The size that you decide to make your locks will depend on many things such as:

• How many locks you want.
• What method you plan to use to start and maintain your locks.
• What your desired finished look is.
• How you plan to style your hair during the locking process and once your hair is locked.
• Whether or not you plan to do it all yourself, get help with the initial parting, or get “professional” help with the whole thing.
• Whether or not you plan to maintain them at home
• How much money you are willing to spend.

The Various Sizes of Locks

Size is such a relative thing. And a lot depends on your hair texture and thickness. For this discussion so that we are both on the same page I am going to use the following measurement as my basis for size:

Extra Large Locks
Locks that have bases that are the size of two fingers held together or less than 30 locks on a head

Large Locks
Locks that have bases that are the size of a man’s thumb or having less than 50 locks on your head

Medium Locks
Locks that have bases that are the size of a woman’s index finger (1/2 inch in diameter)  or having 50 - 80 locks on your head

Small Locks
Locks that have bases that are the size of a pencil (1/4 inch in diameter) or having 100 – 250 locks

Mini Lock
Locks that have bases that are the size of a power cord (1/8 inch in diameter) or having 250 – 300 locks on your head

Micro Locks
Locks that are the size of or just a little bigger than a pencil’s lead or spaghetti or having 450+ locks on your head

A Look At Each

Extra large and Large Locks:

Can be started and maintained with  almost any method organic, free form, braids, twists.

They can be maintained by simply separating at the root, twisting, palm rolling or mechanical methods such as latch hooking, or finger weaving.

The finished look is usually an organic “rasta” or artsy look.

Until your hair gets some length you won’t be able to do as many things but you can always use hats, scarves and hair decorations to change the appearance. I have seen some stunning styles one people that have large/extra large locks that are long.

You probably will not need help starting your locks. But if you want to feel pampered a natural stylist or loctitian will be happy to help you out.

Maintaining at home is pretty simple just follow the instructions for your maintenance method of choice.

You can start them at home for free or go to a shop and have your hair twisted or braided for under $60.

Medium and Small Locks

They can be started with any method, the preferred methods are usually coils, twist, braids.

They can be maintained by twisting, palm rolling, or by using a tool.

They usually give a more professional look than larger locks and are more widely accepted.

Once you have some length and depending on the method used, you can easily set your locks on rollers, do braid outs, twist outs and up dos. And of course there are always hats, scarves, and hair accessories.

At this size it is still up to you how you want to start and maintain it. It really depends on how you start your locks and how you want it sectioned.

This size isn’t too hard to maintain at home. If you want to be pampered  or want a break you can always visit a natural salon. But doing it yourself may take you a few hours on the week end depending on what method you use.

You can spend anywhere from $60 – $100+ to get your hair started. It will cost your between $25 - $100+ for maintenance. But this all depends on where you live and what type of shop it is.

Mini and Micro Locks

You can start these types with braids or with a tool. If your hair is naturally coily you can start with twists.

Your finished look will be very professional. Most people that don’t know may not even notice that you have locks.

You can do almost anything that you can do with straight hair of the same length.

You can start locks this size with a perm.

You will want to get help starting this size.  It is important to get the parting and the sectioning right from the beginning.

Maintaining these at home will take a lot of time. You should maintain this size using a tool. Twisting or palm rolling this size really are not an option as you will risk breakage and thinning.

Plan on spending at least $150 to have your hair braided or twisted this small at a salon. If you want the guidance and help of a professional Sisterlock TM consultant, who specializes in locks of this size, plan on spending at least $500 and up to $2000 depending on the length and the thickness of your hair.

For a look at Sisterlocks TM vesus Sisterlock-Look-For-Less click here .

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written by lwill74, July 23, 2008

Thanks for the explanation! I have small locks (over 100) which I started and maintain myself. I chose small locks because I wanted the option to roll them or pin them up. I didn't want them to be too small because I didn't want to spend the whole day retightening them.

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written by Lautisha, September 04, 2008

I got medium babies locks. The maintenance I want to do it myself until the 2nd year!
If I want a break, I'll see a professional and also to have some advices 8)

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