Dreadlocks are actually an example of a protective hairstyle. Jahmaica Rastafari and Jamaican Society 1930-1990. This starts with having the right arsenal of products, maintenance methods, and care tips. *() (Geoffrey Chaucer) (c.1343-1400): *:Then read he me how Sampson lost his hairs . But since dreads dont twist or knit the hair, some people find them to be less secure and prone to unraveling. As the locks are not constantly being manipulated, the hair is allowed to become stronger and healthier. 4.5 out of 5 stars (502) $ 2.99. Chief Content at Afrocks. The secret behind beauty has always been confidence. Plus, freeform dreadlocks usually lack uniformity, and if you don't have naturally kinky or curly hair, the locks can sometimes form too . Braids are best for people who want to protect their hair while adding length. Overtime, the hair will continue to matt and form dreads on its own. We dive deep into this traditional hairstyle and what makes it unique. (1994b). The friction of your palms against the dreads are what help them keep their shape and prevent them from fusing together. However dreadlocks should be regarded as a powerful word. Dreads vs Locs Explained. The longer your dreads are, the longer it will take to brush them out successfully. Short locs with beads (low right), short thick locs (upper right), side-swept twist (left). Locs have also been worn by these cultures, because of the belief that they represent strength, power, the control of energy, and connection to higher spirits, similar to Rastafarian beliefs. Whether. If youre looking for rounded, rope-like dreads, try the finger coil, three-strand twist, or wool rubbing method. Also called dreads, it is a style created by allowing the hair to matt into locks. Sodium Lauryl and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, What Is Hair Slugging? It's an alternative to salt-based sprays, which can actually damage locs and cause excess salt buildup. New York: One drop Book. N.S. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. 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. Dreads are the knots of hair that imply an unkempt look. If youre looking for rounded, rope-like dreads, try the finger coil, three-strand twist, or wool rubbing method. Green Shampoo for Red Hair Tones: How Does It Help? Since braids are typically worn without frequent washing, you typically wear them until your hair and scalp become too dirty. They usually cannot be undone and can range anywhere from 1 centimeter to shoulder length. Dreads and locks are different from each other in a matter of perception and personal expression. 2. Cotton towels work well, but can leave lint behind in your hair. Leonard Howell, the first rasta did not have dreadlocks All three styles will require some form of regular maintenance, be it through dusting, palm-rolling, moussing, and/or re-twisting. Add to Favorites Hair tie, Twistable hair tie,Dreadlocks, Bendable dread wrap, Thick hair holder, bendable wire sticks . But lets get expectations straight. 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. You can choose a specific pattern according to your style and comfort. 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. Learning the basics of dreadlock maintenance and care will help you avoid these common problems with ease. Hygiene. 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. However, knowing the differences between these two options can help guide someone to choosing the right style that best suits them and their particular needs. Learning the basics of dreadlock maintenance and care will help you avoid these common problems with ease. Myths Among the Jamaican People, in R., Lewis, P., Bryan. 3. 1 of 5. High top dreads are related to the fade dread style, except the hair is left longer at the sides rather than shaved down. Instagram / @loopsalon. It would be stupid to me to be offended by the term dreadlocks. Youll need a clarifying shampoo that leaves your hair squeaky clean. While some people may use both terms interchangeably, . This will help catch any loose hairs and reintegrate them into the loc. They were the representation of their spiritual powers to be used against the colonial authorities and institution oppressing them: Babylon. 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. 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.) It is also a symbol of self-acceptance and freedom from social norms. As much as we need to be confident and supportive of ourselves, we cannot just exist within the willful misconceptions of other people. From what dreadlocks are and their history to how to properly care for and maintain modern locs, weve got you covered. Dreads have a more natural appearance, while locs are polished and shiny. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Kayla Young This means that locs are really hard to remove because the hair will have to be unlocked, which is a challenge. Retwisting or palm rolling your locs too often can cause damage to your hair, as can leaving your locs damp after a shower. Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, Address: 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. Dreadlocks are installed with the help of the palm-rolling or twisting technique. There is a common misconception that dreadlocks are dirty. 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. Van Dijk, F. (1993). Braids. In rural Martinique, if you were not Rastafarian, you did not have locs, you had a permperiod. Regular maintenance time can be much shorter than when done on other types of hairstyles. To sum it up, it is clear that dreads and dreadlocks are two different terms. Getting an inch or more cut off the ends will really polish the look and give you that healthy, vibrant hair with lots of movement that you want. 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. 2,500 BCE. The most obvious difference between dreads and Viking locs are the styling technique used to create them. When youre done shampooing, the next step is properly drying your locs. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less). Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. 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. After sectioning clean hair, each section is twisted tightly into a coil and pinned until all sections are dry. Dreadlocks (also known as locs or dreads) are strands of hair caused by matting. Instead, rely on air-drying to ensure all moisture is evaporated. With that said, its 100% possible to remove dreads without damaging or cutting your hair. People make their hair very tight and tangle it together, making it locks of hair. Dreadlocks is an impolite term. There are many benefits to wearing this type of natural hairstyle. The significant difference is that you can see the roots of the hair strands in locs as opposed to dreads. The biggest difference between dreadlocks vs locs is the different emotional color of the words, Please say locs instead of dreadlocks, because dreadlocks is an impolite name. Which natural hairstyle is the best? 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. Just fill in the fields below, and well get a new account set up for you in no time. Dreadlocks noun. But most people that get dreadlocks have them styled and formed on purpose. Also, some people do not like their locs to be called dreads because of the negative connotation of the word. If youre thinking about getting dreadlocks, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help you make your decision. Go for a girly appeal by adding hair extensions in the lightest lilac shade while dreading the dark roots transitioning into a lighter hue while reaching the ends giving off cotton candy vibes. 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. Avoid sudsing up your dreads too much as the shampoo can be tough to fully remove from the locs. Some people prefer to remove dreadlocks using the teeth of a metal comb or the handle of a rat tail comb. Its less work to maintain dreads than it is to style and maintain long hair, but theres still quite a bit of maintenance involved. They have a more polished appearance overall, which means that they also require more maintenance. When it comes to comparison of dreads and Viking locs, people often mistake one for the other. 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. 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. They wanted to be dangerous, not towards normal people but to the colonial authorities. They create a more rounded, voluminous look that is easy to spot, especially when compared to dreads, which tend to be more straggly or rope-like in appearance. is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. I use masculine pronouns here because for a long time, in Martinique, Rastafari was mostly a male affair. Dreadlocks likely had practical and cultural purposes. Whereas singers Halle and Chloe Baileys hair would be considered locs because they are more defined and very meticulously maintained. Finally, many people feel a sense of personal accomplishment when they rock their dreadlocks. Locs, on the other hand, are not usually associated with any religious practice and tend to be very defined from root to tip. Finger coil dreadlocks are done using a coiling/twisting method to start the locs faster than waiting for it to happen naturally. Locs/dreadlocks meant that you were a rasta and brought shame to your family as you would be unable to integrate polite society. 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. Locs appear more defined and sleek, which requires more maintenance, while dreadlocks appear more matted, and they occur naturally after the initial locking of the hair strands. 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. Hi Im Nathalie, I am a nerdy mother of two, in need of a nap. A saloon, barber or other hair specialist may be necessary to ensure the dreads are crafted and maintained properly. Appropriation: I'd gently point out that people who may suggest that 'elf-locks' or 'fairy-locks' was a term used by the Celts and/or Irish for intentionally matted or tangled hair are . The hairstyle was designed to shock, to inspire awe, to represent the havenots and it worked. The very first man to call himself a Rastaman, Leonard Howell, did not have dreadlocks, he had a beard. It is said the community feared such powerful figures, as awe-inspiring figures. This effort greatly contributed to appease collective hysteria about Rastafari and by extension secularised the hairstyle. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. Start Here Hair Care Styling Dreadlocks 101 | Everything You Need to Know About Locs, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2022. Matted, unkept hair, which can be regarded as the nature of the dreadlocks or even locs, is frowned upon, no matter the culture. Both dreads and dreadlocks can be created and worn for a variety of reasons and look stunning. Source: @los_cut_it via Instagram. Photo: @Robyn Yzette, @Jenn B, @Starr Williams (modified by author) Source: UGC. Dreadlocks are ropes of hair. Shampooing dreads is essential to keep them clean and stop them from harboring bacteria, fungus, and dirt. If that bothers you, you may want to try a less controversial style. Let's dig into the differences so you can decide which term is correct for your hair type. Noun (but usually in singular) (label) A pigmented filament of keratin which grows from a follicle on the skin of humans and other mammals. 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. Seen adorning the heads of members of various ethnicities, dreadlocks show no sign of going away anytime soon. 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. You can achieve this using various methods, including backcombing, interlocking, and even naturally. Add a touch of baby pink in between the thin lilac strands for a more detailed look. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dreadlocks, on the other hand, are usually formed by either backcombing or twisting the hair until it forms a matted clump. Unlike dreadlocks, you don't have the option of maintaining them as often as you like. Fine, straight hair is not commonly favorable to forming dreadlocks. Freetheroots on Instagram. They gained prominence in the Caribbean recently, but their history spans many cultures and centuries, including African, Ancient Greek, Aztec, and Middle Eastern. 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. Howell and his followers were often arrested on flimsical motives creating an atmosphere of fear and defiance within the movement. 1. Wax can also cause dreads to harden over time. Although some sites say this can take as little as a few weeks, it more commonly takes closer to 2 - 3 years for all your hair to lock up using this method. The big difference, though, is in the definition of the rope-like hair structures. They both also add a lot of style . Also called locking accelerator, a good dread tightening spray is key to forming and maintaining nice locs. If you are truly confident about who you are and nurture yourself with loads of self-love, you will glow from your roots to your toes, and this we can say with 100% certainty. While its not easy to remove dreads, it is possible, so its not like your decision is irreversible. 4. 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. If this doesnt scare you off, dreadlocks may very well be a great hairstyle choice for you. 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. 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. Youll need the following products to properly maintain and care for your dreads. Though what we also know is the power of language and the way it intensely affects both our conscious and subconscious minds. 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. 3: Cost Braids - Braiding your natural hair and then leaving the braids in will eventually result in dreads. However, this style can also be changed by decorating the separate strands, such as adding colored hair extensions, clasps, charms, and other hair accessories. Class is officially in session! That's because the hair needs a certain amount of curl or kink to "lock" the strands together in segments. While it may look simple, the undercut brings a whole new look to . In here, Ive explained how Viking locs and dreads differ and why dreadlocks can now be an offensive term. Smelly, stinky dreadlocks arent a myth its easy for locs to become odorous if theyre not dried fully and properly. After combing out all your dreads, youll need to shampoo and. Freeform dreads are as authentic as it gets, but their irregularity makes them less popular than other types of dreadlocks. TheYouth Black Faith was not only about the social and spiritual radicalisation of the Rastafari movement, but their reforms were also targeting the physical expression of the new faith and ideology. If you want something low maintenance, dreads are a great option. 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. 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. 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. With my PhD focused on gender equality in Rastafari, I am into black women representations in mass Media. 13. Worried about misshapen, loose, dry, or stanky locs? 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. Dreadlocks or similarly matted styles have been worn from Africa all the way to India, Australia, and even Papua New Guinea. 5. While dreads might have a historical and religious affiliation, others may have simply chosen to 'loc' their hair as a styling preference. Repeat for every dreadlock this is the part that takes a lot of time. When people say, its just hair, thats not true. 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. The major distinguishing factor of dreads and locs is that one is a hairstyle while the other is a lifestyle. New Jersey: African World Press. This style is also very low maintenance and requires little more than a shampoo from time to time. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. 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. The truth is, both are great options and The truth is, it all depends on preferences, lifestyle and the amount of desired maintenance. Having dreadlocks can make a powerful statement in society, but it is not just a fashion statement. Please follow us on our social media channels at @locsanity and leave us a fantastic review. Although popular myth gives Rastafarians credit for inventing the style, it is almost as old as humanity itself. No, its no secret, were not in love with chemicals and what they do to our bodies, hair and our planet. To palm roll your dreads, just take a single loc and quickly roll it back and forth in your palms. Wax doesnt dissolve in water and its impossible to completely remove the buildup it leaves behind. The tribesmen wore long dreadlocks that the British soldiers had never seen before, and their battles were bloody. Keeping your dreads looking great is easier with a few basic products. How can you tell? Your scalp is where the bacteria, fungus, oil, and dirt thrive. Its also going to help give you a more homogenous hair texture when youre finished. Chimere Faulk, a natural hair stylist based in Atlanta, GA and owner of Dr. Locs, told Ebony, Dreadlocks can be traced to just about every civilization in history. Palm rolling is a technique you should use to maintain your dreadlocks shape and form. Consequently, some individuals prefer the organic structure of dreads, while those that want a sharper, more defined look opt for dreadlocks. Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. With dreadlocks growing out on their own with no manipulation, it would look similar to Bob Marleys hair. Dreadlocks can form irregular flat, matted sections that are wide and thin (typical of freeform dreads) or cylindrical, rope-like sections that are rounded and somewhat uniform (typical of finger coil or similar-style locs). Is there a difference between dreads and dreadlocks, you can find out in the article below. By StyleSeat June 1, 2022. They were said to be dirty, rural legends placed countless millipedes on their heads and even my ever sceptic grandmother was persuaded that they used good old kanekalon hair to obtain the waist-length locs or bongos. 20. 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. by So, what is the difference between dreads and locs? For the most part, people who wear dreadlocks tend to have a strong . Please wait at least 10 minutes before attempting another reset. One of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks is that they dont require any maintenance just loc and go! Low-maintenance doesnt mean no maintenance. Although clean hair will dread by itself, it does take some time for your hair to truly LOOK like dreadlocks. It can also attract lint and dirt to your dreads. On the surface, dreadlocks are "free-formed" locs of hair (i.e., hair locks). You can even remove dreadlocks without cutting or damaging your hair (more on that in a bit). 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. Look for formulas that dont contain silicones, which leave a residue and buildup in the hair. With dreads, your hair is matted into thick, rope-like locks. They had spouses and partners but the Rastawoman was rare. There are a few methods used to jumpstart the matting and form uniformly-shaped, cylindrical locs. I have recently restarted my locs journey and I am engrossed with them and their evolution. The tool locks the hair by creating hundreds of tiny knots along different lengths. 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. 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. One of the main aims of the natural hair community is to transform ones perspective of their natural hair. 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. As we know, the history of locs is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. Consider this before you choose this type of loc! As time has evolved, people have adopted the dreadlock hairstyle without taking part in its religious origin. You've just added this product to the cart: Start typing to see products you are looking for. 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. With dreadlocks growing out on their own with no manipulation, it would look similar to. 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. Freeform Locs. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. On the other hand, dreadlocks are an intentional hairstyle, often achieved through maintenance and meticulous sectioning of the hair into pointed ropelike formations. Do you love our products? Rastafari Roots and Ideology, New York: Syracuse University Press. Individual Braids. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. There is also a physical difference between the two hairstyles. SLS and SLES Shampoo What Are They? In my imagination, a Rastafari could be a Dada child who refused to cut his hair, refused to conform to an oppressive structured to the detriment of his people and fought hard with his powers to establish a new and fairer society all over the Black Atlantic but I digress. The history of dreadlocks, understandably, is complex. Here at Dr Locs we absolutely love the term locs and we love our locs, it couldnt be more simple than that! Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #dreadlocks, #mattlocks, #dreadslocks, #dreadlocks . 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. The upside of using this method is that it creates attractive, cylindrical locs that are rope-like and shaped according to your preferences. Just wear them in a bun with an undercut, thus bragging about the thickness and length of your thatch. 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. All those who chose to be threatened by me under the pretext of my hair should hug themselves. You Probably Need a Haircut is reader-supported. By using the correct terminology, we can ensure that the history and culture behind this hairstyle is celebrated and respected. Fixing loose hair in the middle of a dreadlock. 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 . Palm rolling is a technique you should use to maintain your dreadlocks shape and form. Dreadlocks are best for people who want a specific look that lasts for a very long time. Loc Rivalry: Microlocks vs Sisterlocks vs dreadlocks. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Most commonly, dreads form naturally as the individual is not brushing or brushing very minimally, allowing the hairs natural oils and moisture to accumulate and create tension knots throughout the hair. Dreadlocks can form naturally (freeform dreads) or through twisting, rubbing, or braiding methods that jumpstart the loc-formation process. This starts with having the right arsenal of products, maintenance methods, and care tips. When people say, its just hair, thats not true. Dreadlocks often stem from the Rastafarian religion and beliefs. Indians call them "jata", and they are generally worn by adherents of Shiva.