Deal with my hair problem

Sisterlocks: The Journey from Dream to Reality

When the Dream Began
I still remember those sleepless nights spent watching hundreds of Sisterlocks videos on YouTube. Each one made me more convinced that this was exactly what my hair needed. It wasn’t just a hairstyle — it was a journey, a transformation.
After months of deep research, I realized this wasn’t a spontaneous decision. It was a serious commitment — in time, money, and most importantly, identity. This would become a part of who I am for life.

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The Struggle to Find a Consultant
But between dreams and reality lies a long road of challenges. I reached out to multiple consultants, only for them to vanish after the first email. “Call back in October,” “Try again in November” — then silence. Some nights, I almost gave up.
So I prayed, “Lord, I just need the right person.” A week later, I found Tiana Hill. That wasn’t coincidence — it was destiny.

Meeting Tiana Hill – The True Professional
Tiana Hill, just 29 but already with 10 years of experience, is the CEO of The Divine Look, running two salons and serving over 180–200 loyal clients. She’s a multi-award-winning Cosmetologist of the Year, featured in Voyage Ohio Magazine, and trains locticians all over the world.
But what stood out most? When I reached out, she responded quickly, warmly, and professionally. Tiana wasn’t just looking for clients — she wanted people who understood what this commitment truly meant.

The Consultation That Changed Everything
On December 15, I sat in her chair for my consultation. Tiana examined my hair carefully and said, “You have medium density — not as thin as you think. It’s actually thickening.” I sighed in relief.
Then she explained her plan: “We’ll do small-to-medium locks using Pattern 3 — it gives the fullest look.” She created two sample locs right there, and when I saw them, my heart exploded with joy. They were exactly the size I had dreamed of.

Pricing & Package

• Installation: $1,200 (for 4–6 inch hair)
  Includes: consultation, installation, free first retightening, and a full install kit

• Retightening: $35/hour (very reasonable!)

Tiana also reassured me about my thinning area caused by medication: “I have a special solution for that, and with this pattern, it won’t be noticeable.”

The Big Day
When my alarm rang that morning, I didn’t hit snooze once. Wearing my “It’s the locs for me” shirt and carrying a small gift basket for Tiana (because she’d be standing for hours!), I drove two hours to Columbus, heart racing with excitement.

Step One: The Grid
“We’ll start with your Sisterlock grid,” Tiana explained. “It’s the most important step — it determines your hair’s flexibility.”
Her fingers moved swiftly, parting my hair into perfect squares. “An hour for the grid might sound long, but if this isn’t right, everything afterward will be off.”

Golden Conversations
While she worked, I asked her a ton of questions. Here’s what I learned from her wisdom:

About Thin or Damaged Hair:

• You can do Sisterlocks on thinner hair, but not if it’s too see-through.

• Damaged ends must be trimmed evenly.

• You can start with relaxed ends if you have 2.5–3 inches of new growth, but it’s harder and will look different.

Before Installation:

• Wash thoroughly and deep condition one last time.

• Dye your hair if needed (a day before).

• Rinse VERY well — no product left behind.

• Detangle from ends to roots (never the other way!).

• Long hair should be braided or twisted before arrival.

After Installation:
✅ You can use:

• Water-based leave-in conditioners (liquid form)

• Hydrating sprays (let hair dry 75%)

• Sea Breeze + witch hazel for scalp cleaning

❌ Avoid:

• Cream-based conditioners

• Moisturizing shampoos at first

• Any creamy products

The Secret to Washing — The Most Important Part!
Tiana emphasized: “NEVER wash directly under the shower!”
Why? The water pressure can loosen immature locs.

Proper Wash Routine:

• Wait 3 weeks before the first wash.

• Braid and band your locs before washing.

• Dilute clarifying shampoo in a spray bottle.

• Wash in a sink or basin — where water pressure is controlled.

• Massage only your scalp gently.

• Wash twice.

• Use a T-shirt or microfiber towel to dry.

• Air dry or use a hooded dryer if needed.

• When dry, gently separate locs at the roots.

“When your locs mature,” Tiana said, “about 50% of people still braid and band, and 50% don’t.”

The Real Costs
Tiana was honest:

• Longest installation: 27 hours 45 minutes (20-inch hair) – $2,500

• Longest retightening: 5 hours (waist-length, 10-year-old locs)

• The longer the hair, the longer the retightening — because of the pull-through process.

Common Problems If Not Cared For Properly:

• Breakage at roots or midshaft

• Slippage (locs unravel)

• Thinning

• Discouragement from comparing with others

Solution: Stick to your retightening schedule (every 4–6 weeks) and proper care.

Expert Advice on Choosing a Consultant:

• Chemistry matters more than skill — you must feel comfortable.

• It’s a two-way relationship — consultants choose clients too.

• Research thoroughly: check portfolios, reviews, social media.

• Ask LOTS of questions — don’t be shy.

• Be selective with YouTube videos — not all are accurate.

• Remember: this is permanent — choose the right person!

“When you ask detailed, thoughtful questions, that tells me you’re serious,” Tiana told me.

The Result: Welcome to the Community!
After hours in the chair, Tiana finished my installation. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe it — the grid was flawless, the locs even, the size perfect.
“Welcome to the Sisterlock community!” Tiana said with a smile.
In that moment, I knew — this wasn’t just a hairstyle. It was a lifestyle, a movement, a family. It meant freedom — from long wash days, from weather worries, from pressure to fit into hair “standards.”

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Investment

Costs:

• Initial: $1,200–$2,500+ (depending on length)

• Monthly: $70–175 per retightening

• Products: ~$50–100/year

• Total yearly: ~$900–2,100

Time:

• Installation: 8–27 hours (depending on length)

• Retightening: 2–5 hours every 4–6 weeks

• Washing: 45 minutes–1 hour

Compared to other hairstyles:

• Less maintenance than natural loose hair

• Less damage than relaxers

• Can last for life!

Conclusion
The journey from those YouTube nights to Tiana’s chair wasn’t easy. There were moments I wanted to give up, moments of doubt. But when everything aligned — the right time, the right person — I realized it all happened for a reason.
Sisterlocks aren’t for everyone. They demand commitment, patience, and investment. But if you’re ready — if you find the right consultant and care for them properly — it can be one of the best decisions of your life.
Thank you, Tiana, for not only doing my hair but teaching me to love and honor my natural crown. Thank you, Lord, for leading me to the right person at the right time.

Welcome to the journey. Welcome to the community. Welcome home.