In this beginners guide, we cover everything you need to know about dreadlocks, including: Ever wish there was a simple class on dreadlocks that explains everything you need to know? Let's dig into the differences so you can decide which term is correct for your hair type. Dreads form naturally when. How can you tell? Photo: REX Shutterstock. The question of whether or not there is a difference between dreads and dreadlocks is a popular one, as people often want to know the facts behind this unique do. I use masculine pronouns here because for a long time, in Martinique, Rastafari was mostly a male affair. Rastafari Roots and Ideology, New York: Syracuse University Press. Some people never really grew fond of sleeping on them. Finger coil dreadlocks are done using a coiling/twisting method to start the locs faster than waiting for it to happen naturally. If that bothers you, you may want to try a less controversial style. No rubber bands are typically used, although some people may choose to use them at the tips of their dreads to help keep them from unraveling. With the Green Gold and Red flag, this look and ideas spread throughout the Caribbean and were met with scorn and fear, which is understandable. Don't forget, dreadlocks can be really versatile! Jamila Powell, owner, and founder of Maggie Rose Salon, told, , You can start locs with a two-strand twist, comb twist, or with an interlocking method. Also called dreads, it is a style created by allowing the hair to matt into locks. Dreadlocks can be seen as a sign of strength, a bold sign of self-expression, and a way for people to connect to their roots, identity, and culture. On the other hand, dreadlocks are an intentional hairstyle, often achieved through maintenance and meticulous sectioning of the hair into pointed ropelike formations. Its very easy to do and you should do it regularly, at least a few times each week. Dreadlocks are real. The downside is that the locs formed by 3-strand braids are flatter and less cylindrical than traditional locs. The majority of people that have dreadlocks really . Dreadlocks are best for people who want a specific look that lasts for a very long time. One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. No, its no secret, were not in love with chemicals and what they do to our bodies, hair and our planet. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Just apply some essential oils to your hair. If your hair is short or you dont mind starting over fresh, you can also remove dreads by cutting them off with clippers or scissors close to the root. 1. Section off your hair by tying them up with rubber bands at the roots. Dreads have a more natural appearance, while locs are polished and shiny. But how significant is the term dreadlock to someone who isnt Jamaican and is more interested in relating to their locs through a different lens, which relates to their choices, concepts of beauty, and personal history and/or community? Children born with knotted hair are believed to be incarnations of Dada, a Yoruba Orisha, and are revered until they get a ceremonial haircut, officially instating them as respectable and normal members of their community (Aguele, 2019). I recommend that you speak to an elder or/and consult the mini bibliography below. *() (Edmund Spenser) (c.1552-1599): *:And draweth new delights with hoary hairs . While its not easy to remove dreads, it is possible, so its not like your decision is irreversible. *() (Geoffrey Chaucer) (c.1343-1400): *:Then read he me how Sampson lost his hairs . With dreads, your hair is matted into thick, rope-like locks. What were trying to get at here is the power of language, the power it has over the way we perceive ourselves, the way we perceive the world and the way the world perceives us. Jamaican Rastafarians, also known as Rastas, are well known for their religious beliefs and their sacred dreadlocks. You can go up to 3 weeks in between washes if youre not breaking a sweat regularly or getting your hair dirty. Avoid sudsing up your dreads too much as the shampoo can be tough to fully remove from the locs. Use your favorite hair oil (coconut, argan, olive, etc.) Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site. Locs are created by twisting, palm rolling, braiding, or coiling to create their forms, and this needs to be consistent because as individual hairs become astray, they need to be loced into the structure constantly to keep their tight form. To your dreadlocks, you can also go for a perfect blend of baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. Dreadlocks noun. The following is the historical point that most of us at the time failed to understand. Locks are a cultural identity. Finally, many people feel a sense of personal accomplishment when they rock their dreadlocks. The longer your dreads are, the longer it will take to brush them out successfully. Photo: @wocintechchat Source: UGC. There is a common misconception that dreadlocks are dirty. The "dread" people felt when they saw East African guerilla warriors, supporters of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie (aka Ras . Sisterlocks are applied by Sisterlock specialists who have been trained in this method. They have a more polished appearance overall, which means that they also require more maintenance. Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. They were the representation of their spiritual powers to be used against the colonial authorities and institution oppressing them: Babylon. Dreads and Viking locs, although share some similarities, the two styles actually have a few distinct differences. 3: Cost Leonard Howell, the first rasta did not have dreadlocks Please enter your email address. Dreads vs Locs Explained. High top dreads are related to the fade dread style, except the hair is left longer at the sides rather than shaved down. Regular maintenance time can be much shorter than when done on other types of hairstyles. Locks are the grooming technique of the people of African and Nubian descent. Language may be able to control the way we think and feel, but as clever and powerful individuals, we too have the power to control language, to shape it, reshape it, and create within and beyond its boundaries, which is more or less how the term locs or locks came about. In this beginners guide, we cover everything you need to know about dreadlocks, including: Ever wish there was a simple class on dreadlocks that explains everything you need to know? In short, dont use wax on your dreads ever. Keeping your de-locked, freed hair in braids will make it easier to manage as you work. Best Hair Color for Brown Skin | 20 Hues to Choose, Popular Haircuts for Men | This Years Trending Styles. Ultimately, the choice of which style to choose is up to each individual, and should be based on what works best for their natural hair type, lifestyle, and preference. You will notice that your rot has gone. As you're rinsing, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. 2,500 BCE. Within this context of ignorance, dreadlocks equated dreadful lifestyle But as French and Creole speakers we could not tell the difference, could we? Being part of the natural hair community, youve probably heard the terms locs and dreadlocks used to describe curly or kinky strands of hair that are allowed to grow out without cutting or chemically treating them. Imagine sections of your hair all knotted up and tied together with a matte finish or look when you think of dreadlocks as a hairstyle. We dont see why one should have to resort to chemicals, or other harmful methods to change their natural-born, bangin beauty, or why one should submit to foreign (and outdated) notions of beauty. Wool rubbed locs are formed by creating friction and tangles in the hair with a piece of wool (hat, sweater, etc.). Dreads form naturally when hair isnt brushed or detangled for a while. In rural Martinique, if you were not Rastafarian, you did not have locs, you had a permperiod. In Jamaica, which probably had the strongest influence on the Western World and their black hair history awareness, the term dreadlocks referred to Rastafarians who wore locks as a symbol of their power and religious status. Three-strand twist locs are formed using 3-strand twists as the base of the dreads. Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash. Rosewater and Peppermint Daily Moisturizing/Refreshing Spray, Rosewater and Peppermint Rolling, Moisturizing, Tightening Spray Mist w/ Black Hawaiian Sea Salt, Locsanity Hibiscus Green Tea & Ylang Ylang Growth and Strengthening Moisturizing Conditioning Spray, Top Ingredients in Our Products and Why We Use Them, Three Considerations for Loc Care in the Winter, Things to Consider Before Buying Beard Oil, Why Regular Conditioning and Moisturizing Should Be Part of Your Hair Care Routine, Top 4 Touchy Subjects in the Locs Community, A Journey through the Hidden History of Dreadlocks, 7 Must Have Products While On Vacation With Locs. When youre done shampooing, the next step is properly drying your locs. After shampooing your dreads, squeeze them with a fully dry and absorbent towel. We have also some amazing blog posts about the best locs salons to visit here and here. are matted locs of hair that form naturally due to friction and tangling when the hair is not brushed or detangled for long periods of time. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. But for those who wear their hair in these sculpted ways, there is a difference between Dreads vs Locs hairstyles that go beyond their appearance. Braids are best for people who want to protect their hair while adding length. The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. In terms of convenience, the maintenance of dreadlocks is often far less complicated than other hairstyles, requiring less frequent styling and visits to the salon. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. Class is officially in session! Ultimately, there are many benefits to wearing a natural hairstyle in dreadlocks, from health and maintenance savings to the confidence and personal statement that it can offer. Youll have to carefully maintain and continue shaping your locs over time to get the results you want. 1. Watch popular content from the following creators: Tyra Blizzard(@tblizzy), Rosie Thorns(@rosie_the_homie), Ruby Todman(@scoobytodman), Maranda Sharee Turner(@marandasharee) . Look for formulas that dont contain silicones, which leave a residue and buildup in the hair. Matt vs Dreadlocks. Removing all grime and buildup from the scalp will keep your dreads smelling and looking fresh. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. It can be much faster to care for dreadlocks than it is to care for other styles, as there is no need to blow-dry or style, and wash-and-go styles are completely possible.