Sisterlocks and traditional locs present two distinct pathways to achieving beautiful locked hairstyles, with significant differences in their origins and techniques. While traditional locs have centuries of history, particularly within Rastafarian culture, Sisterlocks are relatively new, created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 1993. The installation process for these styles varies dramatically—traditional locs can be started in just 2-3 hours. In contrast, Sisterlocks might require more than 24 hours of installation, depending on your hair density and length.
If you're considering which style might be better—traditional locs vs Sisterlocks—there are several factors to weigh. Traditional locs offer a fuller appearance and typically cost between $50-$100 for starting and maintenance. In contrast, Sisterlocks, often described as "designer locs," range from $500 to over $1000 for installation, with maintenance costs around $100 every 4-6 weeks. Sisterlocks can also be installed on natural, relaxed hair, while traditional locs require completely natural hair. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between these two distinctive loc styles to determine which is better—Sisterlocks vs dreadlocks—for your unique hair journey and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Lifestyle and Personal Fit
Choosing between Sisterlocks and traditional locs involves more than just aesthetic preferences—it requires honest assessment of your daily routines and commitments. These hairstyles represent different lifestyle approaches rather than mere fashion choices.
Sisterlocks demand a structured regimen with consistent professional maintenance every 4-6 weeks. For busy professionals, this scheduled commitment may either provide welcome structure or create unwelcome time constraints. Conversely, traditional locs offer greater flexibility in maintenance schedules—some wearers retwist monthly, others quarterly, depending on their convenience and neatness preferences.
Active individuals might find Sisterlocks advantageous since they're interlocked and maintain neatness with minimal frizzing for 4-6 weeks. However, this benefit requires scheduling regular retightening appointments that can take several hours. Although traditional locs require more frequent maintenance, can be more easily maintained at home with self-taught techniques.
Your professional environment also influences this decision. Sisterlocks often present a more polished appearance that may better navigate corporate settings. Their smaller size creates versatility for office-appropriate styles, sometimes resembling braids or loose natural curls. Traditional locs, being bolder and more recognizable, might face more scrutiny in conservative workplaces, although this perception has been changing gradually over recent years.
Geographic location matters considerably as well. Living in urban areas provides better access to certified Sisterlocks practitioners, making maintenance more convenient. Those in less populated regions might find traditional locs more practical due to easier self-maintenance options.
Cost, Maintenance, and Long-Term Commitment
One of the most striking differences between Sisterlocks and traditional locs is the financial investment. The initial Sisterlocks installation typically costs $400- $900+, with some consultants charging up to $1,500, depending on your hair length, desired thickness, stylist expertise, and location. Traditional locs, by comparison, require a substantially lower initial investment of only $50-$100.
Maintenance costs further widen this financial gap. Sisterlocks require retightening every 4-6 weeks, with each session costing between $100-$250. Proper upkeep costs $600-$1,500 annually. Traditional locs maintenance sessions cost approximately $50 monthly, allowing for greater budgeting flexibility.
Beyond money, the time investment varies dramatically between these styles. Sisterlocks installation is notably time-intensive, requiring 8-36 hours typically spread across multiple days for comfort. The intricate weaving technique creates over 400 individual locs, explaining the substantial time commitment. Conversely, traditional locs can be established in just 2-6 hours.
Notably, there are opportunities to reduce long-term maintenance costs with Sisterlocks. After approximately six months, you can take a certified retightening class for self-maintenance, costing around $250-$325. This one-time investment can yield significant savings over time. Traditional locs offer even greater autonomy, as techniques for retwisting can be more easily self-taught.
Both styles represent permanent hair commitments. Sisterlocks require consistent maintenance to prevent unraveling and matting at the roots. They can last indefinitely with proper care, though removing them requires extensive combing or cutting them off. Traditional locs offer more maintenance flexibility—some wearers retwist monthly, others quarterly, based on personal preference.
For those seeking a balance between cost and professional results, some consultants suggest working with Sisterlocks trainees rather than certified consultants, as they typically charge less while delivering comparable quality.
Comparison Table
Feature |
Sisterlocks |
Traditional Locs |
| Installation Cost | $400-$900+ (Up to $1500) | $50-$100 |
| Installation Time | 8-36 hours | 2-6 hours |
| Hair Compatibility | Natural and relaxed hair | natural hair only |
| Maintenance Frequency | Every 4-6 weeks | monthly to quarterly |
| Maintenance Cost | $100-$250 per session | Approximately $50 per session |
| Average Maintenance Cost | $600-$1,500 | Approximately $600 |
| Size/Appearance | Spaghetti strand width, uniform size | 10mm or larger diameter |
| Self-Maintenance Option | Yes (after certification course: $250-$325) | Yes (easily self-taught) |
| Styling Versatility | High (intricate updos, buns, twists, various parts) | Limited due to weight and bulk |
| Professional Appearance | More polished, office-appropriate | Bold, more traditional appearance |
| Number of Locs | Over 400 individual locs | Not mentioned |
| Root Texture | Flatter root texture | Fuller root texture |
| Weight Distribution | Lightweight, even distribution | Heavier, especially when longer |
| Geographic Accessibility | Requires certified practitioners, better in urber areas | Widely available, less practitioner-dependent |
Conclusion
Sisterlocks and traditional locs offer distinct approaches to locked hairstyles. Traditional locs, rooted in Rastafarian culture, take 2-3 hours to install and cost $50-$100. Sisterlocks, created in 1993, require 24+ hours for installation and cost $400-$900+.
Your choice depends on budget, lifestyle, and location. Traditional locs offer flexible maintenance and cultural significance, while Sisterlocks provide a refined look requiring certified practitioners and regular 4-6 week maintenance. Both styles celebrate natural hair differently - traditional locs make bold statements, while Sisterlocks offer versatile styling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Sisterlocks and traditional locs?
Sisterlocks are smaller, more uniform in size, and offer greater styling versatility. They can be installed on both natural and relaxed hair. Traditional locs are thicker, more culturally rooted, and require natural hair for installation. Sisterlocks need more frequent professional maintenance, while traditional locs can be more easily maintained at home.
How do the costs compare between Sisterlocks and traditional locs?
Sisterlocks have a higher initial cost, ranging from $400 to $900+, with maintenance sessions costing $100-$250 every 4-6 weeks. Traditional locs are more affordable, with initial installation costing $50-$100 and monthly maintenance around $50. The annual maintenance cost for Sisterlocks can be $600-$1,500, while traditional locs may cost about $600 per year
Which style is better for professional environments?
Sisterlocks often present a more polished, office-appropriate appearance due to their smaller size and neat look. They can be styled to resemble braids or loose natural curls, making them versatile for various work settings. Traditional locs, while increasingly accepted, may face more scrutiny in conservative workplaces due to their bolder appearance.
How long does the installation process take for each style?
Sisterlocks installation is time-intensive, typically requiring 8-36 hours spread across multiple days. Traditional locs can be started in a much shorter time frame, usually 2-6 hours. This significant difference in installation time is due to the intricate technique used for Sisterlocks, which creates over 400 individual locs.
Can I maintain these styles myself?
Traditional locs offer more flexibility for self-maintenance, with techniques that can be easily self-taught. Sisterlocks require professional maintenance initially, but after about six months, you can take a certified retightening class (costing $250-$325) to learn self-maintenance, potentially reducing long-term costs.
