Amazing Secrets Of Lovely Dreadlocks!

By Christie Olushayo

What comes to your mind when you see someone with dreadlocks? The word Rastafarian surely rings a bell or probably you think it is for spiritual reasons. These days many people   both men and women now rock dreadlocks with pride for two reasons: to make a fashion statement and/or because they are cheap to maintain. A statement indeed, because locks make you stand out tall from the crowd anywhere you are and they are simple and cheap to maintain; yes, it’s just ‘wash and go’.

If you are just thinking of growing your Rasta hair or you have one already, then read this to discover how dreadlocks started and learn the simple secret of maintaining neat and clean dreadlocks using a careful hair-care routine.

Dreadlocks are not only unique to Jamaica and Rastafarians, the hairstyle originated from Africa and was worn by various tribes. The earliest tribe with this hairstyle is the Masai tribesmen of Kenya. Many of the warriors of this tribe wore this hairstyle and these men sometimes dyed their hair red with root extracts. In some parts of Nigeria, it is associated with spiritual beliefs.

Remember when Bob Marley mentioned the ‘Buffalo Soldier’ as a dreadlock Rasta one of his songs? These soldiers were sent to protect the American settlers from the Indians after the Civil War that took place in the country. ‘The Indians called these soldiers ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ because their dreadlocks resembled the curly hair of the buffalo animal.

Similarly, Rastafarians grow their hair into dreadlocks because it is a part of the Nazarene vow. They believe that like Samson, their hair is their strength and consequently their weakness if it is cut off.

Here are seven tips on how to take care of locks:

1. Make an appointment with a beautician

Get out and find someone who specializes in the making and care of dreadlocks. Decide what type of locks style you will wear either baby dreadlocks or long dreadlocks. Baby dreadlocks require a significant amount of time to grow to a desirable length but require low maintenance.

2. Use only products created for dreadlocks

Because dreadlocks are dense mass of hair, shampoo residue does not rinse away. Use a low-lather shampoo that rinses cleanly. In addition, use natural oils like olive, jojoba, or rosemary to condition the dreadlocks in other to avoid breakage. These can be gotten at beauty stores and salons.

3. Wash your dreads

But do so infrequently. When first creating dreadlocks, you should only wash once a week. After the first three or four weeks, wash the dreadlocks as often as every other day or maintain a once-a-week regimen. It is a misconception that you should not wash dreadlocks. Unwashed dreadlocks smell, frizz, and break due to internal rotting.

4. Have a waxing routine

Dreadlocks maintain their shape through careful application of beeswax. Since the wax holding dreadlocks together washes away over time, dreadlocks should be re-waxed frequently to maintain a smooth look and reduce frizz.  However, one must know that mature dreadlocks only need to be waxed every-other week.

5. Palm roll the dreadlocks

Maintain your natural dreadlocks by twisting them daily with your fingers. Continue to palm roll each dreadlock in a clockwise direction after every washing. This will keep the dread tight and incorporate new hair as it grows out.

6. Give your scalp a good massage

Brushing hair regularly distributes oils along the hair shaft and removes dead skin. Since dreads cannot be brushed, rubbing the scalp encourages the production of natural oils that condition the scalp and helps prevent dandruff.

7. Use a silk scarf or head wrap to protect the dreadlocks

The scarf protects the dreadlocks as you toss and turn on your bed as you sleep.

So, whether for spiritual reasons or personal motivation, dreadlocks have been accepted into the fashion system. The beauty of it is that it’s easy to maintain. For the ladies, if you want to change your looks while still wearing your dreads, you can fix a weave on it or even go ahead and braid.