7 Sisterlocks Hairstyles That Make Our Hearts Sing

Every natural hairstyle can be a red carpet stunner, whether it’s done in a simple manner or executed with complex and intricate details to add more interest. We saw this with sisterlocks (also written as sisterlocs) this past awards season, namely at the Oscars. 

While celebs have a way of taking a style viral and causing it to flood your timelines and For You page, sisterlocks have been popular in the natural hair community for ages. The super skinny locs offer so many styling options that we can’t get enough of their versatility — and everyday women alike have been the source of inspo for decades. 

Looking for some simple ways to style your sisterlocks that are but anything but basic? Check out these seven sisterlocks hairstyles that we’re loving for the end of summer, back to school, the fall season and beyond.  

Are Sisterlocks Better Than Dreadlocks? 

In case you’re not completely sure about the difference between traditional locs and sisterlocks, Let’s do a quick refresher before we get into styling. First off, sisterlocks are neither better nor worse than traditional dreadlocks — they’re just a different way to wear the natural hairstyle and they take a different method to install. 

Where traditional locs can be achieved through a variety of techniques, including palming, rolling and twisting your hair (typically with gel or beeswax) over a long period of time until it locks, sisterlocks are formed by using an interlocking tool that creates small locks without the use of any styling products. Sisterlocks are also considered low-tension because they’re formed starting at the ends of your hair, which prevents too much pulling on the roots.

One of the most important features to note is that sisterlocks are intentionally slimmer than dreadlocks, making them lighter and often easier to manipulate into different hairstyles. They can also make your hair look fuller, so if you have thin hair and you want locs, sisterlocks may be the best option for you because they can make your hair appear to have more volume, and you run less risk of thinning out your roots and edges twisting them.

7 Sisterlocks Hairstyles We Are Double-Tapping Every Time

Now that you’re acquainted with the basics on sisterlocks and you’re probably wondering how soon you can get to the salon, it’s time for some style inspo. Take note, sisterlocks are already so gorgeous they don’t need any help to be stunning, but when you want to switch up your ‘do and add a little something more to your look, try one of these easy to do hairstyles with your sisterlocks.

1. Pompadour

We know that a pompadour isn’t just reserved for straight strands — any hair texture can rock this look. Just take your super-slim locs and braid them forward, then swoop your braid back and keep it in place with bobby pins. If you use gold or colorful pins you can make it a part of the ‘do.

2. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are always a go-to because on their own, they look cute and playful, but they also create really pretty and defined curls. So not only can you wear your sisterlocks in this protective style for days, once you take your knots down they’ll create a sort of sisterlocks twist out. Add some gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel at the base of your knots to give them some hold to prolong their wear.

3. Asymmetrical Updo

The new take on the mullet is a party-in-the-front and party-in-the-back version — an asymmetrical updo is the way to get a party-all-around look with your sisterlocks. Do a single or double French braid going up the back so when you turn your head, you’re still serving that same style and glamor as your cascading front.

4. Loose Curls

Every head-turning style doesn’t need to be complicated. Styling your sisterlocks into voluminous curls can be as simple as taking down your Bantu knots (like we mentioned before) or making your foam rollers work overtime overnight. Use your fingers to separate your curls without losing definition and add a dime-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Sheer Oil. The result: Beautiful loose curls that go with any outfit or makeup look.

5. Half-Up, Half-Down (and Add a Bangs)

When you’re short on time but you want to mix it up, throw your sisterlocks into a simple half-up half-down look. If you have a little more time on your side, try some space buns up top and give the hair in the back some waves by braiding your locs and leaving them overnight.

Editor’s tip: When you want to switch up your switch-up, add a bang. It feels fresh and youthful, plus, you can easily fake a bang by looping and tucking your locs if you don’t want to actually cut your hair.

6. Space Buns

Alternatively, you can just throw your sisterlocks into space buns for a sporty, ‘90s throwback style. If you have thick hair you may want to consider doing a set of two in the front, and one additional bun in the back to keep the look sleek. Otherwise, you can give them a tousled bun look to make it easier to gather your thick tresses.

7. Halo Braid

When your makeup look is devilishly hot, balance it out with an angelic style like a halo braid. We love this style because it looks good on all hair textures and there are so many ways to personalize it. If you have curly hair you can give it a boho, messy braid look and when you have sisterlocks you can make it a grand crown. 

Swoop your baby hair with some gel and your edge brush and spritz the entire hairdo with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented.

Next: 10 Yarn Braid Hairstyles To Try In 2022

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Tiny Braids, IG/@tiny_braids_jax