Caring for black hair can be a roller coaster ride if you like variety or are unsure which hairstyle works best for you. Doing my natural hair has been my thing for about 5 years now, I just spent my second anniversary with my crazy sisters. My two-year experience with Sisterlocks has been a wonderfully liberating and fulfilling adventure.
At first, the high price of the first three visits can be quite overwhelming, especially for those who are not determined. I had done my research beforehand and knew without a doubt that this natural hairstyle was the right fit for me.
I must say with a laugh that my first 6-9 months I thought I looked like a drowned rat. Due to the texture of my hair, it took me almost a year and a half for my hair to really start to lock up. By then the length had become reasonable and now my length is past my shoulders.
The fullness, length, and versatility make me feel beautiful. Any discomfort I had in the beginning has been worth the time, money, and effort to get to this point. It is important to be able to see the big picture before making an investment in this natural hair lifestyle.
Choosing a Sisterloc consultant will be the most important step in the process. My Sisterlock advisor was a godsend. It is because of her that my first year went smoothly. One morning during our 6 week appointment, I took the time to do a short interview with my stylist Blenna Williams. She owns and operates Salon Nature’lle in Memphis, TN, online at salonnaturelle.com.
PFP: What type of certification or training do you go through as a Sisterlock consultant?
Blenna: You start out as a trainee, then go on to become a certified consultant, then with an R certification from there to an associate trainer. Now I am a master coach.
PFP: What do you think is the number one reason women get Sisterlocs?
Blenna: It’s twofold, 1 their beauty and 2 the healthy hair therapy they get and they still keep their hair looking feminine and elegant.
PFP: After your initial consultation, what do you think is the main reason women choose not to receive Sisterlocks?
Blenna: They don’t understand the price and how their first three visits shape their lifestyle change.
PFP: What do you find to be the leading cause of hair damage for many African American women?
Blenna: First is the lack of knowledge, second is the chemicals. We tend to care for our hair only after it has been altered and not in its natural state.
PFP: What is the biggest problem women seem to have caring for their Sisterlocs when they first have them?
Blenna: We have very little knowledge of our natural hair pattern. We don’t see how beautiful our hair can be. As a master coach, I work closely with my clients at first, alleviating any fears and teaching them proper care until they feel comfortable with the process. There are defined steps and stages. That is why we advocate seeking a certified Sisterlock consultant.
PFP: What’s the number one stereotype you wish people would get rid of regarding black women’s hair?
Blenna: That by showing the natural texture of our hair we are exposing negative stereotypes like diaper head, when in reality we are showing the beauty that God gave us.
PFP: What’s your best description of what Sisterlocs are and what they look like?
Blenna: Sisterlocks are tiny micro locs that have been woven into a stable cylinder that allows hair to express itself naturally.
PFP: Do you teach others to do Sisterlocs?
Blenna: Yes, at the moment there are four master trainers in the company. We go to different cities training others. If one has not gone through certified Sisterlock training, then he is not doing Sisterlocks. They are what we call Step-Sisterlocs and the buyer should be careful. You can search online on the official Sisterlock website for a certified consultant or apprentice in your area.
It is becoming wonderfully apparent that more and more black women are choosing natural hairstyles. Even the media is portraying African American women with natural hairstyles on their pages and channels. It’s definitely enlightening to see women feel more comfortable with who they are.