FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo (to loosen any product buildup if any) such as Suave Clarifying Shampoo or the Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo (if available). This will helps to roughen the hair cuticles. 2. Come with clean (dried) hair. 3. Absolutely NO heat- dryers, no curling tools, straighteners, oils, leave-ins, puddings, souffles, etc. I would like for your hair to be in its more natural form with no products use or hair styles. You are welcome to work a natural fro, fewer than 6 plaits or twist, head wrap, bonnet,scarves, etc... 4. Bring ALL your questions and concerns

Yes, all of your hair needs to be out. We account for average length, density, curl pattern, locking selections, breakage, split ends, etc. Please comply.

Yes! If it has been a while since you last had your end trims, we HIGHLY recommend you get your HAIR TRIMMED TO THE HEALTHIEST LENGTH - CLIP THOSE SPLIT ENDS. Yes, it will be a shorter length but your hair will be healthy and you will thank yourself later. Split ends do not go away. You can self-trim or schedule a trim with your preferred stylist prior to your loc(k)s establishment. Evenness of hair length, trimmed ends and even a style cut is recommended for best results. Trust us you want the best results! Thank us later.

When you have your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s established, your loc(k)s will have a woven pattern that may be mistaken for braids. The hair can slip and slide within the structure or framework of the Sisterlocks® locking system or Microloc(k)s causing an undesirable look called slippage. Slippage starts from the scalp and can be along the shaft of the loc(k). Unraveling starts from the loc(k) ends. After several months, the loc(k)s will settle and mature which will cause it to be less prone to slippage. Signs of setting and maturation are when your loc(k)s start to look more like unfirmed matted locks and less like a braid. The setting phase is different for each individual and can range from 6 months for short curl patterns and up to over a year (sometimes 3 years) for long curl patterns. Short curl patterns is a simile of courser textured hair. Long curl patterns is a simile of more finer textured hair. Your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s will not remain as small as they appear after they are first established. They will mature over time. The initial look of your Sisterlocks® and Microloc(k)s will change. Results varies on each client hair type, hair & scalp condition, health and home care of locs. Your Sisterlocks® and Microloc(k)s will increase in thickness after a few washes and the ends will natural coil on most clients. The ends will always remain a little thicker than the root. Your hair will completely loc(k) as it increases in volume. The ends will become defined and your loc(k)s will not slip. Thereafter and only thereafter, you may stop braiding and banding, after confirmation by your loc practitioner.

In general, Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s at the LocHerRoom can be started with 4 inches of natural unprocessed hair. Where shorter hair can be caught in a locking pattern, 4 inches will ensure the first stages of locking process will be easier to manage during your home care.

Sisterlocks® are only established with your natural hair. However, some offer Microloc(k)s with extensions. At the LocHerRoom, we do not offer extensions nor maintain clients with extensions. We only work with the natural hair. Although the weight of the extension may not feel or appear heavy, it is a heavier weight and tension on the scalp than the natural hair growing from the root. Over time, tension with extensions on the roots can lead to permanent hair loss and the extension may slip from the locs that require repetitive repairs and reattachments. So don't let the idea of short hair for a short period rob you of years of freely growing healthy and manageable hair.

During the first 6 months of development, Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s can be removed but it is a tedious process that can take at least or much longer than the establishment of Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s .. Most consultants will not lock your hair if removal is a great concern during the consultation. Here at the LocHerRoom Studio, we can refer you to one of our partners that can assist in lock removal service. LocHerRoom do not offer this service; prices and services are independently of LocHerRoom Studio and that of the natural hair care professional. You should be sure that the Sisterlocks® locking system or Microloc(k)s is right for you before establishment.

Please bring your questions and concerns for Yakeisha. Expect to be educated during your consultation, and if you are a good candidate for Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s, sample loc(k)s will be established (approx 8-10 locks for SL and 4 for ML ). The consultation will give you an idea of what to expect of your look and loc behavior over the course of 2-3 weeks. At your consultation appointment, you are welcome to book your establishment day for a non-refundable booking fee of $250 for SL and $150 for ML . Your deposit will block an availiable date for your establishment.

Our website provides a brief expectation of what to anticipate of your locs establishment with the LocHerRoom.Your locs establishment price is determine by each client hair density, length, curl pattern (texture), condition, head size and other hair factors. The time associated with finely constructing each client hair with gorgeous Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s is exceptional earned. Truly this is a long-term investment of your natural hair uncomparable to the purchase of wigs, bundles, or various braid styles from local stylist, etc. I can attest to you that Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s s are durable with longevity, and many witnesses of the loc community. Do not allow the price quoted to you become a barrier between your investment. Famously said, this will be your "Best Decision Ever"! Do your research and shop around. Each loctician are independent contractors who set their own prices for establishments and retightening services.

First, get a spray bottle with water in it that will be used to create more of a suds. 1. Braid and band 2. Shampoo scalp 3. Rinse scalp 4. Shampoo hair again 5. Rinse hair again 6. Squeeze dry excess water (may be still damp) - please do not rub dry 7. Do not remove bands, allow hair to fully dry before removal either by sitting under a hooded dryer or air dry 7. Once dry, remove bands 8. Separate locks INDIVIDUALLY. To appropriately separate locs, pull strands that are stick together arond the parted areas and along the shaft of loc. Each loc should stand along with no hairs linking to another loc <---DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP 10. Style as normal Repeat again next week (7-10 days interval)!!

Simple repairs that does not take up the allotted time may be performed. However, repairs are an extensive service that require many hours depending on the vast need of the client. Therefore, separate appointments must be scheduled for such services to be performed. Repair sessions must be blocked well in advance for availability. Please adhere to any instructions for care and maintenance from your consultant, to avoid any unneccesary repairs. Protect your investment - repairs can be costly by the hour.

***Particularly for newbies- immature locs*** Yes! Must we say Yesssss again! Oils, softerners and conditioners quickly over-moisture cuticles and hair shafts that disturb the early states of the locking process that cause varying degrees of slippage, buildup or worst.... bunching. You do not want this! Trust us as an practioner and your consultant! Forget what you heard from anyone else, Youtube University or your favorite social media platforms. We will notice if oil is in your hair. If oil causes your locks to slip, bunch or build-up please expect not the best results. Do not use products that cause build up or oil in your hair! The list includes moisturizing shampoos, conditioners regardless if labeled for natural hair or not, emu oil, shea or shea butters, conditioning oils, leave-ins, growth oils, hair masks, regular spritizing of the hair even with water (to include the spritzing of daily named waters alike), etc. It is recommended by Sisterlocks® of no use of oil if any at least for the first 6 months from establishment. Here at the LocHerRoom we recommend no use of oil for neither Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s ' clients. Please if there is a concern of dryness or use of oil, reach out to us for advice. It's your decision of your hair care. At LocHerRoom we honor your desires but the cost of repairs and correction will also be honored. Case by case basis, the client will be dropped for non-compliance of loc care.

It may feels like or looks like a little ball or knot forming at the ends of your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . Do not pull or pop these off regardless how tempting it may be when finger combing through your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . This is a sign that your locks are maturing (not yet locked) and the start of the beginning of the locking stage.

Yes! If you are within 1-1.5 years of your Sisterlocks® journey do use the SL brand starter shampoo. Use the 4 oz (118.3 mil) starter bottle that comes in your Sisterlocks® starter kit that was provided. Do not dilute it with water - it is the only shampoo by Sisterlocks® that is ready-to-use. Fill a spray bottle with water, gently miss hair after it has been braided and band. Then apply shampoo to the hair for a good massage and suds. Remember to wash with your fingertips not nails AND braid AND band please. Shampoo locs in one directional motion (either up/ down or left to right in a non-circular motion). This helps with decrease of frizzness.

Frizz is common part of Sisterlocks® and Microloc(k)s due the method use of interlocking. Get use to frizz-it is apart of the journey and process. The texture of your hair plays a vital role in the amount of frizz you may experience. Those with curlier (long curl patterns) textures will have noticeably more frizz than tightly coiled (short curl patterns) hair textures. However, once your locks mature after properly cultivating of your own locks maintenance, you will not have as much frizz along the shaft. You are okay sis! It's normal. I promise. I suggest on Shampoo Days and activities (sports and exercise) that result in moisture, to braid and band hair - tightly braid to the ends and band. At night, braid or twist hair down and sleep with hair tied down with a satin scarf if you do not sweat at night. If you sweat night, do not tie hair down. Sleep on a satin pillow case.

***Particularly for newbies - developing phase of locs until fully locd *** Braid and band is required for young locks. PLEASE braid and band when swimming, in sauna, running, exercising, sweating, shampooing, when locks are bunching, and to control frizz. Umbrellas are your best friend! Keep one at your purse, workplace, car and door entry at home or work .

Lint build up on hairline and scalp can be exfoliated by the Sisterlocks® Starter shampoo. It is best to clean and prepare the hair and scalp free of oils and condition well before your locs are established. Build up of lint can be because of product/ oil residue, improper washing, linty towels, sweaters, pillows, scarves or shirts, and also laying around on carpet. 1. Use a black microfiber towel for loc drying 2. Switch to satin or silk bonnets and head wraps. Please be careful of loc lint at the neck area from sweaters and shirts.

Alcohol Denat Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Fragrance Isopropyl Alcohol Mineral Oil Petroleum Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Slaying edges is a fad that once was in the 80s-90s that has now return to those mostly of the younger generations. You don't need any edge controls with your Sisterlocks®. It's not required. However, we do dress up some clients' edges with edge control at the time of retightening. Just ensure use it sparingly and shampoo area gently to remove it before going to bed. Remember we are on a new journey of autheniticity and hair freedom---your hair is yours- imitate it!

Mentally prepare yourself for your loc(k)s journey. Many people will argue that wearing a wig is a styling option for women that like to "change their hair often"; yet never acknowledge the psychological implications of covering your own natural hair. Wig wearing is a personal choice with Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s , but it comes with potential cons too. We, here at the LocHerRoom, is not an advocate of wig wearing over locs (especially young locs). Why invest your money and risks your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s to unravel, slip, thin, limp, or mat. Everyone reasons may vary, but I encourage you to show off your investment! Wear your Sisterlocks® or Micro Interloc(k)s proudly.

Covering the head at night is not required for Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . However, covering them with a bonnet or sleeping on a silk/satin pillowcase do keep them neat and manageable. Most store have satin pillowcases at a reasonable price. Also try these recommendations alone with NO BONNET to keep hair still during the night as you sleep- braiding, bantu knots, flat twist, rollers, foam rods, pipe cleaners, lock loops, wrap a locs. Many people have slippage and bunching by covering tight their loose Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s and they sweat on their scalp and cause hair strands to shift around excessively in the core. This sometimes encourage an odor especially when the head tie or covering is not washed weekly as hair is shampooed at a suggested 7 to 10 day intervals. Finger combing is suggested in several directions for stiff hair to open out and relaxed the control method that was used overnight.

***Particularly for newbies -immature locs*** No! No! Do not spray mist with water (namely waters -coconut water, salt water, etc) or any other additives. Please do not do it. Spritzing causes extra movement of the curl pattern which causes slippage and bunching whereas Sisterlocks® locking system or Microloc(k)s is designed to control movement and form a specific core. I know there are many on social media and other platforms that are recommended other products and etc. I beg you not to fall into this temptation--your locs will be subject to the risk of altering - slippage, unraveling and bunching. Water and oil does not equate fo moisture nor a hydration solution. Less is more with Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . So please save yourself, your pockets and our time correcting your loc(k)s. It's your investment so care for it wisely. Please do not steam your locs in the shower or with any other hair product devices. Sisterlocks® products are available to aid in such concerns. Shampooing weekly at 7-10 days interval cleans away what is not needed on the scalp and the strands; This reduces build up or total eliminate it. The Sisterlocks® Starter Shampoo and the advised shampoo for Microloc(k)s is intended to deep clean and exfoliate, leading to an even more light and slender core. Refer to other question in this Maintenance and Care category, "Spritzing with water daily"

No spritzing with tap water or another other "named" water daily such as rose water; neither water(s) with additives like oils of any kind. It will cause the swelling of your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . Please do not steam your locs in the shower or with any other hair product devices. Refer to other question in this Maintenance and Care cateogary, ""My hair so flaky with dandruff, itchy and looks dry? Can I spritz it with something...anything?"

***Particular for newbies SL wearers -immature locs*** Sisterlocks®Starter Shampoo is the best product recommended for immature client's locks to deep clean and exfoliate hair so anything that does not belong naturally on the scalp or hair will be lifted and may itch as it is clearing it all away. Sisterlocks®Starter Shampoo is great for new SL and MI wearers. If you are experiencing severe itching please make sure all the product is completely rinsed out and notify your consultant for recommended directives.We would like to evaluate your scalp. A recommendation to see a dermatologist or trichologist may be suggested. It could just be simple bacteria or fungi. Severe Itching, hair loss and or fevers are signs that something is not right. Do not attempt to self treat or self diagnose. Other clarifying products are readily available at most stores. However, the Sisterlocks® Starter Shampoo will give you the best results for your investment despite of its less suds formation. Ensure you shampoo all of the product from clarifying shampoos out your locs to reduce any ashy appearance of locs.

Unlike traditional full hair salons, most Sisterlocks/ Microlocs professionals work from their home on a one-on-one basis with clients in book times. Although, shampoo services are an incentive in which a few Sisterlocks/ Microlocs professionals offer. Not many do. Sisterlocks/ Microlocks clients should be on a hair care regimen of washing their hair regular. Here at the LocHerRoom, we advise intervals of every 7-10 days. Hair should be clean -free of build-up compared to other locking systems and previous hair care system in the past that we all embarked upon at some time or another. Particularly, if we are not using no products or every few to cause build-up. The shampoo guidelines of weekly washes and hair shampoo preparation prior to appointments are required for maintenance of your locs on your own and for retightenings.

It is when your locks loosen from THE SCALP more than the normal hair growth rate (new growth). However, this should not be confused with unraveling. Unraveling starts at lock tips (ends).

I suggest using hair bands or barrettes rather than rubber bands to prevent the "yanking" of your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s and minimize slippage. Gather 8-12 sections, create a braid that loose at the root (approximately 1 inch from scalp or enough room for your fingers to glide through during shampooing) and secure the ends. Once you finish shampooing your Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s with shampoo, please unbundle sections of braided and banded locs and follow separation of locs guidelines Those with long curl patterns (finer texture hair), it may be best to completely allow locs to air dry before unbundling sections of shampooed band and braided locs to reduce slippage or bunching. Then follow-up with separation of locs. This step is also suggestive when styling your loc(k)s for any braid or twist outs. If hair is too short to braid, use smaller sections and bundle the end together with barrettes.

To separate your locs, run fingers through the roots of your locs every so many days to ensure no locs or strands are forming together. How to separte locs properly? You can do this by following the grid lines (all four corners of each loc) separating them individually at the root. While washing your Sisterlocks™ or Microloc(k)s , your loc(k)s may be best friends with the next one over so be sure to gently pull them away from each other. Separating your locs individually reduces client's tension of the pulling and breaking of tangled strands outside the locs. By separating your locs yourself, will ease some discomforts experienced in retightening sessions.

Clients find it convenient to bring with them a lightweight jacket or sweater (i usually keep the air on high), snacks, tablets, phone, earphones, a good book. Bring a bonnet to wear when you go out to lunch to avoid the strange looks of others seeing your hair half done. LOL Also available complimentary for our clients are light snacks, water, tea, sodas, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Pandora, and SoundCloud. Alcohol and smoking of any kinds is prohibited. What to Wear? Something that you are relaxed in that will not cause friction from long sitting such as jeans. Kids are only allowed if services are being render to them as a client at the time.

Anticipated 24-30 hours depending of length of hair, density, etc and whether or not you are getting Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s . Prepare to stay at least 12 hours (7am-7pm) on Saturday and Sunday for establishments. If any remaining time is required to complete establishments, continuance will be conducted during the weekday from 6pm to 10pm. Expect a 1 hour break sometime in the duration on Saturday and Sunday establishment days. Dining options available up the street from the studio location or through other alternatives such as Uber Eats, Waitr, or Door Dash. Hotel accommodations are each client's responsibility if traveling afar.

After your inital consultation and booking, your establishment day is right around the corner. Establishment day includes locking session. Upon completion, clients will received a free follow-up retightening appointment within 2 weeks and a welcome package for Sisterlocks. Regular retightening fees will be charged for first retightening for Micro Interlocks clients. Yakeisha will work with client to have them scheduled up to 6 months on the appointment calendar for booking will fill fast! Please plan accordingly, so your retightening will not go overdue requiring higher rates for services.

Oils hardens and attracts dirt and lint and prevent locks from being fluid as it is a looping technique verses a matting technique. Oils trap dirt and lint and cause stiffness . The purpose of Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s is to create an even, light, style framework and core that is fluid and flows with the movement of the head and body. Sisterlocks® and Microloc(k)s structure are different in characteristics, tension levels, behavior of strands, circumstances at the scalp and much more differentiate exist between other locking techniques. Oil coats! So no no! Oil covers up other conditions that are underlying the scalp! Again no no! Oil is not water soluble! Nor does it absorbs! Once more, it's a no no!

Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s both consist of the interlocking process from start to finish. It creates a stable woven framework in a lock of hair within which the natural Sisterlocks® or Microloc(k)s process can take place. Dreadlocks forms more of a matting technique where for Microloc(k)s consist of the interlocking looping technique. Another note, Mico Interloc(k)s in general, can be small, medium or large in size. Microloc(k)s can be either braid locks, 2 strand twist locks or started with palm rolled locks. However, once Microloc(k)s interlocked on new growth. However, here at LocHer Room Studio we offer Sisterlocks® establishments at a average size (smedium). For Microloc(k)s we establish medium-to-large locs by use of the interlocking method only.