Are there any other products for Sisterlocks that I can use?
This is a very common question that I receive from my clients and online community about Sisterlocks. It’s ironic that the gift and curse of Sisterlocks is the usage (or lack thereof) of products. However, I completely understand how being tied solely to the Sisterlocks Getting Started shampoo is not always realistic or favorable.
When I had my Sisterlocks, I definitely deviated from the recommendation of only using the Getting Started shampoo, and my experimentation with trial and error undoubtedly compromised my Sisterlocks. But what I ultimately discovered were a few of the best products for Sisterlocks, that would not only help my hair to lock but also ensure my scalp was healthy.
Top 3 Products for Sisterlocks
In a recent Live broadcast, I shared the Top 3 Products for Sisterlocks that help to soothe the scalp, alleviate itching, and thoroughly cleanse the scalp. You can watch the full replay on my Youtube channel, “Top 3 Products for New Sisterlocks“. I also share an overview of the products that I mention in the video below:
For Dry Scalp with Sisterlocks
Pure Scalp Mist – This is a gentle moisturizer with astringent properties that helps to soothe itching, control flaking and/or dandruff and prevent dry scalp. This is safe to use immediately after installation and does not cause slippage because it does not contain any oils.
For Itchy Scalp & Scalp Massages with Sisterlocks
Scalp Revitalizer – This ergonomically designed comb drastically helps with the shampoo process of Sisterlocks. When shampooing your Sisterlocks in bundles, it can be difficult to really scratch the scalp without causing slippage, but the Scalp Revitalizer reaches underneath the base of the Sisterlocks without disrupting the locking process and allows for a nice scrub and a cleaner scalp.
For Deep Cleansing Sisterlocks
Herbal Cleanser Shampoo – A common complaint about the Sisterlocks Getting Started shampoo is that it doesn’t leave the hair feeling clean, especially if you workout often, but the Taliah Waajid Herbal Cleanse Shampoo works exactly like the Getting Started shampoo, but it leaves your scalp feeling clean.
I personally and professionally recommend each of these products for Sisterlocks. You don’t have to suffer through dry scalp with Sisterlocks or constant itching when you’re using products that address your scalp health.
Blog Comments
Ginger
August 1, 2017 at 9:44 am
I have starter sisterlocks. Would Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle shampoo.be acceptable to use instead of SL starter shampoo?
Jocelyn Reneé
August 1, 2017 at 12:02 pm
No
Amatullah
August 2, 2017 at 9:26 am
I had my SL installed in March 2017 and I have a white film on my hair after using the starter shampoo. I have tried diluting it but it doesn’t help. I have been searching for an alternative on my own because my locktitian said that she wont recommend any other shampoo because I may experience slippage or extended time for my locks to mature. I’m very frustrated because I hate to wash my hair now. Most of the time I only wash my hair right before my retightening because I hate the white film. If you know of any alternatives please advise me.
Jocelyn Reneé
August 2, 2017 at 10:37 am
As mentioned in the article I only recommend the herbal cleanse shampoo as an alternative to the Sisterlocks shampoo. The issue you’re experiencing is because you’re not rinsing the shampoo out of your hair enough. You need to invest in a removable shower head that has a nozzle that increases water pressure.
Addi
August 18, 2017 at 3:50 pm
Thanks to this post my sisterlocks are surviving my first month. I had washed my hair with a regular clarifying shampoo before my installation which had my hair itching like crazy on day three after my sisterlock installation. I was a bit desperate so came searching online and found this post. I bought the herbal cleanse and scalp massager. Four weeks later, my scalp is doing much better than my pre-sisterlock days and my locks are doing well. I do have some slippage but only around my edges.
Thank you for sharing!
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:16 pm
I am so glad that this post helped you to survive the first month and I hope your Sisterlocks are thriving now!
Sheri
November 9, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Hi Jocelyn. I too am not too fond of the sisterlocks shampoo. Right now I use the salon version, but do not feel as if it I’m using the right combination of water to shampoo, nor does it feel clean. I have ordered the herbal cleanse as you recommend. Can I just use this as my regular shampoo, or just to clarify? Thanks Sheri
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Peace Sheri! I totally understand your sentiments about the Sisterlocks shampoo. Typically the Herbal Cleanse shampoo is just used to clarify and you can follow up with a “conditioner alternative“.
Darlene Harge
November 30, 2017 at 11:53 am
I’ve had my sister locks for almost 2 yrs. Got color in May and have been using the the sister lock moisturizer and conditioner. I don’t like them because my hair always feels hard. Is there something else you can remind I use? Thanks in advance.
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:18 pm
Yikes! Yes the Sisterlocks products are not formulated for color-treated hair in my opinion. I welcome you to setup a Virtual Consultation and we can discuss what products/regimen would be most beneficial for your locs.
Sony
April 18, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Hello! I purchased the herbal cleanser. It states that it’s a “pre-shampooo” and should be followed by another shampoo. Is that necessary? How often do you recommend using this since it’s clarifying? Should I follow up with the sisterlocks moisture treatment since there may be dryness? Thank you for your time!!
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:15 pm
Yes, you should follow up with another shampoo because it can be very drying to the hair. I have listed the shampoos that I recommend for Sisterlocks and locs in each stage of the locking process in this guide, “Shampooing & Deep Cleansing Locs Reference Guide“
Chandra
June 20, 2018 at 10:37 pm
Hi! Talia waajid has different herbal cleanse shampoos – is it the stimulating one in the green bottle they is ok to use on new locs? Thank you so much for all you do!
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Yes, I am referring to the green herbal cleanse shampoo in this article.
Lauren
August 5, 2018 at 11:13 am
First let me just say how much I LOVE your website. I have been using Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo to wash my sisterlocks and on my last retighten my consultant said I no longer have to use a clarifying shampoo every time I wash my hair. However, she did not recommend what shampoos I may use, just not to use moisture or nourishing shampoos. I purchased the BWC Aromatherapy Hair Care Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Shampoo and wondered if this is good for sisterlocks that is in the pre-teenage stage?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:12 pm
I am not familiar with that shampoo and I would question why your consultant does not want you to use clarifying shampoo on your locs. I find that a clarifying shampoo is always necessary to rid embedded things from the locs.
Curtavia McConnell
February 2, 2019 at 12:01 am
With the herbal cleansing shampoo will you have to dilute this with water also . Like the starter shampoo I am 1 year 11 months in my sister lock journey
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:10 pm
It is beneficial to dilute with water to help with the process of emulsifying the shampoo; however the Herbal Cleansing shampoo is not concentrated like the Sisterlocks products so is it not required to dilute with water.
Lauren Long
February 20, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Hi,
So I have just come across a new product line called Dr. locs. Have you tried any of there products and recommend any of them? By the way this article was super helpful. Thank you!
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:09 pm
I am so glad that you found this post helpful! You can read my review of the Dr. Locs product line in this article, “Dr. Locs Product Review“
Shemeka Hall
October 20, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Hello what does it mean when my locs has a puff in the middle in some areas of my locs?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 14, 2020 at 10:07 pm
It means that there was slippage in the middle of your loc that was never corrected so it leaves a space in the middle.