Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sisterlocks and Pipe Cleaners

So I’ve seen a few youtube videos about rolling sisterlocks on pipe cleaners and I was intrigued. So I went out and bought some. I found a pack of 25 at Michael’s for 99¢, so I bought 3 packs. I heard that I might have been able to get them cheaper at Wal-Mart, but I haven’t verified that information yet. I prepared 2 packs (50) of the pipe cleaners before washing my hair. I folded the pipe cleaner in half and formed a loop around my index finger. I then wrapped the two ends around one another until I reached the end. The loop makes the roller easy to hold and roll.

After banding and washing my hair, I began to take small sections of SLs and wrap them around the pipe cleaner (now turned roller). I started at the loop of the roller from the end of my hair. I rolled it in a spiral formation, because I was striving for a spiral type curl. I folded the end of the pipe cleaner over to secure it in place. It took a little more than an hour to roll my entire head. I did not sit under the dryer because I did my hair early enough in the day to let it air dry and I kept them in over night. Here are pictures of how my hair looked in the pipe cleaners. I ended up using 55 rollers.

FYI…I chose blue pipe cleaners because: 1. Blue is my favorite color :-) and 2. Whenever I use black rollers, bands, or any hair tool, they easily get lost in my jet-black hair.

The next morning when I was ready to get out and about I removed the cleaners. I did not just pull them out, I unwrapped each roller in a circular motion in an effort to preserve the spiral.

Here is what my hair looked like when I took the pipe cleaners out.


I separated each SL for a fuller effect. Unfortunately I had 2 casualties. I have only experienced lock loss in the front temple area. It was the same with my traditional locks. Not sure if there's anything to be done about that. :-(


  • The curls are really tight now, but I still like to outcome and I know it will look better as the days go by. I put a headband on for a different look.

    I think I found my new thing…..pipe cleaners!

    Notes for the future:
  • Colored pipe cleaners may not be a good idea. I am picking some blue fuzz out of my hair.
  • As my hair grows I may need to use more so I need to purchase more pipe cleaners.
  • When I make more, I will not fold them in half. At my current length, I still needed more room at the end of the pipe cleaner.
  • I may consider twisting 2 pipe cleaners together for a little thicker roller.

    PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS! THANKS FOR CHECKING ME OUT!

I will try to remember to take pictures as my hair gets older. I hear this style could last 3 weeks. We will see.

13 comments:

  1. I love the pipecleaner curls. I purchased mine at Michael's as well, but I chose black-because of possible lint. Before I used them, I rubbed them with my fingers to remove any "excess" lint. The curls come out great, and last a long time. Check out Chescalock's (I think I spelled that right) video for pipecleaner curls as well. Great hair, by the way!

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  2. Hello again

    I like your curl with the pipe cleaners. I have used them in the past also and love them. My hair is very dense so last time I rolled I used a lot of pipe cleaners too but my hair (sorry no pictures) curled up extremely tight and it lasted me two weeks of fullness which I need; (oh I always tie my hair up at night). I did however use colored pipe cleaners with no fuzz, I unwind my individually because of my hair type.

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  3. Your locks turned out beautiful!!! Great job!

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  4. I love the pipe cleaners myself.
    My husband was in love with the look.
    I used a distilled water/SL moisture treatment mix.
    The next time I tried Motions hair foam.
    The SL moisture treatment/distilled water mix worked best.

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  5. Your hair looks great! Can you please do mine?

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  6. Chescaleigh
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX-opEkZTQM

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  7. Your hair looks great and thanks for the instructions on using pipe cleaners and where to buy. Maybe it's not a good idea to sleep in them. It could be the cause of weakening your SLs.

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  8. I've been wanting to try something new. This is a great look and I really appreciate the information! I'm on my way to Michael's, LOL!

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  9. @Evie.....I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and they had a pack of 100 for $1.97. So Wal-Mart is cheaper FYI.

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  10. Your style looks great, and using the blue PCs show up better in the pictures. I tried it a couple of months ago and used black ones. Because my hair was only about 5 inches, I cut the PCs in half before twisting the ends together. The curls were very tight but it was a cute look. I'll try it again soon.

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  11. Beautiful! I have done PCs and loved the result. There is a post on my blog. Click on the label cause it is an old post.

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  12. hi IvyLeague what section did u get them from walmart???pls let me know.....also whoever got them from micheal's what section was it?please let me know.......thanks Ladies!!!

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  13. @twshrm At Wal-Mart the pipe cleaners are found in the craft section. At Micheal's you can just ask some one there but I beleive I got them in the craft section too. Like where you find those google eye things people use to decorate sock puppets. :-D Best wishes on your trying the pipe cleaner set. I love it!!!

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