Sisterlocks cost $530 on average for installation appointments. Sisterlocks consultations can cost between $30 and $95 while retightening can cost between $60 and $175.
Though pricier than traditional locs, Sisterlocks are more than a hairstyle — they’re a lifestyle that lets you embrace your natural hair. Sisterlocks are very small locs (even smaller than microlocs) that can take up to a couple of days or more to install.
Sisterlocks installation comes with a high price tag thanks to the skill and time needed. They even cost more than traditional dreadlocks. However, Sisterlocks are permanent, customizable, low maintenance once they’re installed, and become more versatile once they’re grown out.
It’s not easy to know how much Sisterlocks cost without a consultation. Prices can vary between states and even between salons in the same area. To help, we put together this guide so you can get an idea of what goes into the cost and how you can make the most of your appointments.
What affects the cost of Sisterlocks?
The state of your hair, your consultant’s skill level, and additional services can affect the final price of your Sisterlocks. These locs are very small and require lots of experience, time, and patience to install. You can end up with more than 400 individual locs or more. Check out the factors below to understand what goes into the cost of Sisterlocks cost.
- Consultation cost, when they’ll install tester locs in addition to asking questions
- Number of locs based on how much hair you have and the size of your head
- Loc size since smaller locs take more time and cost more
- Hair length and density since these also contribute to your installation time
- Consultant’s skill level since fully trained consultants are more expensive than trainees
- Additional services (if offered), like a cut or wash
- Retightening and maintenance appointments that you’ll need to make every month or month and a half
- Potential additional charges for seeing a new consultant for maintenance as a result of getting new consultation and for being a “transfer” client
Double-check with your consultant about their pricing structure and what they offer. For example, many consultants charge a base price for the first few inches of hair, then charge an additional price for each inch after that.
Some consultants may offer to do a trim with them or one of their colleagues for an additional charge. Others require you to do extra services before your appointment with your regular stylist.
What am I paying for with a Sisterlocks appointment?
Sisterlocks packages include three separate appointments: consultation, installation, and follow-up.
- Consultation is a consultant’s opportunity to test different loc techniques, install some test locs, examine your hair, and give you a quote for installation based on what they see.
- Installation of your Sisterlocks can take anywhere from eight to 36 or more hours depending on how much hair you have and your desired look.
- Follow-up appointments are typically charged at a discounted rate from a regular retightening appointment. A few weeks after your installation appointment, your consultant will examine your locs’ progress and do any needed retightening.
Consultants also work closely with you during your Sisterlocks journey. They’ll give you advice, product recommendations, and put you on a retightening schedule for your locs. This is why finding the right consultant is crucial before you book your first consultation.
Average cost of Sisterlocks appointments in select states
Sisterlocks can cost as much as $1,000 and as low as $92, according to our appointment data. However, you’re most likely going to find Sisterlocks at or above the average $530 because of the time and skill required. Check out the average prices for select states below.
| State | Average appointment cost |
|---|---|
| AZ | $1,000 |
| FL | $593 |
| GA | $746 |
| IN | $151 |
| MI | $92 |
| NC | $94 |
| NJ | $241 |
| OH | $750 |
| SC | $827 |
| TX | $799 |
Sisterlocks consultation cost in select states
Consultations can cost an average of $50 in the U.S. Unlike consultations for other services, most consultants will charge a fee for Sisterlocks consultations since they’ll both examine and test techniques for your hair.
| State | Average appointment cost |
|---|---|
| AZ | $68 |
| CO | $60 |
| DE | $55 |
| FL | $96 |
| GA | $30 |
| IL | $34 |
| MI | $51 |
| MO | $51 |
| NC | $44 |
| TX | $30 |
| VA | $2 |
| WA | $85 |
| WI | $40 |
Sisterlocks retightening costs in select states
Retightening appointments cost an average of $112. These appointments are much cheaper than the initial installation. During these sessions, your consultant will retighten new growth and do any other maintenance needed for your locs. Most recommend coming in every four to six weeks.
Retightening appointments can get expensive if you’re off your retightening schedule or if you need additional maintenance. Keeping up with these appointments helps avoid breakage, thinning, bunching, and other problems that can arise.
| State | Average appointment cost |
|---|---|
| DC | $122 |
| FL | $85 |
| GA | $119 |
| LA | $110 |
| MI | $86 |
| NC | $162 |
| OH | $175 |
| TN | $66 |
| TX | $100 |
| WI | $96 |
How long do Sisterlocks last?
Sisterlocks are permanent and will last as long as you keep up with retightening and proper loc maintenance. For instance, protecting your hair at night with a silk headscarf or satin pillowcase will help you retain moisture. You can also wear a shower cap to keep your hair dry in the shower.
If you want to take down your Sisterlocks, you’ll need to either spend lots of time combing them out or commit to cutting off your locked hair.
How can I make the most of my appointments?
You can make the most of your appointments by prepping your hair beforehand. There are a few specific things you can do before installation and retightening appointments that’ll make the work easier for your consultant.
Before your installation
- Make sure hair is clean, dry, and detangled so it’s easier to work with and creates less debris during the appointment
- Use residue-free shampoo that has the least amount of chemicals as possible
- Don’t use any products in your hair including leave-in conditioner or any styling products
- Trim split ends at home, with your regular stylist, or at your appointment if they offer that service
- Start training your hair for your new wash schedule a few weeks before your appointment
Before your retightening appointment
- Wash hair so your consultant can more easily work with your hair
- Cleanse hair to remove any buildup in your locs, especially if it’s been a few months since your last cleanse
- Remove beads and accessories so your consultant doesn’t need to spend time removing them
- Communicate any issues with your consultant, like slippage or bunching, so they can plan their time and pricing accordingly
When in doubt, check your consultant’s website or ask ahead for their preferences and recommendations. For example, some say you should wash your hair the day before installation while others say you should wash three to four days before. Keeping an open line of communication about your needs can also get you a more accurate price and appointment time.
Can’t I just do my own Sisterlocks?
You can do your own Sisterlocks, but it’s not recommended. Sisterlocks are a highly customized service. Your consultant is most equipped with the right training to get you the look you want. They also have the expertise to adjust their technique based on your hair type. For example, they’ll use extra care during the installation process if your hair is relaxed or thin.
Consultants also become crucial to your Sisterlocks journey. They can advise you on things to try and avoid based on their training and experience with past clients.
However, you can take an online retightening class after you’ve had them installed for at least six months. The class itself costs a few hundred dollars. In exchange, you can save yourself some time and money by retightening your locs at home. We highly recommend working closely with your consultant and getting their advice before trying anything by yourself.
How do I know when I’ve found a great consultant?
You know you’ve found a great consultant if you can confirm their certification, they can confidently walk you through the process, and they have a solid portfolio and recommendations.
Certification is required for anyone who wants to perform this service, including trainees who are working toward certification. You can check the certification for consultants, approved trainees, and trainees on the official Sisterlocks website.
Sisterlocks also accepts both praise and complaints through their website. They encourage clients to let them know how their consultants and trainees are doing.
There’s a lot to take in when you’re familiarizing yourself with everything that factors into Sisterlocks’ cost. After you understand the basics and find a great consultant, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands.
Find a Sisterlocks consultant through our online community so you can start your journey today.
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