My Journey with Dreadlocks: Tips and Lessons Learned
Updated: Apr 25, 2023
5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING YOUR LOC JOURNEY
*disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. As Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Locking your hair can be a fun and self-expressive journey, but it's important to be well-informed and prepared before taking the plunge. In this post, I'll cover the basics of starting dreadlocks, including choosing a method and caring for your new locks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, I hope this guide will provide helpful information and inspiration for your loc journey.
I was like you too. I went back and forth for over a year. Yes, literally! I started off by getting the crochet faux locs and I would faithfully get them done every five to six weeks. At the end of 2021, I was in the middle of a divorce and struggling to find my identity. After months of research, I decided I was going to do it!
Deciding to loc your hair is not always an easy decision. So congrats! You’re taking the first step - research. As black women, we tend to put a lot of value and time into our hair. It is easy to see the photos on Pinterest or Instagram of all of the beautiful women with their long colorful locs and feel envious. One thing I quickly realized is that this journey is just that..a journey! With any journey, it takes time and patience to get the results you want.
History of Locs
Dreadlocks, also known as “locs”, are a hairstyle that has a long and varied history. The origins of dreadlocks can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where they were worn by priests, warriors, and ascetics as a sign of devotion or spiritual dedication.
In modern times, dreadlocks have been worn by people of various cultures and religions as a form of self-expression and cultural identity. In the 1960s and 1970s, dreadlocks became popular among counterculture movements, including the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica, as a symbol of resistance against mainstream society.
Today, dreadlocks are worn by people of all races and cultures as a fashionable and artistic statement. While they may be associated with certain cultural and spiritual practices, dreadlocks are ultimately a personal choice and can be worn by anyone who wishes to embrace this unique and expressive hairstyle.
Here are some things to consider as you weigh the options on beginning your own loc journey, and some things I wish I knew when I started mine:
1. Do your research
You’re here which means you are taking the first step already! There is no rush to get started. The main goal is to make an informed decision about your hair and embark on your journey feeling confident in your decision. There are so many resources and sites that have valuable information to help you along the way. I have listed a few that I used as a resource when I was doing my own research on my journey.
2. Know your WHY
Locs have been used for various reasons throughout so many different cultures and periods. I personally embarked on my journey when I started navigating my spiritual journey and doing some healing/soul searching. I had always looked at hair as a pillar of beauty. My hair was short growing up and I was bullied for it (as if I had any control over it) it instilled values around hair that if your hair was not long and flowy you were not pretty. Even though I grew out of that and went natural in college, I still found myself using hair as a way to elevate my beauty. I wanted to fall in love with my hair for no reason other than it was my hair and it deserved love even when it wasn't polished or pressed. Whatever your why, remember it as you go through the transitions on the journey.
3. Understanding Different Loc types
I didn't know how many options there were until I started researching. WOW, free-form locs, sisterlocks, traditional locs, interlocking locs, etc. I was blown away by the many different ways of expression when it came to locs. I was honestly so ignorant and truly believed, a loc is a loc (lol) THE MORE YOU KNOW. When starting your journey look at the different types of locs and make a decision based on your preferences, but also your lifestyle and align it with your why.
4. Maintenance
You have to be careful with your locs when starting out. Being mindful of the products and care will help you maintain healthy locs and keep your hair from any damage. If you are going to wash your hair yourself, be sure you are using a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Keep your scalp moisturized! I use jojoba oil and a spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Try to use minimal products, as it can lead to build-up and make your locs look dirty and/or heavy. Avoid heat! Don’t try to curl your locs. Use heat-free methods such as braiding or twisting to create dimension and texture with your styles.
Products I use and love for my hair:
*disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. As Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note these may not work for you and as always please research the best products for you hair*
5. Trust the process
One thing to remember is that regardless of how the journey goes for you, TRUST THE PROCESS. It takes time to get full locs like all of the Pinterest pics you've saved (I know, I did it too, lol) but those photos aren't you or your hair or your journey. It can take months and years to get the desired look for your locs. It won't happen overnight but it is definitely worth the wait! Remember, you will never get the EXACT same locs as someone on the internet. Allow yourself to settle into your path and know that it is yours alone.
Final Thought
I hope these tips for starting and maintaining dreadlocks have been helpful. Remember, locking your hair is a journey, and it may take time for your hair to fully lock and mature. Be patient and embrace the process, and don't be afraid to seek out professional help or advice if you need it. The journey is a beautiful self-affirming process and can allow you to draw closer to the truest essence of yourself, how God designed you to be. By taking care of your locs and staying true to your personal style, you can rock this unique and expressive hairstyle with confidence and pride.
As always, I love you!
Amanda
♡