The biggest difference between the two hairstyles is the creation process. The word “dreads” is better suited for naturally formed locs of hair. Locs are dreads that are formed artificially by a hairstylist. So, it’s correct to refer to locs as a neater and better-maintained form of dreadlocks.
Dreads and Locs are the most popular and dopest hairstyles for Africans, and the two terms have been used interchangeably for centuries. But is there a difference between the two hairstyles?
Dreadlocks are also referred to as “Rastas,” which is indicative of their Jamaican origin, where it has a spiritual connotation. On the flip side, Locs have an African Nubian descent where people simply used the hairstyle to show their origin.
But then, it’s important to know that locs are neater and more polished than dreads which often look rough with the hair roots undefined. Locs are cultivated, involving different stages to arrive at that polished look, while dreads aren’t. Dreads grow naturally.
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Read on to learn more about these two oldest hairstyles. Perhaps, the next time you visit a salon you’ll know what exactly to tell the stylist.
What are Dreads?
Dreads or dreadlocks are a type of African hairstyle that’s best known for its rope-like look. There are various methods for dreads, including crocheting, backcombing, braiding, and twist and rip method.
Dreads have a widespread history in many cultures. For example, in some African cultures, those who wear dreadlocks are traditionally seen as respectable warriors.
However, in American culture “dreads,” had a negative connotation, being interpreted as dreadful. American historians associated the origin of dreads with the 18th-century slave trade period.Due to the hostile living conditions and long voyage, the African slaves could not take care of their hair.
The inability to maintain their hair grooming routine, coupled with the coarse texture and behavior of African hair, these slaves’ hair began to tangle. Over time, their hair locked naturally.
Today, many Africans with coarse hair texture can grow dreads naturally by not combing their hair or styling it after washing. The hair separates into individual masses and when it dries up, looks like dreads.
When you take a close look at a single dreadlock, you’ll notice that it looks very much like steel wool – fibers are tightly woven together to form a solid mass. Also, despite having African heritage, people of all races, genders, religions, and tribes, flaunt dreadlocks.
The evolution of commercial reggae music helped to popularize the hairstyle with stars like Bob Marley wearing it. Jamaican Rastafarians wore dreadlocks or dreads as a symbol of their religious status and power. Jamaicans thought those with dreadlocks to be holy and powerful.
Some people refer to the hairstyle as “Rasta” instead of dreads. Although dreadlocks tend to look messy and rough, many people think that these attributes make them unique and attractive.
What are Locs?
Locs are rope-like African hairstyles that are formed by matting or braiding the hair. The origin of locs has been traced back to ancient Greece. People of various cultures and religions have worn locs to communicate their beliefs, including the Hindus and ancient Israelites.
The Egyptians would commonly wear their hair in the loc style to communicate their victory in battles. They believed that the snake-like appearance of locs was representative of their accomplishments. Some of the mummified remains of Egyptians recovered from archaeological sites had locked hairstyles.
In the Hindu account, the holy Hindu texts as far back as 1500BC, Lord Shiva’s hair is referred to as ‘jata’, meaning “twisted locks of hair”. In virtually all pictorial representations of Lord Shiva, he is seen with locks of hair flowing past his shoulders or tied above his head in what is called, ‘jatamukuta’ (crown of matted hair).
The Hindu culture believed that the locs made them closer to their deity and helped them control their energy.
For Africans, locs are a symbol of spiritual leadership or outstanding strength. Most African Americans wear locs to signify their origin. Locs are more suitable for African or Nubian hair due to the coarse nature of their hair and can last for a very long time.
The Difference Between Dreads and Locs
People of different races and religions use “locs” and “dreadlocks” interchangeably since they’re very similar in looks. However, Some people prefer to use the term “Locs” rather than “dreads’ because of the negative connotation that American slave masters have applied to the word “dreads.”
The slave masters used the word “dreads” to demonize black people’s hair type. Dreadlocks are also associated with the Rastafarians who use the style to set themselves apart from the rest of society.
Locs were an identity for various cultures for centuries, including Ethiopians, Egyptians, Hindus, and Islam. Thus, differentiating between dreads and locs will depend on the cultural perception and individual opinion of the two hairstyles.
Rastafarians say that the major difference between the two is that one is a hairstyle and the other is a lifestyle. Hairstyles (locs) are cultivated but dreads are not. That’s their opinion anyways.
Another key differentiating factor between the two hairstyles is the creation process. The word “dreads” is better suited for naturally formed locs of hair. Locs are dreads that are formed artificially by a hairstylist. So, it’s correct to refer to locs as a neater and better-maintained form of dreadlocks.
Talking about the appearance of the two, dreads are thick rope-like strands without a defined root system. This means that dreads do not have neat partitions. To form dreads, the hair mats from the root so that it’s hardly possible to get a comb through your dreadlocks. Also, it may be difficult to change up styles with dreadlocks.
Locs, on the other hand, have neater roots. You can see and identify the root of each loc’s strand. Locs are also neater in appearance due to the thorough process involved which results in a polished after-look. Just as the process of creating locs is rigorous, removing them follows a difficult process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are locs called dreads?
The term “dreadlocks” is believed to have originated from the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya during the 1950s, where warriors wore their hair in matted, “dreadful” styles as a symbol of their resistance against British colonialism.
2. What is the difference between locs dreads and twists?
Locs are formed by allowing hair to naturally mat and lock over time. Dreads are often formed using backcombing and other techniques to create a more structured, uniform look. Twists involve twisting two strands of hair together to create a rope-like effect, but do not lock or mat like locs or dreads.
3. Are locs permanent?
Locs can be permanent if they are not combed out or cut off. However, they can also be removed through a lengthy process called “unraveling,” which involves using specialized tools and products to loosen and separate the matted hair.
4. Are locs matted hair?
Locs are formed by allowing hair to mat and tangle naturally over time. While they may appear “matted,” they are not the same as matted hair, which occurs when hair becomes tangled and knotted due to neglect or lack of maintenance
5. Can locs be undone?
Locs can be undone through a process called “unraveling,” which involves using specialized tools and products to loosen and separate the matted hair. However, this process can be lengthy and may result in some hair loss or damage.
6. Are locs dirty inside?
Locs can accumulate dirt, lint, and other debris over time if not properly maintained. Regular washing and cleansing can help prevent buildup and keep locs clean and healthy
7. Should I shower with dreads?
It’s generally safe to shower with locs, but it’s important to protect them from excess water and moisture, which can lead to mildew and odors. Wearing a shower cap or using a specialized shower shield can help keep locs dry while washing.
8. What is the white stuff in locs?
The white stuff in locs is often a buildup of dead skin cells, product residue, or lint. Regular washing and cleansing can help prevent buildup and keep locs clean and healthy.
9. How often do you wash locs?
The frequency of washing locs depends on personal preference and hair type. Some people wash their locs once a week, while others may wash every two weeks or longer. It’s important to avoid over-washing, as this can strip hair of natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
1. Why are locs called dreads?
The term “dreadlocks” is believed to have originated from the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya during the 1950s, where warriors wore their hair in matted, “dreadful” styles as a symbol of their resistance against British colonialism.
2. What is the difference between locs dreads and twists?
Locs are formed by allowing hair to naturally mat and lock over time. Dreads are often formed using backcombing and other techniques to create a more structured, uniform look. Twists involve twisting two strands of hair together to create a rope-like effect but do not lock or mat like locs or dreads.
3. Are locs permanent?
Locs can be permanent if they are not combed out or cut off. However, they can also be removed through a lengthy process called “unraveling,” which involves using specialized tools and products to loosen and separate the matted hair.
4. Are locs matted hair?
Locs are formed by allowing hair to mat and tangle naturally over time. While they may appear “matted,” they are not the same as matted hair, which occurs when hair becomes tangled and knotted due to neglect or lack of maintenance.
5. Can locs be undone?
Locs can be undone through a process called “unraveling,” which involves using specialized tools and products to loosen and separate the matted hair. However, this process can be lengthy and may result in some hair loss or damage.
6. Are locs dirty inside?
Locs can accumulate dirt, lint, and other debris over time if not properly maintained. Regular washing and cleansing can help prevent buildup and keep locs clean and healthy.
7. Should I shower with dreads?
It’s generally safe to shower with locs, but it’s important to protect them from excess water and moisture, which can lead to mildew and odors. Wearing a shower cap or using a specialized shower shield can help keep locs dry while washing.
8. What is the white stuff in locs?
The white stuff in locs is often a buildup of dead skin cells, product residue, or lint. Regular washing and cleansing can help prevent buildup and keep locs clean and healthy.
9. How often do you wash locs?
The frequency of washing locs depends on personal preference and hair type. Some people wash their locs once a week, while others may wash every two weeks or longer. It’s important to avoid over-washing, as this can strip hair of natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
It’s your Turn..
It’s normal to hear someone say “I want to make dreads” when they mean locs. Not so many people know the difference between the two since they have almost the same appearance. But a simple way to differentiate between the two is that locs is an artificial form of dread and so looks neater and more polished.
However, the beauty of dreads is in the roughness, at least for some people. At the same time, there are special hair care techniques for grooming dreadlocks. Now that you know the difference between the two, which would you rather go for, dreads or locs?
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