What Are the Differences Between Dreads and Locs: Guide
Introduction to the topic
It’s possible that you’ve never heard of dreadlocks or locs (and may have even used each word interchangeably). However, and this is a shocker, Dreadlocks and locs are two different hairstyles for certain people who wear their hair in this way. Both dreads and locs can be made by moulding one’s hair into ropes, according to TheyDiffer Both are widely regarded as a style that is particularly associated with African-Americans.
In the mood for a hair change? Here are some ideas to get you started. Is this even possible? Ok. However, are you certain that you understand everything and aren’t in for a nasty surprise at the hair salon? Dreadlocks and locks, for example, are two different hair styles, but which one would you choose? Have you ever used the term “dreads” to describe someone with locks, or vice versa? Let’s have a look at the differences between the two.
What is the origin of dreadlocks and locks, and how are they related?
Ancient Egyptians were the first to have dreadlocks. Ancient Egyptian artefacts revealed evidence of dreadlocks. Dreadlocks may have been a popular ancient Egyptian hairdo. Germanic, Greek and Viking nations were said to have ‘hair like snakes’ in Roman history, which looked like dreadlocks.
Ethiopian King RasTafari had a colourful past, too. In 1930, he was born. Following an attack, he was forced to flee and his rebel fighters made a vow not to shave their hair while they were in exile. Rastafarianism arose as a result of this.
Socialism, Marxism, national nationalism, and black power were all present in the music. It was then opposed by the authorities since it went against Christian teachings and doctrines. Rastafarians’ dreadlocks used to be derided as both repulsive and terrifying. Because of this, the term “dread” was coined. During the slave trade, the name was coined by European slave owners who despised the coiled hair of their African captives.
Later, the haircut was adopted by the general populace. The reggae singer Bob Marley made it famous. His hairstyle was one of the most popular trends of the day, and he was no exception. According to a wide range of beliefs, dreadlocks are worn by many people today. Even dreadlocks have become popular as a means of expressing oneself stylistically.
It’s possible that you’ve never heard of dreadlocks or locs (and may have even used each word interchangeably). However, and this is a shocker, Dreadlocks and locs are two different hairstyles for certain people who wear their hair in this way. Both dreads and locs can be made by moulding one’s hair into ropes, according to TheyDiffer Both are widely regarded as a style that is particularly associated with African-Americans.
To get this look, you can use a variety of techniques including as coiling, braiding or twisting. Some people who wear the style simply leave their hair to “lock” spontaneously, without combing it, over time, resulting in the rope-like formations. Locs have a cultural importance for many Black people, despite the fact that the history of locs spans various cultures, including Indian, Aztec, and Middle Eastern, according to Esquire.
Those who wear their hair in this fashion say that it’s more than just a hairdo; it’s a way of life, according to those who have done so. However, the term “dreads” or “dreadlocks” may be avoided by others because of the bad connotation attached to them, according to the news source.
In the slave trade, enslaved people couldn’t properly groom their hair since they didn’t have the time or tools to do so, according to TheyDiffer. The term “dreadlocks” comes from the slave masters’ description of their slaves’ hair as “dreadful.” As a result, employing this phrase evokes a sad period in American history when African-Americans were stigmatised because of their hair.
As a result, “locs” is the appropriate term to use if you wish to refer to this style. Rastafarians, on the other hand, according to Going Natural, use the word “dreads” to distinguish themselves for a cause greater than themselves.
According to Refinery29, some tribes, like Rastafarians, believe that the energy in your hair has a spiritual significance. Lavette Slater, a famous hairstylist, says that “people from different faiths look at their hair to be holy and as a form of strength and power,” according to her. To others, not combing one’s hair is a sign of a lack of respect for one’s appearance and the material world.
Bob Marley, who unwittingly popularisedlocs, emphasised the link between Jamaica and the style. Also in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Whoopi Goldberg made the haircut more mainstream and dispelled the misconception that only Jamaican culture and locs were associated.
‘It was Whoopi who progressively gave Black Americans what may be considered cultural permission to wear dreadlocks starting in 1985… And, she accomplished it by constructing a context around the haircut that had nothing to do with Jamaica, reggae, or the Rastafari,’ argues Dr. Bert Ashe. Hairstyles like the dreadlocks became more popular because of the weird, quirky normalcy that she brought to the hairstyle through her immense popularity. ” (per Refinery29).
Dreads, what exactly are they?
Dreads, also known as dreadlocks, are a type of hairstyle in which the wearer’s hair is twisted into ropes. Backcombing, rolling, or braiding can all be used to create them. The hair appears unruly and knotted, and some find it unappealing. Commercial reggae music helped make it popular. Rasta, a Jamaican term for the hairdo, is a common name for it in the West.
Dreadlocks are thought to be a throwback to the slave trade of the 18th century. They arrived looking dishevelled and messy due to the fact that Africans carried aboard ships after lengthy voyages were unable to perform their customary grooming practises due to their hair’s differing texture and behaviour from that of Caucasians. Dirty locks of hair had formed organically on their heads. They were deemed to as “dreadful” by their slave owners, thus they had dreadlocks.
Aside from that, many museum statues depicting people with their hair styled in this fashion date back to ancient Greece and Egypt, when the style was popular. Dreadlocks are a religious symbol for Indian holy hermits, for example, who wear them as a sign of their devotion to their faith. People with naturally curly hair might avoid combing and styling their hair after washing. This is how the hair dries naturally: it separates into strands and dries. If the hair is naturally coarse, the strand will appear to have a dreadlock-like appearance.
Are you familiar with locs?
For the purpose of cultivating the cultivated locs a variety of methods are used. A number of various steps must be completed in order to arrive at a successful conclusion. The buttoning step is where the locs are formed during the second phase. The faster the hair locks, the tighter its natural curl pattern is. Loc-wearers are masters of hair ornamentation. Their hair is styled into locs using a variety of colours, jewellery, and other accoutrements.
Locks are a hairstyle that originated in Africa. It entails making rope-like strands of varied thicknesses. Coiling, braiding, twisting, or palm rolling can all be used. No combing takes place during this procedure. For those with naturally curly hair, this is an easy look to achieve. Getting hair out of a locked state is challenging but not impossible. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
Symbolic of warriors and spiritual leaders in African culture, a growing number of African-Americans are embracing the style in an effort to connect with their heritage.
What’s the difference between dreadlocks and locks, exactly?
It is possible to trace the origin of both “dreads” and “locks” back to the same word: “dreadlocks”. In terms of perception and personal expression, however, there is a significant difference. “Dreadlocks” may conjure images of unkempt hairstyles, but locks are a symbol of African and Nubian cultural identity because they are the grooming method used by individuals of African and Nubian origin.
Numerous Rastafarians in the West have adopted the dreadlock style as their own. Some achieved it by adopting other ethnic traits, while others merely changed their hairstyle. Locks, on the other hand, indicate the naturally curled hair of African and Nubian peoples. It’s customary to get them done at specialised salons, where the stylists have complete control over the hair’s thickness. This is a neat and orderly appearance.
Because the terms “dreadlocks” and “dreads” have a negative connotation for some, the PC term for dreads is “locs” or “locks.” Dreadlocks are perceived as “dreadful” by some because of the connotations of “scary” and “filthy.” Dreadlocks are offensive, but I don’t think the word “dreads/dreadlocks” carries any bad connotations for me, nor do I mean anything negative when I use it.
Dreads and locs are sometimes mistakenly regarded as interchangeable terms among the general public. They are, nonetheless, unique. Dreadlocks and locs are similar in that they are both made by braiding one’s hair into ropes, but they aren’t quite the same. Both dreads and locs are hair styles, but one is a way of life and the other is a hairstyle. Because of the negative connotation associated with the term “dreads,” some persons prefer not to have their locs referred to as dreads.
Dreadlocks got its name because early colonists despised coiled hair. Because of this, many individuals prefer to simply refer to locs as locs.
Dreadlocks are a colloquial name for both dreads and locs. However, when it comes to personal expression, there is a big difference between the two. In some ways, dreadlocks serve as a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed against Africans who were sold into slavery. The untamed appearance of the hair is a way of expressing oneself and identifying with one’s culture.
However, locs are one of the most popular African and Nubian hairstyles. Their hair naturally forms buns. They keep it clean and well-groomed by going to hair salons on a regular basis.
Dreadlock are popular among what ethnicity?
Dreadlocks are popular among a variety of ethnic and religious groups.
In many civilizations, dreads and locs have played a significant role. It sets them apart from those of other civilizations. They’ve also become a hot topic in discussions regarding cultural appropriation because of their prominence in those discussions. Red ochre or crimson root extracts are used to colour the Maasaiwarriors’ dreadlocks red in Africa. Dreadlocks and braids are traditional hairstyles among some Indigenous Australians in the North West. Buddhism, Hinduism, and many other religions have dreadlocks as a symbol of their faith. Among athletes and their admirers, this hairdo is a popular choice.
Natural hair discrimination was officially outlawed in California on July 3, 2019, making it the first US state to do so. It made it illegal to discriminate against hairstyles such as dreadlocks, afros, braids, and twists.
Watch Biggest difference between dreadlocks and braids | Video
Top 5 FAQs and answers related to Differences between dreads and locs
Is a loc a dreadlock?
Do dreads harm your hair or not?
Is it possible for locs to become dreads?
To braid dreads, how long do they need to be?
Is it beneficial to wash your dreads in order to encourage them to grow?
Dreadlocks are commonly thought to be impervious to washing, according to popular belief. This, however, is not the case. After two weeks of growth, dreads should be washed on a regular basis. Dreadlocks should not be washed more than once a week, as this might negatively affect their growth.
Conclusion
Dreads and locks have been a part of many religious and cultural traditions for ages. In today’s society, this haircut is becoming increasingly popular. You can also get one to if you want a change.
