The Pros & Cons of Getting Microlocs or Sisterlocks

Since 2020, microlocs and Sisterlocks have taken the hair world by storm, becoming a go-to choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish natural look. Thanks to the surge in social media videos showcasing these stunning styles, it’s easy to see why so many are drawn to them. However, while the allure is undeniable, installing microlocs is a significant investment—requiring both time and a hefty upfront cost, among other considerations.

If you’re ready to ditch perms, braids, weaves, boho-braids, knotless braids, and other temporary styles for a more permanent natural look, this comprehensive list of microlocs and Sisterlocks benefits and disadvantages will help you weigh the decision before taking the plunge into the world of microlocs.

The Pros of Having Microlocs

Low Maintenance Hairstyle (Save Time and Money)

Microlocs are generally considered a lower maintenance hairstyle because on a day-to-day basis they require a lot less manipulation and styling – just shake your head and go. You’ll experience way shorter wash days since you won’t need to detangle your hair with conditioner and a comb. Additionally, fewer hair products are required to keep your microlocs moisturized. Say goodbye to all the puddings, butters, smoothies, masks, serums, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, and creams. At most you’ll only need a good shampoo for cleansing and water for moisture (though some people will also use rose water or oil). In the long run, this will save you time and money.

Adds Volume to Hair

If you have thin hair, microlocs can make your hair look a lot fuller since you’ll have over 200 – 400 mini locs that will eventually swell and get thicker as they grow and hair strands continuously shed into the locs.

Working Out Without Fear

For those who live an active lifestyle, you won’t need to worry about whether or not your current hairstyle will prevent you from working out. We’ve all been there and have avoided working out to preserve a hair style. Workout without a hassle and the fear of poofing.

Investment (Save Money Over Time)

As we mentioned, microlocs is an investment that will save you money over time due to less money spent on hair extensions and styling products. In just a few years, you’ll start experiencing the cost benefits, freeing up funding for other things.

Versatility (Endless Styling Options)

Because microlocs mimic loose natural hair, you can do almost any style you can do with loose hair except a silk press and certain styles involving wefted extensions. You can switch up styles as you wish and wear ponytails, braids, curls, bantu knots, twists, twists outs, updos, wigs, extensions over locs (though not always recommended), and so much more. You can also add color. The world is your oyster.

No Shedding or Single Strand Knots or Excessive Tangling

You won’t experience shedding or single strand knots since your hair will shed into the locs and stays within your hair after retightening. You don’t need to worry about the microlocs curling over each other or tangling since they are straight.

Minimized Breakage

Experiencing breakage is rare, though it may happen occasionally if you do not stick to your retightening schedule or if your microlocs are too small.

Limited Frizz

Your hair will not be impacted by humidity or water like loose hair (though you may experience some frizz at the root due to new growth prior to re-ties).

Length Retention

Though you may experience a little bit of shrinkage, over time as the hair grows from the root and is retightened consistently (without breaking), gravity will pull the hair down and retaining your ends will lead to longer hair.

Ultimate Freedom

Microlocs will give you ultimate freedom from hair regimens, products, and constant styling. Your hair will be one fewer thing you’ll need to worry about.

Heat styling / Chemical Straightening Not Required

Since microlocs mimic straight loose hair, you’ll never need to rely on heat styling or chemicals to make your hair straight. Say goodbye to heat damage.

Beautiful Style

You’ll get compliments all the time because of how pretty and unique they are. And who knows, it might even boost your confidence.

The Cons of Having Microlocs

Installation Time

On average, microlocs can take 24 – 48 hours for a single loctician to complete over the course of 2 – 3 days, and retightening time can range from 2 – 8 hours depending on numerous factors.

Finding A Loctician

It can be difficult to find a local loctician who has availability to do installs or accepts transfer clients for reties depending on your location. Market availability for locticians varies so much from state to state and because the market is very fragmented there’s not one place to look. You may need to get scrappy. Hopefully our guide solves this challenge.

Affordability

Starting microlocs can be expensive. It costs over $1,000 to install, with maintenance costs of ~$150 every 6 – 8 weeks. To save on the cost, you can learn to install them by yourself, however this may take some time.

Can’t Wear Loose Hair Styles

If you’re someone who loves wearing their hair in loose natural styles such as afro puffs, you won’t be able to achieve this look with microlocs (although you may still be able to achieve similar results with wigs and extensions).

Semi-Permanent Hairstyle

Because microlocs are so tiny, they are a semi-permanent hairstyle. Should you decide you no longer want microlocs, the options to remove them are (1) combing out the microlocs which can take a very long time / cause breakage or (2) cutting off all your hair. You should be very comfortable with these exit options before investing in microlocs and reconsider if you don’t expect to want them for an extended period of time.

Commitment to Retightening Schedule

Microlocs require regular maintenance which includes retightening the locs every 4 – 6 weeks initially and every 6 – 8 weeks at maturity. Not following the retightening schedule can cause serious damage to your hair over time. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you want to give up some independence by relying on a local loctician to retighten your hair or learn how to do it yourself. We can’t predict the future, but we know a lot of people who struggled with maintenance during the pandemic, so they were forced to do it themselves.

Lint

Overtime, you might find little pieces of lint that can build up in your microlocs over time from towels, pillows, or your clothes. However, there are tips and tricks you can use to maintain lint free locs including wearing a satin scarf/ bonnet.

Different Phases of Microlocs

No two microlocs journeys are the same, so it’s very difficult to know with certainty how your microlocs will develop over time. In some stages you may hate it. In others, you may love it. It takes a lot of patience and acceptance to embrace what comes along on the journey. But if you do, it can be a beautiful thing.

As you can see, the number of pros outweighs the cons, however everyone is going to evaluate and prioritize this list differently. What’s a pro for one person may be a con for another. Regardless, we hope this list helps you make a more informed decision.