Do Sisterlocks Cause Hair Loss

[@bj77755]

This info is so true, no one should be getting retightining more than every 6 Weeks and do not let them do it too tight, please speak up.. FYI speed doesn't mean they are doing it correct.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Say it again for the people in the back!

[@camara1194]

Yes! I do mine every 6-8 weeks.

[@teeneeshatrew]

I got rid of my sister locs because it cause me hair loss. I was two months in I never experienced hair loss before.

[@TheNYCndn]

Your look is so fierce...

[@Mint_tea_cup]

My parts got much thinner after having Sisterlocks for years. When I would get my hair retightened, I would often complain that they were too tight. One consultant told me it had to be tight in order to last until the next retie. A different one told me she didn't do it tightly, that it shouldn't hurt, and that my diet may be the culprit. I could see pulled follicles all over my head. I eventually started doing my reties myself.

[@thedigitalloctician]

That is so sad! It really only takes one "bad" consultant to really damage your follicles. I am happy to hear that you took matters into your own hands

[@deniseholmes7976]

I have alopecia bad bad bad wore sister locs for 8 years and did not hid the warning when they thinned out. I am trying to grow my hair back had to get it cut like a boy now it is still very bald in the top and I have hair in the back, but the top is gone gone gone . Be careful.

[@brwn_eyedgurl7439]

I suffered hair thinning with my sisterlocs and thought about cutting them off. I stopped getting retightenings every 4 weeks and just left my scalp alone and it started to grow back and fill in where it was thinning so I kept them and have been maintaining them on my own. I used to experience painful retightenings but didnt say anything because she would be done 2 hours I never noticed my hair was thin and it seemed to happen almost over night although I am sure it happened over time

[@katchiaow7330]

I also retighten my own SLs... lengthened the time between each retie to 12 weeks and have had my thinning areas also regrow and fill in nicely.

[@CountryLovinSista]

Glad to hear your experiences- there is hope! I’ve been doing my own reties and have done them waaaay too frequently resulting in significant breakage and loss of locs. Going to try to leave my hair alone for at least 6-10 weeks. UGH

[@brwn_eyedgurl7439]

@@CountryLovinSista yeah I think doing them too often will thin them out...I ended up combining my locs and getting them palm rolled...my hair is doing much better

[@CountryLovinSista]

@@brwn_eyedgurl7439 That’s awesome! I have been thinking about having my combine as well. Only problem is I like to swim and work out, so I was worried about traditional locks because I think I would have to constantly have them re-twisted.

[@brwn_eyedgurl7439]

@@CountryLovinSista I am very active and I don't worry about them sweating back I tied them down when I work out and I retwist once a month

[@Tabbybaby3]

I've had my sisterlocks for 7 years and I've noticed a growth stunt. I drink tons of water, I take collagen and biotin. All the ladies who did my hair were never licensed cosmetologist. I now know that's very important. After lots of consideration I choose to transition to traditional locs and my daughter will be getting them as well. Better on my pockets so I'm not mad. I'm just ready for a fresh start.

[@fatimamanneh9432]

For that very reason is why I didn’t get sisterlocs I have microlocs but they aren’t as small as sisterlocs they are a little bit smaller then pencil width & yes have to be mindful of how often I retighten which I do myself I also make I sure to leave a little space at the root of each loc because I don’t want pain after doing a retie I also space my retie schedule out every 8 to 9 weeks I know everyone can’t do that but my new growth grows with my locs so I am able to stretch

[@kertrisamcwhite6867]

👏🏾 I agree 100%. I am 6 years into my sisterloc journey. About 18 months ago I started paying closer attention to my front hairline. I didn't/don't spend much time in the mirror over my hair, so one day I was like holdup! Why am I losing my grid in the front and getting thin edges? I started looking back a pictures trying to figure out the starting point. By that time my hair seemed to have migrated back an inch and I had lost 1 loc near my temple. At the same time I was noticing more tenderness (mild) after retightening at my edges but I didn't want to say anything to my loctician. I went back and forth with myself for months. Maybe it was genetics. Maybe it was the elastic on my sleep cap. Maybe I wasn't using enough oil on my scalp. Anyway. I finally said something. My loctician, a professional as always, was like sure, I'll tightening a little less on all the edges. The thinning in the front unfortunately has not improved but the only regret I have is not paying enough attention in the first place and not speaking up sooner.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Nevertheless, I'm proud of you for noticing and speaking up! That's revolutionary!

[@FlowerPow-tz1cn]

ANSWERS to why locks are falling out, or hair at the scalp is thinning, or spaces are getting wider: Very simple 1) TWISTING: The twisting or retighten of the hair at the scalp. I haven’t seen many people with locks ( of any kind of locks) who don’t have thinning. 2) FREQUENCY: the frequency of twisting and re-tying the hair, 3) FRICTION: the friction of the tool pushing through and then pulling back through the hair POPS the hair WITHIN each lock not just around each lock. If it was AROUND each lock, then the lock wouldn’t fall out, 4) DRYNESS: To my knowledge sister locks can not have much product so therefore the hair is dry which is a big No No when adding friction like pushing and pulling that tool through at the root every 6-8 weeks. 5) DIET: Poor diet such as Sugar and excessive fatty food causes inflammation in The body which can cause lack of blood circulating to the scalp and balding/hair falling out. 6) HEAVINESS/LENGTH: As the hair grows the weight of the hair on each already THINED lock strand is excessive. It’s not the same as having loose long hair. We want long hair but if your hair is fine and low density then you SHOULD keep your locks shorter to prevent excessive weight on each square grid. Keep them cut to just past shoulder length to decrease weight and heaviness pulling on the scalp. The LONGER the lock, the heavier it is. 7) REATTACHING: I don’t recommend Reattaching fallen locks to broken strands as it is only adding more weight and tension on the scalp. I work in healthcare with people who have a had strokes. When that arm is weak or paralyzed it ultimately becomes a heavy like a weight to the shoulder and pulls on muscles/tendons/ligaments resulting in a space called subluxation. This is what happens to each lock as it grows and pulls. 8) LENGTH: once again the longer the hair being pulled through at the retighten appointment the more friction on the scalp hair. For instance, if you are pulling 6 inches of hair through there is less friction than pulling 20 or 30 inches of hair through that tiny space and the more chance of hairs popping at the root. So keep your hair cut to just below shoulder length. Try these suggestions and I pray that you all have healing and new growth.

[@ttb1368]

I’ve had sisterlocks for about three years. After noticing a bald spot and thinning throughout the top of my head, as well as some combined locs (probably because of thinning), I asked my loctician, who said that there was some thinning but she didn’t think it was bad. I compared photos from when I had my establishment and it is pretty bad. I went to see a dermatologist who said that she thinks it’s female pattern baldness. She took bloodwork to rule out other causes and I’m waiting for that to come back. But she also said that for me, sisterlocks is the worst possible style because the pulling and styling right next to the scalp will only make the problem worse. So now I’m contemplating cutting off my locs, which are well past my shoulders. I’m okay getting rid of them if the trade off is not being bald in the top of my head, but am curious about your thoughts. Thanks!

[@ttb1368]

I’ve also been experiencing a lot of constant itchiness of the scalp, which is horrible. I don’t have any dandruff and I’ve been applying vitamin E oil, so I don’t think it’s dry scalp. I feel like I’m feeling my hair thinning everyday - I’m sure this is me being stressed and histrionic, but if I’m honest, that’s what I’m thinking.

[@tanjiahall4238]

I had Sisterlocks for 5 years. I loved them but noticed the roots were getting thinner. I was worried they wouldn't be able to support the locs in the front and sides. The back was better. I combined them from 325 count to about 100 locs. I kept them another 5 years ( waist length) but they didn't loc together well. I eventually combed them out 3 years ago. I have been dealing with 2 bald spots and no edges since. They are finally growing in. I'm contemplating getting traditional locs 🤔. I really miss having locs.

[@sassyone82]

I've had sisterlocks for a little over 5 years now and have always had thick, kinky hair all of my life. I now have thinning on the front left side; the back and right side, my locs are thick and normal. I noticed the thinness occurring around a year ago and pointed it out to my loctician who told me that she didn't think it was bad either but I felt and knew otherwise. Still, because she held a cosmetology license, I trusted her judgement as she was the one who established my locs and I hadn't been to anyone but her. Then she said it was the weight of the locs that was causing the thinness and that my locs needed a trim. My gut was telling me that it wasn't so much the weight b/c my locs were only to my bra strap in the back; I felt that the thinness was being caused by her retightening my hair in that area too tight and combining too many locs. Well, I finally sought a 2nd opinion and did a consult with another loctician who told me that I had traction alopecia caused by my previous location combining the locs diagonally and vertically (and basically in any kind of direction) and not in the correct pattern. It put stress on my hair in that area, causing the thinness. The new loctician said that it's fixable (she would have to fix the pattern which could take a few months for my hair to grow back) and she also recommended that I see a dermatologist to rule out any damage. I'm certainly thankful that I finally sought a 2nd opinion and as a result, switched to a new loctician but at the same time, I'm kicking myself for not having done it much sooner, like a year ago when I first noticed the thinning. My dermatology appointment is in a few weeks and I'm praying that my dermatologist doesn't recommend that I cut my locs....HOWEVER, if it is recommended, then I'll certainly do the big chop. I love my sisterlocks but I will not sacrifice the health of my hair for it.

[@promostk]

Here watching and learning. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@tovah7173]

I got alopecia around my Sisterlocks in the parting and was diagnosed with ccca - I had to cut them off after 11 years and now have a twa.... Very disappointing. I definitely think there's something going on.

[@Mac2002mike]

Locs started in 2013 with 3 in of hair. Loctician recmnds every.6 wks, my hair grows fast. I do every 8 wks. I don't want my hair tightened tight. And I want it even less tight around my hairline, 2-3 rows back. I don't want to.see my scalp so I like the new growth as it grows out. My hair is now past my bra line and I did cut off 6 in last year. I'm currently trying Not to cut it on a short style above my shoulders 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@jessicaadai4674]

My God...you are so pretty

[@verasumter5441]

Alopecia exists without sisterlocs, hair loss is different. There is traction alopecia that is caused by tension, which is caused by hand manipulation. Alopecia shows up before it is sometimes even notice. If locks r causing hair loss I don’t think one should blame it on Alopecia, there is a difference.

[@fatimamanneh9432]

Vera Sumter pulling the the follicles too tight during retighten can also cause hair loss it’s the same as getting braids done too tight which causes alopecia

[@TrollownsGoblin]

I’m currently on a 5 week because I’m newly sisterlocked and it helps to catch slippage and unraveling early which my hair texture is somewhat susceptible to in my experience, but my loctician encourages me to tell her if the retie is too tight so she can do one less rotation that she usually would

[@cannedheat300]

My scalp between the individual locs became more pronounced after 10 years. So much space that I now wear head coverings all the time; I, personally, hate seeing lots of scalp space. Probably d/t too much tension in tightning, long-term steroid & antihistamine use, plus hormonal changes in my 5th decade of life. Women in my family get thinner hair w/age. I'm thinking of getting a sew-in weave at this point vs shave my locs out.

[@leshanreid9620]

me too! same issue 😪

[@MamaEzi]

Our community has to move towards seeing a dermatologist for any type of hair loss. There are dermatologist that specialize in hair loss and black dermatologist as well - docs4hair and blackdermalogist

[@lisakragbe3789]

This has been the most informative video. Thank you! Thank you all for the great questions too. I gleaned form your inquisition. I have a question - if 6 weeks the soonest, what is the longest you can go before getting the retightening? I am a 6-7 week now, but have a spot that I need to regrow and considering trying to go longer between retightening. Another option is to maintain my 6-7 for the rest of my head and leave the top where the trouble is for 8-9? What do you think?

[@chavonia]

I find it surprising that the type of hair products typically used for Sisterlocks (SL) didn’t come up in this conversation. The SL products were awful on my hair. I had never had a dandruff until I started using their products and I tried all of them for a while to be sure. I’ve also seen people suggest Suave as an alternative to SL products and I found it surprising that people would use such a cheap poor quality shampoo on a hairstyle that cost well over $1000 a year to maintain. I think people try to justify using an inexpensive shampoo because reties cost so much but that doesn’t make sense. When you buy a Benz, you use premium gas in the car. Where’s the logic outside of cost and sulfates for using suave? There are other lifestyle issues with SL that I’ve noticed that could also be contributing to this hair loss, some of which were mentioned in the comments such as retightening too tight and/or too frequently, as well as your dietary lifestyle, hair texture, density, and thickness. I’ve also noticed people surrender their whole head to a consultant and become uninvolved in the maintenance of their hair.

[@chinwenduchinwe586]

Something is not being said regarding this issue. Many don't have alepecia, have no issues but top is starting to thin out after years of having sisterlocks. The loctician didn't retight too tight. The retight appt (client doing) varied according to hair growth; only after kept to scheduled retights. Have purposely kept locks at shoulder length so no pulling occurs. Finally, retight by self (took sisterlock class) and still thinning. My hair started out full and thriving but now thinning. After retight, after washing the top scalp does grow hair back and then no scalp is showing. I have sisterlock products but have tried others. Now, I use water w/few drops of peppermint oil, conditioner plus deep conditioning, rice water and aloe vera. What are we not being told please? And, what is the real solution to correct this; if any, other than cut off locks? Thank you very much.

[@msblaquecherry]

Literally experiencing this rn . Any luck?

[@NaturalDebbie]

Thanks for sharing. I am about 10 months in on my Sisterlocks journey. I never thought about going to a trichologist but it makes sense. Any thoughts/advice on how often a person should visit to keep up with hair and scalp health?

[@DrHen-xd3rv]

I recently shaved my head but had SL for about 3 years. I noticed my hair stopped growing as fast. Became frustrated with having painful reties and not being educated on my hair. I started doing my own then had a strong urge to cut them off. It was time for something new. I’m gonna miss them but hey🤷🏽‍♀️

[@valerielb77]

Yes I I did the big chop of 5 years of Sislocs they were popping off when getting retighten and thinking my hair so I’m starting over but no locs none whatsoever

[@bjenkins1318]

I know that this is an old topic but could my medications be causing my SLs to thin, as well? I have crazy length growth but its thinning more and more in my crown area. Suggestions? I'm so happy that I found you and I definitely subscribed! Thank you, Sis! Blessings. Oh yeah, I'm 64 and 2 years into my journey.

[@sls2gm]

Hello!!! Definitely appreciate the info. 😁

[@thedigitalloctician]

Happy to help!

[@jessica33313]

Im 1 year and 2 months in and what caused thinning on my locs is my old loctation making my locs too small on my edges! Couldn’t believe that was a thing but it is! The middle is fine.

[@shondelljames3019]

Your locs are beautiful

[@thedigitalloctician]

Aww thank you so much!!

[@shondelljames3019]

@@thedigitalloctician You're welcome

[@amberdenisetv1232]

What are some things we can do to help make the reties more comfortable? Alot of ppl have said to not get retied on dry hair. Anything else? I go for my 1st retie on June 18th.

[@sandrajordan9086]

Good question, I have had traditional locs in the past and my retightening was always completed after my locs was washed. I'm in the process of looking at getting Sisterlocs and was wondering why the retires can be done while the hair is wet?

[@leeceyleece2406]

Reties are meant to be on damp hair - my consultant is a sisterlocks ambassador and she always sprays my hair with water as she works so that the hair is malleable and the retie comfortable. She advised that it was part of her training.

[@jwat1955]

Reties should not hurt, period. My consultant also dampens my hair, section by section as she's working through it. Since the first retie at 4 weeks, which was part of the initial package, I've been a 7-week girl, and it's working for me. It's been almost 13 months. You'll be able to tell based on how fast your hair grows, and you'll definitely know when "it's time". :)

[@nitas3rd]

@@leeceyleece2406 hi! I'm strongly considering Sisterlocks with a brand ambassador as well. I'm curious, if you don't mind my asking, have you had any of the thinning and breaking I've been reading about in these comments? I would be devastated to pay over $1500 for a style that I would have to cut off.

[@denisebey3395]

I have always had hair loss with receiving hairline when I was younger. My parents relaxed my hair and use the hot comb on my hair now that I’m older in my late 60s I’m realizing that my baldness is receding. I have dreadlocks and wanted to know whether or not putting micro braids very thin light, whether not that would cause more baldness or would help regrow my hair? If I should just leave my receding hairline alone and do a buzz cut instead?

[@Phenom-rl5pr]

I want sisterlocks, any recommendations in the Miami fl area?

[@foodlover40]

Thank you so much!!! I was concerned with getting my hair done by a sisterlock consultant without a cosmetology license. I have been contemplating taking my hair out during this pandemic or finding a consultant who is also a licensed hair care professional. Thank you as always for providing information to help. So grateful!!! 💖💖💖💯 @curlynugrowth

[@thedigitalloctician]

You are so welcome!

[@nener1864]

Gorgeous Locs🥰🤗💕

[@LatishaDeal]

I see you suggested no sooner than 6 weeks for retightening. Is that after your locs have mature or anytime? I’m about to get my establishment next week luckily my Locitian is a license cosmetologist as well.

[@thedigitalloctician]

6 weeks is the earliest, ever! Congratulations on your new journey!

[@camara1194]

How much are you for a consultation and how can I book a consultation with you?

[@kitcatmeeow571]

Until we admit that any and all forms of locs have become a RELIGION, we will never be free to speak openly about ALL FACTS involved with ALL KINDS of locs. Nobody is ALLOWED to question a RELIGION OPENLY. So what's up with all the guarded speech about this HAIRSTYLE ? 🤔

[@christaledwards9464]

Does the interlocking style/technique damage the root of your hair?

[@debbyjoseph9092]

I have been having a very sore scalp and I feel that it's being to tight,and done maybe to often,any suggestions

[@janninboxley364]

Hello I want sista locs my hair is thinning and has a curly pattern what advice do you have for me

[@petrisemiles4526]

Do you recommend reties on damp hair?

[@vwiggins9797]

Llove love love that blouse or dress you are wearing

[@sandrajordan9086]

Could menopause be the cause of hair loss and thinning ,has well as hereditary?

[@redcardinal4]

Yes. Hormone changes can thin hair.

[@quanitabost6584]

Are you in the DMV area? I am considering using to licensed cosmetologist for styling, washing and retieing. I am experiencing a lot of slippage and un raveling.. because workouts sweating..

[@thedigitalloctician]

Yes I am! However, I am not accepting new appointments.

[@sylviag59]

#newsubscriber Thank you for sharing.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you for joining the community!

[@kitcatmeowpurr745]

All of your reasoning is akin to saying ; (1) not EVERYONE who smokes cigarettes will develop lung cancer or heart disease (2) not EVERYONE who has diabetes will have an amputation or develop kidney failure or go blind (3) not EVERYONE who uses heroin or meth will overdose (5) not EVERYONE who drives at 100 mph will have a deadly car crash So what the hell, if I lose ANY of my hair follicles, so what A HAIRSTYLE is WORTH THE RISK OF BALDNESS. None of these RISKS are REQUIRED to LIVE. Nor is a HAIRSTYLE REQUIRED to LIVE. THAT is what I am hearing from you.

[@mimikamanda4346]

What about the frequency of the retightenings?

[@thedigitalloctician]

it’s really important to stay on schedule but some people get them done too often. I believe anything less than 6 weeks is too soon.

[@mimikamanda4346]

@@thedigitalloctician aaah got it. Thanks I'll be getting my sisterlocks installed tomorrow so this has been a helpful video

[@imanbrown2942]

You have traditional locks so how can you give advice to people with sisterlocks?

[@thedigitalloctician]

Because I’ve had sisterlocks and I am also a trained Sisterlocks consultant