Hi everyone! If you are in the beginning stages of sisterlocks or dreadlocks, I’m sure you’re feeling a little anxious; constantly worrying about what to do or if you’re even doing it right; you don’t want to mess anything up and prolong the maturing process. It can be a little nerve-wrecking, but here are a few things that I learnt while going through my beginner locs phase that I’m sure will help.
[Before you continue, see my general loc rules first: Dos and Don’ts for Locks.]
Then watch the video or read the text below
Moisturizing
It is critical that you avoid greasing or oiling your scalp. By oiling, I mean carrier oils like coconut oil. Carrier oils can cause serious slippage for beginner locs. My hair was so dry those first few months after installation, so I decided to start oiling my scalp after washing my hair. I thought that since it wasn’t grease it should be okay. Boy was I wrong! I noticed the slippage almost immediately. So I know it’s tough, but please avoid the grease as well as the carrier oils. Use water-based products like our Rose water Revitalizing Spray.
Cleansing
Another thing I learnt is to refrain from washing your hair so often. The most important thing is for your locks to mature right? Washing your hair every few days is not going to help in achieving that. The locks need time to settle. During my beginner phase, I decided to try dry shampoo for the first time, and it soon became a staple in my hair care routine. If you’re looking for a way to refresh between washes I recommend you try it. Another way to refresh is to spray your hair with peppermint oil water or better yet with our Rose water Revitalizing Spray whose ingredients also help with itching.
When you do wash your locks, be careful of the kind of shampoo you use and be sure to dilute it. Up to now I still dilute any shampoo I use. And by no means should you use conditioner. Slippage. Slippage. Slippage! I have 4C hair so I understand the desire to condition and soften your hair, but I’m telling you it’s bad news for beginner locs. Even worse if your hair is more loosely coiled than mine, because slippage is already a stressing issue for you.
Styling
In the beginning stages everyone looks a little weird with their locks, whether it be sisterlocks or dreadlocks. I started the locking process towards the end of secondary school (high school) and I was very self-conscious about going to school with it. However, one thing I would do is curl my locs. This would prevent me for having to deal with my locks awkwardly sticking out all odd angles.
Another thing I did was plait my locks in various styles. One thing I should caution you on is being careful not to pull too tightly when curling or plaiting your locks. I only realized about a month later that having it pulling so tightly was in fact slowing down the locking process.
Persevering
Last but not least, be patient. Constantly watching your hair isn’t going to make it grow or mature any faster. I used to examine my locks in the mirror every morning and night. All this did was stress me out. Once I stopped doing that, the time flew by. Not to mention, stress really isn’t conducive to hair growth.
Related posts
Dos and Don’ts for Locks (Part 1)
How to wash beginner locks
Essential winter hair care tips
What should I moisturize my locs with?
Until next time!
~Jay
You suggest using peppermint oil in water. Can you say what measurement to use (how much oil to water)?
I use about 6 drops of peppermint oil per 1 cup of water
What should I expect when I go for the initial consultation and what should each stage cost me
The initial consultation basically tells you about your hair type, how compatible it is with locks, and determines how long it will take. The loctician will also discuss how thick you’d like your locks. He/she will usually give you an estimate for the installation and an estimate for how much a retightening will cost. This is also the opportunity for you to ask any questions you have. I can’t tell you how much each stage will cost because that depends on who does it and where you’re getting it done. The best plan is to contact the locticians in your area and ask them about their retightening rate in order to gage for yourself how much it should cost.
I am new to the loc world and have not found a site yet that can assist with the start of my specific loc journey. I am gray and have short starter locs. I am looking for a way to cover them while at work until they loc. The starter look is not very professional when they start to grow out so I have been wearing wigs/wraps which is not very kind to my hair. Please help if you can. Thanks
Welcome to the loc world! 🙂 You don’t have to cover them. Just curl them and rock a short curly hairstyle. (See my post “5 ways to curl your locs”.) Since your hair is short, I’d recommend using pipe cleaners. They are thin so you need less hair to wrap around them. Plus they will give a tight curl pattern that compliments short hair. Also, if you do want to cover your locs, wraps are great. I’m not sure why they aren’t kind to your hair but it’s probably the material that you are using. You should buy satin or silk scarves which won’t irritate your hair.
I’m starting my sister locks journey on Saturday. I’m super excited. I previously had traditional locz which I loved but they became heavy needed a change. Wish me luck. 😉
Congrats on your new journey! And you don’t need luck; you got this!😉
I have my consultation tomorrow and I have been reading up on sister locs all evening. Your information has been most helpful. I have short 4C hair and have worn a short fro since 2019. I just need a change and don’t want to go back to chemicals “curls and perms nor extension braids”. I am hoping I will like the locs.
Congrats on deciding to start your locks journey! Getting locs is a great decision and I’m sure you’ll love them. I’m really glad that you found this information useful and feel free to reach out if you have any questions along the way!
Starting my sister locs 1/22 and I’m so nervous about the maintenance
Congrats!! 🤗 It’s understandable that you’re nervous; I was too at first. But there’s really no need to be. Just follow the steps and everything will be fine. You got this!
I’m enjoying my beginning stage of my dreads. Start July 25,202- and not looking back. Thank you the advice
Congrats on starting your locks journey! I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far 🙂
I have an appt. to start my loc journey. And I’m just wondering what hair care poducts you use other then the oil ?
Congrats on making the decision to start your locks journey! For maintenance, the only thing I use is my Rose water Revitalizing Spray. For cleansing, I use the sisterlocks tea tree shampoo or Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap in peppermint.