Sisterlocks vs. Microlocs vs. Interlocks: What's the Difference?

Understanding the Differences: Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks

Let’s be real—when I first saw Sisterlocks, Microlocs, and Interlocks listed side-by-side on a loctician’s service list, I was confused as heck. If you're feeling the same way, don’t worry—I got you! By the end of this post, you'll understand exactly what Sisterlocks vs microlocs vs interlocks means, how they’re used, and how to avoid being misled when booking your own loc journey.

Sisterlocks Explained: How They Differ in the Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks Debate

Let’s Start with Sisterlocks

Dr. Joanne Cornwell, founder of the Sisterlocks™ hair locking system, pioneered this trademarked technique in 1993. Her innovative approach to natural hair care introduced a precise grid pattern and interlocking method, setting Sisterlocks apart in the world of microlocs and interlocks.

Sisterlocks is not just a hairstyle—it's a trademarked hair locking system created by Dr. Joanne Cornwell in 1993. That means there are specific rules for how Sisterlocks must be installed and maintained.

To be considered true Sisterlocks, you need three things:

1. A Specific Grid Pattern - The hair is parted in a defined grid, typically resulting in smaller locs at the front and slightly larger ones at the back.

2. The Interlocking Method - Sisterlocks use one of four specific interlocking patterns to form the locs.

3. Certified Technician - They must be installed by a trained and certified Sisterlock™ consultant—someone who has taken the official Sisterlocks course and signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

   
   

So, if someone’s using that signature grid and interlocking pattern but hasn’t taken the official course, can they still call it Sisterlocks?

That brings us to...

What Are Microlocs? Key Info in the Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks Comparison

Here’s where things get interesting.

Jessyca Abena Marshall of Brooklyn credits herself with coining the term “Microlocs” in 2008 to describe Sisterlock-sized locs created without the Sisterlocks™ certification.

In 2008, Jessyca Abena Marshall of Brooklyn claimed she coined the term Microlocs to describe Sisterlock-sized locs (less than ½ inch wide) that were not created by a Sisterlock-certified technician.

The term Microlocs couldn’t be trademarked because it was deemed “too general” by the U.S. trademark office. Because of that, it’s hard to confirm whether she was truly the first to use it—but we do know that now, the word Microlocs has two completely different meanings, depending on where you see it.

1. Microlocs on Social Media: A Looser Term in Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks

In the DIY and natural hair community, Microlocs usually means:

• Any locs smaller than ½ inch

• Started with any method (interlocking, two-strand twists, coils, braids)

• Created by anyone, including yourself!

  
  

Me, Queen Eleem with my DIY microlocs, self-installed in January 2020 using the interlock method. Featuring 668 locs, my journey exemplifies the modern evolution of microlocs outside of traditional systems like Sisterlocks™.

So if someone like me (who spent months researching Sisterlocks methods online 👀) installs their own locs using the same grid and interlocking patterns—but isn’t a certified consultant—it’s technically not Sisterlocks.

It’s Microlocs.

Ok, is the whole Sisterlocks vs microlocs vs interlocks starting to make more sense? Still confused? Ok, no worries keep reading!

A loctician’s service menu listing Sisterlocks™, Microlocs, and Interlocks separately—without explanation. Menus like this often contribute to confusion around the true differences between these services.

2. Microlocs on Service Menus: A Size and Method Distinction in Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks

When a loctician offers both Sisterlocks and Microlocs on their service menu at different prices, they’re usually using Microlocs to mean:

• Locs larger than Sisterlocks but still small

• More uniform in size (no varying grid like Sisterlocks)

• Started with any method the client chooses

  
  

So if Sisterlocks are the "premium brand name" version, think of Microlocs as the generic or slightly larger DIY version—still beautiful, still functional, but more flexible and usually more affordable.

What About Interlocks? The Method Behind the Sisterlocks vs Microlocs vs Interlocks Confusion

Ok team, last one—Interlocks.

Here’s where people get tripped up. Yes, the interlocking method is how Sisterlocks are started and maintained. Yes, you can start Microlocs using interlocking. But guess what? You can also use the interlocking method to start traditional-sized locs too!

So when you see Interlocks listed separately on a service list, it usually means:

• Locs that are larger than Sisterlocks and Microlocs

• Traditionally-sized locs (what most people think of when they hear “dreadlocks”)

• Started and/or maintained using the interlocking method

  
  

These are typically the largest and most affordable option on the service list.

TL;DR Quiz-Style Recap!

Let’s break Sisterlocks vs microlocs vs interlocks down one last time in a quick quiz format:

• ____________: Specific grid, tiny sections (often smaller in front), must be installed by a certified technician using one of 4 interlocking methods.→ SISTERLOCKS

  
  

• ____________: Any grid, any method, under ½ inch—UNLESS it’s on a salon menu, where it usually means slightly larger than Sisterlocks, uniform in size, and method of choice.→ MICROLOCS

  
  

• ____________: Refers to the method, not the size or grid. Can apply to traditional locs too. Usually means the largest and cheapest of the three options.→ INTERLOCKS

Final Thoughts

If you made it this far, you’re a real one! 🙌

Let me know in the comments if this cleared up the confusion of Sisterlocks vs microlocs vs interlocks—and drop a 👑 if you feel like you just crowned yourself with knowledge.

And if you're loving this kind of breakdown, I’m making a lot more videos and posts about how to design, install, and maintain your own Microlocs using science, history, and research. So hit that like button and subscribe so you never miss a drop.

Until next time,Bye Team! 💛