High top dreads are related to the fade dread style, except the hair is left longer at the sides rather than shaved down. If you want something low maintenance, dreads are a great option. It just requires some honest reflection and thought. Some people prefer to remove dreadlocks when the hair is dry while others prefer working on damp or wet hair slathered in conditioner. 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? Another difference between dreads and Viking locs are the effects they have on the hair. Add to Favorites Hair tie, Twistable hair tie,Dreadlocks, Bendable dread wrap, Thick hair holder, bendable wire sticks . 3. This effort greatly contributed to appease collective hysteria about Rastafari and by extension secularised the hairstyle. 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. You can choose a specific pattern according to your style and comfort. (1994a). The spiral dreads are here to showcase that having dreadlocks doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy beautiful curls and waves. Locs are considered to be simply a hairstyle made by tying hair tightly together. Sisterlocks give you the look of locs without requiring you to go through the lengthy procedure of locking your hair. Discover short videos related to matt locks vs dreadlocks on TikTok. The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. You wont be able to snap your fingers and make dreads go away. This particular style is done with perm rods but you can also use braids, pip cleaner curlers or a curling wand. Picture credit @CaribJournal. 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. There are a few methods used to jumpstart the matting and form uniformly-shaped, cylindrical locs. 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. Chevannes, B. Others may be more direct, asking if you ever wash your hair or accusing you of cultural appropriation if you dont have African roots. However, some wearers will simply let their hair dread naturally by not combing it. 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. Dreads have a more natural appearance, while locs are polished and shiny. Create dreads hair by starting with 1-inch sections at a time. For instance, in Nigeria, among the Yoruba and Ibo people, a grown man with locs is to be feared. With dreadlocks growing out on their own with no manipulation, it would look similar to Bob Marleys hair. 5. No, its no secret, were not in love with chemicals and what they do to our bodies, hair and our planet. 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? 20. 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. Youll have to carefully maintain and continue shaping your locs over time to get the results you want. 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. 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. 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. Using a no-residue shampoo, youll want to target your scalp, not your dreads, when you shampoo. When people say, its just hair, thats not true. By wearing them, you can embrace the uniqueness of your natural hair and stand up for what you believe in. Until the day be fulfilled of his consecration to the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the hair of his head grow. Dread wax is often recommended to help start and maintain dreadlocks. The downside is that the locs formed by 3-strand braids are flatter and less cylindrical than traditional locs. 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. 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 . Dreads vs Locs Explained. In addition, well take a closer look at how both hairstyles are created, so that you can decide which one you would like to make if you choose to wear this sculpted style dreads vs locs. Registering for this site allows you to access your order status and history. Unlike dreadlocks, you don't have the option of maintaining them as often as you like. In some cases, having dreadlocks can save time in the morning when it comes to maintaining your hair. Source: @los_cut_it via Instagram. New York: One drop Book. As you're rinsing, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. There is a lot of variation within the realm of 'natural' dreadlocks. is a long one and stretches into many different cultures across the globe. A quick search for the origin of dreadlocks will result in multiple hits from different sources, all of which have a common conclusion: readlocks have been around for years among countless civilizations and different people. Save to. New Jersey: African World Press. Youve read this beginners guide and by now, youve got this thing onlock. (1994b). As an adjective matt is an alternative spelling of lang=en. Within this context of ignorance, dreadlocks equated dreadful lifestyle But as French and Creole speakers we could not tell the difference, could we? 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.. As a proper noun Matt is a short form of the male given name Matthew. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. As long as you ensure you fully air-dry dreadlocks and dont over twist them, your hair will be protected from damage. Dreadlocks 101 | Everything You Need to Know About Locs. With my PhD focused on gender equality in Rastafari, I am into black women representations in mass Media. They usually cannot be undone and can range anywhere from 1 centimeter to shoulder length. 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. They were the representation of their spiritual powers to be used against the colonial authorities and institution oppressing them: Babylon. Dont pull them up, put on a hat, or apply any product until they are fully dry. 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. 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. Class is officially in session! However dreadlocks should be regarded as a powerful word. Dreadlocks and locs are different in forming, maintaining, and styling. Rastafari and Other African-Caribbean Worldviews. The big difference, though, is in the definition of the rope-like hair structures. It wouldnt be surprising if you think that dreads and locs (which are sometimes spelled locks) are the same things. Forinsider hair tipsanddeals, will you join 10,000 babes who read my weekly email? Worried about misshapen, loose, dry, or stanky locs? 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. Dreadlocks (or locs) are dreads that have been left to form on their own, undisturbed. 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. Dreadlocks is an impolite term. 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. It can also attract lint and dirt to your dreads. Use your favorite hair oil (coconut, argan, olive, etc.) Read on for a look into the history of locs, from 2,500 BCE to today. Required fields are marked *, Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, Address: Because this style seemingly relies on texture to maintain its distinctive consistency, it will always differ depending on the individual. Freeform Locs. Final Thoughts. Having a spiritual connection to hair is one of the most notable differencesbetween dreadlocks and locs. [1] The matted hair will usually grow in long strands, providing the person with the dreadlock style. 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. Depending on the cultural context, you may call dreadlocks by different names, including dreads and locks. Jamaican Rastafarians, also known as Rastas, are well known for their religious beliefs and their sacred dreadlocks. Just apply some essential oils to your hair. 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. If youre looking for rounded, rope-like dreads, try the finger coil, three-strand twist, or wool rubbing method. We dive deep into this traditional hairstyle and what makes it unique. While it may look simple, the undercut brings a whole new look to . But lets get expectations straight. The biggest difference between dreadlocks and locs is quite simple. Biologically hair helps us to regulate body temperature. If youre taking a shower in between dread washes, make sure you put on a well-fitting shower cap to keep your dreads nice and dry. If you would rather be politically correct and not take the chance of offending an individual, go ahead and use the term, 'locs.'. 1. Mohawk Dreads. Expect to wait at least 6 months to a year before you have true dreadlocks. Once youve wrung out your locs with a towel, keep them separated as much as possible. 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. The persecutions continued causing Rastafari to become radicalised circa 1949. We recommend using a good microfiber lintless towel instead. 20 Congo dreads (bongo) hairstyles for ladies and men in 2023. One of the main aims of the natural hair community is to transform ones perspective of their natural hair. Traditional dreadlocks are grown over time and require twisting of the hair's roots as the hair develops. Though what we also know is the power of language and the way it intensely affects both our conscious and subconscious minds. They both also add a lot of style . Theyre matted and locked sections of hair that are not easy to remove. 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. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. One question we hear a lot is Do you have to wash dreads? The answer to that is an emphatic YES. (1995). This style is also very low maintenance and requires little more than a shampoo from time to time. From what dreadlocks are and their history to how to properly care for and maintain modern locs, weve got you covered. Everything from shampooing them and drying them to keeping them properly shaped and locked in place requires care and time from you. 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). Moreover, you can get the dreads with the help of your hands or fingers twisted in the hair. Finally, many people feel a sense of personal accomplishment when they rock their dreadlocks. It has been and still is a symbol of empowerment and wokeness before the term woke was ever trending. The exact date and group of people that begot locs is hard to pinpoint, but Slater . Though what we also know is the power of language and the way it intensely affects both our conscious and subconscious minds. Don't forget, dreadlocks can be really versatile! Leonard Howell, the first rasta did not have dreadlocks If this doesnt scare you off, dreadlocks may very well be a great hairstyle choice for you. 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. Whether youre rocking locs or dreadlocks, how you wear your hair is a personal decision that everyone should respect. ____________.(Ed). To palm roll your dreads, just take a single loc and quickly roll it back and forth in your palms. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Plus, freeform dreadlocks usually lack uniformity, and if you don't have naturally kinky or curly hair, the locks can sometimes form too . Smelly, stinky dreadlocks arent a myth its easy for locs to become odorous if theyre not dried fully and properly. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. 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. On the surface, dreadlocks are "free-formed" locs of hair (i.e., hair locks). 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. locs or dreadlocks, how you wear your hair is a personal decision that everyone should respect. The resulting rounded finger coils become the base of the dreads. So should we all. The longer your dreads are, the longer it will take to brush them out successfully. Seen adorning the heads of members of various ethnicities, dreadlocks show no sign of going away anytime soon. 4. 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. Its very easy to do and you should do it regularly, at least a few times each week. and completely cover and saturate every dreadlock with it. The truth is, both are great options and The truth is, it all depends on preferences, lifestyle and the amount of desired maintenance. Many people start the brushing out process by cutting the dreads to a shorter, more manageable length. This starts with having the right arsenal of products, maintenance methods, and care tips. Three-strand braid locs use a simple braid as the base for the locs to form. This results in a much neater and smoother loc since it is a tightly braided rather than a matted form like dreadlocks. The truth is, both are great options and The truth is, it all depends on preferences, lifestyle and the amount of desired maintenance. Braids. Jamaican Rastafarians, also known as Rastas. 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 . 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. You can also let locs form on their own, which is known as free-form locs.. If you properly form and maintain your dreadlocks, they wont ruin your hair. The hairstyle was designed to shock, to inspire awe, to represent the havenots and it worked. Taking out dreadlocks is not an easy feat. Please enter your email address. 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. Concentrate on cleaning every square inch of your scalp, using minimal shampoo and lots of water. 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. Let's dig into the differences so you can decide which term is correct for your hair type. They had spouses and partners but the Rastawoman was rare. As the locks are not constantly being manipulated, the hair is allowed to become stronger and healthier. 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. Rastafari and the Exorcism of Racism and classism. 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. Wool rubbed locs are formed by creating friction and tangles in the hair with a piece of wool (hat, sweater, etc.). The downside is that the locs formed by 3-strand braids are flatter and less cylindrical than traditional locs. When people say, its just hair, thats not true. How can you tell? Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. 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. They take longer to complete than dreads and are created by 2-strand twisting individual hair strands. This is great if youre impatient to see how your new dreads will look! 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. 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. Meanwhile, Viking locs are created by braiding the hair into thick braids from the root all the way to the tip using either synthetic or human hair. Tea tree oil works like magic here in this situation and removes grease, oil, dirt, and foul odor from hair. 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. 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. The resulting finger coils take 6 months to a year to mat into true dreadlocks. I recommend that you speak to an elder or/and consult the mini bibliography below. Instead, rely on air-drying to ensure all moisture is evaporated. Overtime, the hair will continue to matt and form dreads on its own. 2. This gives the style movement and structure. Wax doesnt dissolve in water and its impossible to completely remove the buildup it leaves behind. While some people may use both terms interchangeably, the differences mentioned above should help youdetermine which term works best. After shampooing your dreads, squeeze them with a fully dry and absorbent towel. 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 . Dreads and Viking locs, although share some similarities, the two styles actually have a few distinct differences. Best Hair Color for Brown Skin | 20 Hues to Choose, Popular Haircuts for Men | This Years Trending Styles. 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? Once your dreads are saturated with oil, use a spray bottle filled with water to spray the loc youre working on first. Leaving 3-strand twists in for 2-6 months will jumpstart dreadlock formation. Cotton towels work well, but can leave lint behind in your hair. Its very easy to do and you should do it regularly, at least a few times each week. This will help catch any loose hairs and reintegrate them into the loc. Lost your password? With dreadlocks growing out on their own with no manipulation, it would look similar to. Dreads also tug on small sections of your scalp at the roots, which can be very unpleasant and cause headaches. All those who chose to be threatened by me under the pretext of my hair should hug themselves. 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. Attend any music festival the world over, and youll see people of all colors and ages wearing dreadlocked hairstyles. While this type of dread sounds similar to the three-strand braid locs, the method itself and the resulting locs are actually quite different. Locs/dreadlocks meant that you were a rasta and brought shame to your family as you would be unable to integrate polite society. 1 of 5. 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. Sir Roy Augier, professors Rex Nettleford and MG Smith, the authors of said report, debunked many misconceptions about Rastafari. When it comes to styling natural hair, many people often wonder whether dreads or twists are better. New Jersey: Rutger University Press. However, having real dreadlocks isn't easy to maintain, so there's an option to buy fake dreadlocks. 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. Though I am too vain to be Rasta, I respect my heritage and Rastafari is a big part of my Caribbeaness. The tighter one's hair, the better and quicker their hair will lock. Step 4: Palm roll. 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. Hi Im Nathalie, I am a nerdy mother of two, in need of a nap. Many people use the terms dreadlocks and locs interchangeably, but there's a difference between the two. This was a succinct post that Ive tried to focus on hair, which does not do justice to the depth of the Rastafari movement. The result is irregular locs of various thicknesses, widths, shapes, and sizes. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. Hey, loc fam! If that bothers you, you may want to try a less controversial style. Loc Rivalry: Microlocks vs Sisterlocks vs dreadlocks. 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. No matter the race, you will find a connection to having dreadlocks for spiritual reasons.. Dreaded Bun + Undercut Fade. Locking Gel: https://www.greatlocs.com/product/locking-gel/https://www.greatlocs.com/00:00 History Of Dreads00:39 Hateful Comments01:40 The Truth02:29 Are th. Once youve wrung out your locs with a towel, keep them separated as much as possible. Fixing loose hair in the middle of a dreadlock. 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.). They have a more polished appearance overall, which means that they also require more maintenance. Removing all grime and buildup from the scalp will keep your dreads smelling and looking fresh. Step 3: Section hair and braid. In fact, if youve kept your dreads in for a few years, youll be surprised to see how much your hair has grown while protected in the locs. Keeping your dreads looking great is easier with a few basic products. 3. Subscribe to our newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase. But since dreads dont twist or knit the hair, some people find them to be less secure and prone to unraveling. 4.5 out of 5 stars (502) $ 2.99. And where do they come from? Dreadlocks? We dont see why one should have to resort to chemicals, or other harmful methods to change their natural-born, bangin beauty, or why one should submit to foreign (and outdated) notions of beauty.