Are you thinking about installing Brotherlocks? Deciding which loc style you want is no easy task because there are so many to choose from. Plus, researching different locking techniques can be complex.
Brotherlocks have a distinct style which makes them different from other locs. Checking out all your options before you reach for your wallet is always a good idea because it could save you time and money.
In this post, you’ll learn all about Brotherlocks so you can decide whether to install them. If you want a comprehensive guide to Brotherlocks, read on.
What Are Brotherlocks?
Brotherlocks is a patented loc hairstyle for men. The individual locs are smaller than traditional dreadlocks, and a tool is used to create them.
Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, a professor at San Diego State University, invented and trademarked this loc style. She wanted to create a hairstyle that would be natural while helping to promote self-esteem. She created Sisterlocks for women and followed it with Brotherlocks for guys.
Each Brotherlock is formed with a special, patented interlocking tool, and only certified locticians can access the tool and install the locs.
Brotherlocks Installation
It takes a certified loctician to install Brotherlocks, and there’s a certain level of commitment because you’ll need to go to several visits throughout the year. You’ll want to make sure you do your research well before choosing a loctician.
Review others’ experiences and whether you like their results. Also, if you live in a rural area or a city that doesn’t have a loctician, consider your total Brotherlocks cost with travel included.
Brotherlocks is a lifetime commitment so it could be a good idea to interview three different locticians and choose the one that’s right for you. Here is a breakdown of the required appointments and prices:
- Initial Consultation. At the first appointment, your loctician will discuss your hair’s history and find out about your styling preferences. The loctician will probably put 1-12 sample locs into your hair to determine whether Brotherlocks is right for you. If you decide you want to install Brotherlocks, your loctician will book an appointment for the full installation. Cost for the initial consultation is $25-$50.
- Installation. This is the main visit. The locking session can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours so you may want to schedule it over two days. The loctician will install 400-500 locs with a unique tool, and give you a starter kit that contains shampoo, tiny rubber bands, and a tip sheet for Brotherlocks hair care. You’ll also schedule your follow-up visit during the installation. If you have long or dense hair, be prepared to pay on the higher side. Cost for this visit ranges from $500 to $800.
- Follow-Up Visit. The purpose of the follow-up appointment is to check the integrity of the locs and to tighten locs that experience slippage. You’ll also be able to talk about styling options and ask any questions you might have about care. This visit is usually scheduled one month after the installation and after you’ve shampooed your hair at least twice. Cost for this visit may be charged hourly but will be about $100 for the session.
- Retightening Visits. Your loctician will need to retighten your locs every 4-8 weeks. She will be able to check progress and monitor the correct formation of the locs during the appointment. At this point, you could also opt to purchase Sisterlocks and Brotherlocks training, so you can get the tool and retighten your own locs. Cost for the retightening session is about $100.
Curious about how to prepare for your Brotherlocks installation? It’s good to deep condition your hair regularly, but to avoid all oils and conditioners on your final wash before the appointment. Oils and conditioners can cause the locs to slip out.
Detangle your hair and section it the day before to prepare for the installation. Then let it airdry. The installation session is very long, so you’ll want to make sure you dress comfortably and bring food, water, and entertainment. Books, magazines, and a tablet are all ideal for the session.
Brotherlocks Hair Care
Taking care of your Brotherlocks when they’re freshly installed is crucial because they will be susceptible to slippage in the first few months. Be prepared to wait two weeks after your installation for your first wash.
Washing the hair every two weeks during this period is optimal, but you can spray the locs with water during the week to avoid dryness. Dryness can cause the locs to become brittle, and they could even break.
After the Brotherlocks mature, you can wash them once per week without fear that they’ll loosen. Avoid using combs and brushes on your locs, as it may cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently finger-comb your locs and style.
Brotherlock hair care is simple because the locs are thin and it is easy to access the scalp. It’s crucial to wash the locs so that mildew doesn’t form, and to dry them as fast as possible.
On wash day, you should bind your Brotherlocks together with a ponytail holder so that they don’t break. Cleanse your scalp well to avoid dandruff and fungus. Cleansing the scalp will promote healthy growth, and help to keep the locs clean.
Use a conditioner that softens the hair and creates a nice shine, but avoid products that contain too much slip. Slippery products may cause the locs to loosen, especially in the beginning phases.
Brotherlocks Vs. Dreadlocks
You might be wondering about Brotherlocks vs. dreadlocks, especially if you’re concerned about cost. Both are a lifetime commitment and are very difficult to remove, so it’s good to take your time researching about whether you want to have either of these hairstyles.
The three major differences between Brotherlocks and dreadlocks are size, installation technique, and cost.
- Brotherlocks are tiny locs, and your loctician may install as many as 500 of them. The lightweight nature of these locs make it easy to style in different ways. Brotherlocks hairstyles are abundant because they are small. You could cornrow them, or do an attractive updo. Brotherlocks are generally more tidy to wear in a professional setting.
Dreadlocks are larger and heavier than Brotherlocks, and this limits styling options. Dreadlock sizes vary, but you could have as few as five locs. In fact, dreads will often bind together, so it is necessary to separate them regularly, so they don’t form a single dread.
- Locticians form the locs with patented Brotherlocks tools, and they begin by parting your hair into a unique grid pattern. The tool makes it possible to do the interlocking method on your hair, and it’s a way of creating hundreds of tiny, uniformed knots.
Dreadlocks are much different because they only require a palm-rolling or twisting technique that you can easily do with the hands or fingers. You may choose to create a special pattern, but it’s not necessary.
- Brotherlocks require an initial cost of between $500 and $800, plus the cost of the consultation fees and traveling back and forth to your appointments.
On the other hand, dreadlocks are free because you can do them yourself, from home. Dreads require very little skill, and it is easy to learn how to form and maintain them.
Sisterlocks Vs. Brotherlocks
Dr. Cornwell created Sisterlocks for women, and Brotherlocks as a more masculine version, for guys. The difference is the thickness of each loc. However, you don’t have to be a man or woman to go for each style. You can get Brotherlocks sizes as a woman, or you can be a guy who likes the look of the thinner Sisterlocks size.
The major difference is the thickness of each loc and how many you’ll have installed. Sisterlocks will probably take longer because of the sheer number of locs to install, but they both use the same interlocking technique for the installation.
Brotherlocks and Sisterlocks are versatile and provide a professional look for the office. They require a lifetime commitment because of the cost and because they’re difficult to remove. Many people fall in love with their Brotherlocks after installation so it could be well worth it.
What about you? Are you thinking about installing Brotherlocks?
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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