To protect their natural hair from the elements during the changing seasons, Black women wear certain hairstyles to protect and retain the moisture in their hair. Black women wear soft locs as a protective hairstyle because they enclose natural hair inside them, protecting their natural hair from environmental damage.
They are also found among ancient Egyptians, Buddhist monks in India, Māori warriors in New Zealand and Maasai tribes in East Africa, for example. For these cultures, dreadlocks were often a sign of spiritual connection, wisdom and belonging to a community.
Well, I'm here to tell you, yes, dreadlocks can be combed out, especially ones that have been properly cared for during their life, including regular shampooing and conditioning. This is very important! If you decide to comb out your 'locks, it's critical that you approach the process with much patience.
Stereotyping: There is a stereotype that individuals with dreadlocks are associated with a certain lifestyle or attitude, which may lead to misconceptions or judgment from others. Hair damage: Improper maintenance or installation of dreadlocks can lead to damage to the hair, such as breakage, thinning, or hair loss.
Buns are by far the most protective. Your hair is wrapped up in itself, it's not moving, it won't be catching and rubbing on things. Braids can help a little but if they're down touching your shoulders and your back, they can still catch and rub on things which can cause damage.
While thin hair is the most prone to breakage (about 10 times more, in fact), it can happen to any hair type. Fine hair is a bit more vulnerable as it has a smaller inner core and thin cuticle layer, containing about 50% less protein than thick hair. In short, if your hair is fine or thin, it will need even more TLC.
"Soft locs are a good protective style whether they're done individually or crocheted because they enclose the natural hair in the loc, protecting it from environmental damage," said Courtney.
Some people prefer to use the term "locs" instead of "dreadlocks" because they feel that the latter has negative connotations and associations with fear or dread. "Locs," on the other hand, is a shortened version of "locks," which is a more neutral and descriptive term for the hairstyle.
Contrary to what many believe, locs can—and should—be washed. When locs are kept clean, it's easier for your hair to grow. When you don't wash them, you risk accumulating dirt and oil that compromises the health of your hair.
There are a lot of benefits to having dreadlocks—namely, they're low-maintenance, versatile, and a permanent protective hairstyle.
Dreads (or dreadlocks) are a matted, messier hairstyle, whereas locs are a polished and defined hairstyle. Both styles are created by twisting, braiding, or coiling the hair, but the final result is vastly different.
Using just your fingers, begin loosening the tangled hair from the very bottom of the knot. Continue to add small amounts of the detangler as you separate the hair. Do not use a comb to try to untangle the hair, and don't start at the top of the knot, as this will only tighten it and break the hairs.
You definitely can go back to your natural hair after having locs. Take your time to make the decision to undo your locs. Sometimes people go back to having locs because they miss how chill their locs were.
The bible talks about dreadlocks too: Numbers 6:5 “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.
To comb out dreads, you'll need to wet the hair and smother it with a lubricating conditioner to get started. Then you'll use a pick or metal comb to very patiently start picking out the hair from the tip of the dreadlock working toward the scalp.
Dreads form when hair that has malted, or fallen out of your scalp, tangles up with, and mattes together with your hair that is still attached and growing. If it's a hair wash day, take a minute to brush your hair before you jump in the shower.
The Bottom Line: Dreadlocks Aren't Dirty
The cleanliness of someone's dreadlocks depends on various factors, including how they wash and dry them and what products they use. The most important part of maintaining clean dreadlocks is washing them properly and using the right loc wash, oils, and moisturizing products.
Because dreadlocks are matted hair, they have the potential to trap odors more than other hairstyles. However, that doesn't mean that dreads always smell bad (or that your locs are doomed to smell bad at one point). If you don't properly care for your dreads, then you could end up with locs that smell bad.
Locs are also worn to defy European standards of beauty and help to develop a sense of Black pride and acceptance of African features as beautiful. In another branch of Rastafari called Boboshanti Order of Rastafari, dreadlocks are worn to display a black person's identity and social protest against racism.
Locs, commonly referred to as “dreads” or “dreadlocks”, is a style in which hair falls into rope-like strands, made when the hair locks into itself. During the loving process the hair tangles, which causes the strands to coil around themselves into fused units.
Because dreadlocks have been regarded by some, particularly those animated by anti-Black racism, as dirty, unkempt, or unprofessional, people who wear them have faced discrimination in the workplace and at schools.
Extremely long and thick dreadlocks can become a heavy strain on your roots, causing broken root follicles or hair loss.
Cons of Locs: Buildup
Locs are still your hair and still require regular maintenance and upkeep. Locs shouldn't make you lazy with your haircare. Without proper care and maintenance, locs can accumulate product buildup, lint, or debris, which may require thorough professional cleansing or even cutting in extreme cases.
Wigs. If the point of a protective hairstyle is to keep your ends hidden away from unnecessary stressors, then wigs are the ultimate protective style. A wig not only protects your ends, but it also keeps your entire mane safely tucked beneath its perfectly styled barrier.
Over-oiling your scalp and locs can lead to problems, from the build-up to weakened roots. While oiling is important for retaining moisture and promoting hair growth, too much of it can attract dirt and dust, leading to build-up that clogs the pores on your scalp.