What do you believe would make the article more helpful? However, the size you choose for your micro locs, the fullness of your hair, and the size of your head all determine how many locs you end up with. Aj and I welcome you as we move from 2022 into the new year of 2023. If youre tired of the traditional locs, microlocs will give you more hairstyling option! Because of their look, they appear like curls from a distance. Because of twisting and retightening, your Microlocs may shrink in the first two years. Grid Pattern*. Shampoo/ Clarify. Here you will find the natural hair products that my friends & I have found to be very good for natural hair. Be keen on your installation and maintenance techniques to avoid slip-ups. They are on average 6-9 mm in diameter; their size ranges from a shoelace to that of your pinky finger. 2) Microloc Technicians ARE trained You can style both by twisting, coiling, braiding, or with a tool that allows the hair to be interlocked, a method that pulls the end of the loc through the base of the root. This technique can be done with a tool or with just your fingers.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'unionofbarbers_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',616,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-unionofbarbers_com-leader-1-0'); Interlocking is a technique that can be used to start and maintain any texture of your hair because it reinforces the hair to stay in place and prevent unraveling. It is the exciting time when the buds and sprouts truly begin to look like locs as they have swelled up to almost twice their original size. Installation of microlocs is similar to that of traditional locks. I am eager to get to the fully microlocked stage; to flaunt my hair and lean into the beauty it possesses in a natural state. [Natural Method & Without Bleach], Is Beachwaver Worth It? How I prepped my hair before parting3. March 22, 2022 - 1,142 likes, 17 comments - Hair Reborn by Phoenix (@hairrebornbyphoenix) on Instagram: " Sample Locs 16inches of hair Microlock Two Strand Twist . Learn more about microlocs and sisterlocks in this article:Micro Locs Vs Sisterlocks: Installation, Costs, Pros And Cons. This though is purely dependent on the pace of your stylist and the size of your locks. Both microlocs and sisterlocks have a grid pattern but the sisterlocks grid is more intricate. The term "sisterlocks" refers to a trademarked . If you assume that having dreadlocks means you dont need to keep your hair clean, then you are wrong. Since there is no defined grid pattern, it can lead to asymmetrical locks and uneven parting. Too much tension can lead to traction alopecia. Cut the strands at varying lengths and dye the tips blonde for a highlighted appeal. Some locticians start with a square section or a certain . Dying can be done after 4 weeks from the installation day to allow the locs to gain strength. I knew I wanted clean, fine boxes in rows for my grid pattern. With time, you can then cut off the ends and let the thicker strands develop individually. Otherwise, if your hair is relaxed or permed, then allow your roots to develop an undergrowth of virgin hair up to 1.5 inches. But in the case of microlocs, the size of each loc is smaller than your pinkie finger or almost like the diameter of a standard pencil but a little thinner. After week 4, your locs may look a bit wild because the base of your locs is weaker. Starting with shorter hair could give you a shoulder-length or almost within a year and a half. In other words, there is a fine balance between over-styling and neglect. This video is all about how I PLANNED A PRECISE GRID for my DIY MICROLOCS and the MATH BEHIND IT.This is PART 1 of a 2 part series. Due to the fact that it does not require any training it may lead to mistakes or even holes along the strand that can cause breakage. Interlocks are more like regular or traditional dreadlocks when it comes to size or thickness. When compared to other hair styles, Sisterlocks are relatively cheaper to maintain. Sisterlocks are trademarked and can only be installed by a certified Sisterlocks consultant or trainee. Overtightening can damage your hair or locs. Mistakes I made on my 1st grid and how I corrected those mistakes in my 2nd grid7. Get it in a protective hairstyle and do not! I am nectar in waiting. Short Hairstyles for Fine Hair Only the Sisterlocks products should be used for maintenance. You cant use the regular retwist method ? You do not need special training or experience to install microlocs. Or will they break? Installation of sisterlocks is done by registered Sisterlock . I have been thinking of getting the sister locks for years and I really didnt know the difference of the micro locks and why I was so bent on the sister locks. The content on this website is for informational purposes. Consider your hair texture and expectations. . You may then style your locs as you wish. It is created by making parts on the hair in a defined grid pattern and then locked by a unique interlocking tool. Another significant distinction is the cost of installation. So how do you retighten micro locks? This means microlocs are locks whose sizes are smaller than that of a pencil. I did. Hair Reborn by Phoenix on Instagram: " Sample Locs 16inches of hair Maradon 333/Shutterstock. Keeping your locs moisturized is a great way to achieve healthy hair. Rather, the parting can be wherever you desire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I have read and agree to the terms & conditions, Types of dreads: The truth about microlocs. On the other hand, chemicals from hair products and heat can damage your hair and cause frizzy microlocs as well. The lack of a definite grid pattern might result in an asymmetrical head of locks with irregular partings. Although this method does allow for easy maintenance, the aesthetic result of this pattern is usually very undesirable. Before you begin your sisterlock journey it is crucial that you find a sisterlock consultant has been professionally trained on the sisterlock technique. This also means your locs wont experience much shrinkage and fizz. Your scalp must be kept in a clean and healthy condition no matter your hairstyle. Hi! Microlocs originally started as an alternative or break from the traditional locs in the Hamar tribe of Ethiopia. Being a travel enthusiast and fashion geek, she always enjoyed writing about outdoor fun and the latest fashion trends. After a few years of wearing your locs, theres a good chance that some locks may begin to think and break off at the ends. You may have guessed already This is the first article I am doing on locks and that definitely means I have been considering installing them. And as time passes, I will continue to break out and break through some cruel happenings because . The reason you should wait is that permed hair does not lock, and only virgin hair locks. Though the result may resemble having Sisterlocks, this method produces better results. Overall, they look similar to microlocs - and can be indistinguishable in some cases. Wax attracts dirt and doesnt wash out easily, leaving it to build up inside the loc over time. Thanks for this article. This is when you will see which pattern works best on your hair type. Throughout the times, the techniques and products used to form locs have also evolved. You can do two-strand twists, interlocking, or braiding; but because of their size, theres no avoiding the fact that microlocs will take a long time. You can then trim or chop your relaxed hair when your locs grow out. If they had started earlier their locs would actually be longer. And since this is a journey I no longer wanted to place on hold to continue to be loyal to my stylist, I mentioned not having anyone to install my locs to my cousin, Akua, and my cousin stormed in to rescue me. A lot of people think you need to wait until your hair grows but with loose hair its harder to retain length. . Here are the steps in Microloc installation. That is if you started with long hair. Dont retighten your locs when they are dry. There is no need for applying too much wax or gel if you dont want your hair to develop an excessive build-up of hair products. BRICK PATTERN. Thank you! Then, make sure to use a good hair conditioner in to keep your scalp moisturized and keep locs in place. You dont want those problems. They are easy to install. The Jamaican Mango and Lime Rasta and Twist Locking Creme Wax is a great choice of gel for this stage. When starting microlocs with interlocking, its basically a locking technique whereby the end of the hair is pulled through the root to tighten the hair all the way to the scalp. Thanks for you comment. Washing your microlocs at least twice or thrice monthly is generally fine. Since the hair is slippery the locs will slip free from its tangled form. Microlocs demand regular maintenance and care. They wont break easily unless you arent taking proper care of them. Microlocs are great for people who desire the appearance of fullness or who seek endless styling options. Microlocs can be washed, braided on, cornrowed, dyed, cut to form a variety of styles and layers, or bonded into a ponytail. Protective styles such as sisterlocks and microlocs are gaining popularity thanks to the minimal effort required to style and maintain after installation. Dont leave the dreads straight, rather curl them overnight using Flexi rods and you wont regret the results. Microlocs are the newest trend in dreadlocks, and theyre taking the world by storm! Generally, there are 4 grid patterns that you can use for creating locs. The questions I have heard many people ask when transitioning to locs are: Will this work for me? Am I truly ready for this transition? How will I treat my hair afterward? and Will the loctician I find be the best match for me and my hair?. As the name suggests, they are tinier and a good option for anyone who wants to achieve a dreadlock look but would prefer to cut out the bulk. How well your locks mature depends on how well you take care of your locks after installation and the texture of your hair. I have wanted to dive into microlocs for at least three years, however, my stylist does not specialize in this genre of haircare. Instead, look into the hair products you should use to boost your Microloc installation and locking process. Maintenance is the key to preventing microlocs from unraveling. Since I have had permed/processed hair almost all my life, growing out a permanent, chemically enhanced state takes longer than one can imagine. Here are some tips to take care of your locs at the starter stage: This is the stage where hair begins to bud or loosely mat and signs of frizz and some swelling of the locs occurs. 4. Hi! Your final "interlocked" lock should resemble a fishtail, and feel like a tight cord. The Difference between Sisterlocks and Micro locs explained Black ladies getting on in years can save themselves from the hassle of styling their hair daily by opting for microlocs. Microlocs is a type of natural hairstyle that involves small, tight braids that are tightly interlocked to create a protective hairstyle. With over 10 years of experience, she has tried hundreds of hair care products and has seen, styled, and treated all types of hair. Microlocs Vs Interlocks . There are five key differences between Micro Locs and Sisterlocks: the installation, the grid, the start technique, the maintenance technique and the price. Its volume, versatility, and ease of maintenance is suitable for people with active lifestyles. However, its labor-intensive. Dont use thick moisturizing creams in your Microlocs, as they dont come out quickly. When washing your locs, use clarifying shampoos to remove all dirt and residue. Nevertheless, this method can create some gorgeous results. When installing your Microlocs, think about maintenance techniques. This may be easily corrected by conditioning your hair regularly and avoiding harsh hair products. Microlocs and traditional locks are similar in many ways. Microlocs are smaller forms of traditional locs where you dont need any training or certification to complete their installation. In order to install sisterlocks, you need to have formal training or be a certified sisterlock consultant. Microlocs are a simple but stylish offshoot of traditional locs. Unlike microlocs, installing Sisterlocks does not involve the use of waxes or gels. Split each section into 2 strands, twist them together 2 or 3 times, then rip upwards to tighten the twist and tangle the hair. The cost of installing sisterlocs is way higher than what is required to fix microlocs. The same thing goes for microlocs. This technique is most suitable for people with looser or relaxed hair.Photo from IG/braidsthatspeak. Microlocs aren't as neat-looking as Sisterlocks. The shorter, the better! They both have the same method of installation which could be coiling, braiding, or twisting. The best shampoo for Microlocs that Id recommend is Carols Daughter Wash Delight Shampoo and Conditioner. I am more than breath & bones. I refused to allow this year to defeat me. Smaller Microlocs may fall off and require more maintenance because of their fragility. Yes. Waiting too long between maintenance appointments can also weaken locs. Some people name their hair. They are smaller than traditional dreadlocks but still fulfill your expectations and appearance and give you fullness and volume. It helps to lock in moisture to your hair without causing any buildup of dirt. Microlocs do not need too much maintenance like sisterlocs. These stages are four in number which include the starter stage, the budding stage, the shooting stage, and the final contracting stage. This helps preserve the style. Ive seen people charge as low as $200 USD and others as high as $850 USD. Thank you so much for writing this article! Now heres the catch. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Balance & High Shine, Daily Clarifying & Soothing Scalp Shampoo for Oily or Dull Hair, Paraben & Dye-Free, 12 Fl Oz, Dollylocks 12oz Tea Tree Spearmint Liquid Dreadlock Shampoo, Permanent LOC Extensions A Complete Guide. When choosing your partings, establish your locs size. Dreads range from about 10mm or larger in diameter, whereas microlocs typically range from about 6-9mm in diameter, just about smaller than the size of a pencil. This won't be a con for everyone, but it will be for those who value part cleanliness. Starter Locs Guide: 4 Steps to Starting Your Locs - Loc Genius Proper care and maintenance increase its longevity and protects your hair better. Installation of Sisterlocks must be done by a certified sisterlock consultant. Grow out those kinky afro curls a few inches before twisting, braiding, or coiling them, producing tiny locs that are sure to grab the attention of many. This is the first installment of four articles devoted to my microlocs journey. To install microlocs from the starter stage, the charges range from $150 to $400 in a salon. At the moment, shampooing can no longer loosen locs since the growing stage of your locs development is where your locs have developed enough to hang down. Installation time is longer than that of microlocs because of the intricate weaving technique done to lock the hair using a patented latch hook tool (interlocking tool). Are Renpure Products Good for Your Hair. Sisterlocks are more intricate to start than microlocs. You can imagine sisterlocs to be like the diameter of a straw or spaghetti strands. Your Loc Grid Patterns picture are be had in this website. Microlocs are approximately smaller than the size of a pencil, whereas sisterlocs are much thinner. Take your iPad or Android phone along with you to keep you entertained with movies, music, or social media while you go through the process. They dont require any wax or product to enhance the hair grip. Section your hair in a grid pattern. How to: DIY micro locs installation, here is one of the many ways you can create your perpect grid for microlocs. Copyright 2022. But theres no need to worry because this is all part of the process. Ready to try microlocs? Your hair is parted in a particular grid pattern dictated by the sisterlocks method. Pin on hair insp - Pinterest I think this is a solid idea and can further build a connection between me and my hair as well . TRIANGLE PATTERN. So while it may be cheaper than sisterlocks, it still wont be cheap. Microlocs are also a good starting point for beginners about to don their first locs. In addition, while it is possible to get them any size, Ive seen a lot of people with extremely small microlocks. . Can be done on relaxed hair though the transitioning to natural would take longer. Sisterlocks experts twist the hair from the tip to the roots exerting tension at the hair roots. Consult with Locticians and other stylists on your expectations per your chosen technique. Finding a competent person who would guide you in your hair journey is hard.