Dreads vs locs

Dreads vs Locs: Understanding the Differences

Hairstyles are not just a tool for making a fashion statement. They denote your character, the place you hail from, your culture, and your beliefs. Naturally, one should be cautious while choosing a haircut. After all, it controls one's image.

These days, two hairstyles are gaining rapid popularity- dreads and locs. Typically, dreads and locs are created the same way (wrapping, twisting, braiding, or coiling the hair); practically, they are not the same. Both hairstyles carry their legacy and history. They represent different cultures and heritages.

Due to the similar look, many people use these terms interchangeably, which is wrong. Knowing their difference first is crucial if you are also planning to have one of them.

In today's article, we will elaborate on the difference between dreads and locs and clear out some misconceptions so that you can make an informed decision.
Let's start!

What are Dreadlocks?

Dreads and dreadlocs are the same. If we go by the definition, dreads are a hairstyle made of rope-like hair strands. Most of the time, dreads are created by twisting, braiding or coiling the hair.

However, if you want to grow it naturally, let your hair grow freely (without combing). The hair strands will naturally intertwine, forming distinct masses and sections of knots. After this, it will mat naturally and dreads form.

However, please note that it takes time. Hence, if you want to do it at home but faster, search and read content like "How to get a dreadlock." It will provide you with a step-by-step guide, and you will get the results faster.

Historically, dreadlocks originated from the Rastafarian movement and the word 'dread' means fear or fear of God. Many historians have revealed that during the Rastafarian movement, people decided to keep their hair long as a form of protest against the oppressive ruler.

On the other hand, Caribbean people embrace dreadlocks to showcase the miserable lifestyle the African people were forced to live during their slavery.

In 2014, Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharps published a book, 'Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America'. In this book, they mentioned that dreadlocks came about when the African people were transported as slaves.

They remained confined in unhygienic conditions for months, which led to mats on their hair.

Benefits of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are widely popular across the globe. Well, historically, dreadlocks are indeed associated with African people, but they are not limited to them only. They are related to several people and have different names in different languages.

For example, they are known as 'Jata' in Sanskrit; in Wolof, they are known as 'Indian,' in Shona, they are known as 'shots,' etc.

Looks or historical background is not the only reason behind this widespread popularity. There are some significant benefits of it, and some of them are-

1. Low Maintenance

Dreads and dreadlocks are deficient maintenance. Unlike other hairstyles, dreads don't need multiple stylers, conditioners, haircuts, etc. Additionally, you can make it naturally (don't comb your hair for a while) without any investment. Thus, it is one of the market's most affordable and low-maintenance hairstyles.

2. Versatility of Styles

You can't pull off the same style for every outfit or every day. You need a hairstyle that will allow you to experiment with styles, and here, dreadlocks win the game.

With dreadlocks, you can enjoy different hairstyles, such as high bun, ponytail, etc.

3. Cost Effective

You might be surprised to know that dreadlocks help to save a lot of money. You don't need to visit a salon frequently or invest in trimming or hair products.

Additionally, it saves a lot of time, too. Therefore, if you live a hectic schedule and want to live a low-maintenance life, dreadlocks are your best option.

4. Influence Hair Growth

Rising pollution is ruining our hair rapidly. Almost everyone is facing drastic hair fall issues. Doctors advise people to protect their hair from pollution, but how can they do it? Well, if you do dreadlocks, you do it naturally.

In deadlock, hair remains interlocked and matted inside. Thus, it is protected from environmental pollution and helps to grow hair faster.

5. Elevates the Hair Quality

Regular hair styling, like straightening or curling, involves a lot of heat usage. It damages the hair from the core. However, when you keep your hair in dreadlocks, it never happens.

Additionally, individuals are not using chemical hair products that save the hair and improve hair quality.

Dreadlock is not like a regular hairstyle. It has a historical background. It carries a real story and allows the owner to state their opinion. However, this is not all. It elevates the hair quality overall.

What are Locs?

Every hairstyle is different, and all of them have their charm. It carries a little history about where you come from. However, will you miss it if you don't have that naturally? No, never; you can always create it.

When you twist coil, braid, or palm-role your hair to create a rope-like appearance, you create locs. Well, they look like dreadlocks, but they are not.

According to many, dreadlock has a dark history associated with it. It reminds us of the painful past of Africans and tells the story of their suffering; locs have no such story related to it.

Many historians claim that it has its roots in ancient Greece, and many other natives, such as Hindus or ancient Israelites, have also worn locs.

Benefits of Locs

Besides dreadlocks, locs are also becoming more popular. From a maintenance-free life to spreading awareness, locs have a lot to serve. Many young people are in love with the edgy and exotic look of locs.

Additionally, as it gets made manually, the majority of times, each locs looks perfect and helps enhance the wearers' look. Besides these, there is a list of benefits of locs, and some of them are-

1. Easy to Maintain

Just like dreadlocks, locs are also easy to maintain. Please note that you must keep the locs clean and moist. However, you don't need to worry about the moisture level and put on different products. Well, sometimes they can get a little frizzy, but that is completely fine, and it adds a charm.

2. Carefree Life

If you love to stay carefree, locs are for you. With locs, every day is a good hair day. Once the locs are established, managing them is easy. At the same time, you can style them according to your choice of dress.

3. Calming Effect

If you struggle with your long hair and face several issues, locs are one of the best ways to sense a calming effect. Right after weaving, it can give an itchy feeling; however, it is for a specific time only. After that, it will be fine.

4. Long-term Investment

Locs are unlike regular hairstyles, which require a salon visit or several products to keep them intact. It is a long-term investment. Once you do locs, you can relax for a long time. Additionally, it is a protective hairdo. Hence, you will not have to worry about your hair quality, scalp health, etc. Thus, anyway, it is a long-term investment for your hair.

5. Universal Approach

People often start debating on 'dreads vs locs male' or 'dreads vs locs female.' They want to confirm how they will look (depending on their gender). Let us inform you that locs look great irrespective of gender, caste, colour or creed. It has a universal approach and elegant style that goes equally with everyone and everything.

Locs are one of the most economical hairstyles ever. It helps to save a lot of time and money because you will not need to visit the salon regularly.

Moreover, locs are trending right now. Many celebrities are in love with this hairstyle. Therefore, it can give you the edgy and fashionable look you desire.

Are Dreads and Locs the Same?

There is a long debate regarding dreads and locs. Many use these two interchangeably because they feel they are the same (because they look almost identical).

On the other hand, some use locs instead of dreads or dreadlocks because they feel dreads carry a negative vibe.

They still feel heavy whenever they hear of dreadlocks because it is closely associated with the slavery culture and the Rastafarian movement. Many people also say they avoid the name dreadlocks because it means fear.

However, it is important to mention that both are not the same. Although they look the same (to a large extent), the making process is not the same. A stylist wraps the hair and twists it into long pieces to do the dreads, while to make locs, the stylist coils, ropes, braids, or pal-roles the hair.

Due to the difference between the making patterns, there is a significant difference in the outer appearance. However, you must take a closer look to distinguish.

Thus, for the next time, do not use these terms interchangeably, and instruct your styler accurately what you want.

Difference Between Dreads and Locs

As stated, many people confuse locs with dreads. However, both are not the same. Dreadlocks and locs have differences in various sectors of the making process, cultural background, connotations, etc.

According to experts, if one genuinely wants to understand the differences between dreads and locs, one must go beyond the appearance. They will need to delve into the cultural significance and origin. It will help to understand the roots and true meaning.

Let's find out the differences-

1. Cultural Origins

Cultural origin plays a significant role in this hairstyle. They carry a story with them.

Dreadlocks

Historians say dreadlocks came from the term dreads, which is closely associated with the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica. The word dread is derived from the word dreadful, which means their fear of God. Additionally, it denotes their protest against oppression.

It also has its roots in Africa and the slavery culture. The African people were deported as slaves in unhygienic conditions and were forced to live like that. It led to their hair like that.

Locs

On the other hand, locs are a more modern term than dreadlocks. Unlike the dreadlocks, it has a rich history in various regions and countries. In the ancient times, it was closely associated with the spiritual realm.

Growing locs or having a form of meditation, a way to connect with the divine or a symbol of personal transformation.

2. Appearance

In this dreads vs locs debate, one of the key questions is appearance. Many say they look completely the same, while some say no, it's not. Let's find out the differences.

Dreadlocks

One of the dreadlocks' most prominent features is that they can form naturally. If you leave your hair uncombed for a while, the strands will intertwine naturally, forming dreads. Thus, it has an entirely natural, flowy look. Due to this, it can look a bit messy sometimes.

Locs

Locs can be made by twisting, braiding, coiling, and pal-rolling. Hence, they are pretty polished and neat. Additionally, due to the making process (making clear segments and then twisting them), locs are pretty subtle and sleek.

3. Connotations

A connotation is very crucial for anything. It invokes the feelings and emotions sitting inside and helps to make the right decisions. Dreads and locs have significantly different connotations related to them.

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have mixed connotations related to them. For some, it reminds them of the torture the Africans once faced. At the same time, for some, it carries the essence of the Rastafarian movement of Jamaica. It also carries their fight and respect for their God.

Locs

Locs carry a connotation of the spiritual realm. It signifies that the individual might try hard to be closer to God. 

4. Formation Process

The formation of dreads and locs is quite different. Although they look the same, the forming process is not the same.

Deadlocks

Dreadlocks can form naturally. However, they can take years to build and mature. To speed up the process, one can use backcombing, twisting, or crochet hooks.

Locs

Locs are made manually, and it takes some time. Processes like interlocking, palm-rolling, and twisting are followed in the making. Therefore, they provide a neat and professional look.

Dreads vs. locs are an age-old debate, and hopefully, these differences will help you distinguish between them and choose the right one.

Pros and Cons: Dreads vs. Locs

It is clear that dreads and locs have distinct similarities and differences. However, it is true that, to a large extent, it looks the same. Dreadlocks and locs are both processes that require intertwining the hair stands between them.

Thus, they have quite the same pros and cons. If you plan to have one, carefully review the pros and cons. It will help you to make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Both the dreads and locs are easy to maintain
  • They don't need regular hair care. Hence, it is economical
  • Both hairstyles help to protect hair from pollution
  • Locs and dreads keep the moisture inside the hair
  • One can style them in pony, bun and many others
  • The owner can use various accessories like beads, bangles, and bandanas
  • They help to save a lot of time from daily hair care

Cons

  • If you are a novice, it can be uncomfortable for you
  • Need to wash two to four times a month to maintain hygiene
  • Removal takes a lot of time
  • Both are time-consuming (be it naturally or in a salon)

Misconceptions about Dreads and Locs

One of the best things is that dreadlocks and locs are getting the desired acceptance in society. For a long time, it was confined to the 'black' people only. There is a long history of discrimination based on hairstyle and type. Thankfully, it is reducing.

People are finding dreads and locs way more comfortable and stylish than regular hairstyles. Additionally, they are economical, so they are rapidly accepting them.

However, there are still many misconceptions regarding these hairstyles. Many people believe that they are unclean and dirty. Well, it is not valid. Here are some common misconceptions that need to be cleared.

a. Unhygienic and Unkempt

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding dreads and locs is that they are unclean and unkempt. With dedicated products, one can maintain the hygiene of their scalp, and with that, both look nice and polished.

b. Similarity

Many people believe that dreads and locs are the same. However, they are not. The process of making and maintaining dreads and locs are different. Connect with an experienced hairdresser to know more about it.

c. Lifespan

Many people believe that dreadlocks and locs are permanent. Well, it is not correct. You can remove it at any time. However, for this, you must hire an expert. If you try to remove it at home, there is a chance that you will end up ruining your hair.

d. Effects on Hair Quality

Many people believe that it harms hair and makes it brittle. Again, it is not correct. Instead, dreads and locs strengthen hair and help with hair growth because they help protect hair from pollution.

e. Hair Growth

There is a myth that locs and dreads delay hair growth, and with time, locs become thinner. However, both are myths only. Your hair will grow generally if you care for it properly, and locs and dreads will stay the same. For a touch-up, you can visit a salon.

Apart from the mentioned misconceptions, there are myths like you can't wash your hair once you do dreads and locs or you can't have these hairstyles if you have shorter hair. Well, these are myths only. These hairstyles are for everyone; you can live a low-key lifestyle with them.

Dreads and Locs: Hairstyle that Carry a Story

Dreads and locs are trending now. Many celebrities have opted for these hairstyles. However, these are not random hairdos but part of their lifestyles. It is all about following and maintaining a low-key lifestyle. Additionally, its low-maintenance routine helps to save a lot of money.

If you want to get these hairstyles, you must connect with an expert like Radiance Beauty salon. They have been serving this industry for 40 years and have a record of offering the best services in Canada.

They are top-rated in YYC. Don't think much; connect with Radiance Beauty and get your dreads or locs now.

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