Sisterlocks / microlocks braid and band

As someone with sisterlocks (or microlocs, as many of us call them!), I've been on a journey to find the best ways to care for my hair. One technique that has truly transformed my routine and the health of my locs is braiding and banding. Before I started doing this, wash days were a bit of a nightmare. I’d often end up with new growth that felt loose, some locs trying to unravel, and general frizz and bunches that made styling a challenge. It felt like I was constantly battling slippage and the risk of uneven locks formation. So, what exactly is braiding and banding? It's a method where you section your locs, gently braid them together, and then secure the ends of the braids with small rubber bands (or ouchless hair ties). You do this before you wash your hair. The original article briefly touches on why we braid and band, stating it's to prevent slippage, bunching, and uneven loc formation, and that couldn't be more true! But let me tell you, the benefits go so much deeper. For me, the biggest advantage is the protection it offers to my new growth. Sisterlocks and microlocs are tiny and delicate, especially when they're first installed or when your new growth is soft. Washing can be quite abrasive, causing the new growth to rub together, potentially tangle, or even unravel. By braiding and banding, you create a protective barrier. It keeps your locs neatly grouped, reducing friction and tension during shampooing and conditioning. This means less damage, less frizz, and a much smoother retightening session. Another huge plus is maintaining uniformity. Those uneven locks formation issues I mentioned? Gone! When your locs are braided and banded, they are held in place, allowing them to dry and settle in a more consistent manner. This helps maintain the integrity of your parting and the overall neatness of your grid, which is crucial for the aesthetic appeal of sisterlocks and microlocs. It also prevents your locs from bunching up or meshing together at the roots, which can lead to matting if not addressed. My personal routine for braiding and banding goes something like this: I section my hair into about 8-12 larger sections, depending on how much time I have. I then loosely braid each section, making sure not to pull too tightly at the roots. The key here is loose braids – you don't want to create tension that could lead to breakage. Once braided, I secure the end of each braid with a small, ouchless hair tie. I prefer the silicone-free ones or soft elastic bands to avoid snagging. Some people use tiny rubber bands, but I find those can sometimes be harder to remove without pulling little hairs. Once my hair is braided and banded, I proceed with my usual wash day routine. I gently massage shampoo into my scalp and through the braided sections, ensuring everything gets clean without disturbing my new growth. Rinsing is also much easier, as the water can flow through the braids without causing knots. When it's time to dry, I usually let my hair air dry a bit before putting it under a hooded dryer. Once dry, I carefully remove the bands and unbraid, and I'm always amazed at how neat and orderly my locs look, ready for styling or retightening. If you're new to sisterlocks or microlocs, or even if you're a seasoned loc'd individual struggling with wash day woes, I highly recommend incorporating braiding and banding into your routine. It’s a simple, effective way to protect your investment, maintain your locs' health, and ensure they continue to look their absolute best. Trust me, your locs will thank you for this extra bit of care!