They gained prominence in the Caribbean recently, but their history spans many cultures and centuries, including African, Ancient Greek, Aztec, and Middle Eastern. After combing out your dreads, youll likely find that some of the ends are still straggly or split. Garvey His Work and Impact. This starts with having the right arsenal of products, maintenance methods, and care tips. 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. As we know, the history of locs is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. Freeform dreadlocksare 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. Indians call them "jata", and they are generally worn by adherents of Shiva. 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 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. Add to Favorites Hair tie, Twistable hair tie,Dreadlocks, Bendable dread wrap, Thick hair holder, bendable wire sticks . By StyleSeat June 1, 2022. N.S. Registering for this site allows you to access your order status and history. Chimere Faulk, a natural hair stylist based in Atlanta, GA and owner of, , Dreadlocks can be traced to just about every civilization in history. Leaving 3-strand twists in for 2-6 months will jumpstart dreadlock formation. So, what is the difference between dreads and locs? 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. It wouldnt be surprising if you think that dreads and locs (which are sometimes spelled locks) are the same things. The two words sound a lot alike, but the results are different. The most obvious difference between dreads and Viking locs are the styling technique used to create them. Removing all grime and buildup from the scalp will keep your dreads smelling and looking fresh. By using the correct terminology, we can ensure that the history and culture behind this hairstyle is celebrated and respected. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. Everything You Need to Know About The TikTok Viral Trend, How To Moisturize Locs: Keep Your Locs Moisturized, All the Parts of a Shoe: Anatomy of a Shoe. Van Dijk, F. (1993). The termdreadlocksorigins 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. Victoria Holmes. Although clean hair will dread by itself, it does take some time for your hair to truly LOOK like dreadlocks. January 4, 2023. 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. Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. 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 . People make their hair very tight and tangle it together, making it locks of hair. Are dreads or twists better for natural hair. Some people prefer to remove dreadlocks when the hair is dry while others prefer working on damp or wet hair slathered in conditioner. Just apply some essential oils to your hair. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. The two words sound a lot alike, but the results are different. 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? Green Shampoo for Red Hair Tones: How Does It Help? 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. 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. 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 . Also, some people do not like their locs to be called dreads because of the negative connotation of the word. 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. Vic Dicara of, Left to its own devices, hair will naturally knot together and form mats or dreadlocks., Dreadlocks dont require manipulation to get started. 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. Residue-free shampoo is key for keeping locs clean. 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. The friction of your palms against the dreads are what help them keep their shape and prevent them from fusing together. However, some wearers will simply let their hair dread naturally by not combing it. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Three-strand twist locs are formed using 3-strand twists as the base of the dreads. When it comes to comparison of dreads and Viking locs, people often mistake one for the other. 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 style is also very low maintenance and requires little more than a shampoo from time to time. 3: Cost Braids. The dreadlocks at the bottom of the photo to left is an example of a "locked" dreadlock. There are a few methods used to jumpstart the matting and form uniformly-shaped, cylindrical locs. In rural Martinique, if you were not Rastafarian, you did not have locs, you had a permperiod. Previously worn only by hippies, dreads are growing in popularity. With my PhD focused on gender equality in Rastafari, I am into black women representations in mass Media. As nouns the difference between matt and dreadlocks is that matt is an alternative spelling of nodot=yes lang=en an alloy in coppersmithing while dreadlocks is a hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow into long matted strings. It is a sign of their individualism and commitment to self-love and positivity. You can also let locs form on their own, which is known as free-form locs., 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. Everything from shampooing them and drying them to keeping them properly shaped and locked in place requires care and time from you. 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. 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. Dreadlocks can be created using processes, which includes interlocking the hair or by palm rolling the hair. However, this style can also be changed by decorating the separate strands, such as adding colored hair extensions, clasps, charms, and other hair accessories. 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. 3. 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. When it comes to the debate of dreads vs locs vs twists, its important to define each of the styles first. A hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow into long matted strings. To recap, If you are not a Rastafarian, there is nothing dreadful about your locs, no matter the neatness or lack thereof. Rastafari Roots and Ideology, New York: Syracuse University Press. The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. Heres a quick overview of what youll learn: Ready to jump in? 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. To your dreadlocks, you can also go for a perfect blend of baking soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Avoid sudsing up your dreads too much as the shampoo can be tough to fully remove from the locs. Typically, freeform dreads begin forming at the back of the head first because thats where the most friction and rubbing happens (in bed, against the back of seats, etc.). Wax doesnt dissolve in water and its impossible to completely remove the buildup it leaves behind. For the most part, people who wear dreadlocks tend to have a strong . Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. According to Tharps, "the modern understanding of dreadlocks is that the British, who were . But regardless of the outcome, you can be sure that your decision will give you a hairstyle that will last and last and last! If youre looking for rounded, rope-like dreads, try the finger coil, three-strand twist, or wool rubbing method. Shop. The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. Leonard Howell, the first rasta did not have dreadlocks This will help catch any loose hairs and reintegrate them into the loc. The truth is, both are great options and The truth is, it all depends on preferences, lifestyle and the amount of desired maintenance. 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 identified by their hairstyle). If you want something low maintenance, dreads are a great option. 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. Braids are best for people who want to protect their hair while adding length. In short, dont use wax on your dreads ever. 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, Fine Hair and Locs: What to Know Before Getting Started. Save to. And where do they come from? A hairstyle worn by Rastafarians and others in which the hair is left to grow into long matted strings. Do you love our products? 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. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. 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. 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. Fixing loose hair in the middle of a dreadlock. Using a no-residue shampoo, youll want to target your scalp, not your dreads, when you shampoo. No matter the race, you will find a connection to having dreadlocks for spiritual reasons.. The significant difference is that you can see the roots of the hair strands in locs as opposed to dreads. Well cover those next. Having a spiritual connection to hair is one of the most notable differencesbetween dreadlocks and locs. Taking out dreadlocks is not an easy feat. 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. Lets take a look at the 5 general types of dreadlocks according to how theyre formed. Dreaded Bun + Undercut Fade. Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. 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. Dreadlocks noun. When youre done shampooing, the next step is properly drying your locs. Shampooing dreads is essential to keep them clean and stop them from harboring bacteria, fungus, and dirt. Heres a quick overview of what youll learn: Deciding whether or not locs are right for you, Dreadlocks, also referred to as dreads or locs, are, 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). 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. Its no surprise that many people confuse dreadlocks and locs. It is said the community feared such powerful figures, as awe-inspiring figures. To the Rastaman, the dread, in dreadlocks is not self-deprecating, but a celebration of ones freedom. 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, you've 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. 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. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. 1. This particular style is done with perm rods but you can also use braids, pip cleaner curlers or a curling wand. 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. It is also a symbol of self-acceptance and freedom from social norms. We will only ask you for information necessary to make the purchase process faster and easier. Overtime, the hair will continue to matt and form dreads on its own. Sir Roy Augier, professors Rex Nettleford and MG Smith, the authors of said report, debunked many misconceptions about Rastafari. How are they different from each other? Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, Address: Your email address will not be published. Palm rolling is a technique you should use to maintain your dreadlocks shape and form. Hey, loc fam! Amongst the fancy dreadlocks styles for ladies, this can be regarded as one of the classiest. Three-strand braid locs use a simple braid as the base for the locs to form. Section off your hair by tying them up with rubber bands at the roots. High Ponytail with Undercut. When creating dreads, the traditional technique uses a method of backcombing and/or twisting the hair into small sections in order to form a matted, knotty formation. If you think youve used enough oil, use a little more. Leah LOVES hair. We want every single individual in the natural hair community, from loose to locked hair to embrace their own natural beauty, to celebrate their own hair texture and natural styles. So, in the end, it really boils down to personal preference and lifestyle. This results in a much neater and smoother loc since it is a tightly braided rather than a matted form like dreadlocks. Take the loose hair tool and push it into and down through the middle of the dreadlock. 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.. ____________. This indicates that having natural afro hair is no longer radical and this is progress. The 30 Most Popular Dread Styles for Women to Rock in 2023. Add a touch of baby pink in between the thin lilac strands for a more detailed look. Please wait at least 10 minutes before attempting another reset. There is a lot of variation within the realm of 'natural' dreadlocks. 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. If you think long hair weighs a lot, wait until its bound up into tangled sections that hold onto naturally-shed hair, buildup, and (if improperly dried) water. Consequently, some individuals prefer the organic structure of dreads, while those that want a sharper, more defined look opt for dreadlocks. Though the term dread may have positive sentiments to some people, to many others it has a more negative lean. They usually cannot be undone and can range anywhere from 1 centimeter to shoulder length. 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. (1994a). This is especially effective on cut locs where theres an open end. 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. While your loc journey can take between 18-24 months, some loc-wearers find the beginning and end phases to be the easiest, because the middle stages present their own set of challenges. 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. Thousands of years ago, people tangled their real hair together because it looks good. Wearing dreadlocks was risking your life to defend your Panafrican ideology. Instead, rely on air-drying to ensure all moisture is evaporated. When you remove dreadlocks, you will likely experience the following: With this in mind, you can brush out dreadlocks with the help of a few products and a lot of patience. This hairdo not only lasts months but also looks great while doing so, which is why many people choose it as their go-to for low-maintenance styles. Cotton towels work well, but can leave lint behind in your hair. From what dreadlocks are and their history to how to properly care for and maintain modern locs, weve got you covered. Dreadlocks vs. 20 Congo dreads (bongo) hairstyles for ladies and men in 2023. [1] The matted hair will usually grow in long strands, providing the person with the dreadlock style. One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. It can also attract lint and dirt to your dreads. Class is officially in session! In the now-viral video, TikToker Josh Escobar (@esco_tha . Dreads can be quite damaging to the hair over time as the matted form of the locks can pull and tug on the hair and scalp, especially if not adequately maintained. 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. Rastafari and Other African-Caribbean Worldviews. No, its no secret, were not in love with chemicals and what they do to our bodies, hair and our planet. This gives the style movement and structure. Using a no-residue shampoo, youll want to target your scalp, not your dreads, when you shampoo. The wool is rubbed against the hair in a circular motion until small locs begin to form. 13. Locs are considered to be simply a hairstyle made by tying hair tightly together. With that said, its 100% possible to remove dreads without damaging or cutting your hair. 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? These men had dreadlocks and had to suffer the prejudice of the population on a daily basis. You wont be able to snap your fingers and make dreads go away. Once your dreads are saturated with oil, use a spray bottle filled with water to spray the loc youre working on first. 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. For instance, do you want to put in the effort that will achieve a more defined and sleeker look, or do you want to take a more rough and ready approach to your structured hairstyle? 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. Worried about misshapen, loose, dry, or stanky locs? 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. ____________.(Ed). Sisterlocks are applied by Sisterlock specialists who have been trained in this method. (Ed) Chanting down Babylon. SLS and SLES Shampoo What Are They? Short locs with beads (low right), short thick locs (upper right), side-swept twist (left). The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. I have referred to my age and my Caribbean roots because in the 90s Rastafari was still very influential in Caribbean culture at large. (1995). This video is going to help you find out which locs will be the BE. We have also some amazing blog posts about the best locs salons to visit here and here. 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. From what dreadlocks are and their history to how to properly care for and maintain modern locs, weve got you covered. You can also let locs form on their own, which is known as free-form locs.. (1998). You can go up to 3 weeks in between washes if youre not breaking a sweat regularly or getting your hair dirty. Dreadlocks can form naturally (freeform dreads) or through twisting, rubbing, or braiding methods that jumpstart the loc-formation process. 20. (1994b). 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? I use masculine pronouns here because for a long time, in Martinique, Rastafari was mostly a male affair. By wearing them, you can embrace the uniqueness of your natural hair and stand up for what you believe in. To palm roll your dreads, just take a single loc and quickly roll it back and forth in your palms. For this reason, many would argue that dreads should not be used to describe a style of hair at all. *() (Edmund Spenser) (c.1552-1599): *:And draweth new delights with hoary hairs . We dive deep into this traditional hairstyle and what makes it unique. Many people start the brushing out process by cutting the dreads to a shorter, more manageable length. 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. 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. 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. Dreadlocks likely had practical and cultural purposes. 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. Dreadlocks are ropes of hair. A TikToker has gone viral for demonstrating why white people shouldn't wear dreadlocksbut it's not for the reasons one might think. Best Hair Color for Brown Skin | 20 Hues to Choose, Popular Haircuts for Men | This Years Trending Styles. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. 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. Discover short videos related to matt locks vs dreadlocks on TikTok. The terms dreads and dreadlocks are often used interchangeably, however, there is a key difference between the two. 4. Considering getting dreadlocks? 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 identified by their hairstyle). She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips! They both also add a lot of style . I recommend that you speak to an elder or/and consult the mini bibliography below. 1. When the hair is dreaded, the roots arent defined. So weve made a complete guide to help you understand the look, what locs entail, and a few pros and cons about them. 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. 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. Dreadlocks have quite the history. Having dreadlocks can make a powerful statement in society, but it is not just a fashion statement. If this is your first-time locs and you aren't ready to try too wild dread men's long hairstyles yet, start with a classic hairdo. It is our duty to know ourselves, our history in order to enlight the ignorant and ignore the fools. How can you tell? 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. All three styles will require some form of regular maintenance, be it through dusting, palm-rolling, moussing, and/or re-twisting. With dreads, your hair is matted into thick, rope-like locks. 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. Dreads are a study in progress. Attend any music festival the world over, and youll see people of all colors and ages wearing dreadlocked hairstyles. 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. Consider this guide Dreadlocks 101. To the Rastaman, the dread, in dreadlocks is not self-deprecating, but a celebration of one's freedom. locs or dreadlocks, how you wear your hair is a personal decision that everyone should respect. Dreadlocks is an impolite term. After about 6 months, the twisted/coiled pattern in the twists will begin to disappear as the hair successfully mats up. After sectioning clean hair, each section is twisted tightly into a coil and pinned until all sections are dry.