I’ve been gabbing about getting my 4c hair loc’d for as long as I can remember, and in March 2025, I finally did it. Now I’m three months into my microlocs era — and let’s just say, it’s been a ride.
I was about 15 years old when I decided on the desired look for my later years, say from 40 upwards. I’ve always known I want long, luxurious locs, the kind that leave people in awe and make them question whether it’s real hair.
However, back then, the natural hair movement had barely started, and society still labelled locs as “mad people’s hair” — a dire after-effect of colonialism and the self-hate it ingrained in us. My Pentecostal Nigerian mother would not have agreed to me getting locs in a million years. Thankfully, the natural hair movement took over not long after, and as soon as a new adult who could make that decision for myself, I got the big chop. Over the years, I’ve experimented with my natural hair — think dyeing, braids in almost every shade imaginable, another big chop and even a tennis ball cut.
After years of talking about it — and plenty of fun experimenting with my hair — I finally booked my initial consultation in February. Before I even booked the appointment, I researched extensively, including speaking with people who had locs — both in real life and online.
Before the decision to get locs
I’m rarely impulsive — especially with long-term decisions like getting loc’d. I also wasn’t sure what kind of locs I wanted, and with so many options out there — from traditional to microlocs — it felt overwhelming at first. I also knew I wanted something versatile because I’d get bored sticking to one hairstyle for life, and I could never give up braids.
As I mentioned, I’ve been researching this hairstyle for years, adding pictures to my moodboard, and just yapping about it, especially to people who have locs. In my constant forays into the world of locs on the internet, I discovered sisterlocs, and microlocs. Sisterlocs are a patented method of creating locs using a grid-like pattern and specific tools. Only certified and trained professionals should loc your hair. Microlocs refer to a wider range of locs that are smaller than the traditional locs. So, sisterlocs are microlocs, but not all microlocs are sisterlocs. While professionals achieve microlocs either through palm-rolling or the use of a tool, sisterlocks must always be installed with tools. The most commonly used tool is the crochet needle, or loc needle.
As I read more about sisterlocs, the more it appealed to me. Apart from being gorgeous and looking good on every person, there are also several other advantages. For one, the grid pattern allows for more versatility in styling and is small enough for me to continue my mutual love affair with braids.
To make matters even better, three of my friends got their hair locked within the space of three years, so I had ample access to primary research as well. I grilled them about everything from cost to loc technician. The best part was watching their hair grow and transform over the years. By October 2024, I knew I would get the locs done in the first quarter of 2025. I even took the advice of a co-worker who told me to try doing two-strand twists a few times to experience it. I did and loved it. That sealed it for me.
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Finally getting my locs on!
Two out of the trio of friends who had loc’d their hair mentioned this sisterloc company called Enibraids. As February rolled around, I booked a consultation with the company to gather as much information as possible. A consultation was important because getting locs is a commitment that requires a level of knowledge to maintain them well.
During the consultation, the owner of the company — a loc technician with decades of experience — explained all the differences between the types of sister locks. The braid locs, interlock, and two-strand twists are different methods of achieving sisterlocs. It was a very educational group consultation., We discussed hair health, best practices for different curl patterns, and the dos and don’ts before the installation appointment. I not only thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, but I got even more excited for my installation. The participants had to choose loc method and appointment dates on the call, and I booked mine for exactly five days before my birthday.
Sisterlocs methods
Allow me to geek out a little about the three different methods of achieving sisterlocks that I learnt about while researching and in the consultation.
The braid method: This method of achieving sisterlocs involves weaving three strands of hair together to form a single loc — after the technician locs the roots to a certain length. Think box braids, but very small — ranging from 3 to 9mm per loc, depending on hair density.
The interlock method: The interlock uses a crochet or loc needle. The technician uses this tool to lock each strand from root to tip. Due to this, it’s the most time-consuming method of achieving sister locs, and recommended for certain hair density types and curl patterns.
The two-strand twist method: If you have natural hair and have ever done two-strand twists, then you’re familiar with this method. For sisterlocks, the technician creates the root of each loc with their tool, then twists the rest of the loc using the two-strand method. This was the method I opted for, and I don’t regret it one bit.
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Loc day!
Armed with instructions on how to care for my hair in preparation, I waited in anticipation. The instructions were to thoroughly wash and deeply condition our hair, and apply no oils, lotions or pomades. To install sisterlocks effectively, the stylist must work with your hair in its most natural state — free of products that could get trapped in the locs and eventually cause damage. So the day before my installation appointment, I washed my hair at a natural hair salon. I got a deep conditioning treatment and stretched my hair — heat-protected, of course.
On the day of my loc appointment, 13 March 2025, the technicians arrived super early — sisterlocs installation is a full day’s job. I sat down to work, and they also got to work on my head. They sectioned my hair and made sure the grid was accurately parted. Some snacks, episodes of a show and 9 hours later, I had 432 locs.
Today was the day. 432 locs to start 🥰 https://t.co/xxDLRvhxYl pic.twitter.com/RgjCiWd82g
— asabi (@uxtobiaf) March 13, 2025
3 months down the loc’d road
There’s a common joke in the loc community about how locs typically look scanty in the early stages, so much so that there’s a TikTok sound for it. Many people with locs can relate to this early, awkward phase where your hair looks like it’s made up of two strands, and they’re trying not to regret taking the plunge. My hair is currently still in that awkward phase — the locs in front are perpetually pointing upwards — but I love it so much already.
I’ve had my locs for three months, and I honestly think it’s the best decision I’ve made about my hair so far. The texture of my hair is my absolute favourite part of having locs. My hair has tight 4C curls, and the method I chose — small two-strand twists — makes those curls stand out even more.
One of the best things about having locs is the fun of wearing them out. I’ve had my bandwidth for hair care steadily decline over the years as life gets busier. With locs, I don’t have to overthink styling my hair for an event. And as a gym girlie, having heavy braids while working out is not fun. I sweat from my scalp, and if I can’t tie my hair up because of the bulk, it gets in the way — or worse, caught on equipment. It’s a whole mess.
My locs make working out a better and easier experience. I get my locs retightened or “reties” once every six weeks. Let me tell you, in this economy, it’s way more economical than getting braids every 3 to 4 weeks, like I used to do when I had loose natural hair. Inflation has ensured that everything is now triple the price it was last year, and beauty maintenance is no exception.
How I care for my locs
Of course, Enibraids armed us with ample information on how to care for our locs. Based on their recommendations and knowing what my hair likes, here are a few things I do to care for my locs:
Rose water spray, every other day: For locs to grow, hydration is important. Enibraids suggested spraying my locs with rosewater every day or every other day (for looser textures). I add a few drops of tea tree oil to my spray bottle for antifungal purposes.
Methylated spirit for a clean scalp: After installing your locs, wait 10 weeks before washing your hair, allowing them to loc properly, especially at the roots. Not washing my hair for 10 weeks is admittedly the hardest part of this journey so far, but trusted methylated spirit came in handy in keeping my scalp clean, or at least attempting to. Before I finally got my hair washed just right before my second retie — once a week, I’d swipe cotton pads soaked in spirit on my scalp, keeping it free of dirt.
Protective styling overnight: I’m not ashamed to admit that when I had loose natural hair, I sometimes went to bed with my afro out. I’d always wear a bonnet or wrap it in a silk scarf, but doing two-strand twists or braids right before bed just wasn’t sustainable for me. When they were in braids, going to bed was even more of a production, especially for French curls. But now, with my locs, it’s super easy for me to braid my hair into two large cornrows, tie my scarf and keep it on through the night.
Finger combing: To avoid bunching — the locs sticking and bunching together — you should run your fingers through your locs, using them like a comb.
Getting locs is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my hair so far, and I’m super excited to be on this journey. I’m going to have fun in the next few months, just experimenting with different styles and watching my hair grow in one of the most gorgeous forms.
If you’re considering getting locs, I hope my journey offers a solid starting point for your research!
