I apologize in advance because this is long. But, I feel compelled to address the Sisterlocks installation concerns that have been posted of late.
I strongly recommend Sisterlocks to anyone thinking of locking. I am so committed to natural hair and Sisterlocks that I am-a-walkin'-talkin-', bloggin' Sisterlocks advertisement. At a family gathering this weekend, my niece walked up to where I had several female family members engaged and said, "let me guess...she's tellin' y'all about her Sisterlocks, how-many-ways- she-can-wear-them, how-she-can-curl-them-or-leave-them-alone, how-she-can-walk-in-the-rain, wash-them-when-she-wants-to, how-they- have-body-and-bounce, yada, yada, yada"....LOL.I have been locked for 16 months and my experience has been nothing but beautiful. But just like any other investment, it takes some work on your part. Before deciding to lock I read everything possible and available about Sisterlocks over a two year period. I participated in this forum (LockItUp) and asked lots of questions. Here are some basic recommendations:
1. Visit the Sisterlocks official web site and read or download the "Online Information Packet." This will tell you exactly what to expect during your consultation and after.
2. Read websites and blogs of those who have been locked for awhile. I highly recommend Sandy's (the host of this forum) web site. It was the first SL website I discovered and I used it as my bible. I read every page and every experience countless times so I fully knew what to expect along each stage of my journey and still refer to it often when I'm going through another new phase.
3. You get what you pay for. Everyone has to start somewhere, but if you are seriously concerned about your SL installation, then you'll want to use a certified consultant listed on the SL web site (nothing against trainees).
4. Interview consultants. You are making a financial and lifestyle investment. It deserves serious time and study. Besides, you are going to spend anywhere from 14-20+ hours with this person during the initial locking session and 2-4+ hours for your retightenings. You should be comfortable in their shop/home and there should be good chemistry.
I interviewed five consultants in my area. Looked at photos of their work, found out how long they had been certified, if they styled and cut or only locked, if they retightened and their retightening fee and basically tried to feel their "vibe."
5. Know your natural hair before you lock. SL isn't a hairstyle, it's a lifestyle. Before you PERMANENTLY lock your hair, be sure that you understand your natural hair and how to care for it and keep it healthy. Healthy hair = healthy locks.
Sandy recommended two wonderful resources to me. I purchased them, read them, highlighted them and now pass them on to others who want to transition to natural hair.
Please read: No Lye! by Tulani Kinnard and Let's Talk Hair by Pamela Ferrell.
Locking is a journey - arm yourself with a good road map of knowledge. You wouldn't go on a trip without doing some research about where you were going would you?
If you follow these basic steps before and your consultant's advice afterwards, you too will find yourself in love with your Sisterlocks.
.Afterall, I always say, "it's natural to be natural."
BlaqKofi
