Considerations

So I've really been impressed with Sisterlocks, but I have looked into other types of locs to compare pros and cons.

I've decided that locks started with comb coils or twists would not appeal to me because they are bigger than what I want and they require the use of product.

I've looked at Braidlocs (Bradelocz) and Nappylocs as alternatives that are supposed to have results more similar to Sisterlocks. The downside of Braidlocs is that the braid pattern lasts for a while before looking more like an actual loc. Nappylocs are "locks started with a tool" (similar to Sisterlocks). These use an interlocking method and can be done quite small, like Sisterlocks.

So, here's the breakdown:

Comb Coils or Twists

Pros- Not overly expensive, easy to find someone who does them
Cons- Require the use of product, freshly twisted roots look different than the lenght of the loc, are not the "microlock" look that I desire.


Braidlocs

Pros- Not expensive; can be self-installed, instructional resources can be bought for a low price, can be done small, can be maintained with a latch hook instead of product.
Cons- would be very tedious to self-install, takes longer to lock, braid pattern lasts for a while.

Nappylocs

Pros- Not expensive; could be self-installed, instructional resources can be bought for a low price, can be done small, maintained with a tool instead of product, looks the most similar to Sisterlocks.
Cons- would be very tedious to self-install (even more than Braidlocks, because braiding is familiar, interlocking techniques are not), would be difficult to find someone else to install or maintain if chose not to DIY.



Now the breakdown for Sisterlocks:

Pros- original (Nappylocks and tiny Braidlocks are in response to the Sisterlock look), organizational support, networking and training, very technical and standardized way of installation and maintenance that is designed to be consistent among consultants in different locations, the "sisterhood" and pride that comes with being able to say that you have Sisterlocks.

Con- install can be rather expensive depending on how much hair you start out with, training classes can be expensive.



So even though the only con for Sisterlocks is the price of installation and classes, I think that the pros outweigh the cons.

In the future, I will revisit this topic and provide links, references, and pictures for each locking technique.