Our Technique
We use the unparalleled
‘Sista System’ Technique
Learn about how our method came to be, how it differs from many other dreadlocking techniques out there and why our clients choose us again & again.
About The Sista System
The Sista System is a dreadlocking technique pioneered by the globally renowned Weirdsistas in Australia.
Unlike many other dreadlocking techniques out there, the Sista System method DOES NOT use waxes or chemicals of any kind, nor do we use interlocking or harsh backcombing to create our dreads and extensions – this means that there is virtually no loss of length to your hair once dreaded up, and the process is much gentler on your scalp.
Our method works beautifully on all hair types, from afro/kinky to silky or curly.
The Process
The Sista System is a two part system: part process and part product. The process of creating and maintaining dreads using the Sista System is achieved by using a crochet hook to gently weave and bind the hair into your desired size. This technique differs from the “crochet method” that you may have seen others use on YouTube or elsewhere. The crochet method that others use tears the hair and then binds it.
The Sista System is much more gentle on the hair and does not rip it at all; Sista System lokks can even be combed out and hair can be restored to its previous non-dreaded state without hardly any evidence of damage. Lokkticians trained in this method are able to design dreads to your specifications by using a flower-of-life sectioning process, ensuring you have the size of dread that you asked for upon maturation.
We can create dreads as small as straw and any size at all up to an (Australian) 5-cent piece.
Essential Products
The second part of the system is product. The Sista System actually requires very little in the way of product to support your journey, but what products you do use (shampoo, etc) will determine your dreadlocks’ health, longevity and long-term success.
We use only Lock Stock & Apparel (LSA) products, a dreadlock-only haircare range which are all-natural, vegan and cruelty free. It is imperative that you DO NOT use conventional shampoos on your dreads (and NEVER conditioner!!) as they are designed to lubricate and coat the hair follicle to make it silky and smooth. This is the opposite of what is required for dreadlocks to survive and thrive. Dreads need a very precise PH level in order to encourage the matting process, and Lock Stock & Apparel dreadlock products are designed to do just that. We recommend that you use ONLY Lock Stock & Apparel dread shampoo (AKA Lokk Block or Lokk Block Spice), as well as daily use of LokkUp dreadlock accelerator: a daily spray that helps your dreads matte quicker, while at the same time smelling DEVINE. Lock Stock & Apparel products use only natural essential oils and no artificial fragrances – we also sell unscented options for those that prefer it. There are other products in the LSA range, including products for dandruff or itchy scalp, but the shampoo block and the LokkUp accelerator are the only two that are essential to the Sista System process.
All LSA products can be purchased directly from us in the salon, or online shop.
Lock Stock & Apparel Dreadlock Only Haircare
All Natural ~ Vegan ~ Sustainable ~ Made in Australia
How does the Sista System compare to other methods?
While our thousands of clients agree with us that there is no comparison, let’s break it down for you. Below are the most common techniques used to create dreadlocks around the world, and their pros and cons compared to the Sista System technique:
Backcombing/Palm Rolling & Wax
Old school method common in the 90’s with caucasians. PROS: Creates instant “dreadlocks” (or at least the shape of them!) CONS: Wax attracts dirt and dust and this gets trapped in the shaft of the lokk, impossible to clean out; depending on wax type used, can be hard as a rock and uncomfortable to sleep on; lokks are hard and unnatural in their movement; significant loss of length with backcombing; palm rolling traps oils from hands in the dread shaft that result in additional buildup; wax is VERY difficult to remove and sometimes impossible. Cannot be combed out.
Backcombing/Palm Rolling & Wax - Crochet Method
Uses a combo of backcombing and crochet to lokk hairs into dreads. PROS: Lokks look mature at installation and will not expand. CONS: uses intense and harsh backcombing to create texture and thickness, resulting in significant loss of length (if you started with hair halfway down your back, expect to have dreads that are just shoulder length after installation); breaks and rips the hair (and therefore can never be un-combed - also makes it very difficult to unpick the ends to add extensions later); can be painful.
Interlocking (AKA Latching)
Very popular in African communities. Feeds the length of the lokk through the base to create knots close to the scalp. PROS: None, in our opinion. Other techniques can achieve the same look without the pain or damage. CONS: Extremely painful, causes lots of buildup of dirt, products and oils, resulting in eventual breakage of the lokk at the knot. Cannot be combed out.
Rip & Tear
Popular with amateurs on YouTube. PROS: Easy to do with a friend at home. CONS: Looks inconsistent and fluffy at installation; takes a long time; rarely stays in without wax (see above Backcombing/Palm Rolling & Wax for more info).
Neglect
“Dreadlocks” are created by leaving the hair to go to nature, avoiding combing or styling hair at all until it eventually mattes into lokks. Pros: It’s free, and requires no effort whatsoever. CONS: Often looks horrible (to be blunt) with lokks all fusing together into a big “congo” (a term that describes when several dreads have all melded together in a large mass, or several large masses, at the back of the head). Typically results in large, fat locs of irregular size and shape. Larger lokks such as these can put strain on the scalp and result in pain or scalp conditions. Very difficult, if not impossible, to comb out.
Other Weird Sh*t We’ve Seen
Including: perm solution & pipe cleaners, Blu-Tac, glue, honey, even peanut butter!! What are people thinking?? Obviously none of these techniques are recommended. No known pros to these methods, only cons. You will end up in a salon paying lots of money to reverse the damage and save your hair. Not worth it!!
Sista System Method
All natural dreadlocking method that uses a small crochet hook to gently weave your hair into lengths that will gradually mature and matte over time (usually 6 months).
PROS: No wax, no glues, no interlocking, no chemicals, no loss of length and virtually pain-free compared against other methods.
CONS: Lokks take a few months to expand to full thickness and maturity, but once they do…prepare to be stopped in the street and asked about your dreadlocks. Often. Our lokks get noticed for all the right reasons!
“The only people who work on my dreadlocks!”✩✩✩✩✩
— David Pereira
“Only place to go for dreads! Great products and AWESOME staff!”✩✩✩✩✩
— Daniel Spindler