In 2013 Vanity Hair Studio NYC introduced Sisterlocks to the menu of services. Almost instantaneously a flood of women contacted the unique hair studio requesting "re-tightenings." Their accompanying stories & complaints from prior experiences prompted this blog. Enjoy the read!What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks is a trademark company founded in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell. The Home Office is in San Diego, California, and there are trained practitioners and Certified Training Associates in over 30 other states. The company has developed an innovative approach to marketing its natural hair care system to African American women. The company motto says it all: “Sisterlocks is not about a hairstyle, it’s about a lifestyle.”
Why do you need a Consultant to install Sisterlocks?
Consultants are formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. Training is approximately four days, which includes classroom instruction, practicals, and document completion. Students pay an average of $1200-$1500 to complete a Sisterlocks course.
Where do you find a Sisterlocks Consultant?
Sisterlocks Consultants can be found on the Sisterlocks website in two areas. " Certified Consultants"(http://www.sisterlocks.com/certified-consultant-registry.html) and "Official Trainees" (http://www.sisterlocks.com/official-trainee-registry.html).
www.sisterlocks.com
The difference between a Sisterlocks Trainee & Certified Consultant.
Sisterlocks Consultants & Trainees are both formally trained in the Sisterlocks technique. "Consultants" have submitted images of three clients they Sisterlocked from start to finish. Identifying clients who are interested in NEW installations can be a challenge when you are newly trained. Becoming a "Certified Consultant" can take time-on average three months to one year. Sisterlocks Trainees are authorized to install and re-tighten hair as well. The difference is, they have not submitted the appropriate documents for "certification." Being listed as a "Certified Consultant" is beneficial to the consultant, because it gives a perception of a higher skilled technician. Seasoned consultants have the ability to charge more money as well.
What should I expect after making contact with a Sisterlocks Practitioner?
Once you find a Sisterlocks Practitioner via www.sisterlocks.com, schedule to meet with them. Consultations average between $35 and $50. A good consultation is between 45 minutes and an hour. The consultation has three elements (information sharing, information gathering, sample loc installations) and will be explained in detail by your practitioner.
Some people have complained about the length of time it’s taken to schedule a consultation. Don't rush, you cant get your hair done that day anyway. A full explanation of this is below.
Expect to visit someone's private home. Most Sisterlocks Practitioners are not “hair stylists.” For this reason, it is not uncommon to meet a practitioner, working out of their home.
Vanity Hair Studio NYC offers Sisterlocks services in a traditional salon environment and offers private and enclosed booths during installations. The benefit of coming to Vanity is that you are working with a Licensed Cosmetologist AND a Sisterlocks Practitioner. This means you can have your hair washed, Sisterlocked, tightened, colored and groomed at one central location.
During the consultation, what questions should I ask?
Questions are always a great way to show your commitment to getting Sisterlocked. Come prepared. Asking questions off the cuff may devalue your consultation. Remember you are paying for this.
Sample questions are:
1. How long does it take for the installation?
2. How do I maintain my locs?
3. Can I maintain my locs without a practitioner?
4. If one of my locs unravel, what do I do?
5. Can I wash/dye/cut my locs?
6. How often should I re-tighten?
7. What kind of hair products can I use?
8. How much is the installation?
9. How much hair do I need for an installation?
What tool should be used to install and re-tighten locs?
There are two different Sisterlocks tools. See image below. Sisterlocks Trainees and Consultants are the only individuals authorized to order these tools. You wont find these tools on amazon or ebay!!
If you see someone using a crochet hook or latch hook tool...you are probably not dealing with a Sisterlocks Practitioner.
1. How long does it take for the installation?
2. How do I maintain my locs?
3. Can I maintain my locs without a practitioner?
4. If one of my locs unravel, what do I do?
5. Can I wash/dye/cut my locs?
6. How often should I re-tighten?
7. What kind of hair products can I use?
8. How much is the installation?
9. How much hair do I need for an installation?
What tool should be used to install and re-tighten locs?
There are two different Sisterlocks tools. See image below. Sisterlocks Trainees and Consultants are the only individuals authorized to order these tools. You wont find these tools on amazon or ebay!!
If you see someone using a crochet hook or latch hook tool...you are probably not dealing with a Sisterlocks Practitioner.
What should I expect the 1st day of my Sisterlocks installation?
1. You will be expected to pay upfront. Some payments are broken down into percentages depending on the number of installation days, which is fine.
2. You will be tired. Sisterlocks take several hours and in most cases require a second day to complete.
3. Don’t rush your practitioner. Once you have discussed an estimated time frame, don't try to negotiate an earlier completion time. Rushing creates anxiety and can compromise the executions of your locs. The installation is the foundation of your Sisterlocks. This is the most important part of your Sisterlocks journey.
4. Don't plan a major event around your Sisterlocks installation. Anything can happen!
What should I expect the 2nd day of my Sisterlocks installation/?
1. You will still be tired!! More than likely you've only had a few hours of sleep and needed to wake up early the next morning. No worries, its almost over.
2. Once you are done, your practitioner should be leaving you with maintenance instructions and a "starter kit."
3. When you get home, you might find yourself staring in the mirror a lot. From afar Sisterlocks immolate the look of micro braids. This can be a little uncomfortable for women at first. However when you wake up and leave the house for the first time-fully installed you will notice the compliments and stares. Your hair admiration will increase as your hair lengthens and begins to "settle."
1. You will be expected to pay upfront. Some payments are broken down into percentages depending on the number of installation days, which is fine.
2. You will be tired. Sisterlocks take several hours and in most cases require a second day to complete.
3. Don’t rush your practitioner. Once you have discussed an estimated time frame, don't try to negotiate an earlier completion time. Rushing creates anxiety and can compromise the executions of your locs. The installation is the foundation of your Sisterlocks. This is the most important part of your Sisterlocks journey.
4. Don't plan a major event around your Sisterlocks installation. Anything can happen!
What should I expect the 2nd day of my Sisterlocks installation/?
1. You will still be tired!! More than likely you've only had a few hours of sleep and needed to wake up early the next morning. No worries, its almost over.
2. Once you are done, your practitioner should be leaving you with maintenance instructions and a "starter kit."
3. When you get home, you might find yourself staring in the mirror a lot. From afar Sisterlocks immolate the look of micro braids. This can be a little uncomfortable for women at first. However when you wake up and leave the house for the first time-fully installed you will notice the compliments and stares. Your hair admiration will increase as your hair lengthens and begins to "settle."
How long does Sisterlocks take to tighten?
The shorter your locs, the faster it is to tighten. A skilled practitioner takes 3 1/2 - 4 hours. The average practitioner takes 5 to 6 hours to tighten an entire set of Sisterlocks. In some cases practitioners will only tighten the perimeter if requested by the client. This takes around 1 1/2-2 hours. Make sure to check the completed work prior to leaving your practitioner’s home or salon.
General Tips
- Interlocking, Stitch-locking and palm rolling is not the same as Sisterlocking the hair. Don’t let anyone confuse you.
- Don't patronize aloof and unprofessional practitioners. The Sisterlocks technique is trademarked and has a full curriculum associated with it. The expectations for practitioners to be honest, respectful and professional are standard.
- Don't wait too long to re-tighten your hair. It will cost you more money in the end. Your practitioner will put you on a re-tightening scheduling. Follow it!
- On occasion customers have to change practitioners. Be professional. Let your practitioner know you are moving on (as a courtesy).
- If you are unhappy with a service, allow your practitioner to rectify it. Things happen, life happens. Your practitioner might have had an off day.
If you are looking for a Sisterlocks Practitioner in NYC contact:
Vanity Hair Studio NYC
325 Nostrand Ave
Brooklyn NY 11216
718-218-5691
info@vanityhairstudionyc.com
Founder of Sisterlocks TM
Sisterlocks Tools
