Are dreadlocks simply a unique hairstyle or part of the
Black cultural experience? And is it acceptable for other
races to grow dreadlocks? Because of Black people's kinky
hair texture, many believe they're the only race that grows
dreadlocks. Therefore, it belongs to the Black culture.
However, people from every race around the world have this
unique hairstyle.
Dreadlocks are the natural result of three to six months
uncombed hair. Strains of hair intertwine together and
create "ropes" or "locs". All types of hair eventually
clunk or matte together if left free of combs and hair
relaxers for a long time. The texture of the hair
determines how long it takes.
Thick coarse hair develops or grows dreadlocks fast, easy,
and may not need chemicals or twisting. Straight hair
takes longer and will always need chemicals and twisting.
Most Blacks' hair is coarse while other races have straight
hair. In the end, however, both types of hair will start
growing dreadlocks. To say one race of people is
responsible or can claim dreadlocks as their own is a bold
statement against the laws of nature.
The issue isn't what race of people did dreadlocks come
from but rather, which accepts this unique and natural
hairstyle as a part of their culture. So far, the answer
has been a resounding yes from the Black communities across
the nation and world.
For many Blacks, dreadlocks are a symbol of pride and
cultural identity. Some are going natural because most
hairstyles need the use of hair relaxing chemicals which
may cause harm to hair and scalp. Dreadlocks, on the other
hand, are simple: just wash and go.
In Bob Marley's song "Buffalo Soldiers," he describes the
black soldiers who helped protect American settlers from
Indians after the Civil War, as "dreadlock Rasta." The
Indians called the soldiers "Buffalo Soldiers" because
their dreadlocks resembled curly hair of the buffalo.
The Buffalo Soldiers are examples of how dreadlocks have
been much a part of Black history and culture right here in
America. In fact, historians have described how shackled
slaves grew dreadlocks during the three to six month ride
from Africa to America. The slave trader or master cut them
off because they considered them "dreadful" to look at and
forbade the slaves to grow them back.
Whether for spiritual reasons, personal motivation, or a
fashion statement, Black people have been growing
dreadlocks longer than most cultures. Today, the
popularity of dreadlocks is on the rise not only for
Blacks, but for many in other races.
As stated before, anyone can grow dreadlocks with patience
and the right technique. It doesn't matter the color of
skin or which part of the world you live in. Again, what
matters is the hair's texture. Hairstylists specializing
in dreadlocks (locticians) can examine your hair and tell
what you'll need to do.
Here's a rule of thumb with much wiggle room. If you are
of African descent with thick hair, growing dreadlocks
should be natural, easy, and fast with few visits to a
loctician. If you are not of African descent and have
straight thin hair, it will take longer. You'll need more
frequent visits to a loctician and the use of chemicals
such as beeswax.
Dreadlocks are much a part of Black history and culture but
they are also for the whole world to experience and enjoy.
So, in the words of Bob Marley "Grow your dreadlocks, don't
be afraid of the wolf pack".
----------------------------------------------------
Jeffery Bradley has over 20 years experience with growing
dreadlocks and creating the lifestyle he wants with them.
Visit http://www.howtogrowdreadlocks.com for your free
ebook "5 Steps to Great Dreadlocks".
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