Sisterlocks: An Interview with a Lead Master Trainer by a Sisterlock Client
Black hair care can be a roller coaster ride if you like variety or are unsure about which hair style works best for you. Going natural with my hair has been my thing for about 5 years now, I recently spent my 2nd anniversary with my sisters. My two-year experience with Sisterlocks has been a wonderfully liberating and fulfilling adventure.
At first, the high price of the first three visits can be quite daunting, especially for those who are undecided. I had done my research beforehand and knew without a doubt that this natural hairstyle was right for me.
I have to say with a laugh that my first 6-9 months I thought I looked like a drowned rat. Due to the texture of my hair, it took almost a year and a half for my hair to really start to lock up. By then the length had become reasonable and now my length is over my shoulders.
The fullness, length and versatility make me feel beautiful. Any concern I had at the beginning has been worth the time, money and effort to get to this point. It is important to be able to see the big picture before investing in this natural hair lifestyle.
Choosing a Sisterloc consultant will be the most important step in the process. My Sisterlock advisor has been a godsend. It is thanks to her that my first year went so well. One morning during our 6 week appointment I took the time to do a short interview with my stylist Blenna Williams. She owns and operates Salon Nature’lle in Memphis, TN, online at salonnaturelle.com.
PFP: What type of certification or training do you receive as a Sisterlock consultant?
Blenna: You start as a trainee, then become a certified consultant, then certified R from there to associate trainer. Now I am a master trainer.
PFP: What do you think is the number one reason women get Sisterlocs?
Blenna: It’s twofold, 1 the beauty of them and 2 the healthy hair therapy they receive and still keep their hair looking feminine and elegant.
PFP: After your initial consultation, what do you think is the main reason women choose not to have Sisterlocks?
Blenna: They don’t understand pricing and how their first three visits shape their lifestyle change.
PFP: What do you think is the main cause of hair damage for many African-American women?
Blenna: First is the lack of knowledge, second is the chemistry. We tend to care for our hair only after it has been altered and not in its natural state.
PFP: What is the biggest problem women seem to have in taking care of their Sisterlocs when they first receive them?
Blenna: We have very little knowledge of our natural hair pattern. We don’t see how beautiful our hair can be. As a lead trainer, I work closely with my clients early on, allaying any fears and teaching the client proper care until they are comfortable with the process. There are definite steps and stages. This is why we recommend looking for a Certified Sisterlock Consultant.
PFP: What is the number one stereotype you wish people would get rid of regarding black women’s hair?
Blenna: That by showing the natural texture of our hair we are exposing negative stereotypes like diaper heads, when in reality we are showing the beauty that God gave us.
PFP: What is your best description of what Sisterlocs are and what they look like?
Blenna: Sisterlocks are tiny micro locs that have been interlocked into a stable cylinder that allows the hair to express itself naturally.
PFP: Do you train others how to make Sisterlocs?
Blenna: Yes, at the moment there are four master trainers in the company. We go to different cities training others. If one has not gone through certified Sisterlock training, then they are not doing Sisterlocks. They are what we call Step-Sisterlocs and buyer beware. You can check online at the official Sisterlock website to find a certified consultant or apprentice in your area.
It is becoming wonderfully apparent that more and more black women are choosing natural hairstyles. Even the media is portraying African-American women with natural hairstyles on their pages and channels. It’s definitely enlightening to see women become more comfortable with who they are.
