Dreadlocks, sometimes referred to as dreads or locks, are basically matted ropes of hair that will form naturally if you neglect them. However, they can also be formed on purpose through various methods that allow you to control their shape and make them very attractive. There are several methods that can be used to achieve this, and that is exactly what I will review on this website.
Dreadlock Misconceptions
There are plenty of misconceptions about this beautiful hairstyle. One of the most common questions I get is, “How do you wash them?” or, even better, “Can you wash them?” There is the common rumor that having dreads means no longer being obligated to wash your hair, and that this dirty hair is what causes dreadlocks. While it is true that neglect can cause dreadlocks, and it may be true that neglecting dirty hair will also cause dreads to form, it’s a well known fact among the dreadlock community that clean hair coupled with a locking technique causes dreads to form faster.
Not Even Google Got It Right
For kicks, I Googled the phrase “what are dreadlocks?” just to see what they would say. Check out this screenshot of the definition that popped up before the normal search results. It’s at the top of the page.
I’ve got several bones to pick with that definition. Creating dreads often involves a comb (in fact, in can involve several when you start snapping them like tooth picks) if you choose to use the popular technique called “back combing.” Furthermore, a mature dreadlock is much more complex than a “tight braid” or “twisted ringlet,” and many of the techniques used to form dreads are not necessarily done while the hair is wet. This definition gives no indication of the essential matting that needs to take place or their rope-like nature.
A Dreadlock Is Not a Braid
Dreadlocks are more awesome than braids, my friend. I’ve had Black people come up to me and ask me how long it took to “put my braids in.” Really? Because I’m Black, I assume all lovely Black people know that, for the most part, our hair naturally wants to do this. No weave necessary. After I pick my jaw up from the floor, and politely inform them that my hair is not braided, but locked, and that it is indeed all mine. Braids can be used as a stepping stone to getting your hair to dreadlock , but a braid is not a dreadlock.
Dreadlocks Are Simply Awesome
After having a perm for years, I went through the struggle of starting neat, clean dreadlocks myself. While the process was more drawn out in my case than it should of been (years) because I refused to pay anyone to help me, I’m completely satisfied with my hair now. In fact, I love it. It is one of the healthiest, more versatile options out there for everybody, not just Black people.
Yay for dreads!
