Several members of Lockitup have inquired about whether there are any differences in the look of locks that are maintained using the Sisterlocks tool and those that are maintained using a latchook. My SLs were started with the SL tool and my consultant maintained them for about 2 and a half years that way. After that, I began retightening them myself. I found the Latchin' e-booklet (there's a link for this on the side - I don't know how to link in my text yet!) because I had never taken the SL retightening course. I'm all about being able to do it yourself, as economically as possible, so when I read the booklet, to me it felt and looked like what I saw my consultant doing.
Since I didn't actually take the retightening course, I'm not saying that the way that I latch my locks is exactly the SL way that they were originated. The Latchin' booklet advises that a 2 point pattern be used. I did follow those directions, but after hearing others talk about "4's" and "reverse 4's," I started using a 4 point circular rotation to maintain my locks. I also know that the Nappylocks tool has instructions for a 6 and 8 point rotation, although I've never actually read those instructions for myself. I also started my daughter's locks myself from 2-strand twists and then retightened using the latchhook instructions.
As I said, I've had my SLs for 6 years now. Other than trimming off the relaxed ends over the first 4 years, I've never cut my actual locks in the back. My best estimate is that the bottom third of the locks is the SL pattern and everything from that point up to the root is from a latching pattern. So, for those of you who are concerned whether there's a discernable difference from one to the other, see for yourself. If you see a difference, or think there'll be a dfference in yours, then take the retightening course and use the SL tool. If you think not, save your money and purchase the latching e-booklet (for about $10-$15) and a latchhook (for about $1) or purchase the Nappylocks tool (for about $15) and the instructions. I don't know how much the instructions cost, but there's also a link to Nappylocks on the side.
18 comments:
Great information and your locks are da bomb!
You've made a case that seems difficult to dispute. The post is just in time as I'm now weighing my options of doing my own retightenings.
Thanks Blaq!
Tanya - I always recommend knowing how to do your own - no matter what method you choose. And remember, you don't have to do it all in one sitting. I usually take at least 3 days.
Thanks for sharing, this post was very informative.
Thanks for the info it was really insightful. I want to take the class but I'm afraid that I'll mess up my parts. How do you avoid doing that (messing up parts).
Thanks, Sistalocd.
Chi-chi - I know some people feel the parts are very important, but I'm not one of them, I almost never part. But if that's your concern, you have to make extra sure that when you section your hair, you clip the part that you're not working on to keep it out of the way. That's about all the advice I could give you.
Brenda this was a great post. My sisterlocks are still very new. I can only hope that in 6 years my locks look as good as yours. I am hoping that I will have the patience to retighten my hair myself.
Your locks are soooo beautiful! Thanks for the info.
great info! i love it~ j
i've done 2pt rotation and 4 ,even 6.lol!
I'll stick with reverse 4.
Where can I find the instructions on the 4 and reverse 4 method?
efflorescent - As far as I know, you can only get instructions on a 4 or reverse 4 pattern by going to a SL retightening course, as those refer to the official SL method. However, if you want generic instructions on doing a 4, 6 or 8 point rotation, you can get them from the Nappyloc information site or from the Latchhook information site, both of which you can get to from the link on the right hand side of my blog. HTH.
Hi,
Really great info!! I have been thinking of starting my own locks by the two strand twist method. I really like the sisterlock look but unfortunetly I live in a northern Scandinavia village (so you can imagine very few black folk or hairstylist that could help me). I know the 2,4,6pt basic pattern so I am now more convinced to give it a go. Cheers
Anonymous - I'd be curious to know how you got there, if you wanted to share! As for locking, please visit the Latchhook or Nappylocs sites listed on the right hand side. Either of them can give you instructions on starting your own locks. Good luck.
Hi, your locks are great.
I have looked on the latch hook website and I was going to buy the eBook but it does not say anywhere that they show you how to do a 4+ pattern. I have decided to start doing my own lock maintenance and I currently have a reverse 4 pattern in so I wanted to continue with no less than a 4 so I wont weaken my locks. do you remember what book you had that showed you how to do a 4 or could you email me with any extra info you can give me on how to find out how. lionel.walker@gmail.com
sorry for the long message; thanks for the great info...
Hi!
I don't know if you mentioned it or not but could you please tell me which is the best resource for the 4 point instructions? I have 4 pattern sisterlocks and the maintenance is costing quite a bit so I need to learn for myself soon to save money! Thanks so much!
I've had my sister locs for 13yrs. They were started with the small sl tool. I took the reti class and I've been doing my hair every since with the latch hook. It doesn't matter what you use all you're doing is interlocking your hair with the assistance of whatever tool you decide to use. I perfer the latch hook over the sl tool.
I've had my sister locs for 13yrs. They were started with the small sl tool. I took the reti class and I've been doing my hair every since with the latch hook. It doesn't matter what you use all you're doing is interlocking your hair with the assistance of whatever tool you decide to use. I perfer the latch hook over the sl tool.
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