How I Prepped For Getting My Microlocs Installed
I thought about getting Sisterlocks for 5 - 6 years before I finally got microlocs installed. I would have got them done sooner if not for the pandemic. Every couple of years, I’d email a few Sisterlocks Consultants for price quotes in my area, and personally, I couldn’t imagine spending ~$2k+ on a hairstyle. When I saw my cousin return from Nigeria with beautiful microlocs, I planned to get them installed next time I travelled to the continent. In late December 2023 (two months before installation), I firmly made the decision to get them installed in March 2024. Had I decided sooner, I would have made a more concerted effort to take better care of my natural hair during the last six months of 2023 by wearing it out regularly, instead of the continuous manipulation with ponytails, braids, or clip-ins with leave out.
Though the styles were beautiful, they all had their own consequences. The last set of boho braids I got “professionally” installed were so tight and heavy around the perimeter that they broke and damaged the front portion of my hair. And, constantly flat ironing my leave out left me with heat damage and breakage. However, the main benefit of the “protective styling” was that it helped me retain some length in the crown, which was previously my problem area. If I’d left my hair alone, my hair would have been a lot healthier and a more uniform length throughout my entire head.
Aside from those woes, here’s everything I did to prep for my microlocs installation.
LATE DECEMBER 2024: THREE MONTHS BEFORE INSTALLATION
I researched two microlocs salons in Lagos, Nigeria, one that came highly recommended by family and friends, and the other I found on Instagram. After carefully comparing their work, I decided to move forward with the word of mouth referral, since I’d loved the hair of those who went there.
EARLY JANUARY 2024: TWO MONTHS BEFORE INSTALLATION
I contacted all of the Certified Sisterlocks Consultants (5 - 6) in my local area via email to see if any were accepting transfer clients, and to make sure they were also okay with me travelling to Nigeria to get them installed. I used the official listing from the Sisterlocks website, and ~3 people responded.
Because I knew that finding locticians who were accepting new clients or willing to work over someone else’s work could be challenging, I started researching locticians early to make sure I identified someone I felt confident about maintaining them upon my return. My plan was to go to a professional for my retightenings at least for the first year (or until my locs reached maturity) to ensure they received the utmost care before learning to maintain them myself.
I opted for a Sisterlocks Consultant specifically because of the extra assurance of quality associated with the Sisterlocks brand and ease of identifying one. Even though the microlocs I got were technically not “Sisterlocks” since they were not installed by a Certified Sisterlocks Consultant, they were very similar (precise grid, small in size, and started with the interlocking method).
I narrowed down the potential Sisterlocks Consultants, and I had a phone call with one to ask a few clarifying questions and get to know them better to make sure I felt they were a good fit. They told me to follow up closer to my install date to schedule my first retie after 4 weeks and also suggested that I get the Sisterlocks Starter Shampoo, which I was able to order from their website.
Once that was settled, I told the salon that I identified in Nigeria (EniBraids), that I’d like to be placed on their waitlist for March (since their scheduling only opens 3 weeks in advance).
I wanted to book my virtual consultation before buying my flight, however it didn’t work out that way since I was nervous flight prices might increase. I was also able to use credit card points towards my flight, which was a huge cost-saving.
I booked my flight mid-January, then had my consultation at the end of January. It was a group consultation (they offer private consultations as well) led by the Founder & CEO Enitan Oshewa, and was so informative. I’ll share more about what I learned during that consultation in another post.
MID JANUARY 2024: 7 WEEKS BEFORE INSTALLATION
I got my hair shampooed, deep conditioned, and trimmed on blown-out hair by a professional hairstylist.
Because microlocs take the shape of your natural hair, I was told to get a trim 2 - 3 months before installation, and not to trim too close to installation to avoid blunt ends since this can unravel your locs.
MID FEBRUARY 2024: 1 MONTH BEFORE INSTALLATION
I got three new ear piercings, two forward helixes and a conch. When I first went natural and big chopped, I had so much fun accessorizing with facial jewelry because I didn’t have a lot to work with on top of my head. Since I knew I would likely be wearing my starter locs in updos / styles pulled away from my face, I wanted to accessorize more with stacked earrings, and the additional piercings helped me achieve this goal.
MARCH 2024: 2 - 3 DAYS BEFORE INSTALLATION
For installation day, I was told to come freshly washed and blow-dried, so I prepped my hair before travelling.
First, I deep conditioned my hair using SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hair Mask. I was nervous about not properly washing all of it out after shampooing, so I applied it first and detangled. Then, I washed my hair with Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo, which left my hair feeling squeaky clean. Lastly, I blow-dried my hair with no product, and put it in two French braids for my journey to Nigeria.
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I also took a few loose measurements of my hair before I left, so that I had a good idea of how much length I was working with (since your natural hair length impacts the price).
Left back: 7 inches | Left side: 7.5 inches | Left front: 8 inches (but broken and sparse)
Crown: 7.5 - 8 inches
Right back: 8.5 - 9 inches | Right side: 7.5 inches | Right front: 6.5 inches
Once all of that was done, I said a prayer and was ready for the trip. I wore a satin scarf for the entire flight to protect my hair.
Shout out to Wande who was seated next to me on the flight. I noticed her / her beautiful microlocs while we were in line boarding and we ended up being seated next to each other on the plane. It was fate and provided extra reassurance that I was making the right decision embarking on this journey home to install my locs. Coincidentally, she also got her microlocs installed by EniBraids three years ago, which was so comforting to hear.
How did you prep for your installation? Comment any tips below!
