Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have have always been considered to be a strange sort of hairstyle. This view has been reinforced by mostly the movies and other types of media.

Dreadlocks have been around since the beginning of time. Wearing dreads is not the result of some rock star starting a quick fad. Dreadlocks have been here all along and this style is here to stay. Wearing this hairstyle is a personal choice and some of you may want to grow dreadlocks but you cannot because it is not accepted in the corporate world. As for me, I did not conform to corporate standards before I decided to grow my dreads. But tattoos and such things can be hidden underneath a suit and tie. (that's a story for another time) As I progressed in my career, I found that my mind was the most important asset I had going for me. It was not my appearance. So I decided to take the leap and grow my dreads. No turning back now right?? Wrong.

In the beginning, I thought that I might lose my job over my hair style. Then I thought harder and I said to myself,"why would I use my job over my hair being in a natural state?" So I continued to grow them. It is this perception that clouded even my mind. As I look back on this now, I am happier as a result, I am a college educated professional with plenty of experience in my chosen field. So why would I be afraid of a simple hairstyle??
Dreadlocks can be made in any type of hair but naturally kinky hair is the easiest due to the texture. Have no fear! There are products that can make even the straightest of hair into the nicest dreadlock. Knotty Boy, whom I used to start the process of my dreadlocked hair sells a starter dread wax for the hair. My experience with this wax is that it keeps the hair stuck together while the new dread takes hold. Now, I had to use this wax for quite a while. (approx 5 months) Some of you will have to use it for even longer, while others will use it much less.

It is important to wash your dreads!! Yeah, I know, another misconception that dreads are dirty. But it is false. Sure, dirt will get into the dread, but in order to let your locks tighten, grow and become nice locks, you must wash your dreads! When using the wax for the first time, it is recommended that you wash your hair after three weeks. You might say three weeks...wow!! But if you wash your hair anytime before that, your newly formed dreads will probably fall out. Then you will have to start them all over again. Now, once your dreads have formed, you can wash your hair as much as you want. Always remember, in order for your dreads to grow and tighten, you will need to wash them on a regular basis.

Once your dreads have matured, usually after a few months...you can condition them. I recommend Knotty Boy brand conditioner. They come in a few scents but my favorite is the coconut scented conditioner. It makes it seem like I just got back from the Islands. Hehe!! Now what are you waiting for!!!! Get going and grow those dreads!!! Stay tuned in my next lense as I explain in detail how to wash your dreads.

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