Top 5 Reasons Why I Cut My Sisterlocks

[@MAATSouL20]

I am amazed by the comments on this video! I was a certified sisterlock consultant several years ago. I also had traditional locks prior to that. I chose traditional locks because of the freedom it offered a broke college student. This woman's reasons for cutting her locks are legit. If your sisterlock parts aren't done correctly you will have problems later on. Truthfully, there is a "cult-like" attitude surrounding sisterlocks. I remember the rude things other black women said about traditional locks. It's her prerogative if she wanted to cut her locks because it's her fucking hair. If you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut.

[@nikkiwoo679]

I have had my sister locks going on 4 years. they have been wonderful. my consultant not only does my re-ti, she washes and conditions it. all within 2-2 1/2 hours.....just $70. I prefer every 4-5 weeks. Today at age 40, I'm considering cutting them out and starting a new journey. This is a hard decision because this freedom has been lovely. cheers to something new. I love and embrace OUR hair 😊

[@rubyh1706]

I totally respect your reasons for cutting your SLs. I know the more I learn about SLs the less I like the company. I discovered my consultant to be giving me less than acceptable service for the price I paid after I discovered she allowed a knot to continue to get worse by tightening over it instead of fixing it. I only discovered by accident and there was no way she could have missed it if she was truly doing the job she was getting paid good money by me to do. After that, I knew I was be doing it myself. My husband made a tool for me out of a paperclip fashioned like the nappylocks tool (I bought one of those but it was too big for my locks). I refuse to buy into anyone's pressure that I have to do something a certain way. I paid of TON of money, and now that I've been doing my own maintenance I feel I have such a better understanding of my hair and really do what is best for my hair. My edges are rarely tightened because it is simply unhealthy to tighten edges to death, which is what my former consultant used to do. My hair looks good, I've have to do repairs and combine some locks as some were super thin while others were quite thick. Overall, I'm very happy now being my own consultant. Plus I agree, SLs seems a bit cultish.

[@thegoodlife6061]

It seems to me that SisterLocks now are a big M-O-N-E-Y Business, because of the price to start them and re-lock them every 6-8 weeks. I was amazed to find out that some folks are charging $350 to re-lock them. And now natural African American women can get other braids of locks and twist which do not cost that much to start and maintain. Great video

[@172najwa]

I understand what you mean about negative energy with the locks. Five people passed away in my family all within a year. I've had my locks for yen years. They were down toy waist. When my mom passed. My hair felt heavy an my locks let me know that it was time to start over. You are right sis. Your hair is a lifestyle. Your moods the things you go thru reflex's in your being. In which is your hair as well as other body parts. I understand what you mean an why you cut them. Its spiritual!

[@wrightintime]

Thank you for sharing your reasons for cutting your sistalocks. I appreciate your honesty.

[@Basia-z2o]

Congratulations on all your success!!! May you continue following in your path sis!!!

[@VelvetLox]

I completely understand now. Wow, your right, it is a lifestyle. They were beautiful though.

[@thedigitalloctician]

The price depends on your Consultants rates. They can range from $85 - $200. If you don't stick to the schedule your locs will become weaker, prone to breakage and loss, and it will be more costly to retighten.

[@valieremorgan2202]

I heard what you were saying about your reason for cutting your Sisterlocks and the whole time I was thinking "get to the money, get to the money" because for a lot of people it ALWAYS comes back to that,. As far as the time issue, I was thinking maybe you should have sought out another consultant. I go every 8 weeks and my consultant is always finished in 2 hours for $110. I have very small locks (568 to be exact). I am also sorry that you were not better educated about using products on your hair during your initial consultation then perhaps some of your problems could have been avoided. I am enjoying my 7 year journey and wish you nothing but the best.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Very good question. Some women go to the Sisterlocks training only once, get the tool, and start offering Sisterlocks services...and that training class could have been 10 years ago. The founder, Dr. Cornweell, has recently updated a lot of techniques but Consultants are not required to take a refresher course so they just won't know. It is important to find a Consultant that is recently trained to prevent this from happening. Hope that helps!

[@jscreativecloud]

I totally understand about the negative energy as well as all of your other reasons. At the end of the day you want what YOU WANT. I cut off a set of a traditional locks for the similar reasons last year. Funny thing is I feel a lil self conscious without locs and am actually currently booking a consultation for sister or "micro" locks. I am going into this next journey fully conscious and aware. Blessings on your new journey. I wish you well.

[@MrsSimpson05]

Love your video. I'm also considering cutting my Sisterlocks as well. I just feel like I need a change.

[@sisteryaya24]

As someone who had traditional locks for 13 years, you will definitely not have the versatility that you would have with Sisterlocks even though yours were a little thicker than you preferred. The main reason I took the Sisterlocks course is so that I could care for my own Sisterlocks and save a lot of money over time. But bottom line, you do you!

[@thedigitalloctician]

I agree that Sisterlocks are costly but I don't necessarily agree that locs, in general, are a commitment. I believe locs are a patient process, but you can always comb them down if you can't stick with them, which is the beauty of our hair. Its so versatile.

[@sgroom21]

I so glad you made the video bc I was sad about the cut....I truly used your videos as a marker for my own sisterlocks... but with that I truly understand and I wish you the best of luck in the future.... I'm so proud of you for going out and making your path and not following what others see you as being... you are a motivator to others that are following you....

[@Lyfe4u2]

Six to eight hours for retightening???!!!! That's insane. I have 15 inch long (mid back length) SL hair and it never takes over 3 hours to retightening my hair, I go every 8wks and I have close to 400 SL's. The consultant must not have known what they were doing to be taking that long....

[@thedigitalloctician]

Also, I wouldn't recommend ACV rinses until the first 6 months - 1 year because it does soften the hair texture a bit and right now your Sisterlocks are trying to settle. Thanks a lot for the compliments and checking out my videos! :)

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you so much! I was a Java Developer & Quality Assurance Engineer.

[@keerene]

6 to 8 hours in your retightening? Even though you had larger locks?? You just needed a different consultant.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Please don't misinform people. Sisterlocks DO require a specific interlocking tool and can only be truly Sisterlocks using the patented tool from someone that has taken the Sisterlocks training.

[@karenshelley5366]

Thank you for saying that. Not only a interlocking tool, but a specific pattern based on the individual person's hair.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you! I did briefly consider turning my Sisterlocks into Traditional Locs but quickly changed my mind. I didn't want to deal with having to wait for the Sisterlocks to lock together or years for the lines to dread together to have the appearance of normal Traditional Locs.

[@VidLeslie]

I'm so glad you said energy. When I cut my traditional locks 7 years ago I remember feeling like I was holding on to bad relationships and co dependent friendships . I felt like those experiences were locked in my hair.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Oh, why thank you! :) My scarves are from the fabric store and my jewelry is from the Piercing Shop, aside from the Gye Nyame earrings which are from Jewel Afrika Designs.

[@DashingChrisBey]

Congrats on following your dreams

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you for the compliment! :) Yes, my Sisterlocks Consultant was still a Trainee so it took her a little longer than most

[@thedigitalloctician]

I can agree with you once the Sisterlocks are settled and you're free to do what you want, yes they're liberating. But the process to reach the "settled" stage is trying and you must follow the Sisterlocks guidelines, especially with a soft texture like mine in order for them to loc and remain uniform. I am happy they're working great for you! :)

[@nettarose9310]

I had sistalocs for 7 years and I love them as well..... my difficulties came once I relocated to a small city.... there was No One in my hometwon that heard of let alone knew how to tighten them.... living in Dallas (which is where I started my lock journey)my love consultant was the best ... she was honest and I trusted her.... relocated to Atlanta, same thing , however, when I relocated to Charlotte the person that was doing my sistalock did a great job on the front, but for whatever reason decided to start joining my locs and they were looking like two headed dragons. ... I also noticed my crown was thinning, and is when I decided to cut them and now I am simi freeforming...... but overall I must say my sistalocs were beautiful and I loved them....

[@p31diva]

Hi! I am looking for a good certified SL consultant in ATL. Will you kindly share who you went to when you were there, please?

[@psychodrama15]

I leave in Dallas. I'm looking to start in July. Who did you use?

[@ronnie_p_rochester]

Wow. That is great! Congrats on taking such a big step in your life. I am going through a similar experience right now with my life as well. I have been following your journey since you started going natural and I'm glad to see you empowered. Keep it up. You are truly an inspiration.

[@thedigitalloctician]

I've heard people using baby shampoo, personally I've never tried it, and I would highly recommend getting and starting with the "Getting Started" Sisterlocks shampoo. It should have been included in your new install package with at least a 1-2 month supply. If you didn't receive one, you should Call the Sisterlocks Home Office or request one from the Consultant. If you check out my "Sisterlocks Vlog: videos you'll see I use Witch Hazel and my own "Anti-Itch Mist" which is available on my blog.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Oh, thank you! She did correct my slippage but didn't correct the bunches ends (new technique) and also I caused the issues because I was deviating from the set Sisterlocks regimen by using conditioners and moisturizing products.

[@danaromano6272]

I hear you, girl. But you don't sound so certain yourself. I know life can be a roller coaster ride, but you don't have to get on it. Being said, try not to make sporadic decision off of emotions- you seem like you do.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Yes, it is definitely a lifestyle more than a hairstyle.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Yes. To each its own. If you don't feel that way about your hair that's your personal preference.

[@polylife101]

Thank u. U really helped me narrow down my choices of which locs to choose

[@sogotellit1103]

Understand where you stand, just a little taken back with the negative energy. Yes, if someone is working in your hair that is negative that is negative energy. Life can be a challenge, so I would be cutting my hair off all the time due to negativity. The last 5 years has presented itself a challenge for me, so I would need to cut off my hair ? Raising teenagers and practicing adults will make me bald, and there have been some negative times. I won't be cutting my locks for that reason.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Sogo TEllit So very true, I think every person holds and transfers energy differently, at that point in my life cutting of Sisterlocks and beginning anew with another set was what I personally needed to clear my space.

[@ybishy]

congratulations for stepping out & doing what you love to do. it takes a lot of courage to leave security & delve into uncertainty so kudos to you.

[@MrsAChery]

It doesn't sound like you were very educated on what you were getting in sisterlocks.... : / The energy thing...ok The cost? Yeah it can get to you after a while! I started retightening mine myself after 2 years. I wanted locs. And that's what I got. I have less that 400. I don't even know if I have too many more than 300 and I love them!! I don't get why people would get locs small enough to comb (exaggeration). Defeats the purpose in my mind. Maintenance is maintenance. Whether permed or natural, we all have to do it. What's done is done though... You know now what you didn't know then. About locs and about yourself.

[@donttouchthefro]

I agree with reason number 5 the most. I feel like the sisterlocked lifestyle is too structured. You MUST get your hair retightened every month or two, you must follow the consultant's instructions to the T or else they won't look good. I feel like there are more things that you're not supposed to do compared to the things you can do, and that's not what I had in mind when I wanted to lock my hair.

[@thedigitalloctician]

I still have mine too. I plan to burn it eventually, just been too lazy to go start a fire. With locs I don't think you should just throw them away because who knows who might get a hold of them and what they might do with them. Scary.

[@anasudaniya2]

Do you feel like your sisterlocks was look at differently or looked down on when you were in the corporate world??

[@thedigitalloctician]

I'm not sure what you were taught, but during my Sisterlocks Training course we were informed that there is indeed a 400 Sisterlocks minimum.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Yes, I am 4 months into my Traditional Locs journey

[@thedigitalloctician]

I'm glad to not be the only one. I totally understand what you mean.

[@thedigitalloctician]

They are low to moderate maintenance depending on the type of lifestyle you have. I hope this video helped to answer some of your questions tho! :)

[@Streams375]

Energy affects your spirit, not your hair. I have had sisterlocks for seven years and have never experienced this negative energy some talk of. Girl when you feel someone's negativity, just rebuke it in the name of Jesus! LOL!

[@Kay_Joy]

Pamela Wilson Hahahha I heard that

[@p31ChicaLove]

My consultant is a Christian which was one of the factors I looked at in choosing her, therefore I never felt a cultish or negative vibe having my SL!

[@yoshisaba]

Proud of you and your new path in life✊🙌😊

[@thedigitalloctician]

I'm happy to inspire! It has definitely been one of the best decisions I've made!

[@Socalledelitist]

I've had traditional locks and now I'm considering getting sisterlocks. The whole "sisterlocks" movement seems a little on the superficial side and your blog kinda proves that point. I do hope that your hair journey takes you where you want to go, but I see sisterlocks and all hairstyles in general as an extension and expression of self, not the identification of self. My hair does not define me, but I understand one wants it to look they way they want it to look.

[@supervirtuouswoman]

Te grade o your hair absolutely gorgeous. Have your ever thought about infusing your hair. Everyone does not need sisterlocks

[@hotdrumchick]

I can understand the negative energy reason for cutting your locs. I read that Lenny Kravitz cut his off for that same reason. I had wanted them, but for one, they are way too expensive to put in, and I don't have that kind of money, lol. Also to me it is a great commitment to have locs. I don't want to be tied down to that.

[@keerene]

Try using pipecleaners. Leave them in for a day or two and you'll have curls until you wash them. My hair is long and that works. My hair reaches past my butt.

[@thedigitalloctician]

No I wouldn't have done that. Its more of a hassle than just starting over. I definitely wouldn't want to wait for the lines of the combined locs to fade and/or have to deal with constantly cutting off 4-6 headed-dragons. Also, parting is big for me so I wouldn't want just arbitrary parts from a previous set of locs.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you and blessing to you as well on your new journey!

[@JourneytoJasmine]

You go girl! Gotta do what's right for you.

[@bornblessed9150]

Awesome! God has a plan. Only He and you know what that is. Great and go for you destiny.

[@TheLadyEmpire]

I've never heard it put into words but I totally understand that hair energy thing. I have like cotton fluff hair and recently just start doing mini twists and I get great responses and I feel great B4 I swear people were disgusted with me and I was always annoyed!

[@thedigitalloctician]

Awwww thank you! I am happy to inspire! I wish you much success in your future endeavors as well! xo

[@thedigitalloctician]

Yes, a tutorial is coming soon!

[@thedigitalloctician]

I got my shirt from Oyinhandmade[dot]com. Yes, you can take down locs and hopefully you've been taking good care of them and will retain length when you comb them out. If you haven't been moisturizing and taking care of your locs it might be better to cut them out vs trying to repair the damaged hair. Just a suggestion.

[@thegreatblaqitalian]

Glad you are pursuing your dream but what type of job did you have in corporate America? Loved your sister locks and now loving your traditional locks too. I want sister locks but I agree with you it's not a hairstyle but a lifestyle. I am learning so much about traditional locks by watching your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@TheNYCndn]

Hi, I recently put microtwists in with a symmetrical grid according to my head measurements. I want to interlock them soon but am afraid of them getting too fat. I know the rule about the parting size determining the eventual lock size but is there a way to control them? Texture: virgin, extremely fine, fuzzy Curl: 4a & 4b curly Length: 15” Density: normal Amount: 400 tiny locs (small head) I love the year 1 & 2 look but don’t want them to get any larger than that. I want that “hair strand” look if you will. Is there any technique you could recommend?

[@imanipetersful]

I love your shirt! where did you get it from? And I had my traditional locs for about nine years so I decided after my last year of high school and for my college journey that I wanted to cut my hair. But I learned from KZbin videos that I can just take them out :) so this June 2013 after my graduation, I'm going to start the taking out process. But I agree with you, there wasn't much I could do with them as time went by so I can see why you cut your sisterlocs. I enjoyed this video!

[@supervirtuouswoman]

Hey Jernigan six, I have been following your videos for a very long time. I had the sisterlocs, but I used another tool that makes them just interlocs. at any rate, I loved your traditional locs. I prefer them over sisterlocs anyday. Sisterlocs is a money market and it is too much trouble. I am combining my locs as I go.

[@ybishy]

i have sisterlocks & they are the best thing that's happened to my hair. seriously, sisterlocks is not that much of a task to take on. i get my locs retightened every 6 wks & it only takes 2.5 hrs. i don't use sisterlocks products except for the conditioner, i use natural oils on my scalp & locs sparingly, i do whatever i want w/my 5 yo locs that are mid back length. i don't know anyone who's having problems w/their sisterlocks. they're actually quite freeing.

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you, they're from Jewel Afrika Designs. No I'm not from Ghana.

[@HOPROPHETA]

Congrats 2 U on your entrepreneurial efforts! I once read that sister locks can be twisted into traditional locks. If there were no negative energy associated with your hair, would you have considered converting your locks?

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your words of encouragement :) xo

[@shatariwilliams5994]

I'm about to cut my sister locs as well!

[@locsluv9013]

Only a very few ppl can go without putting oil in their hair! What do you do for dryness with sisterlocs???!

[@ATLlockDiva]

I feel you regarding sisterlocks count under 400. I have ~380 sisterlocks. The loctician who installed mine is supposed to be a Master Sisterlock Consultant. You'd think being a 'Master' she'd know the minimum sisterlock count is 400. The larger locks have actually worked out for me. My retightens are only 2-1/2 hours in duration. Since my installation I've found another loctician who is great. I'm 16 months into my journey.

[@brij6826]

Ok six to eight hours retighten is too long it takes me two hours and my loctician is on point, for that it would make anyone cut them off. Sorry you had a bad experience. For me No dye I try not to do too many styles or pulling, however my hair is thick but the more you leave your sister locks alone the more healthier, especially in the maturing stage. I was natural for two years, too much to twist n I have teenagers going to college, no time do do my hair. Everyone's journey is different.

[@kristennewberry3505]

I don’t believe in spending all day for a retightening. And then to spend $120 for that too?! One major downside to sisterlocks are the amount of certified loctitians in the area. KY only has one. Thank God for Tamara being awesome, affordable, and Fast!

[@laurellmccann6193]

Lol.. glad I found this video. My SL are about 3 months old now my loctician took over 8 hrs to retire my hair last time. The way she is charging.. I'll be paying the price of install at every retie. .. looks like it's time for me to search out another Consulatant.

[@heatherb44055]

thank you for your prompt responses. that clears up alot! :-) , take care.

[@sonatagirl07]

Ive had my sisterlocs for 13 years and not once have I cut them. HOWEVER, I can totally understand your reasons for goin for the big chop lol. It def is more of a lifestyle than typical hairstyle. Its interesting to see the variety of sisterloc sizes. I guess you could say mine are on the thicker side which does get SUPER FRUSTRATING when it comes to tryin to do styles. ive pretty much have given up on curls lol

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@tesiisponed]

Where'd you get your nose ring? Looks cool!

[@thedigitalloctician]

Thank you so much!

[@heatherb44055]

hello, thanks for makin this video. as a consultant can you tell me why some locticians kno how to fix slippage and some dont? ive haf SL for 2 1/2 years, my first.loctician let my Locs bunch, and get lose and she just cont to jus retighten them. when I realized my Locs were lumpy and inconsistent I found a new loctician, she fixed them. later I had to switch locticans again, this one was letting them bunch as well. I dont get it, they all get The same training right?

[@MissEL73]

Love your earrings! Are you Ghanaian by origin?

[@lostgirl554]

I don't agree with the part in which you say that it's a lifestyle..because if it was a lifestyle then wouldn't Sisterlocks be all your life is about? Like, people exercise regularly on a schedule but that doesn't mean that that is all their life is about....personally i think lifestyle is not the word to use

[@thedigitalloctician]

I say "lifestyle" because having HEALTHY Sisterlocks are dictated by how you're living. You need decent income to afford to pay the cost to maintain them, you need to eat healthy and exercise to ensure good hair and scalp health because you're not using and products and your hair is a reflection of your diet/fitness, you have to be able to sit for hours every few weeks to get them retightened or spend the hours doing them yourself and the HAVE to be retightened on schedule.

[@lostgirl554]

curlynugrowth Oh, I understand now. That really does make a lot more sense to me now. Now that you've elaborated it's much clearer why you said that it's a lifestyle. Thanks for replying!

[@lostgirl554]

Aries Fire I wasn't trying to be offensive, I was just simply saying that I didn't agree with one thing she said. It was one of the points she made in the video and I just wanted some elaboration. I actually do know about Sisterlocks...I watched this video because I am considering them. I'm just learning and I got the response I needed from her. I told her that I now understand why she said that it's a lifestyle and not just a hairstyle. I know the motto, I've been on the website and I didn't get why they always called it a lifestyle, that's all. It's not like I was telling her that her video was awful, I watch her videos a lot and I'm a subscriber. I like her a lot and she's very kind, but if I don't agree with something that she says then that should be okay. If I came across as rude then I am sorry for that, but I don't think I should apologize for not agreeing with one thing. Thanks for replying, though

[@antayadposey8383]

Great info, thank you!

[@supervirtuouswoman]

Will you be getting traditional locs?

[@MittBritt20]

Great video girl.

[@chrissypooh2742]

i love your shirt where did you get it?

[@thedigitalloctician]

OyinHandmade . com

[@JonelAmor]

Please do a tut on this headwrap

[@CaressLorthaya]

Okay. I only wanted to get them cuz I thought they were low maintenance and cute but seeing this video kinda proved my simple reasons wrong

[@jamieskirvin2003]

I'm not sure about the positivity or negativity in your hair part but I like the new locks. I'm not sure why your retightnings took so long. I have over 450 locks and mine only takes 2-21/2 hours.

[@hotmama298]

Good luck on your new business. It takes courage to quit a regular 9-5 job to be an entrepaneur. Best of luck on your loc journey.

[@heatherb44055]

I mentioned The question below to you bc it sounds like u were having slippage b/c of The shampoo u were using and all, but shouldnt ur loctician have been fixing The slippage and counseling u on shampoo usage. ijs. love ur hair tho, past and present :-)

[@esweetpea8able]

I guess I know understand your reason to rid of your sisterlocks because they were to big; than you get traditional locs which are bigger!

[@naturalbeautyqueen1477]

I was thinking the same thing

[@sweetdream8520]

can't you unlock your sister locks as apposed to "dread" locks???

[@thedigitalloctician]

You can comb out any type of locs

[@sweetdream8520]

+curlynugrowth oh wow!!! didn't know that ... thank you

[@indyaclt8366]

no I have sister locks you can't just JET THEM OUT

[@robintisdale-turner5061]

you can unlock traditional locs

[@ybishy]

the tool you use has nothing to do with your locs being sisterlocks or traditional locs. sisterlocks ARE sisterlocks due to the pattern that your loc is originally started with. sisterlocks is started with 1 of 4 locking patterns & that is what makes sisterlocks different from traditional locs & why sisterlocks can be so small w/o breaking. i'm on my second set which is 5 yo & they are too easy to maintain.

[@supervirtuouswoman]

Personally, I do not recommend sisterlocs for anyone at all.

[@ayawarner5978]

Show us your hair now....

[@kgeeism]

????? negative energy..reely tho?

[@MsHumbleWarrior1]

feeling that SL cost alot now that you're able to install do you charge the same? and are you located in Florida.