Can Traditional Locs Turn Into Sisterlocks?

A Twitter follower asked me:

In a few years, I want to grow Sisterlocks, but I am not sure if it would require me to cut my hair (Traditional Locs) or not?

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I thought this was a really great question and even I had to double check with my Sisterlock Consultant to be sure I gave her the most accurate information.

After speaking with my Sisterlock Consultant, she informed me that to in order to start Sisterlocks, she would indeed have to cut off her Traditional Locs. The reason she would have to cut them is because Sisterlocks are a patented hair loc’ing system with specific characteristics that define them as such. One of the main characteristics that would prevent turning Traditional Locs into Sisterlocks is that the base of a Sisterlock can be no more than 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch in area. More often than not, the base of a Traditional Loc is larger than 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch.
Another key characteristic of Sisterlocks is the parting. The parts of Sisterlocks are designed in a way such that it will allow you styling versatility as if you had loose natural hair. Having already had Traditional Locs that are not parted following this method will not afford you all the versatility and your locs wouldn’t be classified as “Sisterlocks”.
The good news, however, is that you don’t have to cut your Traditional Locs completely off to the point of being bald. To start Sisterlocks, you need at least 3 inches of hair, which means you can cut your Traditional Locs to a point where you can comb them out and start from there!
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Jocelyn Reneé

Jocelyn Reneé is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Loctician and Textured Hair Educator. She was born and raised in the Washington DC area and is a graduate of the Aveda Institute Cosmetology Science program. With over 14 years in the Hair Care Industry, from Salon Assistant to Natural Hair Blogger to Professional; Jocelyn is passionate about cultivating healthy hair.

Blog Comments

My locs are to heavy and I have a very large bald spot in the middle of my hair. I am from Colorado and very dry here I’m older 64 and been growing locs for 1 year and 6 months . Can i go to sister locs and need to know what to do with the balding

I would not encourage Sisterlocks with already thinning hair. Please reference this article: “Next Steps for Thinning Locs“.

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