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. Let's dig into the differences so you can decide which term is correct for your hair type. You had dreadlocks, you were dangerous and in danger. The history of dreadlocks, understandably, is complex. The fact is the Vikings were one of several ancient people groups to have worn dreadlocks, along with the ancient Gauls, Celts, Indians, and many more. Add a touch of baby pink in between the thin lilac strands for a more detailed look. 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 the now-viral video, TikToker Josh Escobar (@esco_tha . Hygiene. This means that locs are really hard to remove because the hair will have to be unlocked, which is a challenge. Once your dreads are saturated with oil, use a spray bottle filled with water to spray the loc youre working on first. This is important to consider before you get dreads. [1] The matted hair will usually grow in long strands, providing the person with the dreadlock style. 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. Your scalp is where the bacteria, fungus, oil, and dirt thrive. Retwisting or palm rolling your locs too often can cause damage to your hair, as can leaving your locs damp after a shower. Leaving 3-strand twists in for 2-6 months will jumpstart dreadlock formation. Braid each section and secure them at the ends with more elastics. 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. 20 Stunning Hairstyles With Thin Dreads - HairstyleCamp Dread wax is often recommended to help start and maintain dreadlocks. After combing out all your dreads, youll need to shampoo and. 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? Look for one that doesnt contain wax. 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. 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. This style is also very low maintenance and requires little more than a shampoo from time to time. Locs vs. Dreadlocks: Which Term Should You Use? - Locsanity How can you tell? If youre a Rasta or a fan of Rastafarianism and want to pay homage to this religious movement, its perfectly acceptable to use the term dreadlocks. Dreadlocks vs. Instead of using the term dreads, it is often seen as more respectful to use the word dreadlocks instead, as this doesnt carry the same social stigma as the former. I have recently restarted my locs journey and I am engrossed with them and their evolution. Loc Rivalry: Microlocks vs Sisterlocks vs dreadlocks. 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. 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! With that said, its 100% possible to remove dreads without damaging or cutting your hair. (1994a). Urban Dictionary: dreadlocks That is the reason why I argue that you can always have locs, but not necessarily dreadlocks. Sisterlocks give you the look of locs without requiring you to go through the lengthy procedure of locking your hair. Lets take a look at the 5 general types of dreadlocks according to how theyre formed. Matted, unkept hair, which can be regarded as the nature of the dreadlocks or even locs, is frowned upon, no matter the culture. One of the most common questions we hear from people considering dreadlocks is Will dreads ruin my hair? Dreadlocks dont always cause damage to your hair, but they certainly can depending on the method you use to form them and how you maintain them. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best and wearing dreadlocks is a great way to do so. 13. 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. The Guardian writes, During the early days, Rastas, looking for meaning in the Old Testament, found the following passage in Numbers 6:5: "All the days of the vow of separation, no razor shall pass over his head. The terms dreads and dreadlocks are often used interchangeably, however, there is a key difference between the two. Dreadlocks 101 | Everything You Need to Know About Locs They will also often use a chemical compound to lock the individual dreads in place. A saloon, barber or other hair specialist may be necessary to ensure the dreads are crafted and maintained properly. Dreads have a more natural appearance, while locs are polished and shiny. Are dreads or twists better for natural hair. Use your favorite hair oil (coconut, argan, olive, etc.) The very first man to call himself a Rastaman, Leonard Howell, did not have dreadlocks, he had a beard. Instead, it turns back and forth, weaving through the dread. This shows that the uniform loc style you may typically see in your everyday life is not dreadlocks but locs. The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. 70 Dreadlocks For Men To Copy In 2023 - Mens Haircuts Though what we also know is the power of language and the way it intensely affects both our conscious and subconscious minds. Dreads are a form of hairstyling wherein sections of the hair are separated, twisted, and held together with a rubber band or other form of adherence. 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. What's The Difference Between Locs And Dreadlocks? Does OGX Shampoo Lead to Hair Loss? With the adoption of matted hair, called dreadlocks, in addition to the already existing beard, they were visually breaking with the Jamaican middle-class idea of respectability and appropriateness, erasing all ambiguities about their spiritual and ideological allegiance. After shampooing your dreads, squeeze them with a fully dry and absorbent towel. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. Dreaded Bun + Undercut Fade. Some dreadlocks styles are created by simply allowing textured, uncombed hair to bunch and naturally knot together to develop into locked shapes over the years others are . They wanted to be dangerous, not towards normal people but to the colonial authorities. One of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks is that they dont require any maintenance just loc and go! This results in a much neater and smoother loc since it is a tightly braided rather than a matted form like dreadlocks. Rastafari and the Exorcism of Racism and classism. But most people that get dreadlocks have them styled and formed on purpose. Wool rubbed locs are formed by creating friction and tangles in the hair with a piece of wool (hat, sweater, etc.). Another huge benefit is that with sisterlocks, you can keep your relaxed ends (as long as you have 11/2 inches of naturally textured new growth.) Final Thoughts. Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. Dreads vs. Locks - Difference Wiki Dread itself means horrible and frightening, and locs means locks, together it is as if such a hairstyle is a horrible existence, which . The 30 Most Popular Dread Styles for Women to Rock in 2023. 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. With my PhD focused on gender equality in Rastafari, I am into black women representations in mass Media. Moreover, you can get the dreads with the help of your hands or fingers twisted in the hair. 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. 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). Is There A Difference Between Dreads And Dreadlocks | Viking Locs Vs 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. 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. 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? Consider this guide Dreadlocks 101. It is also a symbol of self-acceptance and freedom from social norms. Not that we want to put up sides and call one side our rivalry and the other our crew, as the term vs may imply, we just want to let you know why here, at Dr Locs, we prefer to refer to our locs as locs minus the dread, which has a variety of implications. Plus, freeform dreadlocks usually lack uniformity, and if you don't have naturally kinky or curly hair, the locks can sometimes form too . Vic Dicara of Knotty Boy, states, Left to its own devices, hair will naturally knot together and form mats or dreadlocks. Dreadlocks dont require manipulation to get started. To the Rastaman, the dread, in dreadlocks is not self-deprecating, but a celebration of ones freedom. Instagram / @loopsalon. While its not easy to remove dreads, it is possible, so its not like your decision is irreversible. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less). 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. Some people prefer to remove dreadlocks using the teeth of a metal comb or the handle of a rat tail comb. January 4, 2023. Matt vs Dreadlocks. Overtime, the hair will continue to matt and form dreads on its own. The wool is rubbed against the hair in a circular motion until small locs begin to form. Its also going to help give you a more homogenous hair texture when youre finished. No matter the race, you will find a connection to having dreadlocks for spiritual reasons.. While dreads might have a historical and religious affiliation, others may have simply chosen to 'loc' their hair as a styling preference. 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. You wont end up with perfect locs on day one, no matter what method you use. 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. 60 Hottest Men's Dreadlocks Styles to Try - The Right Hairstyles By wearing them, you can embrace the uniqueness of your natural hair and stand up for what you believe in. Take the loose hair tool and push it into and down through the middle of the dreadlock. Though we too can master language, the way we speak, to phrases we use and the terms we relate to in order to sustain a positive and healthy outlook on life. I use masculine pronouns here because for a long time, in Martinique, Rastafari was mostly a male affair. N.S. Please wait at least 10 minutes before attempting another reset. The earliest written reference of locks is found in Vedic scriptures, holy Hindu texts dating back to 1500BC, in which Lord Shiva's hair is . One of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks is that they dont require any maintenance just loc and go! Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. 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. (1995). 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. New York: One drop Book. Knotty Boy Lockstead Tropical Tightening Gel $15.00. Learning the basics of dreadlock maintenance and care will help you avoid these common problems with ease. Having a spiritual connection to hair is one of the most notable differencesbetween dreadlocks and locs. After shampooing your dreads, squeeze them with a fully dry and absorbent towel. Why I Don't Wear Dreadlocks - Medium Cultural Appropriation Unmasked: "Fairy Locks" and the - Blogger If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. History Of Dreadlocks Black Hair Culture - Refinery29 Dreads form naturally when hair isnt brushed or detangled for a while. These products coat the locs in a moisturizing cream that delivers nutrients and hydration deep into your dreads. These processes will matt the hair in a particular style. While this type of dread sounds similar to the three-strand braid locs, the method itself and the resulting locs are actually quite different. As you're rinsing, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. You can go up to 3 weeks in between washes if youre not breaking a sweat regularly or getting your hair dirty. Dreadlocks are best for people who want a specific look that lasts for a very long time. Brotherlocks VS Dreadlocks : 4 Strange differences to know 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. Spray every few minutes as you work to keep the loc wet. On the surface, dreadlocks are "free-formed" locs of hair (i.e., hair locks). Sir Roy Augier, professors Rex Nettleford and MG Smith, the authors of said report, debunked many misconceptions about Rastafari. The other difference locs have, as opposed to dreadlocks, is that the roots of the hair are defined and can be seen, and they form a pattern that shows parts of the scalp. Twisted Locks of Hair: The Complicated History of Dreadlocks They were the representation of their spiritual powers to be used against the colonial authorities and institution oppressing them: Babylon. This particular style is done with perm rods but you can also use braids, pip cleaner curlers or a curling wand. and completely cover and saturate every dreadlock with it. Avoid sudsing up your dreads too much as the shampoo can be tough to fully remove from the locs. Dreads and locks are different from each other in a matter of perception and personal expression. You might find it difficult or uncomfortable to sleep on them during the first few days or weeks. Finally, we have twists, which are created similarly to dreads in the sense that two strands of the hair are separated, but in the case of twists, the two separate strands are commonly braided together and without the use of an adhesive. This tropical-scented gel utilizes aloe vera, hempseed oil, and a mix of vitamins to tighten locs. Picture credit @CaribJournal. 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. On the other hand, Viking locs are much less damaging to the hair as the technique has been designed to keep the locks soft, smooth and less prone to pulling. That's because the hair needs a certain amount of curl or kink to "lock" the strands together in segments. From what dreadlocks are and their history to how to properly care for and maintain modern locs, weve got you covered. Biologically hair helps us to regulate body temperature. A TikToker has gone viral for demonstrating why white people shouldn't wear dreadlocksbut it's not for the reasons one might think. No matter if someone wears dreads or dreadlocks, the overall appearance is quite compelling. Though what we also know is the power of language and the way it intensely affects both our conscious and subconscious minds. You've just added this product to the cart: Start typing to see products you are looking for. 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. With certain textures, your hair will only partially lock up, creating a harsh mixture of dreaded and straight or wavy hair. Dreadlocks are real. By StyleSeat June 1, 2022. As an adjective matt is an alternative spelling of lang=en. This was a succinct post that Ive tried to focus on hair, which does not do justice to the depth of the Rastafari movement. To palm roll your dreads, just take a single loc and quickly roll it back and forth in your palms. Since finger coils create hanging sections of hair that look similar to dreads, youll have the look of locs before the hair has genuinely matted to form true locs. Dreadlocks are installed with the help of the palm-rolling or twisting technique. "Mature" is a term used to describe a condition of the dreadlocks which is usually reached somewhere between the dreadlocks' age of 18 and 36 months (depending on the way they were started, how/if they've been maintained, the hair type, etc.) 4.5 out of 5 stars (502) $ 2.99. SLS and SLES Shampoo What Are They? Victoria Holmes. But regardless of the outcome, you can be sure that your decision will give you a hairstyle that will last and last and last! Attend any music festival the world over, and youll see people of all colors and ages wearing dreadlocked hairstyles. They have a more polished appearance overall, which means that they also require more maintenance. When the hair is dreaded, the roots arent defined. Green Shampoo for Red Hair Tones: How Does It Help? Two things to know about this method: Wool rubbed locs are an easy way to jumpstart dreadlock formation, but this is known to be the most damaging method on hair. Dreadlocks Vs Locs Vs Braids: Please Say Locs Instead Of Dreadlocks Source: @los_cut_it via Instagram. The hairstyle was designed to shock, to inspire awe, to represent the havenots and it worked. I have referred to my age and my Caribbean roots because in the 90s Rastafari was still very influential in Caribbean culture at large. What is The Difference Between Dreads Vs. Locs? - Gud Story She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. There are a few methods used to jumpstart the matting and form uniformly-shaped, cylindrical locs. But since dreads dont twist or knit the hair, some people find them to be less secure and prone to unraveling. These days, though, the dreadlocked hairstyle has also been adopted by many alternative cultures. Wearing dreadlocks was risking your life to defend your Panafrican ideology. Previously worn only by hippies, dreads are growing in popularity. Essentially, 3-strand twists involve twisting each section of hair while you braid it. Wax can also cause dreads to harden over time. 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. If you are active and sweat a lot, you may want to wash your dreads at least once a week. Overall, both dreads and Viking locs can be an amazing way to wear natural hair and express yourself. One question we hear a lot is Do you have to wash dreads? The answer to that is an emphatic YES. In short, dont use wax on your dreads ever. There is also a physical difference between the two hairstyles. Your best chance is to visit a stylist that provides dreadlock styling for people with thin hair. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. Three-strand twist locs are formed using 3-strand twists as the base of the dreads. 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. Insert it about 2 inches from where the loose hair is. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Rastas-beatenforcibly-trimmed-of-their-locks-after-Coral-Gardens_45946, https://www.jstor.org/stable/40653024?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Remember: friends dont let friends say rastas to refer to the hairstyle stay woke! Consequently, some individuals prefer the organic structure of dreads, while those that want a sharper, more defined look opt for dreadlocks. (1998). 35 Coolest Dread Hairstyles for Women in 2023 - The - The Trend Spotter PS: If you want to find the best mobile loctician in London, check out our platform afrocks.com On the East African front, the term for 'dreadlocks' apparently came from the feeling of dread aroused in anyone who came upon these valiant warriors (who were . Even though you can grow dreadlocks if you just leave your hair alone to lock, there are disadvantages to the "freeform method."Simply allowing hair to form into locks by itself can take a long time, and it could take months or years for your locks to form. Shampooing dreads is recommended at least once every 2 weeks. Its less work to maintain dreads than it is to style and maintain long hair, but theres still quite a bit of maintenance involved. We will only ask you for information necessary to make the purchase process faster and easier. All three styles will require some form of regular maintenance, be it through dusting, palm-rolling, moussing, and/or re-twisting. Smelly, stinky dreadlocks arent a myth its easy for locs to become odorous if theyre not dried fully and properly. 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. The dreadlocks at the bottom of the photo to left is an example of a "locked" dreadlock.