Dreadlocks.org

All too often, people with dreadlocks are viewed as having dirty hair or being unclean individuals. They are considered people that have this whole spiritual thing going on and have an attitude about life. Get a better understanding of dreadlocks by having some of your burning questions answered. So, what are some burning questions about dreadlocks that can be answered here?

Are dreadlocks for Rastafarians only?
Dreadlocks are for anyone that desires that hairstyle or lifestyle, as some would say. Rastafarians usually wear their hair very matted and use no type of culturing or maintenance for the upkeep. They basically wash their hair and leave it to dry and lock on its own. However, I have seen individuals that don’t consider themselves Rastafarian lock their hair the same way. It really is a personal preference for the individual. However, anyone can wear dreadlocks whether they are Black, White, Chinese, Asian, etc.

Are dreadlocks considered spiritual?
If wanting to start dreadlocks is an inner choice that is made for an individual, then I guess it can be considered spiritual. However, dreadlocks are for anyone that wants to start them. Dreadlock wearers I know just got to a certain point in their lives where they wanted to make a change. They wanted to enhance their lifestyle and it just so happen to include starting dreadlocks.

Are dreadlocks nasty and dirty?
Personally, I wash my hair 2-3 times a week because of my active lifestyle and my personal choice to have clean hair. However, some individuals prefer to leave their hair unwashed for an extended period of time (3 months or longer) to allow their hair to lock. However, this is NOT sanitary because it causes the hair to stink horribly. Many dreadlock wearers I know wash their hair every week or every two weeks, depending on what information they have been given about maintaining their dreadlocks. It’s really a matter of preference for the individual but cleaner is better, in my opinion.

Do I have to go to a dreadlock professional to get dreadlocks?
No. There is so much information available on the internet about starting dreadlocks, that I would advise an individual to do their research before spending money to go to a professional and have their hair locked. Certain dreadlock styles require a certified professional, but I would advise doing the research, saving the money and doing your hair at home.

Are Dreadlocks expensive?
Depending on what type of dreadlocks you want, the cost can vary. They can be free if you decide to do them at home like I did. However, some professionals can charge $65- $800 to start them, and $35/hr for maintenance. The higher costs come from certain micro locks that have to be installed and maintained by a certified professional that uses a special tool to start and maintain them.

Do I have styling options with dreadlocks?
Yes! I love this question because depending on the size of the dreadlock, you can have the very same styling option as someone with straight hair. For example, I can wear my hair in ponytails, pin-ups, hanging, etc. Additionally, I can roll it, wear it curly, or use a blow drier and let it hang straight down. The options are unlimited when you get the micro sized dreadlocks because they are so spongy and flexible. It really depends on the individual and how much maintenance they are willing to endure. My hair takes a lot of maintenance frequently because of the tiny locks, and the mere fact of me wanting to keep it looking fresh and stylish.

Are dreadlocks for me?
It depends on the individual. I would highly recommend considering all options and doing your research before taking the leap into dreadlocks. It takes a lot of commitment, patience and acceptance of the hairstyle and what others may think of it. I know that my hair is probably cleaner than the average dreadlock wearer because I make sure of it. However, some people may not think so because of myths they have heard about dreadlock wearers. Be sure you are ready to accept you and have confidence in your ability to look good with your dreadlock style. Not all people will accept the style and can/will judge you before they even know you, because of negative things they have heard about dreadlock wearers. Be willing to live with it and push forward. If you don’t think you are ready for some potential false judgment about this hairstyle, then it is not for you. You will know when you are ready and nothing will stop you when you get to that point.

Do your research about the dreadlock hairstyle, before making it become a part of your lifestyle. Dreadlocks become a part of who you are and should not define you, but you should define who you are. Remember, the hairstyle only compliments the individual wearing the style. Be sure you remain awesome, even with the potential change in hairstyle, and you will make it work for you!

Copyright (c) 2009 Dawgelene Sangster

Author: Dawgelene Sangster
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

If there is one variety of hairstyles that has truly withstood the test of time, then it has to be that of dreadlocks hairstyles. From time immemorial (probably from the time when hair was discovered as a part that could be leveraged upon to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the wearer), dreadlock hairstyles have always been considered a mark of distinction. Of course, in the recent decades – and that is basically starting from the sixties up to date – dreadlock hairstyles have received a great boost from the various subcultures that came to adopt them as a part of their identity, common examples of those subcultures that wore dreadlock hairstyles as a part of their identity being the Rastafarian culture (which started in the Caribbean islands before spreading to the rest of the world), as well as the alternative metal subculture – which while originally a ‘rockish’ music style, quickly grew into a sub-culture by its own right, complete with a distinct identity.

It is noteworthy, though, that while dreadlock hairstyles are widely associated with these sub-cultures, they are not exclusive to them (which is contrary to what many people have come to believe). This is to say that, for instance, being spotted with dreadlocks does not automatically mean that you subscribe to the Rastafarian faith, because when all is said and done, the dreadlocks remain just a variety of hairstyles. If you fancy the distinctive look that dreadlock hairstyles confer then, you should not hesitate from getting it thinking that you will come across as being a subscriber to one or another faith or sub-culture. Dreadlocks are just a way of styling hair, and it is upon you, once you have the hairstyle in place to put meaning into it – where, depending on your intentions in getting them, they could be anything from ‘just another type of hairstyle, meant for aesthetic appeal’ to a sign of belonging to one or another subculture associated with them.

Noteworthy too is the fact that although dreadlocks tend to look the same to the casual observer (with differences only being in things like length of the locks), it turns out that there is a great variety of dreadlocks hairstyles to choose from, each with its own distinctive look. The implication here is that if you grow your hair to a length which makes it possible to be worked into locks, you can then have a great variety of specific styles to choose from (so that you don’t grow your hair to such a length imagining that you will end up limited in terms of styles into which to work the hair). Even by the most conservative estimates, there would be at least two dozen of dreadlocks hairstyles, so there is indeed a great variety to choose from.

Then again, with regard to dreadlock hairstyles, it should be noted that all it takes to grow the locks is not just letting hair to grow to ones back; but rather that quite a lot of labor goes into treating and braiding the hair to grow into the desired locks. Of course, the reward for this labor is the distinctive look the dreadlocks confer, as mentioned earlier.

Author: Jamie Gram
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Corporate America and the rest of the business world may not have a good understanding for dreadlocks. The unique hairstyle is popular and an attention grabber. However, someone with dreadlocks could face avoidance, hear negative statements, or not respected as part of the team.

To survive in Corporate American or any job with dreadlocks, you must commit to hard work, persistence, and dedication to excellence. You can’t change or control the actions of others but you do have total control over how you react and perform.

These tips will help you excel and succeed in your job of career with dreadlocks:

- Believe in yourself. Regardless of what happens during the workday, keep confidence in yourself strong. Those who hired you believe in your skills to help the company or department meet goals. Stay focused on that purpose.

- Be professional and dedicated. “Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and doing it,” quotes Frank Tyger. In essence, this means doing what the company hired you to do at the best of your abilities. Make a habit of creating to-do lists everyday and complete many tasks as possible.

- Build strong working relationships with coworkers. Be friendly with everyone in the company and be a part of the team. Have a positive attitude to be more approachable and easy to work with.

- Have good work ethics. Put in the long hours or extra time when needed. And don’t complain when you have to work beyond your standard hours. Take pride in your work and leave a statement of success in every task you complete.

- Be on time. Get to work on time, or better, five to ten minutes before. Punctuality is important to managers and co-workers. It shows your respect for others who depend on the work you do.

- Know your company. Be knowledgeable about the company, its goals, and how your skills will help achieve those goals. Visit the company’s website often, attend all meetings, and ask questions that will give you a better understanding of your role in the company.

- Dress well. Your clothes should always be neat and pressed. Make sure you follow the company dress code. Shine your shoes and groom your dreadlocks. Men should wear long dreadlocks in a ponytail behind the head. Women are more flexible. A loctician or image consultant can help you create a professional business hairstyle with dreadlocks.

- Underpromise and overdeliver. Never take on more than you can handle and research your tasks thoroughly. It’s always better to wow your co-workers and boss by doing more than to apologize for not delivering on time.

- Improve your skills continuously. Know the advances occurring in your industry and keep your skills upgraded to match them. Sign up for online courses, use computer based training (CBT) CDs, and attend seminars about your job or career.

- Stay positive no matter what. Keep track of what you say to you and others. End conversations on a positive note and action step. Never say you cannot perform a task, but rather, you will find a way to resolve the issue.

- Work gossip-free. Do not gossip with co-workers and keep your life personal. Walk away, change the subject, or state you don’t like talking about others when someone tries to gossip with you. If gossipers talk to you about others, they also talk about you to others. Everyone knows the person who gossips the most. Be careful.

- Learn the art of listening. You have two ears and one mouth, try to listen more than you speak. When someone approach you for help, advice, inspiration, or anything work related, always give them your full attention with eye to eye contact. If you can’t fully attend to the person at the minute for any reason, it is better to reschedule the conversation.

- Limit alcohol consumption at company events. Drinking alcohol creates alter egos you may not want co-workers to know about. Also, drunken people make statements about dreadlocks, play with your hair, or ask silly questions making you feel uncomfortable.

- Expect some people to dislike your dreadlocks. Do not worry about their thoughts of you or your life. Les Brown, the motivator, quotes “What others think of you is none of your spiritual business.” Remember, you are on a mission to be the best you can be.

- Stay motivated for success. Take spiritual time everyday to appreciate who your are and the gifts you have to offer. Keep a place in your work area for family pictures, how-to books, and calendars. Develop an attitude of gratitude for your job.

Start today on making yourself more valuable to your company with your dreadlock hairstyle. Do the best job you can possibly do for every task. When co-workers and managers see your dreadlocks, they will also see a person dedicated to the success of the company, their job, and the team.

Jeffery Bradley is the author of “Don’t Worry Be Nappy! How to Grow Dreadlocks and Still Get Everything You Want”. Visit HowToGrowDreadlocks.com for more information of living successfully with dreadlocks.

Author: Jeffery Bradley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Just a quick and simple way to palm roll dreads in a different fashion than you usually see.

Can anyone grow dreadlocks or just Black people? Black people’s kinky hair leads many to believe they are the only race that grows dreadlocks. Therefore, it’s a part of Black culture. But everywhere in the world, you can find people with all types of dreadlocks.

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. Thin straight hair will take longer. Also, it requires 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. Dreadlocks are a gift from nature. No race is responsible or can claim dreadlocks as their own.

It really doesn’t matter where dreadlocks come from. It’s something natural that can happen to all hair. The question, however, is who’s going to accept dreadlocks into 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 are much simple to maintain: just wash and go.

Bob Marley sings of the “Buffalo Soldier” as dreadlock Rasta. These black soldiers where sent to protect American settlers from Indians after the Civil War.” 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, the hair’s texture is what matters most. To find out what you need to grow dreadlocks, visit a hairstylist specializing in dreadlocks (locticians).

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 a big part of Black culture. However, they can be experience and enjoyed by every race in the world. As Bob Maley says “Grow your dreadlocks, don’t be afraid of the wolf pack”.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jeffery Bradley

Author: Jeffery Bradley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The dreadlock

An Indian monk was slowly moving through the roads and people were looking at him with surprised interest. The dress, the attire, the posture were all alien to people of the western world but what attracted their attention most was the matted ropes of hair on the head of the monk. That is exactly what we call the dreadlock, hair on the head allowed to grow without cutting, combing or brushing to take the shape of matted ropes.

Origin

One of the universal phenomenons that have survived the onslaught of time, dreadlock has its origin rooted in the ancient Vedic Hindu culture. In the Hindu mythologies it is described that Lord Shiva took the force off the holy river Ganges coming to the earth on his dreadlock and thus saved the earth from destruction. Historically too the earliest evidence of dreadlock is found around 2500 years BC and have been mostly the favorite hair style of sages and monks.

The immediate impact

Hinduism had its influence on Buddhism, Jainism and even the Greek and Roman cultures of the past. In the Roman Celtic culture dreadlock was referred to as hair knotted like snakes. The royal families in ancient Egypt not only adopted the dreadlock but also used dreadlocked wigs as archeological discoveries have revealed.

Other cultures

Dreadlock was used not only in Egypt, Rome, and Greece but Germany, Mexico, Far East, Africa and several other countries. In Germany the Vikings, in Far East the Naga tribe, the Bishops of Jerusalem, Aztecs of Mexico were all well attached with Dreadlocks. Dreadlock was one of the most popular hair styles in these countries during the 14-16th century AD and they were also found with the Sufi Order in Senegal.

The modern era

During 1950s in Jamaica the people followers of Young Black Faith took heavily the style of dreadlocks following the cue of poor people there who had been using dreadlocks since the 1930s. It is also said that when Hindu and Naga saints started visiting Jamaica in pursuit of jobs in the 19th century, the dreadlock culture came up with them to Jamaica. A few others trace the origin to the Mau Mau rebels who were fighting against the British colonialism of the time.

Why dreadlocks?

Dreadlocks have been used by people coming from different cultural backgrounds with different reasons. Sometimes it is due to their religious and spiritual convictions like it is sacred among Hindu saints and monks and at other time social and political environments like used by the Mau Mau rebels. To avert the derogatory use of the term a new term has come up to replace the term dreadlock and it is often referred to as African Locks, the aim being to remove the feature of dreading from the terminology.

The importance of dreadlocks in Eastern countries

Dreadlocks are considered sacred by the Indian religious preachers since it has its origin with the holy Lord Shiva. In China too noblemen and ascetics used dreadlocks combined with long fingernails denouncing all earthly attachments. In some other Asian and African countries the dreadlock refers to the fear of the almighty.

Dreadlocks and the western world today

When the reggae music made a big stride during the 1980s, the dreadlocks used by the world famous singer and lyrist Bob Marley caught the imagination of the audience world over and there was a rush to wear dreadlocks. This became most popular among the African-Americanized people but white people did not remain far behind. Especially the people who raise their voice for anti-globalization, and the activists who support the cause of environment-protection find dreadlocks to their choice, a symbol of registering their protest against the possible evils of globalization and environmental pollution.

Author: Arjun Mukherjee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

It is almost an incontestable fact that African Americans are among the most artistically inclined societies in the world; and it is therefore no wonder that their there is such a great variety of African American hairstyles – seeing that a ‘hairstyle’ is first and foremost a work of art. Another possible explanation as to why there are so many African-American hairstyles has to be the fact that there are so many ‘sub-cultures’ within the African American society, with almost each of these sub-cultures having a unique hairstyle for identification purposes among its members, and typically with each sub-cultures hairstyle being one of the features that add up to the member’s ‘sense of belonging’ in the group.

While going into naming and describing each of the numerous African-American hairstyles would be a huge task enough to make a several thousand page thesis, a number of things can be said in general about the African American hairstyles.

One is that, as would be expected, there seems to be a greater variety of such African-American hairstyles for women that there are for men – though the African-American men are not altogether bereft of ‘outstanding’ hairstyles. One of the most remarkable of these African American hairstyles of men (which by and large remained an African American hairstyle because other hair types could simply not accommodate it) is the so-called ‘Afro’ hairstyle that rocked most of the 70s and 80s: where the hair was let to grow tall and thick (but not long enough to fall over), then combed thoroughly and (vertically) straight to come up with a very outstanding look on the part of the wearer that worked wonders; especially when worn with the ‘belly bottom’ trousers of that age when the ‘Afro’ ruled African American hairstyle circles. And since hairstyle fashion trends go in cycles, it is not surprising that the ‘Afro’ is increasingly making a comeback though to be sure, nowadays, it is the ultra-stylishly minded individual who doesn’t mind being labeled ‘eccentric’ who is likely to be seen wearing an ‘Afro’ today.

Among the women in the African-American society, braids (and the whole range of braided hairstyles) are extremely popular – with some of these even finding acceptance among men who ‘are in touch with their feminine side.’ The black hair is, of course, easily workable into braids – which is why the braided look has found little usage outside the African American society in the USA.

Closely related to the braids are the African-American hairstyles based on weaves – since the strength of the African American hair makes it possible to weave it into various shapes. Unlike the braids, though, the weaves mainly remain popular among the women, with only the occasional man who is not afraid to ‘stand out’ sporting one or another variety of the weave.

Dreadlocks (and associated hairstyles) are another popular variety of African American hairstyles, especially among the subscribers of the Rastafarian faith ands its sympathizers; who were for quite a good number of years almost in a majority in the African American society, before the hip-hop revolution of recent years which has seen the numbers even out between those who are sympathetic to the Rastafarian cause and those who prefer the much more easy-going approach to life epitomized by the hip hop subculture.

Author: Jamie Gram
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Proper African American wig care is very important if you want your wig to look good for a long time. Of course, proper wig care depends on what type of wig you have whether or not you have a synthetic wig, a human hair wig, a dreadlocks wig, etc.

General African American wig care:

1. Wash your wig after you have worn it around 8-12 times. In truth, though, you may be able to go longer without washing it, or you may have to wash it much sooner this depends on the humidity and the air quality. And, for instance, if you go to a smoke-y bar, you may want to wash that smoke-smell out of your hair that night, even if you washed it just a few days ago! Be your own judge.
2. Use a towel to gently blot your wig dry again, be gentle! Do not wring out your wig!
3. Now add a conditioning spray.
4. Allow your wig to dry. You can use a Styrofoam head, but it could stretch out the cap. You may, instead, prefer to set your wig on top of something like a vase or a towel-covered hairspray bottle.
5. Do not brush your wig unless it is fully dry.
6. Do not leave your wig out in direct sunlight to dry.
7. If you decide to cut your wig, make sure that you are wearing it for the best results.
8. When not wearing your wig, leave it on a wig stand so that it can keep its shape and not get tangled.
9. When traveling, carry your wig in a wig box you dont want it to be flattened.
10. To wash your wig:

• Use a wig brush to brush through your wig.
• Be sure to use a wig shampoo. It is important that you do not use regular shampoo, it can damage your wig.
• Fill up a sink with cold or lukewarm water and add the wig shampoo (generally about a tablespoon read the shampoo bottle for precise directions).
• Place your wig in the water and gently swish it around be gentle! Do this for about a minute.
• Rinse your wig in cold running water until thoroughly rinsed.

African American wig care for synthetic hair includes not using a hair dryer or any heat-source stylers like curling irons these could actually melt and frizz your synthetic hairs. Use only your fingertips or a wig comb/brush to style the wig. Also make sure that you keep your wig away from excessive heat like opened oven doors, fireplaces, and barbecues.

Also, most synthetic wigs should not be worn in a swimming pool unless otherwise stated. It is also very important that you do not use brushes made for human hair they can stretch out the synthetic hairs, damaging them or frizzing them or breaking them. And do not try to color or bleach your wig.

Wig care for human hair wigs is actually very similar to that of synthetic hair. The main difference is that you can treat a real hair wig more like you would treat your own hair.

You can use hot tools blow dryers, curling irons, etc. to style your human hair wig. Of course, if you have a skin-like plastic cap, you need to be aware that the plastic could melt when under high heat.

An important note about wig care for dreadlocks wigs is that both dreadlocks and spiral curl wigs should not be combed or brushed. Doing so could undo the dreads.

Author: Anne Clarke
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

“An exposé of comic proportions that only Chris Rock could pull off, GOOD HAIR visits beauty salons and hairstyling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of the black community.”

I am really looking forward to this documentary. From what I have read about it, it is very eye-opening and informative … and of course hilarious.

This video shows exactly how to use synthetic hair to extend dreadlocks in kinky afro hair. Well done Bri, this will get a lot of views for sure!