Difference between Dreads and locs

Depending on what part of the world you are from, dreads and locs have different connotations and meanings. It may be very difficult to easily point out the difference between dreads and locs.

Some believe that dreads refer to matted hair and has been left to grow on its own without proper care and it is usually dirty and smelling. Some others believe that people who wear their hair in such a way are more spiritual than the average person. Today, we will be defining locs and dreads.

See major differences here

What is ‘dreads’ hairstyle and how do you make one?

Dreads refer to a hairstyle that involves sculpting a person’s hair into ropes. You can do this by rolling or braiding. This hairstyle became popular during the commercial evolution of reggae music.

One important characteristic of dreads is that it is less defined at the root. You cannot easily segment the root of each dread strand.

Names and connotation

Some people refer to it as dreadlocs and in some cultures the word ‘dread’ means respect. You see it more on respectable warriors that could strike fear into the hearts of people. In the American culture, it doesn’t have a great connotation as the term ‘dread’ meant dreadful. Dreadlocs were what slave owners called the hair of slaves whose hair had locked naturally due to lack of proper grooming.

Due to the manner of transportation used in moving slaves, their hair was dirty and lack of proper hair care. Many of these slaves started having natural locs. So in the American culture, some have issues with people referring to that hairstyle as dreads or dreadlocs. Here is a picture of ‘dreads’. Some people also call this hairstyle ‘Rasta’ which is indicative of its  Jamaican roots.

What is the ‘locs’ hairstyle and how can you make one?

Locs is a type of African hairstyle. It is mostly done artificially by a professional stylist. You can make locs by coiling, braiding twisting or rolling the hair in your palms. Once a person’s hair has been locked it is quite difficult to un-lock the hair when compared to loosening a twist or braid.

Unlike dreads, locs are well defined at the roots. You can easily see the root of each locs strand.

This hairstyle is easier to make on African or Nubian hair which locs naturally than on pin-straight Caucasian hair.

So we know what Dreads and Locs are, and what they look like.

Major differences between dreads and locs

The two hairstyles have quite a few difference. However, this really depends on the individual opinion and cultural perception of dreads and locs.

1. Dreads hairstyle still has negative implications because of its slave trade history and may imply an unkempt hair while locs are more of cultural identity as it is a hair grooming technique belonging to those of Nubian and African descent.
2. Dreads was a hairstyle that came from the Rastafarian tradition. Some westerners only copied the hairstyle while others followed the cultural aspects of the Rastafarian tradition while locs traditionally came from African or Nubian descent
3. Locs have a well kept tidier look about them when compared to Dreads.
4. Locs have more defined roots than dreads.

Similarities between Dreads and locs

• They are both unique. (whichever style you decide to go for, expect to stand out)
• They both last a very long time. (Depending on how long you want to carry them for, you may not enter a saloon more than twice in a year.)
• Both hairstyles prevent your hair from losing moisture because of how the styles are made.

Want to try out a dread or loc style or you want to know what ways you can style your hair if it is already in locs or dreads? This article gives a complete guide. Click to read more

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