The way Black people style their hair carries deep historical and spiritual significance. With so many styles that have served as a form of self-expression, resistance, and empowerment, Black encapsulating the rich history. From elaborate braids to the modern-day Afro, hair has always been a vital part of cultural identity and pride. Among the most celebrated Black hairstyles are dreads and locs, which have become symbols of heritage and personal transformation.
Far beyond fashion trends, they are deeply rooted in spirituality and a celebration of natural beauty. They are distinct hairstyles with unique methods of formation. Here’s what to know about dreads and locs.
What Are Locs?
Locs are a type of hairstyle where hair is intentionally matted or twisted into rope-like strands. The process of creating locs varies, though the the hair may be twisted, rolled or palm-rolled to encourage the locking process. Locs can vary in size, from thin, pencil-thin strands to large, thick ropes of hair.
Locs are a natural, low-maintenance hairstyle, though they do require care to maintain their health and neatness. People with locs typically wash their hair regularly, separate the locs to prevent them from merging into one, and may retwist or re-style the locs as they grow. You can start your locs using different methods: palm rolling, interlocking, two-strand twists, or freeform.
Locs carry a profound connection to Black identity. In many African and Afro-Caribbean cultures, they’re a manifestation of spiritual beliefs and connection to roots. The hairstyle has been a symbol of resistance against Western beauty standards and a declaration of pride in natural, untamed beauty.
What Are Dreads?
Dreadlocks, or dreads, are a form of hairstyle, where the hair mats and tangle over time, resulting in distinct, rope-like locks. While they have roots in various cultures around the world, including ancient Egypt, India, and Africa, they became especially prominent during the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica.
Unlike locs, dreadlocks form naturally without much intervention. They traditionally associated have a more freeform approach. Hair is left to mat over time without regular maintenance or styling. Some people start dreadlocks by simply not combing or brushing their hair, allowing it to lock up in sections over time. While dreadlocks and locs share similarities, dreads denote a more organic, less maintained version of the style. They are a form of rebellion, particularly in the context of anti-colonial and anti-establishment movements.
Dreads vs Locs
While both dreads and locs share the same general idea, here are their key differences:
Formation Process
Dreads form organically, with little intervention from the wearer. People who wear dreads often allow the hair to lock on its own without frequent twisting or maintenance. Locs, on the other hand, are often intentionally styled and maintained. While locs do involve the natural locking process, people have to frequently twist, palm-roll, or interlock them to encourage neatness and uniformity. People with locs tend to prioritize active care to maintain the style.
Cultural Significance
Historically, dreadlocks were a symbol of resistance, where the style is a rejection of colonial influences and Western beauty standards. Locs are more associated with a sense of cultural preservation. In many African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American communities, locs are a way of maintaining a connection to African ancestry and celebrating natural beauty.
Maintenance
Dreads require minimal maintenance. The natural locking process takes place without interference. The style is more freeform and can sometimes have a more rugged appearance. Locs, on the other hand, require more upkeep. This includes regular retwisting or rolling to maintain the structure of the locs and prevent them from merging into one.
Appearance
Dreads tend to have a more uneven, free-spirited look. They are usually thicker and often have a more “wild” or untamed appearance. Locs are generally more uniform and neatly styled. They are often thinner and more defined, with a more polished look compared to dreads.