Well cover those next. Whether youre thinking about getting dreadlocks or just got locs, theres a lot of conflicting info online on how to properly care for and maintain dreadlocks. PS: If you want to find the best mobile loctician in London, check out our platform afrocks.com It has been and still is a symbol of empowerment and wokeness before the term woke was ever trending. Shampooing dreads is essential to keep them clean and stop them from harboring bacteria, fungus, and dirt. This particular style is done with perm rods but you can also use braids, pip cleaner curlers or a curling wand. But since dreads dont twist or knit the hair, some people find them to be less secure and prone to unraveling. Dreadlocks, also locs, dreads, or in Sanskrit, Ja, are rope-like strands of hair formed by locking or braiding hair.Dreadlocks are controversial and commonly a flashpoint of cultural appropriation, but the style is demonstrably global and ancient and multicultural. You have locs and that is fine. And so, in emulation of the Nazarites, religious ascetics with whom Rastas identified (they also saw themselves as "chosen ones"), they adopted dreadlocks as a tradition of the movement." Repeat for every dreadlock this is the part that takes a lot of time. Essentially, 3-strand twists involve twisting each section of hair while you braid it. Sodium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, What Is Hair Slugging? Having dreadlocks can make a powerful statement in society, but it is not just a fashion statement. Dreadlocks are essentially entangled locks of hair achieved through various means of rolling hair. Knatty Dread notes, First, when hair is in dreads, it doesnt grow straight out and down so that every inch that grows makes the hair an inch longer. While its not easy to remove dreads, it is possible, so its not like your decision is irreversible. Dreadlocks are best for people who want a specific look that lasts for a very long time. Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If youre looking for rounded, rope-like dreads, try the finger coil, three-strand twist, or wool rubbing method. Though the difference between dreads and dreadlocks can easily be explained by looking at the types of hairstyle and how theyre made, there are some people who find the word dreads to be derogatory. 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. Is OGX Good For Your Hair? Look for one that doesnt contain wax. But as a result of the twisting and knitting action, the style is more secure and provides more support. Dreads also tug on small sections of your scalp at the roots, which can be very unpleasant and cause headaches. At that time, you did not wear dreadlocks to be cute or have long hair. No matter the race, you will find a connection to having dreadlocks for spiritual reasons., Having a spiritual connection to hair is one of the most notable differencesbetween dreadlocks and locs. High Ponytail with Undercut. The truth is that while dreads arent as maintenance-heavy as other hairstyles, you still have to take time to maintain and care for them if you want them to look, feel, and smell their best. He links the current Nigerian animosity towards men wearing locs to the deeply rooted beliefs that Dada hair is a connection to the spiritual world, the unknown. A quick search for the origin of dreadlocks will result in multiple hits from different sources, all of which have a common conclusion: dreadlocks have been around for years among countless civilizations and different people. Weve covered a lot in this dreadlock 101 lesson. In here, Ive explained how Viking locs and dreads differ and why dreadlocks can now be an offensive term. Dreads are a study in progress. Tea tree oil works like magic here in this situation and removes grease, oil, dirt, and foul odor from hair. Learning the basics of dreadlock maintenance and care will help you avoid these common problems with ease. Indians call them "jata", and they are generally worn by adherents of Shiva. If you have noticed, the loc hairstyle comes out cleaner and prettier than dreadlocks that appear more relaxed and somewhat fuzzy. 20 Congo dreads (bongo) hairstyles for ladies and men in 2023. Apart from the general confusion regarding the meaning of dreadlocks vs. locs, there is one significant underlying negative connotation that is reasonably valid and . Leaving 3-strand twists in for 2-6 months will jumpstart dreadlock formation. Source: @los_cut_it via Instagram. Locs, on the other hand, are not usually associated with any religious practice and tend to be very defined from root to tip. If locs appeal to you and youre willing to put in the time and care to properly maintain them, we say go for it. Dreadlocks, sometimes just referred to as dreads, are a hairstyle with a long history of cultural and religious significance. Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, Address: This tropical-scented gel utilizes aloe vera, hempseed oil, and a mix of vitamins to tighten locs. So, as you can see, in the hair dilemma of dreads vs locs, the actual style that you prefer to adopt will mostly depend on how you want your hair to appear overall. Hair loss due to natural shedding within the locs over time, Frizz and brittle, straw-like hair texture, Split, fragile ends that may need to be cut off. Braids are best for people who want to protect their hair while adding length. Within a year of no brushing, youre going to see matted, dreadlocked sections in your hair. So, what is the difference between dreads and locs? Dreadlocks vs. Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. Although popular myth gives Rastafarians credit for inventing the style, it is almost as old as humanity itself. Leonard Howell, the first rasta did not have dreadlocks You can go up to 3 weeks in between washes if youre not breaking a sweat regularly or getting your hair dirty. So should we all. The major distinguishing factor of dreads and locs is that one is a hairstyle while the other is a lifestyle. A hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow into long matted strings. 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. (1994b). Heres a quick overview of what youll learn: Ready to jump in? 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. 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA, 30076, Working Days/Hours:Monday - Friday 9:30am - 2:00pm EST. 1 of 5. Sisterlocks are thinner and more flexible than traditional locks, which makes them easy to curl and pin into up-swept hairstyles. How are they different from each other? Tilt your head backward or downward and let the water run all the way through your locks, from your scalp to the end of your hair. 13. Dreads can be created by either backcombing, braiding, coiling, twisting, or rolling strands of the hair, which are then sculpted into thicker rope-like structures. With certain textures, your hair will only partially lock up, creating a harsh mixture of dreaded and straight or wavy hair. 3: Cost Hygiene. Though we cant speak for everyone and have no intention of taking on such a responsibility, we do know that the transition towards natural hair is not always an easy one. Dreadlocks is an impolite term. The hairstyle was demonised and anyone wearing dreadlocks was suspicious, a potential thief, definitely a drug addict whose mother was fervently praying for his deliverance. The biggest difference between dreadlocks and locs is quite simple. The locs at the crown of the head can be grown as long as you like, but look especially on-trend when grown out and swept forward. We dive deep into this traditional hairstyle and what makes it unique. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Loc Rivalry: Microlocks vs Sisterlocks vs dreadlocks. Dread wax is often recommended to help start and maintain dreadlocks. Top 9 Best Shampoo for Relaxed Hair | For Healthy, Smooth Tresses! Your hair encapsulated this power granted by this new system of beliefs and you were a force to be reckoned with, you inspire dread to Babylon. Create dreads hair by starting with 1-inch sections at a time. Dreadlocks, on the other hand, are also a hairstyle, but they are popularly known to be worn by those who follow the Rastafarian religion, like Bob Marley. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #dreadlocks, #mattlocks, #dreadslocks, #dreadlocks . Moreover, the natural oils can be evenly distributed without having to use product and so reduce the possibility of brittleness or the development of split ends and breakage. For the most part, people who wear dreadlocks tend to have a strong . Afrocks is an online platform connecting clients with with quality Mobile Afro Hairdressers headquartered in London, UK, When it comes to taking care of your afro hair, there is a v, After a lot of research and contemplation, you are ready to, 15 Dreadlocks & Locs Salons You Should Definitely Visit In London, Back in 2016, I wrote about 5 locs salons I had personally v, With the adoption of matted hair, called, Wearing dreadlocks was risking your life to defend your Panafrican ideology.. Its less work to maintain dreads than it is to style and maintain long hair, but theres still quite a bit of maintenance involved. Myths Among the Jamaican People, in R., Lewis, P., Bryan. The result is cylindrical, rounded twists that hold the hair in its twisted pattern for weeks to months. Residue-free shampoo is key for keeping locs clean. While some people may use both terms interchangeably, . To palm roll your dreads, just take a single loc and quickly roll it back and forth in your palms. The truth is, both are great options and The truth is, it all depends on preferences, lifestyle and the amount of desired maintenance. 2. We've sent you an email with a link to update your password. The following is the historical point that most of us at the time failed to understand. Braids have the same advantage as dreadlocks of being arguably better to maintain and upkeep than regular hair. This is due to its association with reggae and Rastafarian culture and its negative connotations for Jamaicans and black people. Many people start the brushing out process by cutting the dreads to a shorter, more manageable length. Biologically hair helps us to regulate body temperature. It is said the community feared such powerful figures, as awe-inspiring figures. Empress Rachel, one of the first women to have joined the Bobo Shanti House of Rastafari in the 1960s, tells us that if you had dreadlocks in the 60s, you ran the risk to be beaten, arrested, humiliated and shaved by the police, your house and yard could be raided and burned or you could just disappear. He saw in the latter the Messiah for afro descendants and quickly created autonomous communes for the economical, spiritual and social emancipation of Jamaicans. Also called locking accelerator, a good dread tightening spray is key to forming and maintaining nice locs. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less). Locks are a cultural identity. Here at Dr Locs we absolutely love the term locs and we love our locs, it couldnt be more simple than that! Within a year of no brushing, youre going to see matted, dreadlocked sections in your hair. 20. It would be stupid to me to be offended by the term dreadlocks. In fact, even though most Rastaman and Rastawoman that I know and that I have met do keep their hair clean and have ritualistic grooming routines, their dreadlocks look nothing like the neat well twisted, often coloured locs that you and I rock for fashion. Watch popular content from the following creators: Tyra Blizzard(@tblizzy), Rosie Thorns(@rosie_the_homie), Ruby Todman(@scoobytodman), Maranda Sharee Turner(@marandasharee) . Both are unique hairstyles that not only prevent the hair from losing moisture but also help to promote stronger hair and minimize any shedding from the scalp. To the Rastaman, the dread, in dreadlocks is not self-deprecating, but a celebration of ones freedom. While dreads might have a historical and religious affiliation, others may have simply chosen to 'loc' their hair as a styling preference. The term Dreadlocks has an interesting history which most notably stems from a group of courageous East African warriors and holy and powerful Rastafarians in Jamaica. Well cover those next. 1. Conversely, others say they find the beginning stages to be the hardest. Dreadlocks have quite the history. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. There is nothing dreadful about my hair! I have heard this expression and read some interesting posts on Tumblr about the use of the word dreadlocks to describe the ropelike matted hairstyle popularised by Bob Marley in the 70s. That is the reason why I argue that you can always have locs, but not necessarily dreadlocks. Once youve wrung out your locs with a towel, keep them separated as much as possible. After sectioning and braiding the hair, the braids are left in place for at least 6 months to allow the hair to tangle and mat into dreadlocks. The situation became so direthat the government ordered a report on the subject from the University of the West Indies to attempt to understand the Rastafari movement andlivitybetter. Because I was born and raised in the Caribbean in the 90s, I could understand the very valid point made by these locticians and afrocentric activists about using language to elevate and not denigrate ourselves, but the country girl in me had some reservations and if you have time Ill tell you why you will never have dreadlocks and if you do, why it is, on the contrary, a wonderful and powerful ting. With dreadlocks growing out on their own with no manipulation, it would look similar to Bob Marleys hair. Finally, many people feel a sense of personal accomplishment when they rock their dreadlocks. After sectioning clean hair, each section is twisted tightly into a coil and pinned until all sections are dry. Chimere Faulk, a natural hair stylist based in Atlanta, GA and owner of, , Dreadlocks can be traced to just about every civilization in history. Jamila Powell, owner, and founder of Maggie Rose Salon, told Byrdie.com, You can start locs with a two-strand twist, comb twist, or with an interlocking method. The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. These processes will matt the hair in a particular style. If youre interested in learning how to start any of the following types of locs, check out our complete step-by-step guide here: How to Get Dreads | 4 Ways to Start Dreadlocks. 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. Well, youre in luck, because in this article, we at Luxe Luminous are going to share with you what the exact difference is, which should dispel any confusion that you might have. In essence, dreads are an evolving, nearly organic form of hair styling where the hair is encouraged to form natural tension knots, also known as dread seals, due to the continual matting of the hair. 3. Please follow us on our social media channels at @locsanity and leave us a fantastic review. origins arent clear, but scholars suspect it comes from British soldiers who expressed feelings of dread and dismay upon encountering the formidable Mau Mau tribal warriors in East African, then-British-ruled Kenya. Therefore, the biggest difference between dreads and dreadlocks is the process whereby each is achieved dreads are natural whereas dreadlocks are premeditated. It's hard to tell who had them first, because early humans, lacking combs or styling products . Overall, both dreads and Viking locs can be an amazing way to wear natural hair and express yourself. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips! Rastafari and the Exorcism of Racism and classism. Jahmaica Rastafari and Jamaican Society 1930-1990. This technique allows the hair strands to take on their rope-like forms over time. Within this context of ignorance, dreadlocks equated dreadful lifestyle But as French and Creole speakers we could not tell the difference, could we? Whether youre rocking locs or dreadlocks, how you wear your hair is a personal decision that everyone should respect. The warriors hairstyle became synonymous with dread and the soldiers could see how the hair strands were tangled and locked into place. If you think youve used enough oil, use a little more. Depending on the cultural context, you may call dreadlocks by different names, including dreads and locks. You should never use heat to dry your locs. 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. Today, individuals who subscribe to the concept of fairy locks claim that this was a normal and even preferred hairstyle among various European groups, including the Celts and Vikings, and modern subscribers "dread" their hair (Figure 1), claiming that they have a right to do so as their European ancestors had done it for centuries before. is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. 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. The "dread" people felt when they saw East African guerilla warriors, supporters of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie (aka Ras . Although they are rather similar to dreads in the fact that they are a hairstyle that will need time and patience to achieve, locs are different. Read on for a look into the history of locs, from 2,500 BCE to today. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. You can go up to 3 weeks in between washes if youre not breaking a sweat regularly or getting your hair dirty. The late Professor Chevannes, Sociologist and authority on Rastafari at the University of West Indies, tells us that in order to signify his departure from the spiritual and social paradigms of colonial Jamaica, Howell decided to wear a beard like H.I.M. Whether youre embracing your African roots with this hairstyle or are just looking for a cool hairstyle you dont have to style daily, know that your dreads could be met with some judgemental glances and stares from strangers. In short, dont use wax on your dreads ever. Are dreads or twists better for natural hair. Dreadlocks? You can use multiple methods to form locs. This means that locs are really hard to remove because the hair will have to be unlocked, which is a challenge. If youre keeping up with the beauty trends youd know theyre all going for a natural look to flaunt their natural beauty and so should you! 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. While dreadlocks are a type of hair styling created by individual strands of dreads intertwined and shaped together, dreads simply refer to the individual strands of matted hair. The secret behind beauty has always been confidence. You will also need to consider the amount of time that you are willing to put in to keep up the appearance you want to create. When it comes to the debate of dreads vs locs vs twists, its important to define each of the styles first. This indicates that having natural afro hair is no longer radical and this is progress. A hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow into long matted strings. But what exactly are they? Knotty Boy Lockstead Tropical Tightening Gel $15.00. The resulting finger coils take 6 months to a year to mat into true dreadlocks. You had dreadlocks, you were dangerous and in danger. Photo: @Robyn Yzette, @Jenn B, @Starr Williams (modified by author) Source: UGC. One of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks is that they dont require any maintenance just loc and go! The spiral dreads are here to showcase that having dreadlocks doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy beautiful curls and waves. Photo: REX Shutterstock. Theyre matted and locked sections of hair that are not easy to remove. This gives the style movement and structure. It is fascinating to see how this West African tradition echoes with the intent of Rastafari. Add a touch of baby pink in between the thin lilac strands for a more detailed look. This is great if youre impatient to see how your new dreads will look! If locs appeal to you and youre willing to put in the time and care to properly maintain them, we say go for it. As we know, the history of locs is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. On the other hand, dreadlocks are an intentional hairstyle, often achieved through maintenance and meticulous sectioning of the hair into pointed ropelike formations. If youre interested in learning how to start any of the following types of locs, check out our complete step-by-step guide here:How to Get Dreads | 4 Ways to Start Dreadlocks. This starts with having the right arsenal of products, maintenance methods, and care tips. These products coat the locs in a moisturizing cream that delivers nutrients and hydration deep into your dreads. Dreadlocks often stem from the Rastafarian religion and beliefs. The downside is that the locs formed by 3-strand braids are flatter and less cylindrical than traditional locs. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. But most people that get dreadlocks have them styled and formed on purpose. According to Tharps, "the modern understanding of dreadlocks is that the British, who were . This is especially effective on cut locs where theres an open end. The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. Look for formulas that dont contain silicones, which leave a residue and buildup in the hair. Freeform dreadlocks 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. Dreadlocks, also referred to as dreads or locs, are sections of hair that are matted and locked into place. With that said, its 100% possible to remove dreads without damaging or cutting your hair. On the other hand, if you prefer a more secure style, and you dont mind spending more time styling the hair, twists might be the right option for you. Just fill in the fields below, and well get a new account set up for you in no time. When it comes to comparison of dreads and Viking locs, people often mistake one for the other. Victoria Holmes. At that time, you did not wear dreadlocks to be cute or have long hair You wore dreadlocks because you were defiant, you believed that HIM Haile Selassie was God, you believed that all Afrodescendants should be repatriated to an African country with reparations. This style is also known as Jata, Sanskrit, dreads, or locs, which all use different methods to encourage the formation of the locs such as rolling, braiding, and backcombing. 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. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. The origin of the word "dreadlock" isn't well-documented, but there are two likely sources for this compounding of "dread" (fear) and "lock" (tress of hair): 1. They had spouses and partners but the Rastawoman was rare. Unbrushed or uncombed hair will eventually turn into dreads when it becomes matted, so its fairly obvious that before combs were invented, most humans would have had some form of naturally occurring dreads on their hair! Lets take a look at the 5 general types of dreadlocks according to how theyre formed. Dreads vs Locs Explained. Since wax isnt water soluble, over time it will form a moisture barrier that prevents water from evaporating from your dreads (read: stinky locs). If you want something low maintenance, dreads are a great option. This results in a unique hairdo, consisting of an array of twists, turns, coils and various sized strands, with some having more structure than others. Consider this guide Dreadlocks 101. It is also a great reminder that there are endless ways to wear and express yourself confidently. Worried about misshapen, loose, dry, or stanky locs? Until the day be fulfilled of his consecration to the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the hair of his head grow. Rastafari and Other African-Caribbean Worldviews. All three styles are unique and provide a beautiful, unique look, whether rocking natural hair or with added extensions. Dreads form naturally when hair isnt brushed or detangled for a while. I recommend that you speak to an elder or/and consult the mini bibliography below. It can also attract lint and dirt to your dreads. If you properly form and maintain your dreadlocks, they wont ruin your hair. A password reset email has been sent to the email address on file for your account, but may take several minutes to show up in your inbox. Interlocking - Interlocking is done with a latch hook that pulls the ends of the hair through the roots, creating the internal structure of the dreads. With dreads, your hair is matted into thick, rope-like locks. Amongst the fancy dreadlocks styles for ladies, this can be regarded as one of the classiest. 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. In rural Martinique, if you were not Rastafarian, you did not have locs, you had a permperiod. References. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. 4. The history of the Rastafarian movement is a long one, but if youre interested in reading more about the history of dreadlocks, we have a more in-depth article for you here. As a proper noun Matt is a short form of the male given name Matthew. Registering for this site allows you to access your order status and history. Don't forget, dreadlocks can be really versatile! Howell and his followers were often arrested on flimsical motives creating an atmosphere of fear and defiance within the movement. From defining and explaining what dreadlocks are to step-by-step instructions on removing them, youre now well-informed about this traditional hairstyle, how to care for it, and what makes it so unique. Sisterlocks are applied by Sisterlock specialists who have been trained in this method. The truth is that while dreads arent as maintenance-heavy as other hairstyles, you still have to take time to maintain and care for them if you want them to look, feel, and smell their best. Dreads form naturally when. Twists, on the other hand, require more energy and time to create. 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. Locs/dreadlocks meant that you were a rasta and brought shame to your family as you would be unable to integrate polite society. Seen adorning the heads of members of various ethnicities, dreadlocks show no sign of going away anytime soon. We dive deep into this traditional hairstyle and what makes it unique. Hi Im Nathalie, I am a nerdy mother of two, in need of a nap. Moisturizing dread creams are essential to keep dreadlocks hydrated and supple while avoiding breakage and frizz. Because you can't wash your hair all the time, lint, fur and other dirt could get stuck in your hair, it could make your scalp itchy. Three-strand twist locs are formed using 3-strand twists as the base of the dreads. Is there a difference between dreads and dreadlocks, you can find out in the article below. In some cases, having dreadlocks can save time in the morning when it comes to maintaining your hair. As an adjective matt is an alternative spelling of lang=en. 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. Dreads and locs provide a more an effortless or just woke-up look, while twists are more precise and precise and provide for an overall more precise hairdo. On the other hand, dreadlocks are a premeditated and far more intentional style, where the hair is sectioned and locked into place. Comfort. It also takes a while for the hair to fully loc up because youre not following any twist or braid methods to jumpstart the process. To honour all of these women and men who lost their lives or were persecuted by the police just because they denounced colonial injustice and oppression, I think that we should put some respect in the term. Youll need the following products to properly maintain and care for your dreads. But most people that get dreadlocks have them styled and formed on purpose. With dreads, your hair is matted into thick, rope-like locks. Does OGX Shampoo Lead to Hair Loss? The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. When youre done shampooing, the next step is properly drying your locs.