Welcome to Your Loc Journey

Congratulations on your new Sisterlocks or Microlocs! Proper aftercare is essential for healthy, long-lasting locs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to maintain your locs between appointments and ensure they mature beautifully.

Washing Your Locs

How Often Should You Wash?

Wash your locs every 1-2 weeks. Clean locs lock faster because clean hair is easier to mat and tangle — which is what you want. Dirty, oily hair actually resists locking.

What Shampoo to Use

Use a residue-free shampoo specifically formulated for locs. Regular shampoo leaves buildup that traps lint, causes itching, and creates unpleasant odors.

How to Wash Correctly

1. Dilute shampoo with water before applying (prevents residue).
2. Focus on your scalp — massage gently with fingertips, not nails.
3. Let the suds run through your locs — don't scrub or rub them together.
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs completely clear.
5. Squeeze excess water — never wring or twist wet locs.
6. Air dry completely (this is critical). Never go to bed with wet locs.

Retightening Schedule

First 6-12 Months (Establishing Stage)

Schedule retightening every 4-6 weeks. During this period, your locs are forming and need consistent maintenance to prevent matting and ensure proper growth.

After Fully Locked (Mature Stage)

Once your locs are fully mature (typically 9-12 months), you can stretch retightening to every 6-8 weeks. However, never go longer than 8 weeks — skipping retightening allows locs to mat together and can cause thinning at the roots.

Night Protection — CRITICAL

How to Protect Your Locs at Night

• Always cover your locs before bed — even for naps or lounging on the couch.
• Use a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase. Cotton absorbs moisture and causes frizz.
• For longer locs, loosely bundle them or use a satin-lined loc sock.
• Never sleep on wet locs — this causes mildew, odor, and flattening.

What to Avoid at Night

• Cotton pillowcases — they dry out hair and create friction.
• Tight ponytails or buns — causes tension thinning.
• Hard rollers or pins — can break locs.

Products: What to Use & What to Avoid

The "Hands in Locs" Syndrome

Excessive touching, twisting, or raking fingers through your locs prolongs the locking process. Sisterlocks lock from the tip upward — constant manipulation disrupts this natural process.

• Don't twist or play with your locs throughout the day.
• Don't separate locs with your fingers between appointments.
• Let your locs do their job — the less you touch, the faster they lock.

Styling Don'ts

• Never use pipe cleaners — they weaken and break locs from the inside.
• No permanent color unless done by a licensed professional — DIY color can cause locs to open and break. Wait at least 3 months after installation before coloring.
• No hard rollers while sleeping — tension causes thinning and breakage at the roots.
• Avoid tight ponytails or buns — repeated tension in the same spot causes traction alopecia (balding).
• Don't use rubber bands — they snag and break hair. Use fabric-covered bands or soft ties.

Swimming & Exercise

Before Swimming

• Wet your locs with fresh water before entering the pool or ocean.
• Apply a light oil (like jojoba) to seal the hair shaft.
• Wear a swim cap if possible.

After Swimming

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible.
• Wash with residue-free shampoo immediately after.
• Chlorine and salt water dry out locs — never leave them untreated.

Exercise & Sweat

Sweat can cause itching and buildup. Rinse your locs with water after heavy sweating. If needed, use a dry shampoo spray between washes.

Signs of Problems to Watch For

Weekly Maintenance Checklist

Monthly Checklist