Hi everyone! People often want to get the sisterlocks look without the sisterlocks price tag. I completely understand. This is actually how microlocs (or microlocks) came about. However, it’s important to know that microlocs and sisterlocks are not the same thing.
Watch the video or read the text below:
What are microlocs?
Microlocs are tiny locs that are done without formal training. While sisterlocks have defined grid patterns and interlocking techniques, microlocs do not have these set rules and do not require formal training to do. In addition, while it is possible to get them any size, I’ve seen a lot of people with extremely small microlocks. Sometimes, you can’t even tell that they’re locs! They can look a lot like really tiny braids or extremely defined curls.
How to start microlocs?
You can start microlocks using several different methods. The most popular ones are: interlocking, two-strand twists, and braiding. For more information on these methods, see my post: How to start locs: Pros and Cons of Various Locking Methods
How long do mircolocs take to install and retighten?
Now here’s the catch. Microlocs can take anywhere between 2 to 24 hours just to retighten. In addition, a first time installation can take up to a week if you are doing it a couple hours at a time. You can do two-strand twists, interlocking, or braiding; but because of their size, there’s no avoiding the fact that microlocs will take a long time. Furthermore, the level of experience of your loctician, or of yourself if you choose to do it on your own, will also determine how long the process takes.
How much do they cost?
This can vary depending on where you live and the level of professionalism you want. I’ve seen people charge as low as $200 USD and others as high as $850 USD. So while it may be cheaper than sisterlocks, it still won’t be cheap. The real cost-saving comes from doing it yourself.
Advantages of microlocs
- Can do it yourself without formal training
- Often cheaper than sisterlocks
- Can be done using various locking methods
- Easier to combine if you want bigger locs in the future, once not interlocked
Disadvantages of microlocs
- No set grid patterns so it can lead to an asymmetrical head of locs with uneven partings
- Takes a long time to install and retighten
- No formal training – can potentially lead to mistakes and holes in locks, which can cause breakage
That’s it for the 3rd installment in the Types of Dreads series. Check out the others below.
Until next time!
~Jay
Well that didn’t really help
I’m sorry to hear that. What do you believe would make the article more helpful?
Pictures would have been useful. Also how are microlocs done?
Yes, I’m working on adding pictures to all the articles. And there is another article on how to start locs here: https://mylocksjourney.com/how-to-start-dreads/ which details the different locking methods. I have now added the link to this post for future readers.
So how do you retighten micro locks? You can’t use the regular retwist method ?
What do you mean by the regular retwist method? You can retighten microlocs by interlocking or palm-rolling. See my posts: Self-retightening tips: interlocking and Types of dreads: Interlocs vs Sisterlocks vs Palm rolled locks
‘no defined grid pattern’ that is not true. Microlocs can have a precision parting grid. Just look at some youtubers also. If you do 250 microlocs reties and establishment don’t have to take much time
Hi! It seems that you misunderstood. I’m not saying that microlocs can’t be neat. By defined I mean that the pattern is not set in stone. There is no governing body that decided how it should be done.
Hi, there is not one way to how it should be done.
Thanks for this article. Taking your time to reply. I have been reading your articles for some time now. They are very good 👍
Thank you! I really appreciate your continued support☺️
Your info was very helpful I formally had sisterlocks for 5 years but they weren’t small enough so I’ll excited about getting micro locks What’s the suggested length to start I have an Afro
Congrats on deciding to restart your locks journey!☺️ There’s no suggested length, just start! A lot of people think you need to wait until your hair grows but with loose hair it’s harder to retain length. If they had started their locks journey earlier, their locs would actually be longer right now. So it’s better to lock as soon as you can. Your Afro is definitely enough!
Can you grow long micro locs? Or will they break?
Hi! Yes you can grow long microlocs! Even though they are thin, microlocs (and locs in general) are strong. They won’t break easily unless you aren’t taking proper care of them.
Microloc’s I actually wanted sisterlocs instead of Microloc’s but decided to get Microloc’s because sisterlocs actually takes a really long time so I’m glad I chose Microloc’s and don’t regret it people always think there sisterlocs but I always correct them and let them know
🙌🏽 Love that you take pride in your microlocs!