A Guide to Determine Loc Startup Sizes

Do you remember the rules for roller setting?  The parting sizes should match the diameter of the roller or the rod.

The same principle should apply for locs.  For example, Sisterlocks tm founder Dr. Joann Cornwells' curl pattern is "short and shallow."  "Short" means the diameter of her natural curl patten is probably close to an 1/8 inch.  This is why the Sisterlocks technique that she founded worked so well for her hair type.  Micro sized locs were the best match for her short diameter curl pattern.

So am I saying that people with larger diameter curl patterns should not get Sisterlocks?  NO, that's not what I am saying.  You can squeeze a medium to long diameter curl pattern into a micro sized loc.  It will look a little stringy, but you can adjust your interlocking pattern to allow a little more volume from the curl pattern to shine through.

So what if you have a short curl pattern, and you get large size locs started?  It depends on if you have resistant hair or not.  Resistant hair shrinks, and resistant strands will try to pull away from a loc that is too large for its curl pattern.  For some people, you know how the hair on the edges always tries to pull out of the bigger loc that the loctician is alway trying to pull back into the larger loc around the hairline.

If your natural curl pattern is NOT resistant and does not shrink much, then you can have any size locs you want.  Your hair is pliable or flexible.  "You can have it your way."  A little humor here.

Now, what if you have two different types of curl patterns in your head?  Then you really may consider two different sizes locs for your head.  Obviously, if your two curl patterns that are entirely different, then choose the shortest curl pattern as your guide to loc sizing because the larger curl patterns can go smaller, but not vice versa.

Need a natural hair analysis?  Just schedule a loc consultation with me Master Loctician and Cosmetologist Benita Blocker!

Curl Patterns: Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4

Type 2 Curl patterns are considered "long" in Sisterlocks world.  Type 3 Curl pattern is considered "medium" in Sisterlocks world. Type 4 curl pattern is considered "short" in Sisterlocks world.

In my opinion, type 4 curl patterns are more prone to dryness and breakage, but many people view it as "strong" and "resistant."  When type 4 curl patterns are placed next to looser curl patterns, it is much more clear how vulnerable  type 4 hair can be.  Don't you agree?

Denman brushes are best for blow drying Type 4 curl patterns. Paddle brushes are  best for blow drying type 3 hair.  Round brushes are best for blow drying type 2 curl patterns.

I am always amazed at the variety of curl patterns out there.

  

Type 3 and Type 4 Side by Side Comparison

These hair samples both came from African American women.  In Sisterlocks world, the type 4 curl pattern is called "short" because of the diameter of the curl.  The type 3 curl pattern is considered a "long" curl pattern because of its diameter.  Can you guess which curl pattern is easier to lock and coil?

The answer:  Type 4 or short curl pattern.

The Type 3 curl pattern is much harder to lock.  Actually, wash and go is the easiest maintenance for this type of natural hair.  This curl pattern cost less to maintain and is accepted in more "social circles" in its natural state.

Those with a Type 4 curl pattern typically would be more dependent on relaxers to achieve a sleeker, straighter look.  Also, texurizing a type 4 curl pattern will NOT deliver a Type 3 curl pattern.

Short Curl Pattern in SisterLock World

I found another gray hair. I believe that the curly portion of this grey strand is non-relaxed, and the straighter areas are probably relaxed.

In SisterLocks World, the diameter of the curl in the curly portion of this strand is considered "short." So this hair type is called a short curl pattern. The short curl pattern is usually the easiest curl pattern to lock minus the relaxed portion!