Hair is a big part of who we are. If you’re thinking about getting tiny locs, you’ve probably heard about Microlocks and Sisterlocks. Both look great, but they’re different in many ways. Let’s talk about what makes each one special so you can pick the best one for you.
What Are Microlocks?
Microlocks are small locs about as thick as a pencil lead or a bit bigger. You can get them by twisting, palm rolling, or pulling the hair through itself. Anyone can get microlocks no matter what kind of hair they have. The best part? You don’t need someone with special training to put them in.
Microlocks work with all hair types and can be styled many ways. Many people like them because they’re easier to get and cost less money.
What Are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks were made by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in the 1990s. They’re even smaller than microlocks – about half the size. This style makes hundreds of tiny, even locs using a special tool that only certified Sisterlocks people can use.
Only people who took special Sisterlocks classes can put them in. The training costs money and takes time, which is why Sisterlocks usually cost more. They make a perfect grid pattern on your head that looks very neat and clean.
Microlocks vs Sisterlocks: The Big Comparison
When picking between microlocks vs Sisterlocks, here’s what you need to know:
Size Difference
Microlocks:
- About 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick
- Like a thin drinking straw or pencil lead
- May vary slightly in size across your head
- Fewer locs on your head (but still many)
Sisterlocks:
- Tiny! About 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick
- Like a thin piece of yarn
- Very even size all over your head
- Hundreds of locs on your head (way more than microlocks)
Who Can Install Them
Microlocks:
- Any good loctician or braider can install them
- Some people learn to do it themselves
- No special training needed
- Find installers through word of mouth or social media
Sisterlocks:
- Only certified Sisterlocks consultants can do them
- Installers must take classes and pay for certification
- Must follow the official Sisterlocks method
- Find certified installers on the Sisterlocks website
How They’re Put In
Microlocks:
- Can be installed using different methods
- Might use interlocking, twisting, or palm rolling
- Grid pattern can be whatever works best for your hair
- Takes about 5-10 hours to install
- Can start with at least 2 inches of hair
Sisterlocks:
- Only installed using the special Sisterlocks tool
- Uses one specific method created by Dr. Cornwell
- Very precise grid pattern that’s the same for everyone
- Takes about 15-30 hours spread over 2-3 days
- Can start with as little as 1.5 inches of hair
How Much They Cost
Microlocks vs Sisterlocks prices are quite different:
Microlocks:
- Usually cost between $200-600 for installation
- Maintenance visits cost about $50-150
- Can learn to maintain yourself to save money
- Lower cost because no special certification needed
Sisterlocks:
- Usually cost between $500-1500 for installation
- Maintenance visits cost about $75-200
- Can learn to maintain yourself, but training costs extra
- Higher cost due to special training and longer installation time
How They Look
Microlocks:
- Small but visible locs
- More natural, less uniform look
- May have slight size differences
- Often have a more textured appearance
- Start looking “locked” a bit sooner
Sisterlocks:
- Super tiny, can look like loose hair from a distance
- Very neat, uniform look
- All same size throughout head
- Look more polished and precise
- Take longer to fully “lock” but look neat from day one
Taking Care of Them
Microlocks:
- Need tightening every 4-8 weeks
- Easier to learn self-maintenance
- Less strict rules about products
- Wait 2-4 weeks before first wash
- Can handle a little more product
Sisterlocks:
- Need tightening every 4-6 weeks
- Self-maintenance requires official training
- Strict rules about products to use
- Can often wash right away or during installation
- Very sensitive to product buildup
Styling Options
Microlocks:
- Many styling options
- Can handle pulling and styling well once mature
- Good for updos, ponytails, and braids
- Can color them, but check with your loctician
- Look good pulled back or down
Sisterlocks:
- Even more styling options due to smaller size
- Move very much like loose hair
- Can do styles that look like you don’t have locs
- Very small size allows for detailed styles
- Official guidelines for coloring and treatments
Growing and Changing
Microlocks:
- Take about 12-18 months to fully mature
- May frizz more in early months
- Faster to lock up completely
- Might thicken slightly over time
- Can combine them if you want thicker locs later
Sisterlocks:
- Take about 12-24 months to fully mature
- Look neat even in early stages
- Slower to fully lock up
- Stay very thin over time
- Very hard to combine later if you change your mind
Which One Fits Your Hair Type?
Both work for all hair types, but there are some differences:
For Straight or Fine Hair:
- Sisterlocks might be better because they’re smaller and hold better
- The precise technique helps fine hair lock more securely
- Needs more frequent retightening with either style
For Curly or Coily Hair:
- Both work great
- Microlocks might be faster to install
- Less retightening needed with either style
For Coarse or Thick Hair:
- Both work well
- Microlocks might be less time-consuming to install
- Sisterlocks will give more locs overall but take longer to install
What Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choose Microlocks If You:
- Want to spend less money
- Like a more natural, less uniform look
- Want the option to maintain your own hair
- Don’t mind finding your own loctician
- Prefer shorter installation time
Choose Sisterlocks If You:
- Don’t mind spending more for precision
- Want the smallest possible locs
- Like the idea of a official, proven system
- Prefer perfect uniformity in size
- Want the most styling options possible
Starting Your Journey: First Month Comparison
The first month with each style is quite different:
First Month with Microlocks:
- Shorter installation time (1-2 days)
- Might need to wait to wash your hair
- May look a bit frizzy at first
- Start to lock faster
- First retightening around 4-6 weeks
First Month with Sisterlocks:
- Longer installation spread over several days
- Often includes first wash during installation
- Look neat and tidy from day one
- Take longer to start locking
- First retightening around 4 weeks exactly
Taking Care of Your New Locs
Good care is key no matter which style you pick:
Washing Tips:
- Use gentle shampoo with no residue
- Wash in sections to avoid tangling
- Focus on your scalp more than the locs
- Dry completely to prevent mildew
- Microlocks: wait 2-4 weeks for first wash
- Sisterlocks: can often wash right away
Daily Care:
- Cover with a satin bonnet or pillowcase at night
- Keep your scalp clean
- Use light oils for your scalp
- Don’t use heavy products
- Be extra gentle when new
Making Your Final Choice
When choosing between microlocks vs Sisterlocks, think about:
- Your budget
- How much time you have for installation
- If you want to do your own maintenance
- How important perfect uniformity is to you
- How small you want your locs to be
Both options are beautiful ways to wear your hair in locs. Neither is better than the other – they’re just different! Some people love the precision and tiny size of Sisterlocks, while others prefer the flexibility and lower cost of microlocks.
Take your time deciding. Look at lots of pictures. Talk to people who have both styles. Visit locticians and Sisterlocks consultants before making up your mind.
