"I want dreadlocks too!": Understanding the meaning and learning to embrace them

Are you one of those people who have always wanted dreadlocks or are you considering the idea now, but want to know more about their history and characteristics before taking the plunge? Then you've come to the right place! Because in this short text, we have super cool information about dreads to keep you up to date on the subject. Plus, lots of tips on how to get them, how to care for them, and everything in between. Are you ready? Let's go then!

Know what dreadlocks are

Many people believe that dreads originated with the Rastafari religion in Jamaica, with one of its main icons, Bob Marley. Although the singer and followers of the movement were indeed responsible for spreading dreadlock culture, there are historical records that indicate the existence of dreadlocks in communities in Africa and India even in pre-biblical times.
In African communities in northern Namibia and Angola, it is said that the use of dreads dates back to the beginning of their culture and can have different meanings for their people, such as the marital status of women or aesthetics, for example.

Dreadlocks in India

In India, dreadlocks are associated with Shiva, one of the gods of Hinduism. Practitioners of this spirituality live a life free of material possessions and cultivate dreadlocks as a means of spiritual freedom. In this way, they let their dreads grow naturally and choose not to cut them in order to maintain their principles.
Continuing through history, finally reaching Rastafarianism in the 1930s in Africa, dreadlocks represent a way of worshiping Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia between 1930 and 1974, considered the resurrection of Jesus Christ and, consequently, the reincarnation of God. Rastafarians do not cut their dreadlocks, as they attribute them to the worship of their God, in addition to representing the nature and strength of each individual.

Dreadlocks in Jamaica

In post-slavery Jamaica in the 1930s, dreadlocks were incorporated by former black slaves as a way to assert their African culture in American and European society. Later, it was only in the 60s and 70s that singer Bob Marley began to popularize the Rastafarian religion and dreadlock culture around the world through his reggae music.

Who can join this style

As we have seen, the use of dreadlocks represents a strong cultural, religious, struggle, and resistance background for Black Africans, as well as for other Eastern communities. However, with the widespread use of dreads and cultural references around the world, the hairstyle has also begun to be used as an aesthetic adornment. In practice, anyone can adopt this hairstyle, but it is always important to be aware of the role it plays and the history it carries, so that its meaning is not devalued.

Types of dreads

Looking at dreadlocks, many people get the impression that they are all the same, however, this is not the case. There is more than one type of dreadlocks and each is made in a different way. Take a look to discover the difference between them.

Waxed Dreadlocks

This is the oldest way to make dreadlocks. This is because before the discovery of the needle technique, beeswax was used to bond and shape the locks. On the other hand, it is a way of adhering to the hairstyle that makes it difficult to clean dreads, which is why it fell out of favor over the years, giving way to needle locks. This one has an indefinite duration, meaning it has to be cut to remove it.

Needle Dreadlocks

Nowadays, it is considered the most popular and safest way to create dreadlocks. They are made using a crochet hook to tangle the hair strands and create the shape of the locks. Also a permanent hairstyle, just like the waxed one.

Dreadlock extensions

Many people would like to have long dreads, however, they don't want to wait for their hair to grow to get them, nor do they want short dreads. In these cases, one solution is to use human or synthetic hair extensions to extend the length of your hair and, consequently, the length of your dreads. In this way, the hair strands of the dreadlocks are incorporated into your natural hair and crocheted with it to make the dreadlocks longer. For human hair, no maintenance is required and they can be removed with just a cut. In the case of extensions with synthetic hair, maintenance should be done every three months.

Wool dreadlocks

Wool dreadlocks are quite interesting because they offer the possibility of opting for a more colorful look. This is because, as they are made of wool, they come in a wide variety of colors. In addition, they are also suitable for those looking for a more temporary look, lasting approximately three months. To remove these dreads, it is also not necessary to cut your hair, like the other types. They also offer the possibility of extension, meaning making them longer than your natural hair.

Removable dreadlocks

This type of dread is for those who want to experiment with the look without committing their hair to dreads. In this way, the person buys "loose" dreads from Brasilhair, who prepares the dreadlocks separately. Then, professionals install the dreads by simply "crocheting" them into the person's natural hair. Just be careful that the application doesn't look artificial, so rely on a good professional.

How to make dreads

The dreading process depends on the chosen technique.

Find out below how to make each of the dreads we mentioned above.

- Wax dreads: the hairs are tangled into a cylindrical shape and "glued together" using beeswax.

- Crocheted dreads: with a steel comb and a crochet hook, the tubular shape of the dreads is created. While the comb tangles the hair strands, the crochet hooks them together so they take the shape we all know.

- Dread extension: strands of human or synthetic hair are placed with the person's natural hair to make the dreads longer, then dreaded. Remember what we said earlier: extensions with synthetic hair need maintenance at least once every 3 months. These also look more artificial than extensions made with human hair.

- Wool dreads: Using wool, two strands of hair should be braided with one strand of wool. After braiding all the hair with wool, it's time to wrap wool strips around each of the braids to cover them, thus creating the cylindrical shape of the dreadlocks.

- Removable dreads: can be made with human, synthetic, or wool hair. Each dread is made in the same way as explained earlier here, the only difference being that they are not made on the person's head, but separately so that they can then be applied.

Dreadlocks on short hair does work

Remember how we said many people opt for dreadlock extensions with human or synthetic hair? Some make this choice simply because they don't like the aesthetic of shorter dreads, however, many others make this decision or stop doing it because they think it's impossible to create dreads with short hair, and that's not true. For dreadlocks with your own short hair, your hair must have a minimum length of 15 centimeters. With this, it is already possible to bet on the short model of the dreadlock hairstyle, and it looks just as elegant and amazing as the long ones. In the case of wool dreadlocks, you only need two inches of natural hair to style it with dreadlocks.

Colored Dreadlocks

Colored dreads are also a very stylish option for you to embrace the hairstyle. Check out how below!

-Dreads with naturally colored hair: you need to bleach the strands to reach the desired color, if they are not naturally light. Therefore, you can bleach the loose strands before or the finished dreadlocks later, it's your choice. For very light shades of blonde and red or fantasy colors, it is important to bleach well, so that they reach a shade equal to or greater than 10.0. Only then can the pigmentation adhere to the hair strand.

- Dreads with colored synthetic hair: since it is not possible to bleach or color synthetic strands, you must buy them already in the desired color so that the dreads can be made with them in this way.

- Colored wool dreads: for this model, you just need to choose the color of wool you want in your hair and proceed with dreading. The coolest thing about this type of dread in terms of color is that you can always change it easily.

Find out how to wash hair with dreadlocks

Hygiene

Hygiene is one of the biggest concerns for people considering dreadlocks. Find out how to wash yours properly.
- Wash your dreads about once or twice a week.
- Always use lukewarm or cold water for cleaning.
- Prefer deep cleansing shampoos.
- Gently massage the scalp when applying shampoo and spread the foam throughout the length.
- Never apply conditioner or treatment mask directly to the scalp, only to the length.
- Remember to always rinse off any applied product thoroughly.
- It is essential to dry dreads thoroughly after washing them with a towel and a hairdryer, preferably.

Dreadlock care

Other small cares are necessary to keep dreads always healthy and beautiful:
- Prefer to wash your dreads in the morning so they have the rest of the day to dry very well.
- Do not place the dryer too close to the scalp during drying and use the medium temperature
- Never sleep with damp or wet dreads.
- Never rub the scalp hard, as this hurts the area, in addition to undoing the dreads.
- Take seriously the maintenance time for each type of dread that we indicate in this article.
- Do not immerse in the sea or swimming pool with dreads before a period of four weeks after application.
- Always wash your dreads very well after swimming.

Dreadlock hairstyles you will love

 

- Twisted bun: separate your dreads into three parts and pull them back to form buns. Gather the three small buns at the ends, forming a half-moon, and secure them. Then, simply hide the tips inside the hairstyle itself.

- Samurai bun: reserve two dreadlocks at the front or more if necessary. Bring all other dreads to the top of the head as if you were going to tie a ponytail, however, leave the ends turned inwards, in this samurai bun format. Use the dreadlocks that were separated at the beginning to curl the hairstyle and secure it.

- High bun: separate these dreads again to secure them. Then, create a very high and imposing bun on top of the head, wrapping the dreads around their own axis, in the shape of a donut. Finally, simply tie it with the dreads that were reserved.

Dreadlock accessories

One of the coolest things about the dreadlock look is being able to bet on accessories that look amazing with dreads, including rings, which can be made of wood, plastic, or metal. Just stick them into the dreadlocks by pushing through the tip.

Headbands with dreadlocks are also very stylish, one way to use them is to fold them into a triangle and tie them from bottom to top. Scarves can also be tied in bands on top of the head with loose dreadlocks or in a bun. Another idea is to put trinkets, tie-on jewelry or even flowers in the dreads, it all depends on the person's style.

 

Haircut ideas to wear with dreadlocks

-Mohawk or sidecut: The Mohawk and sidecut are shaved on the sides. For the Mohawk, the most appropriate are shorter dreads that can be lifted high, on top of the head, and do not fall under their own weight.

As for long hair, the sidecut is a good idea, as it is possible to throw the dreads to one side or the other, exposing the chosen shaved side.

-Undercut: this cut shaves the nape of the neck and therefore looks really cool with dreadlocks and a stylish hairstyle like the samurai cut. In this way, the shaved part is displayed.

Inspirations with feminine dreads

Check out the feminine dreads below for inspiration!

 

Inspirations with men's dreads

Dreads for men are also super stylish, check them out!

Well, now with all this information, you can finally realize your dream of having dreads!

Order your dreadlocks and dreadlock extensions at Brasilhair