How Often Should You Wash Your Sisterlocks?

Washing your hair, particularly your sisterlocks, is more than a chore. It’s an event. A ritual.

You have to plan your ‘wash day,’ gathering your essential items and blocking out enough time to do it just right.

Washing your sisterlocks is no different and an important part of loc maintenance:

• Proper sisterlock hygiene ensures there is nothing stopping the growth and health of your hair.
• Dirt and product buildup can limit the locking process and lead to breakage.
• Keeping the scalp clean minimizes issues related to dandruff or irritation.
• Clean hair also means less odor, a healthier scalp, and shiny, fresh locks.

And best of all, you build a deeper bond and understanding with your sisterlocks.

The question then is, how often should you wash your sister locs? The answer is not as straightforward as you think. Read on to learn the best frequency, factors influencing your wash day, and other useful tips for clean, healthy sisterlocks.

You Should Wash Your Sister Locs This Much…

Washing your sisterlocks maintains their health, keeps them clean, and limits scalp and lock buildup. It’s usually recommended you wash your sisterlocks once every 2 weeks. Sisterlocks are smaller and thinner than dreadlocks or freeform locks. Washing them this often helps prevent buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils.

 

Some persons may prefer to wait longer periods to wash their locks - such as 2-3 weeks - especially if they are in the early stages of locking or have specific hair types that require less frequent washing. Others may step it up, washing their hair weekly, depending on unique factors.

Factors Influencing Washing Frequency

 

Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and individual traits determine how often you should wash your hair. If you’re an active individual, for example, weekly exercise at the gym or sports, your wash frequency may be more frequent. You’re more likely to accumulate sweat and dirt compared to someone with an indoor or sedentary lifestyle.

Your Environment

Certain jobs or spaces can expose you to more pollution, dust, dirt, or chemicals, which requires washing at least once weekly. Using excess hair products like oils and gels can leave buildup or lead to dandruff, meaning you should wash your sisterlocks more often.

Your Loc Maturity

How long have you had your sisterlocks? A new sisterlock installation must be treated with care and washing too early can undo the work done by your loctician. You may have to wait 2-4 weeks using a gentle technique to prevent unraveling or slower maturation. After a significant time has passed and your locs have matured somewhat, you can wash your hair more often.

Once your sisterlocks have fully matured—typically after the first year—you’ll have more flexibility with your washing schedule. Longer locks can benefit from 1-2 weeks. Some

Hair Type:

Your hair type can play a role in how often you need to wash your sisterlocks. Coarse 4C hair, for instance, tends to be drier and produce less natural oil (sebum) compared to fine hair. This means you might be able to wash your sisterlocks less frequently, perhaps every 1-2 weeks or even longer, depending on your individual scalp and lifestyle.

Fine hair produces more oil, especially at the roots, and will show signs of dirt and buildup sooner. You may need to wash your hair more frequently to prevent excess buildup.

Even if you have coarse hair, if you have an oily scalp, you'll likely need to wash more frequently to keep your scalp healthy and prevent issues like dandruff or irritation.

Individual Preferences:

Sometimes, your wash frequency comes down to your lifestyle and individual preferences. Some women are more comfortable with washing their hair more often than others. If you’re busy like me - a doctor by day, entrepreneur by night - you may not have the time to keep up with a weekly schedule.

If you’re taking a more laissez-faire approach, it’s important that you identify and take cues from the signs you need to wash your hair.

 

Signs You Need to Wash Your Locs

Your hair and scalp are intuitive and can signal when it’s time for some TLC. Common signals include itchiness and flakiness. This could be due to product buildup, sweat, or even dandruff.

Over time, the products you use can build up on your scalp and locs. You’ll see and feel the product buildup between your fingers and along the locs. The locs can feel extra oily or greasy to the touch. Excess product buildup also traps dust and dirt particles which presents along your locs.

If your locs develop an unpleasant odor, it's a sure sign that it's time for a wash. This could be due to sweat, product buildup, or bacterial growth. Look for these signs and prepare for a wash day as soon as possible.

Washing Methods

It’s fine to see a hairdresser or your loctician for a wash and deep clean. In most cases, however, you’ll be doing it yourself.

For mature sisterlocks, you can wash your hair in the shower with your shampoo and other preferred products.

If you have younger sisterlocks, you may prefer the Braid and Band method.

Section your hair into 4-6 parts. Loosely braid a handful of locks in each section of hair together, a couple of inches away from the root.

Secure the ends of each braid with a rubber band, but do not braid to the end; bend the ends upward instead and secure it with the rubber band.

This sets up your hair for optimal cleaning and gives you great access to your scalp. It also lowers the risk of your ends unraveling.

 

Clarifying Pre-Wash:

A pre-wash can target stubborn dirt, dust, and buildup that shampoos cannot capture. You can use a clarifying shampoo, apple cider vinegar rinse, or our BLCK Lux Detox Cleanser. Apply the product to your hair before shampooing for better results. Clarifying pre-wash routines is not necessary for every wash session and can be done every 2-4 weeks.

 

Regular Wash:

Rinse your hair thoroughly with water for 5-10 minutes before applying shampoo. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or the original Sisterlocks brand shampoo. Lather your hair and scalp thoroughly with your fingertips, using circular motions, to get all the dirt and buildup.  

Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring all shampoo is removed. Repeat the shampooing process if necessary. Follow up with a deep conditioner or a leave-in conditioner specifically formulated for locs. Gently squeeze out excess water and allow your sisterlocks to air dry naturally whenever possible.

 

Deep Conditioning:

Once a month, consider doing a deep condition. It improves moisture, elasticity, and the general health of your sisterlocks. After cleaning your hair, apply a generous amount of deep conditioner to your locs, ensuring even coverage.

Cover your hair with a plastic cap to trap heat and enhance product penetration. Leave the deep conditioner on for at least 30 minutes, or as directed by the product instructions. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring all product is removed. Handle your hair with care to prevent unraveling. You can also see a hairdresser or loctician for a deep conditioning session.

 

Enjoy Your Sisterlocks Wash Day

Make sure to wash your sisterlocks at least twice monthly. Of course, there are different factors that determine how often you should wash your hair because we are all different.

Experimentation and consistent observation of your hair and scalp will help you determine the ideal frequency and methods for keeping your locs healthy and thriving. 

Remember that every head of hair is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

Always prioritize gentle handling, use high-quality products, and don't hesitate to consult with your loctician for personalized guidance. With proper care and attention, your Sisterlocks will continue to flourish, reflecting your unique style and individuality.