Dr. Tiffany Ofili Porter

Have you ever heard of Sisterlocks before?

Sisterlocks are a natural hair locking technique created specifically for African-textured hair, using a precise parting grid and a specialized tool to create uniform locks that are smaller and more manageable than traditional locs. Sisterlocks is a trademarked hairstyle created in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell.

I’ve proudly worn my Sisterlocks since 2018, and I often get questions about them and how they have impacted my life in these past 6.5 years.

Here are the 10 benefits of Sisterlocks:

1) Versatility in Styling

Sisterlocks are much smaller than traditional locs, which allows for a wider range of styling options. And this aspect is one of my favorites because I love switiching my look up every chance I get.

The fact that Sisterlocks can be curled, braided, twisted, or worn straight in various styles such as updos and buns, is perfect to tailor them to suit your preferences.

This provides versatility similar to loose natural hair.

2) Low Maintenance

Once established, Sisterlocks require minimal daily maintenance, and the wash routines are often less frequent. When they’re first established, more care has to be taken during washing and manipulation to prevent the unraveling of the locs.

You don’t need to style or comb Sisterlocks every day, and they typically only need to be retightened every 4-6 weeks by a trained Sisterlocks consultant/trainee.

3) Hair Growth

Sisterlocks can promote hair growth by reducing the need for daily manipulation and minimizing breakage. Many people experience longer, thicker hair after getting Sisterlocks, especially since the hair is allowed to grow undisturbed.

And this has been the case for me.

By reducing the need for daily manipulation and styling, Sisterlocks minimize breakage and split ends, so many people with locs experience significant hair length over time.

4) Natural Look

Sisterlocks are designed to look and feel natural, embracing the natural texture of your hair without the use of extensions, chemicals, or heat. This can result in a more organic and healthier look and feel.

By Sisterlocks celebrating and embracing your natural hair texture, it allows people to wear their hair in its most authentic form. This can be empowering for many, fostering self-acceptance and pride in one’s natural beauty.

Since getting my locs, my self confidence has been elevated and I’ve never felt more beautiful in my whole life.

5) Scalp Health

With Sisterlocks, the scalp is more exposed, which can improve air circulation and scalp health.

They also require fewer products, which reduces buildup and keeps the scalp cleaner, which can help prevent scalp issues like dandruff or irritation.

6) Freedom from Chemical Treatments

Sisterlocks eliminate the need for relaxers, perms, or other chemical treatments that can damage the hair (and one’s health) over time. This makes them a healthier & more natural alternative for those transitioning from chemically treated hair looking to make a change.

Once your locs are mature, the need for frequent salon visits, hair products, and treatments is greatly reduced. This can make locs a cost-effective hairstyle choice over time. With that, however, know that the Sisterlocks establishment & retightenings can be expensive, so the money you save may actually be canceled out in the end.

7) Professional Appearance

Sisterlocks are often considered more professional or neat compared to traditional locs due to their smaller size and uniformity.

Although I do push back on the narrative that Black hair in its natural state is inherently “unprofrssional”, that doesn’t negate the fact that Sisterlocks can in fact be styled in ways that fit various professional or formal settings.

8) Cultural and Personal Identity

For many, Sisterlocks represent a celebration of cultural heritage and a personal journey toward self-acceptance and embracing natural beauty.

Locs embrace natural hair texture, allowing people to wear their hair in its most authentic form. This can be incredibly empowering.

For many, locs have deep cultural, spiritual, or personal significance. They can represent a connection to heritage, culture, or a specific belief system, serving as a symbol of personal identity and pride.

For me, it was important to reject the narrative that I need a wig or weave to feel beautiful, especially after having a daughter who I know is always watching.

9. Provide Durability and Longevity

Sisterlocks are highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions, from humidity to rain. And yes, even to swimming. Thanks to Sisterlocks, I no longer need to worry about my “hair getting wet” and the process that comes along with wash day.

They also have longevity; once mature, locs do not require the level of attention or care that many other hairstyles do. Other than your retightenings, maintenance is pretty minimal.

10. Unique Appearance

Each set of locs is unique to the individual, reflecting their personal hair texture, care routine, and journey. Even though there are some requirements for Locs to qualify as Sisterlocks, (ie the uniformity of the grid pattern and the small to medium loc size are some of the cornerstones) there is still some variation in how each person’s locs will look. Two people, even with similar hair textures, can go to the same loctican and end up with different looks once their locs are established. This distinctiveness can be a powerful form of self-expression, self-acceptance, and self-love.

Could this be your sign to loc your hair?


To watch the YouTube video where I break three benefits in more detail, click here:

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