Thee Originator

 

Sisterlocks Originator and Company Founder, Dr. JoAnne Cornwell 

 

Dr. JoAnne Cornwell is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and French at San Diego State University. She is also a third generation entrepreneur and beauty specialist. She has researched African descended cultures worldwide, and understands how deeply hair issues relate to cultural identity. This understanding was the driving force behind her decision to found her trademark company, Sisterlocks.

Dr. Cornwell was born in Detroit, Michigan where she remained through high school. Her passion for hair care began at age 4 when she produced her first braided hairstyle in her own abundant, very kinky natural hair. From that point on, she just had to do it herself. “I thought I knew what I was doing, and no one could meet up to my high, 4-year-old standards!” says Cornwell. By the time she was in college, she had become the person everyone else relied upon to do their perms, hot comb treatments, braiding and whatever else had to do with hair care. Her grandmother had been trained in the CJ Walker tradition, and a lot of what she learned as a child came from her. Dr. Cornwell stresses that since the days of Madame Walker, hair care has been at the economic center of black people’s lives, and of our communities. “Vast numbers of our women and men made it over because somebody in their household stood in the kitchen over somebody’s hair. It’s a shame we no longer own the industry!” Dr. Cornwell adds with a touch of sarcasm, alluding to the fact that the majority of product lines geared toward African Americans, and the majority of beauty supply stores nationwide that carry those products, are owned by people other than African Americans.
Today Dr. Cornwell is an active member of the American Hairbraiders and Natural Haircare Association. She lectures widely on topics related to cultural expression in Africa and in the African Diaspora
Dr. Cornwell has toured nationally, carrying her message of self-empowerment and cultural celebration to enthusiastic women (and men!) throughout the country and abroad (London, Barbados, Jamaica…) She has appeared on numerous talk shows and on local cable and network programs, and has given interviews for a variety of radio stations, including the Longhorn Radio Network, a major syndicated network outreaching to African Americans nationwide.

Dr. Cornwell’s two most recent projects include the establishment of the Sisterlocks Lifestyle Journal (2006) and The SisterLodge (2007).   The Sisterlocks Lifestyle Journal is the only publication in existence that is entirely devoted to promoting natural hair and affirming lifestyle choices for African descended women. The SisterLodge brings an updated ‘lodge’ concept back into the community and promotes lifestyle enhancement activities that focus on the holistic health of women.

Q&A: The Sisterlock Edition

What are Sisterlocks™?
Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locks that are the product of using precise partings all over the head.  A specialized tool is used to manipulate the parted hair into its locking arrangement.   The small size locks allow the hair to be easily styled.

What styles can I wear my Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are slender and light which means you can wear any variety of hairstyles as your hair grows – loose and freestyle, braided, curled and creative updo’s.  The size of your locks and the precise parting allow you to be very versatile with how you style your hair. 

Do I need to cut my relaxed hair?
No, you don’t have to cut your hair.  Sisterlocks can be started with your relaxed length left untouched as long as you have at least 2 inches of natural hair at the root.  As your hair grows, and is set into a locked pattern, your relaxed hair will be trimmed away.

How long will it take to start my Sisterlocks?
Your  initial locking session will depend on the length and density of your hair, and the size of your head.  We can  give you an approximate time frame at your consultation.

Can I add extensions to my Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks uses your natural hair.  Some people add extensions but this added weight will put extra tension roots. Over time, this tension may lead to permanent hair loss.  With Sisterlocks, your natural hair is free to grow to its fullest potential – free flowing and healthy.

What should I expect from a Certified Sisterlock Consultant?
Expect a caring and knowledgeable professional who will offer you an initial consultation, install test locks, arrange a locking session, provide a follow-on visit and regular re-tightening sessions.  

Is my hair type right for Sisterlocks?
Black hair types vary in density, porosity and curl lengths and each type will use a different Sisterlock technique.  The techniques follow the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair to promote growth.  Hair with the smallest, tightest curl pattern will lock quicker than hair with a smooth, open curl pattern.

Are Sisterlocks™ permanent?
During the first 6 months of development, before your hair as locked, Sisterlocks can be removed.  Removal will likely take more time, and be more costly than your Initial Locking Session.  You should be sure that the Sisterlocks method is right for you.

How do Sisterlocks differ from other locks?
Sisterlocks are true locks (a matting of African, kinky, tightly curled
hair) and they differ from dreadlocks or traditional locks in the technique used to form them.  Sisterlocks uses a precise parting grid, and a tool to produce small easily styled locks.  Sisterlocks does not use any waxes, gels, creams, glues or hair extensions – there is no added weight, stress or heavy products to hamper your hair growth.

Are Sisterlocks expensive?
Some people may feel that Sisterlocks are expensive and hope to save money by having their copycat ‘sisterlocked’ by another method.  Ultimately, they end up removing the end result or are never totally happy with the look achieved.  The initial locking session may be a greater outlay in the beginning, however, over time, Sisterlocks is cheaper, believe me! 

Hairstory: My Sisterlock Experience

 (My 1st day with Sisterlocks)

On September 25th 2009 I got my Sisterlocks! I was so excited and could not wait to get in that chair and start My Sisterlock Experience. I had been natural for over 7 years and was just ready. I went natural because I wanted Locs, but for years I was not when I wanted to Loc my hair and I still enjoyed getting braids, straightening my hair once or twice a year and wearing my Fro. I researched many types of Locing techniques, but was always told my hair was too soft and that I would have a hard time getting my hair to Loc. All I could think was what am I going to do? I want Locs, but I don't want to get frustrated with hair that won't Loc. I am the type to get mad and do something drastic like chop my hair OFF!

 (1st day with Sisterlocks)

My best friend Felicia got her Sisterlocks a few year before me, and when I saw them I knew what I wanted. I was going to get Sisterlocks and that was that. Sisterlocks were neat, little, you could style them anyway you want and I had to have them. There weren't any more questions in my mind. The locking technique used with Sisterlocks was great for my hair type and I wouldn't have to worry about my hair taking  forever to lock.

 (Almost a year Old!)

I have had my Sisterlocks for over a year now and I LOVE THEM! Getting Sisterlocks was the best decision I have made when it comes to my hair. I am not one of these people who try to convince every women with a relaxer to go natural, but I definitely recommend Sisterlocks to anyone who ask questions about my hair and tells me how much they want to go natural but "can't".

 (Almost a year)

To anyone who is looking to be more free when it comes to their hair and is looking for a great way to stay stylish while also keeping their hair healthy, strong and beautiful, I suggest you start your own Sisterlock Experience.

 (About a year)