Why do white girls love to wear dreadlocks? Some women who wear dreadlocks are hippies, punks, or simply regular everyday people who want to express themselves through their hairstyle. You may ask why someone who has long, straight, or curly soft hair wants their hair to get matted into dreadlocks? Some people feel that dreadlocks on white girls constitute cultural appropriation or appreciation. It all depends on your views.
In my humble opinion, we are placing too much emphasis on a particular hairstyle. People wear their hair in different styles for different reasons. It’s not just a Black thing, a Caribbean thing, or a Jamaican thing, or even a Rastafarian thing. It goes a lot deeper than most people know. Some people wear their hair locked for religious reasons, while others look at dreadlocks as simply a fashion statement.
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What Are Dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks, often called “locs,” are strands of hair that naturally or intentionally mat together over time. While many people associate dreadlocks with Rastafarian culture, the hairstyle has existed in numerous cultures throughout history.
Today, people of all ethnic backgrounds wear dreadlocks for various reasons including:
- Personal expression
- Spiritual beliefs
- Low-maintenance hair goals
- Fashion and style preferences
- Connection to cultural traditions
Dreadlocks can be created on straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, although the locking process may differ depending on hair texture.
In an article from Vice, they asked white people why they wore dreadlocks. Here’s what one young woman said, “I always loved the way they looked and wanted them for about five years, and hated brushing my hair. Then, when I went traveling, I decided to finally get them made to keep my hair neat and low-maintenance.”
Are Dreadlocks Cultural Appropriation?
This topic continues to spark debate. Some people believe dreadlocks should be respected as an important cultural hairstyle with deep roots in African and Rastafarian communities. Others point to historical evidence showing that forms of locked hair have appeared in many civilizations around the world.
Ultimately, perspectives vary. Understanding the history of dreadlocks and respecting the cultures associated with them can help create more meaningful conversations about the hairstyle.
Regardless of your reason for wearing dreadlocks, here is a brief history of the hairstyle’s origin:
Dreadlocks have been worn by nearly every culture at some point in time or another. Roman accounts stated that the Celts wore their hair ‘like snakes’. The Germanic tribes and Vikings were also known to wear their hair in dreadlocks. Dreadlocks have been worn by the monks of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Nazarite of Judaism, Qalandri’s Sufi’s, the Sadhu’s of Hinduism, and the Dervishes of Islam, and many more! There are even strong suggestions that many early Christians wore dreadlocks; most notably Sampson, who was said to have seven locks of hair which gave him his inhuman strength!
Dreadlocks Today
Today, dreadlocks are worn by people from many different backgrounds and cultures. Some choose locs for spiritual reasons, while others appreciate the style, versatility, and low-maintenance nature of the hairstyle.
Modern dreadlocks can be worn in a variety of ways, including:
- Traditional locs
- Freeform locs
- Sisterlocks
- Faux locs
- Synthetic dreadlock extensions
- Temporary dreadlock styles
Whether you’re looking for a long-term commitment or simply experimenting with a new look, there are countless ways to personalize your dreadlocks and make them uniquely your own.
Let’s explore some of the tools, accessories, and styling options that can help you achieve the look.
Tools & Products for Creating or Styling Dreadlocks
If you’re thinking about getting dreadlocks or experimenting with dread styles, these tools can help you achieve the look faster and maintain healthy locs.
Popular dreadlock essentials:
• Crochet hooks for creating or tightening locs
• Dreadlock jewelry and beads
• Synthetic dread extensions for temporary styles
• Residue-free shampoo for loc maintenance
• Beading tools for easy installation
Tip from a professional braider: If you are creating dreadlocks on straight hair, crochet tools and synthetic extensions can help create fuller-looking locs while the hair naturally begins to lock.
Need supplies for your loc journey? I’ve gathered some of my favorite dreadlock tools, accessories, and styling products in one place.
Browse my favorite dreadlock Amazon Tools
UP-DO’S
Longer dreads can easily be piled on the head for an elegant updo. Accessorize the look with bold flowers for a touch of color and chic flair, sure to turn heads. If you prefer a more casual look, however, there are many other dreadlock styles to choose from.
SHAVED SIDES OF DREADLOCKS
Shaving the sides of your locks is very simple. Here are the 5 steps:
- Place hair into a ponytail
- Take the hair that you want to cut, and then pull it out of the ponytail
- Use a pair of scissors to cut off long hair
- Use a clipper to shave the hair down close to the scalp
If you desire designs, use the T-Liner for easy designing of zigzag lines, circles, or whatever creative drawing your mind can come up with.
DREADLOCK JEWELRY
Accessorize your locs:
If you want to accessorize your locs, you can find beautiful dreadlock jewelry, beads, and cuffs online. These are easy to install and instantly elevate a simple dread style.
Here’s how to install your loc jewelry:
Step 1: Take a strand of your loc that best fits the hole of the loc jewel.
Step 2: Insert your loc into the hole of the loc jewel piece.
Step 3: Pull your loc through the loc jewel until it is secure.
Pro Tip: For those of you who wear loc extensions. Please note that you many need jewelry with larger openings to fit onto your thick locs. Use this quick beader tool to help place your beads or jewelry onto your dreadlocks.
Yarn & Synthetic Extensions
Yarn dreads, sometimes called “knitted” dreadlocks, are a type of faux loc created using colorful yarn instead of traditional hair extensions. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or kinky, yarn dreads offer a fun and creative way to express your personal style. With endless color combinations and styling options, they can be customized to create a truly unique look.
Looking for supplies to create or maintain your loc style? Browse my favorite dreadlock tools, accessories, and styling essentials.
Temporary Dreadlock Extensions
Not everyone wants permanent dreadlocks. Many people prefer temporary synthetic dread extensions so they can enjoy the style without committing to permanent locs.
Synthetic dread extensions are made with fibers like Kanekalon and are often braided into the hair to create a full bohemian look.
These extensions can last several weeks and are perfect for:
• festivals
• travel
• protective styles
• experimenting with color
Browse my favorite dreadlock tools on my Amazon Storefront
More Dreadlock Inspiration
Looking for more dreadlock styles, color ideas, loc jewelry, and creative inspiration?Follow Congo Natural Dreads on Instagram to discover dreadlocked kings and queens from around the world.
Shop My Favorite Dreadlock Products & Accessories
Share your story in the comments below and join the conversation.
FAQ About Dreadlocks
Can straight hair form dreadlocks?
Yes. Straight hair can form dreadlocks using techniques like backcombing, crochet methods, or extensions.
Are dreadlocks permanent?
They can be permanent or temporary, depending on the installation method.
How long does it take for dreadlocks to mature?
Depending on hair texture and maintenance, dreadlocks can take anywhere from several months to over a year to fully mature.
Do dreadlocks damage hair?
When done properly and maintained correctly, dreadlocks should not damage the hair.
Can you wash dreadlocks?
Yes. Regular washing helps keep the scalp healthy and prevents buildup. Many people use residue-free shampoos designed for loc maintenance.
What products are best for dreadlocks?
Popular dreadlock products include crochet hooks, locking gel, residue-free shampoo, satin bonnets, loc jewelry, and moisturizing sprays.
Why Do You Wear Dreadlocks?
Over the years, this article has sparked some interesting conversations and introduced me to people from all walks of life.
Whether you agree with my perspective or have a different point of view, I’d love to hear from you.
Why do you wear dreadlocks? What inspired you to start your loc journey? Was it a cultural connection, a spiritual belief, a lifestyle choice, or simply a hairstyle you love?
Share your story in the comments below and join the conversation.
Looking for dreadlock tools, accessories, and styling essentials? Browse my favorite finds in my Amazon Storefront.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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