Sister Locs vs Micro Locs
If you’re considering a fresh change to your natural hair, there’s a good chance you’ve come across both sister locs and micro locs in your research. Both are popular choices that offer versatility and beauty, but what’s the real difference between them? I’m here to demystify these terms for you.
Sister locs were created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 1993 as a way for African American women to style their hair naturally without resorting to chemical treatments. These tiny, uniform locks are formed using a trademarked technique that results in an end look of about 400 meticulously crafted locks. They’re incredibly versatile – easily styled into updos, braids, curls – you name it!
On the other hand, we have micro locs which aren’t tied to any particular method or brand. As the name suggests, they’re quite small – but usually not as tiny as sister locs. Their size can vary greatly depending on personal preference and hair type. Unlike sister locs which require specific training to install correctly, anyone familiar with locking techniques can start micro locs.
So whether it’s the precision-tailored look of sister locs or the more flexible approach of micro locs that catches your eye – remember, it’s all about what works best for your unique hair journey!
Understanding Locs: A Brief Overview
From the streets of Harlem to the hills of Hollywood, locs have become a popular hairstyle choice across diverse groups. I’m here to help you navigate this world with a brief overview.
Locs, often referred to as dreadlocks or dreads, are ropes of hair created by matting or braiding. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to creating these unique hairstyles. You’ve got your traditional locs, sister locs and micro locs – all different yet intertwined in their shared history and cultural significance.
When we talk about traditional locs, they’re generally thicker and can be free-formed naturally over time or meticulously crafted through various techniques like twisting or palm rolling. On average, these might be around the width of a pencil or larger.
Then there’s sister locs. These are thinner versions that require professional expertise for installation due to their intricate nature. Developed in 1993 by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, Sister Locs offer more styling versatility because they’re smaller – think spaghetti noodle sized.
Last but not least, we’ve got micro locs. These are even tinier than sisterlocs – about the size of a thread! Because they’re so thin and delicate, maintaining them requires an extra dose of patience and care.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Type | Thickness | Maintenance |
Traditional Locs | Pencil-sized or larger | Regular twisting; can form naturally |
Sister Locs | Spaghetti noodle-sized | Requires professional installation; versatile in styling |
Micro Locs | Thread-sized | High maintenance; fragile |
The differences between these types don’t stop at just thickness and maintenance level though. They also vary greatly in terms of cost, installation time & process, re-twisting frequency and even potential damage to your natural hair if not cared for properly!