1 Year Lock Anniversary and the Big Chop

    I celebrated my first year with locks by cutting off the rest of my relaxer.  In the Sisterlock community, this is called the Big Chop (BC).  I did not really shape my hair (although previous cuts to shape my former style may have contributed to its current shape). This is the way my locks grew due to the shape of the cut with the relaxer. I do not regret starting with a relaxer, but I am excited to actually begin this new phase. I started by just cutting off the buds that were to big due to bunching. Then I decided to cut all the relaxer off the back.  Naturally, this meant I had to re-angle the sides.  By the time I was done, I only had relaxer from the ears forward.  When no one even noticed that I cut my hair (not even my kids), I decided that it was time for the big chop.  My consultant was very pleased with the results. These photos are immediately after having my hair washed and retightened. Here are the pictures.....

Things I've Learned Rearching Sisterlocks

Like many others, it was with great anticipation that I awaited my Sisterlocks install. I think I've read 3/4 of the blogs about Sisterlocks available.  I did this partly because I wanted as much information as I could gather, but mostly because I just liked looking at the pictures.  I did run across good information, tips, and advise.  Here are some things that I learned, and a few things that I wish I had known.

The Initial Consultation:
1. Research your consultant. Make sure that person really is or has been certified or trained as a Sisterlocks consultant.  I have seen several people on the web who were told " yea, I do Sisterlocks".  They ended up very unhappy. Don't be afraid to select a different consultant than the first one you interview. I interviewed two prior to selecting my consultant.

2. It is traditional Sisterlocks practice that consultants do not charge for the consultation.  However, some consultants feel like you should pay for their time and charge a small fee $15-$25  for the consultation.  I am comfortable with either option.

3.  The test locks are important.  Don't skip that step if possible. You'll find out if you're tender-headed or how gentle the consultant is. You will get a little taste of what the initial stage may look like.

4.  You should come away with a general estimate on how much time and money it will cost for your install.

5.  Pay attention to the setting. You may be spending a good deal of time with the consultant.  Is the office clean? Is the chair comfortable....you may be sitting in it for 21 hours!

6.  Is the consultant child friendly?  Some consultants don't want even older children coming to retightening appointments.

7.  Come when you can see their work if possible (an install or a retightening).  Ask to see pictures of their work.

8.  Join the Lockitup yahoo group.  The people there have lots of experience with Sisterlocks and are willing to answer questions.

9.  Find someone with Sisterlocks and talk to them in person.  It's one thing to look at pictures on the internet, but another thing to see "real" locks. 

10.  You need three inches of hair total. However, only two inches have to be natural. The other inch can be relaxed.

INSTALLED!!!!

My Sisterlocks installation began yesterday and was completed today (Oct 3-4, 2009).  It took a total of 21 hours over two days. I have 545 locks.  My consultant, Kenya Austin, and I agreed to gradually increase the size of the locks. The locks in front (ear forward) are small. The locks in the back gradually increase in size from small, to mediums, to medium large.  I did not "decide" the size of my locks.  I showed Kenya what I liked, but told her to pick what would be best for my hair. I started with two inches of natural hair (non relaxed hair).  My ends still have the relaxer, so she used the Reverse 4 pattern, which is the tightest.  My hair is fine, but I have a lot of it (it's dense).    I chose to transition to Sisterlocks without going really short, for my husband's benefit. I have been short and natural before, but he liked that I was able to keep my hair longer.  I also wanted a style to my locks, therefore, I chose a haircut that I thought might look good while the relaxer grows out.  Here are the pictures:

Relaxed hair before the cut

Relaxed hair after the cut

SISTERLOCKS