Ghanaian Expert Launches Sisterlocks Company

Ashita Lashone Johnson opened Sisterlocks by Ashita L in Atlanta on March 23, 2023. The studio offers the Sisterlocks technique, a method for styling natural hair into small, uniform locks. Johnson, who grew up in Ghana, has worked with her hair for twenty-one years. She states that she previously tried relaxers, short Afros, shoulder-length coils, pixie cuts, twists, and braids. Despite these efforts, she felt the need for a new approach to hair care.

Johnson describes her journey as a search for a style that provided freedom and beauty without heavy maintenance. She notes that short hair made her feel free, while long knotless braids made her feel beautiful but risked damage. She settled on Sisterlocks after reading about the method in a magazine in 2002. The technique requires no heat and minimal product, which appealed to her after years of using chemical relaxers.

The Sisterlocks method was developed by Ollie Johnson in 1991. It involves using a small crochet hook to interlock hair into small, round locks. Each lock contains roughly one hundred strands of hair. The process creates a style that grows out naturally without the need for extensions or synthetic hair. Johnson says the locks can be worn in various ways, including as a bun, ponytail, or loose style.

Johnson charges $1,304 for the initial installation of Sisterlocks. The installation process takes approximately four to five hours. Clients must return every two weeks for retouches to maintain the style. The retouch fee is not specified in the source, but Johnson notes that the ongoing maintenance is lower than other protective styles. She explains that the locks do not require combing or brushing, which reduces breakage and damage over time.

Before opening her own studio, Johnson worked for other Sisterlocks stylists. She cites a lack of confidence in her own hair as a barrier to seeking out the style earlier. She mentions that she had to wait to see if the style would work for her hair type. Johnson says she now feels confident in her hair and enjoys the versatility of the locks. She describes the style as beautiful, full, and confident every day.

Johnson notes that the Sisterlocks community is growing. She mentions that clients often seek out her services after seeing her hair or reading reviews. She says that the style appeals to people who want a low-maintenance option that still allows for different looks. Johnson emphasizes that the locks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. She advises potential clients to consult with a stylist to determine if the style is right for their hair type and lifestyle.

The studio is located in Atlanta and serves clients from across the city. Johnson says that her goal is to provide a space where clients can feel comfortable and confident in their natural hair. She notes that the business has grown since its opening in 2023. She plans to continue offering the Sisterlocks technique and other natural hair services. Johnson says that she is excited to see how the business evolves in the coming years.