The beauty of being a natural is that you get to be a reflection of your true self. It’s odd how people who believe in relaxers hold on to the notion that their relaxed state gives them more style or diversity — yet when you look around, there are millions of women rockin’ the same straight hair styles. But when you look at naturals, you get so many different varieties of textures and looks.
Dreadlocks are one of my fave natural hair styles because it makes a statement. It speaks of our heritage, shows strength and resonates our own personal taste. It seems like it’s finally starting to spread around, hence all of the women (and men) wearing faux locs. But there’s nothing like the real thing!
I want to go into the different misconceptions that have been spread about dreadlocks — including misinformation about starting, maintaining and even getting rid of them. So if you’ve been thinking about getting locs for yourself, hopefully this article will help you to do so with confidence.
Myth #1: You have to cut your hair to start dreadlocks
My husband and eldest daughter both have dreadlocks — he started from a mini-fro and she started with shoulder length hair. I twisted hers myself.
That was back in 2010 and today, she still has them and they look just like my husbands. So I can personally say that that is a lie.
I mention this because I know of people who wanted to get them, but didn’t want to do the big chop in order to get them. I do want to note that she has kinky* 4c-like hair, which definitely helped with her hair locking up on point.
Myth #2: You have to cut your dreads off when you no longer want them
I too used to believe this, all the way up until a few weeks ago. I can now say with confidence that it’s possible to remove dreads without cutting them. In fact, you can take them loose using conditioners and other products that help to loosen the locks.
But as you could imagine, it takes a heck of a long time! One woman I came across had very long dreads and it took her 8 hours per dreadlock.
Of course, this isn’t a rule of thumb — she decided to take her time and remove them herself. There are professional services that can be used instead, or if you have shorter, fatter dreads, this won’t take you as long.
Another option is to cut the dreads very short, then take them out — this is quicker and allows you to avoid shaving your head.
Now. . If I could just find someone serious enough to do them. Tried twice-at legit salons-terrible experience. Guess my third try will be Pookie from the Hood lol