Understanding the Impact of Lightening (Bleahing) on Sisterlocks and Microlocks Hair Health

Sisterlocks/Microlocks are beautiful, lightweight, and versatile—but they are still natural hair, and like all textured hair, they require special care, especially when it comes to chemical treatments like Lightening (bleaching). Here’s why lightening/bleaching can lead to breakage in small locks.

1. Lighteners (Bleach) Strips the Hair of Protein & Moisture

   
   

Bleach is a powerful chemical that lifts the hair’s cuticle to remove pigment. In the process, it strips out natural oils, proteins, and moisture, leaving the hair dry, brittle, and weak. Since Sisterlocks/Microlocks are formed with tightly interwoven strands of hair, any loss of strength or elasticity can cause them to snap or unravel at stress points.

2. Locked Hair Can’t Shed Normally

   
   

In loose natural hair, normal shedding allows damaged hairs to fall away. In Sisterlocks/Microlocks, those shed hairs are locked into the structure, meaning the damage stays trapped, compounding over time. Add lighteners (bleach) to that, and you’re setting the stage for mid-strand or end breakage.

3. Moisture Loss Causes Brittleness

Textured and locked hair relies on hydration. Lighteners (Bleach) strips this moisture, causing dryness and making the hair lose elasticity. As humidity or water contact (e.g., washing or swimming) occurs, weakened bleach-treated locs can swell and literally fall apart at the tips or middle.

Sisterlocks/Microlocks Are Thinner in Diameter

4. Compared to Traditional locks, Sisterlocks/Microlocks are much smaller in size. That

means they have less bulk to absorb the damage. One bad bleach job can weaken the entire lock, especially if the hair was already fine, color-treated, or dry before bleaching.

Thinner Diameter = Less Resilience! Because Sisterlocks/Microlocks are very fine, even small amounts of damage can compromise the entire loc. Users often report locks thinning in the middle or crown, or sections that break several inches from the root after bleaching.

5. Bleach Disrupts the Locking Pattern

When hair is bleached, it can become too soft or mushy, especially during the early stages of locking. This can compromise the internal structure of the lock, causing it to loosen or completely unravel in some areas—and then break off where it’s weak.

6. External Factors Multiply Damage

Chlorine, hard water, UV exposure, tight hairstyles, or over manipulation can further dry or damage locks. These conditions, combined with Lighteners (bleach), accelerate breakage.

Final Thoughts 🔒✨

If you’re thinking about coloring your Sisterlocks/Microlocks, opt for ammonia-free or semi-permanent color, and always consult a licensed colorist who understands locked hair.

Prioritize moisture With Angie's Knots The Shimmy Spray for moisturizing your scalp and Hydration for moisturizing your hair, along with protein treatments. Remember—healthy hair comes before hair color. Want to change your look without the risk? Try temporary color sprays, pigmented gels, or hair wraps that don’t compromise your crown!