Yes, you can start your journey to Sisterlocks with fine hair textures. However, the outcome of your Sisterlocks with fine hair may be slightly different than what you may have seen or envisioned. I’m going to share a brief transformation video of a recent salon guest that started Sisterlocks with fine hair to give you a little insight into what you could expect.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN STARTING SISTERLOCKS WITH FINE HAIR
There are 3 things that generally are present when starting Sisterlocks with fine hair textures— your scalp being visible, battles with slippage, and fuller hair!
The Amount of Scalp Shown
When starting Sisterlocks, on any texture of hair, in the beginning months you’ll see a lot of your scalp. However when starting Sisterlocks with fine hair your scalp will be even more visible. For some, this is an issue and for others it is not, but what’s important to understand is that after every retightening you’ll see your scalp. There is no way around this fact, especially not retightening less to give your hair the “appearance” of fullness. I encourage you to think critically about whether you’re comfortable with the “scalpiness” of Sisterlocks.
Slippage is a Common Issue
Did you know that when you experience slippage with Sisterlocks is it the hair unraveling at the roots?! In Sisterlocks with fine hair textures this occurrence of slippage is a common issue because the hairs are so small that they have to work a little harder to intertwine and begin the locking process. So this is definitely where patience comes into play; so that you’ll experience one of the most rewarding benefits of Sisterlocks.
Your Hair Will Be Fuller
Overtime when your hair is left alone, with minimal styling and low manipulation, it will thrive. I’ve seen many women start Sisterlocks with fine hair and become amazed by the growth and fullness of their hair as the months progress.
Hopefully this article was helpful in your decision to start your journey to Sisterlocks, even with fine hair. If you’re still debating, I would highly recommended checking out “What To Consider Before Starting Sisterlocks” or consider microlocs that are similar to Sisterlocks for your new journey.
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Blog Comments
Carla
August 12, 2018 at 8:29 am
I am considering sister locs and I do have fine soft textured hair. Because i may not be okay with the scalpiness, will it be okay to wear caps during this time? And also is it okay to swim during this time?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2019 at 10:33 pm
I would not suggest wearing caps or wigs often because this often leads to slippage and can slow down the locking process. You definitely are able to swim in the beginning stages of locs, you just have to do the bundling technique before getting in the water and preferably wear a swim cap. I share more swim related tips in this article, “Products for Swimming With Locs“.
Engrid
October 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Hello I’m interested in getting sister locs I haven’t had a perm in 4 months I have try to cut most of the perm out
I was interested in starting my siser locs in January
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2019 at 10:31 pm
Hi Engrid! Make sure you visit several Sisterlocks Consultants to feel the vibe of the person installing your locs and be sure that you can find someone in your budget so that your Sisterlocks are a blessing, not a burden. Best of luck!
Judith berko
January 7, 2019 at 2:38 am
Got very short hair can I start with the sister locks?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 7, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Hi Judith! You’ll need at least 3-4 inches of loose natural hair (not chemical processed) to start Sisterlocks.
Njeri
January 17, 2019 at 10:45 am
Thanks for these insights. I’ve been wearing wigs for about 2 years – just for work (possibly 12hrs a day) and was planning to continue doing so during the locking process. I appreciate that there’s likely to be slippage however my concern is more on the visible scalp which I can’t stand. I’d consider being under a wig for even 1 year if that’s what it’d take. My question is would this impact on the end result ie the eve ness of the locks, growth etc. I have fine hair which seems to be err so slowly thickening possibly because I’ve left it alone ?
What happens after the locking? What does maintenance entail?
Im very new to this hence very ignorant but love love love the SLs.
Njeri
Jocelyn Reneé
January 21, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Hi Njeri! I definitely do NOT believe that Sisterlocks are for you. Sounds like you did not get a thorough consultation before starting them. You will ALWAYS see scalp after retightening them (every 6-8 weeks) and having them under a wig will cause slippage, slow down the locking process, and change the fullness and consistency of locs. I would suggest that you either embrace the locking process or wear your hair loose and in protective stages until you are ready to start because currently it does not sound like locs are ideal for you.
Tara
August 10, 2019 at 11:26 pm
Hi, I am thinking of having sister locks installed and I do have fine hair. I am also getting married in 6 months and I am concerned about stying my hair for the wedding due to the ‘scalpiness’ you mentioned.
Jocelyn Reneé
September 3, 2019 at 10:41 pm
I would definitely suggest waiting until after the wedding so that you feel comfortable and confident because with any new journey there is an adjustment period and shocked involved.
Neriah Santiago
August 29, 2019 at 12:10 am
I am considering getting sisterlocs but I have 2b/3a hair. I haven’t seen many pictures of them on anyone with my hair texture so I was wondering if it’s something I should do still
Jocelyn Reneé
September 3, 2019 at 10:34 pm
Any texture of hair can start Sisterlocks, but with your texture specially the journey to get to mature Sisterlocks is going to be very long, 3 years minimum before they’re fully locked if starting with more than 6 inches of hair and you will have to stick to a strict product usage (or restriction rather) during that time period. So it would be up to you if you are willing to commit to the process of Sisterlocks.
Regina Butler
October 21, 2019 at 6:25 pm
I’ve had regular dreadlocks twice so far and got them cut off for a change. But now i’m Thinking about sister locs but my hair is fine and my hair line is thin so can I still be successful getting sister locs?
Jocelyn Reneé
June 1, 2020 at 9:58 pm
The best way to determine if Sisterlocks will work for your hair texture is to having a Sisterlocks Consultation with an approved trainee or Sisterlocks Consultant and have the test locs installed. This will give you a true idea of what Sisterlocks will look and feel like in your hair. I also recommend reading this article “What To Expect When Starting Sisterlocks With Fine Hair“.
Jazzibee
July 15, 2020 at 10:00 am
I really appreciate your honesty especially regarding thin and thinning hair. Now I know that Sisterlocs are not for me. I’m sad but feel freeingly educated. Thanks so much
Lash
December 6, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Hi,just saw your blog now and it’s so helpful.I had sisterlocks installed 3 days ago after using someone who has done some friends own.But am so concerned to see that I have only 160 locks as it seems too small and she told.me not to wash my hair for at least 3 months and also applied a locking cream during installation.Pls what can I do?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 22, 2020 at 10:06 pm
You do not have Sisterlocks. If you want Sisterlocks I suggest that you take those braids out and find a Sisterlocks Consultant from the Sisterlocks website.
Nicole
January 3, 2020 at 2:14 am
Hello,
I have two questions. 1. Should you color your first before getting sisterlocks? 2. Will your hair lock quicker on natural type hair?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 22, 2020 at 9:53 pm
I would not recommend coloring your hair BEFORE starting Sisterlocks, and yes having natural hair is a requirement for the hair to begin locking.
Caroline
February 4, 2021 at 9:25 pm
will adding extensions a good idea when starting sister locks?
Jocelyn Reneé
February 4, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Definitely not! In fact, there are no such thing as Sisterlocks Extensions. And if you do see someone offer it, RUN!
Jana
January 4, 2020 at 8:56 am
Hi i texturized ny 4c hair several months back. My hair is still very thicķ and about 4 inches long now. Can i do sisterlocks when half my hair is natural and the other half part texturized? Thanks
Janat
Jocelyn Reneé
January 22, 2020 at 9:52 pm
Yes, Sisterlocks can be started with relaxed/texturized hair.
teaira wilcher
May 18, 2020 at 7:11 pm
I have had my Sisiterlocks for 2 months. There is a lot of strands that are not incorporated into the lock so my hair looks frizzy down the entire shaft. Is there a way to fix this? Thanks!
Jocelyn Reneé
May 21, 2020 at 10:57 pm
Peace Teaira! Your locs are still very new, so I would not suggest messing with the hair along the shaft. Eventually, it will condense into the locs. Have patience! Also, check out this post “Trimming the Frizzy Ends of Locs” it may help!
Teresa Wilson
May 18, 2020 at 7:59 pm
I’m a 53 year old woman with very very thin hair at the top of my crown and this is hereditary for me!! The rest of my hair is thin but not as thin as my crown. My question to you is over time will the top of my hair get thicker and maybe catch up with the rest of my hair if I was to install sister locs in my hair. Also I color my hair several months ago will it be ok for me to still install the locs in my hair now or do I need to wait until the color grows out ?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 21, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Peace Teresa! Sisterlocks will not result in your hair thickening up. And it may not be a good idea to install Sisterlocks if your hair is as thin at you’re describing. With starting locs, you can do so with colored hair so there is no need to wait for the color to grow out. I hope that helps!
Stephanie
May 23, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Hi Jocelyn, I have fine hair and have been considering sister locs now for a while. My friend just got hers done recently, she has thick hair and they did 630 locs in her hair. I was wondering for fine hair on a medium size head what would be the appropriate # of locs that should be done?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 27, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Every person is different because of the shape and size of the head, in addition to the different textures. Roughly with low density, fine hair 300-350 is about the maximum range. The “minimum” for Sisterlocks is suppose to be 400 but again everyone is different.
Janiel
May 26, 2020 at 6:31 am
I am currently growing my hair out from a pixie cut I’ve had for 2 years now. Is it ok to use extensions when installing new sisterlocks?
Jocelyn Reneé
May 27, 2020 at 11:08 pm
There is no “official” Sisterlock option that can be done with extensions. The closest you can get with extensions is microlocs. You can learn more about the difference between the two in this post, “What Are The Different Types of Microlocs?“
Dana
June 18, 2020 at 7:36 am
Hi Jocelyn, I had my Sisterlocks for six months now and I wear my hair braided a lot because of exercising. Does the braiding slow down the process of the hair locking?
Jocelyn Reneé
June 23, 2020 at 10:53 pm
Yes the braiding can slow down the locking process if your hair is long. If your Sisterlocks are under 4 inches you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Serena
June 26, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Hi, i just started my sisterlocks yesterday and my hair is very soft and thin. my hair was permed but I didn’t cut it off so the proceeded hair is going to lock. Will this cause any problems with my locks?
Jocelyn Reneé
July 20, 2020 at 3:56 am
The processed/relaxed hair will not lock. You will have to gradually cut it off. This will slow down your locking process and may make you feel like your locs aren’t progressing but have patience and trust YOUR process!
Ann
August 7, 2020 at 1:09 pm
I have had my sisterlocks for a year. Is it OK to have your locs retightened every 3 weeks? My loctitian is suggesting this but I am concerned that this is too soon?
Jocelyn Reneé
August 10, 2020 at 2:12 am
That is too often, in my opinion. Are they presenting this as a short-term solution to remedy some issue or do they just want you to come every 3 weeks, just because?
Ann
August 10, 2020 at 9:31 pm
She basically says it reduces how long you have to take to do the retightening. I am not going to do 3 weeks. My hair grows fast, but not that fast.
Jocelyn Reneé
August 10, 2020 at 11:45 pm
I think that is a good decision.
Terry Rice
September 16, 2020 at 2:55 pm
My scalp is dry. Can I put oil on scalp only in my 4 weeks of sisterlocks ?
Jocelyn Reneé
September 22, 2020 at 8:23 am
I would not advise it, but check with your Consultant!
Angela
October 22, 2020 at 8:55 am
Hi, I just started my Sisterlocks, my hair is light. i had only 272 locks. Is that good enough.
Jocelyn Reneé
March 3, 2021 at 11:19 pm
You’re always good enough. Having only 272 locks sounds like you have fine, low density hair which can happen. Did you have a consultation prior to installation to ensure that your hair texture and type were ideal for Sisterlocks?
Alicia
January 7, 2021 at 10:07 pm
How do you feel about adding sisterlock extensions? After install… when can you start styling? I hate my forehead so that’s what I’m afraid of
Jocelyn Reneé
February 18, 2021 at 12:35 am
Sis! You should love every part of yourself and embrace your natural beauty. And even if you don’t at the moment, locs will get you there!
Now, to answer your questions, you cannot add extensions to official Sisterlocks, but some people that offer “step-sisterlocks” have figured out how add an extension. As a Sisterlocks Consultant, I would highly recommend against it. And as for styling, it is advised to wait at least a year or until they settle before styling regularly.
Faith
January 15, 2021 at 10:04 pm
I have very thick shoulder length natural hair. Can I start sisterloc or do I need to cut it short?
Jocelyn Reneé
February 18, 2021 at 12:23 am
You can definitively start with your length, just know it will be VERY expensive.
Adorable Jasmine
January 25, 2021 at 1:51 am
Hello Dear,
I’m curious if you know the gauge size of the picture above? I’m trying to find pictures of 3/8ths examples for my mirco loc install.
Thank you
Jocelyn Reneé
February 17, 2021 at 12:32 am
Hi! I am not certain of the gauge. I would suggest that you have a Loctician advise you on what would work best for your hair vs being set on a particular size that may or may not work well.
Chandra
February 14, 2021 at 10:32 am
I have fine hair and although it wasn’t my intention to have Sisterlocks my starter Locs are thin. I’m 7 months in AND have been wearing hats while I work (I work in the outdoor industry). I definitely see frizz, CAN IT BE REPAIRED or do I need to chop and restart?
Jocelyn Reneé
February 18, 2021 at 12:11 am
Can the frizz be repaired? If that is what you’re talking about, frizz is a part of the process and you don’t want to “repair” it. However, if you’re talking about the size of your locs you can combine them to be thicker or yes, comb them out and restart bigger.
Sharon
December 23, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Can I start sister locs on hair that been bleached?
Jocelyn Reneé
January 14, 2022 at 11:26 am
Yes, you can but it may be difficult for your hair to lock and for the Sisterlocks to thrive because all of the care necessary for bleached hair typically goes against the “Sisterlocks Regimen”
Londa
February 2, 2022 at 4:26 pm
I’ve decided to get sisterlocks. My hair is natural and is cut into a short nob. My hair is also fine mean I have less hair per square inch than most. I do not like a scalpy look and I am wondering why the loctician need to make the section so tight at the scalp. Why must it be so tight like that. What is the benefit vs the downfall of having the hair so scalpy tight at the root.
Jocelyn Reneé
February 3, 2022 at 7:42 am
It shouldn’t be “tight” but it does need to be groomed to the root to support the weight of the Sisterlocks as they grow due to their small size. Also, having less hair per square inch is referencing your density, not texture, which is an important distinction. Also for low density hair Sisterlocks may not be ideal. Check out this article “”What Are The Different Types of Microlocs?