There’s something that’s been on my mind for a long time and I need to get this off of my chest once and for all.
I’ve gotten, and still get emails and phone calls from people who desire to get the ever-popular, always beautiful Sisterlocks ™, but a common complaint is:
“I can’t afford them!”
That was my challenge back in 1998 or so when I was tired of the vicious cycle of growth and breakage my hair was going through.
I’m not even sure how I’d heard about SL’s. I just remember getting their brochure in the mail, drooling over how beautiful they were, and feeling devastated when I saw the cost because they were way out of my range.
Aside from the affordability issue, I’ve also heard the complaint that they’re “too expensive” and, well, I don’t necessarily agree with that statement and I’d like to explain why.
But first, let’s clearly define the difference between something being too expensive and being unaffordable.
Unaffordable implies that one does not possess the means to purchase it although they may desire to do so.
Too expensive, on the other hand, implies that whether the person CAN pay for it or not, they do not see the value in it. To them, it’s not worth the cost or the price is unjustifiable.
Put Yourself In The Shoes of a Sisterlocks ™ Consultant
As a former hair care professional, I know firsthand that standing behind the chair doing hair can be draining.
There were days (most days, actually) where I’d be done with clients for the day and I’d literally have to go lie down – not because I was sleepy or tired, but because I just felt… DRAINED.
I don’t know if it’s the energy we get from others, the energy they take from us, or both. But either way, couple that with standing on your feet and working on ONE PERSON for 6 hours… 10 hours… 14 hours or more!
Not only that, but installing a lot of tiny braids can be MURDER on the fingers!
Now although I’ve done thin, skinny locs on people, I don’t think I’ve EVER done anything as tiny as Sisterlocks, so I can definitely see how doing those super-tiny, meticulous sections as well as installing the actual locks, HAS to be some serious work!
Also, keep in mind something that I’m sure many do not even think about – but some people, (and I speak from personal experience as a former stylist) – have HUGE heads! And the larger the circumference of their head is, the more strands of hair per inch.
I’ve done some people’s hair and I’d be like, “DANG… I’m not even half way yet!!” Alright, enough of the “large circumference thing”! LOL
But my point in all this is… as someone who has been on the other side of the chair, I feel that the cost is justified by the work involved.
Let’s Really Put Things Into Perspective
Okay, now let’s really bring it home, still keeping yourself in the Consultant’s shoes.
Imagine a hair care provider, doing “traditional” hair. From what I’ve heard, getting a full relaxer service (relaxer, shampoo, condition, style) can run about $80. Put her in the same salon/shop with a Sisterlock Consultant and they both are working 12 hours.
How many clients could the Stylist fit into that 12-hour period and how much money does she have the potential to make?
A GOOD one might be able to swing 10-12 clients in…maybe more if she’s REALLY playing “musical chairs” having one in the sink “deep conditioning” and another one starting her relaxer while another one is under the dryer letting her wrap or roller set dry!
So if the Stylist has, let’s say 10 clients in a 12-hour period at $80 each, how much has she made? $800!
Now we have the SL Consultant who is working and standing on her feet for the same amount of hours… on ONE PERSON because the sista she is working on has 8-10 inches hair, wants the smallest-sized Sisterlocks she can get AND, she has a large head with very dense hair!
I don’t know about YOU, but if it were ME standing there all day, working my fingers like that… I’d value my time and energy enough to want compensation for only being able to fit one person in a 12-hour day!
And wouldn’t YOU if it were you?
Be honest and really visualize this thang. Of course you would! So let’s keep it real.
“Expensive”, Like Beauty, Is in The Eye of The Beholder
Now in all fairness, I realize that just because one feels that Sisterlocks are too expensive, doesn’t necessarily mean they cannot afford them.
There are those who have the money, but simply don’t feel it’s worth the price. For one person, spending a lot of money on their hair may be unjustifiable BUT that same person might be found spending the same amount or more on something else that, to others, may be seen as a “waste of money”.
Does that make sense?
For example: there are some who will drop a few hundred or more on a designer handbag or a pair of shoes like it’s nothing, but may be more thrifty in all other areas, including hair!
Some are more thrifty with clothing purchases but when it comes to food, it HAS to be the best quality, top name-brands no matter what the cost is.
What about spending hundreds of dollars on weave – a temporary style? And let’s not even MENTION the costly habits some have such as cigarettes, Starbucks, etc.
So, we all pick and choose what we will and will not spend (what we perceive to be) an exorbitant amount of money on, but it does not necessarily mean that the thing in question is “too expensive” – what may be perceived as too costly to some may not be too costly for all!
Having said ALL that…
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