often described as less intensive in terms of daily manipulation once the locks are established. 

You’re not getting a smaller version of traditional dreadlocks. You’re choosing a unique technique and specific tools to create a style that sets you apart.

Breaking Down the Cost Factors

Sisterlocks are so expensive due to the many factors involved in achieving the desired look. The initial installation of sisterlocks can cost $600 on the low end to $1200+ on the high end. Some cases cost $1500 plus. 

You’ll be working with a loctician to install the sisterlocks, similarly to if you go to someone to braid your hair. Let’s break down why this may be the case:

A Significant Time and Money Investment

When you decide to get sisterlocks, you need to allocate significant time to complete the initial locking process. This is a time-consuming, painstaking journey where a few strands of hair are used to create each sisterlock. In the end, sisterlock wearers can end up with 400-600 individual locks depending on the thickness of their hair and how small each individual lock will be.

The total time for the initial installation can be 12 hours on the low end or 30+ hours on the high end. The installation can happen over 3-4 sessions of at least 7 hours each.

During the first year, you’ll return to the loctician every 6-8 weeks to retighten your hair, which can take a few hours per session. A retightening session can cost $80-$100. 

Before choosing your locks, you must pay an initial consultation fee to assess your hair and even attempt a few sisterlocks to check for compatibility.

Add in the yearly cost of moisturizers, leave-in conditioners, oils, and other hair products, and the cost can add up.

The loctician or consultant must also account for this time and will charge accordingly, as they could have been attending to others during the time.

Certified Consultant Training

Sisterlocks are a unique style pioneered by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 1993. This style uses her patented tool and requires relentless practice to develop the style. Since then, individuals can learn the sisterlocks technique, how to use the tools, and become certified. Dr. Cornwell and many others have spread the technique worldwide.

When you choose to work with a technician, you get someone competent in the style with the goal of keeping your hair healthy and reducing damage. Even trainees are capable of completing the style under the supervision of experienced locticians. In short, the cost is linked to expert help, similar to paying a specialist in other service-based businesses.

Geographic location and market rates

The price of haircare is subject to geographic and market rates. If there is higher demand in areas with more Black people or individuals looking for sisterlocks, the price will be higher. If there are fewer locticians in some areas, they can charge expert prices.

Some locticians located in upscale areas will charge accordingly. Alternatively, some countries in Africa and the Caribbean will have lower or more affordable rates due to the general cost of goods and services in that country.

Return on investment over time

While the upfront cost is high, sisterlocks are considered low-maintenance in the long run compared to other hairstyles. For many wearers, they offer durability and versatility that justify the investment. Think of the countless hours and dollars you save styling your hair at home or on visits to a stylist or loctician. Ultimately, Sisterlocks are not just a hairstyle but a lifestyle choice that involves significant labor and expertise, making them a premium service in natural hair care.

The Risks of DIY Installation

Now that you know why sisterlocks are so expensive, you may be thinking twice about getting them. At the moment, you may not have the time or money to invest. 

So should you DIY your sisterlocks? There are advocates for DIY sisterlocks with many YouTube tutorials that can help. 

You’re encouraged to do it on shorter hair to make it easier to do. However, there are many challenges and risks in attempting sisterlocks on your hair, especially for the first time.

Lack of proper training and technique

Even if you attempt to learn it online, the results may not be similar to a professionally installed alternative. It takes repetition and experience to install sisterlocks to achieve the precise grid pattern and technique. It’s extremely difficult to get your desired results on the first try.

You can have uneven patterns, inconsistent results, and locks that easily slip out after a few hours/days. You can even damage your hair and scalp, leading to thinning and breakage.

No access to the patented tools

There will be videos online encouraging you to try sisterlocks with different tools and strategies to make it easier. However, a lack of access to the patented tools can lead to poor results and an even longer timeframe for completion.

Time and frustration factor

Remember, you’re responsible for installing your initial locks and each retightening session. The timeframe it will take a pro, you’ll probably need to add an additional 30-50% to compensate for a lack of experience. This can lead to your sisterlocks taking much longer to install. You may not be able to sit for your sessions as you’ll find other things to do that are more pressing. This could stretch the timeframe to weeks. You not only have to install the new locks but retighten the initial locks, leading to a cycle of frustration.

Cost of corrective services (often more expensive)

This timeframe, errors, and potential damage to your hair can lead to back to an expert for help. Not only does the expert need to undo the damage, but they also need to start over from scratch, making it more expensive. It would have cost you more in time and money.

Can you do it yourself? Absolutely. If you have experience with combing your hair or locking your hair before, your chances of success increase significantly.

Should you do it yourself? Probably not. Sisterlocks are a commitment that lasts several years. Why not bring in the pros? Even if you have some skill, you save yourself hundreds in the long run and get results you truly love and enjoy.

 

Ways to Manage the Investment

Is there any way you can keep costs down or manage the cost of your sisterlocks? Absolutely! 

We’re all about saving a little coin in this inflationary time. Some ways you can keep your costs down include:

• Payment Plans: Some consultants offer payment plans, allowing you to spread out the cost of installation over several months instead of paying the full amount upfront.
• Saving Up for Sisterlocks: Why not create a sisterlocks savings plan? Set aside a small amount weekly or monthly leading up to your installation. Creating a side hustle or selling off unwanted items to fund your locks means you don’t have to come directly out of pocket.
• DIY Maintenance: Now we talked about avoiding DIY installation, but retightening is another thing. You can take a DIY retightening class or learn on YouTube so you can learn how to maintain your locs at home. The upfront cost for the class will save you hundreds on the backend.
• Stretch Out Retightening: If you can, instead of 4-6 weeks for retightening, stretch it to 6–8 weeks depending on hair growth and condition.
• Bigger May Be Better: Opt for slightly larger locs or fewer total locs if possible, as smaller or more numerous locs increase installation time and cost
• Price Shop: You may need to shop around. Prices vary depending on location and consultant experience. Compare multiple certified consultants in your area to find one that fits your budget without compromising quality. If driving a couple of hours can save you a couple hundred dollars, do it.
• Work With a Trainee: An up-and-coming loctician is eager to get some wins. Why not give them a chance? It’s likely you’ll get it at a lower cost.
• Arbitrage: Do you have a scheduled vacation in a space popular for sisterlocks? The initial cost can be significantly less if the exchange rate is in your favor. You might pay 1/3 the cost, then just worry about retightening sessions.

If you’re intentional with managing the cost, you can find some ways to drop the overall price or manage it over time.

Final Thoughts

While the initial cost of sisterlocks might seem like a significant hurdle, the value lies beyond the price tag.

Sisterlocks offer remarkable durability and a surprisingly low-maintenance lifestyle once established. Versatility allows for a wide array of styling options compared to other locking styles.

Moreover, choosing professional installation grants you access to expert guidance and support, ensuring your locks are healthy and well-maintained from the start. You also tap into a community and resources available through certified consultants.

Sisterlocks are not a hairstyle but an investment in expertise, proper technique, protection, and tapping into your natural identity. The cost minimizes the risks and frustrations associated with DIY attempts.

If you're ready to embark on the Sisterlocks journey, work with a professional in your area to help you. Use our tips to manage the costs and over time, you’ll get the results you desire while managing your pocket.