When it comes to Dreads vs. locs, people usually argue whether these two hairstyles are identical or entirely different. Though there are many debates on the internet, the true answer to the question is pretty simple yet insightful.
Now, let’s learn the difference between these two popular hairstyles.
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You may even have used the terms interchangeably and believe dreads and locs are the same. But surprisingly enough, dreadlocks and locs are not the same hairstyles for some individuals who wear their hair this way.
The process of molding one’s hair into ropes results in both locs and dreads. Both are typically regarded as having a distinct connection to individuals throughout the African diaspora and Rastafarianism.
There are several ways to get this look, like coiling, braiding, and twisting. However, some wearers want to let their hair “lock” organically, meaning they don’t brush it and let it gradually take on the forms resembling ropes.
Although the history of locs encompasses many cultures in addition to African ones, such as Indian, Aztec, and Middle Eastern ones, sources note that for many Black people, these fashions have a cultural meaning. So, dreads vs. locs, what is the main difference between the two styles?
Dreads are unkept and free forming vs locs which are twisted and organized pic.twitter.com/aiNae911GD
— BP-IS-RÆL (@BrycePeters_23) July 22, 2020
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Some people who wear their hair this way claim that the main difference between dreads and locs is that one is a hairstyle, and the other is a way of life. However, others might avoid using the terms “dreads” or “dreadlocks” as they are associated with negativity.
TheyDiffer claims that those phrases had their roots in the slave trade when individuals who were held as enslaved people were unable to properly take care of their hair because they lacked the time or resources to do so.
Using the term “dreadlocks” to describe Black people’s hair represents a sad history when they were stigmatized for it since their hair was considered “dreadful” by their slave masters. So, with locs vs. dreads, you might want to stick with using locs instead if you want to be more pleasant about it.
However, the word “dreads” is another way that Rastafarians distinguish themselves for a cause that is bigger than themselves. Furthermore, according to Refinery29, there is a spiritual association with locs since people from some cultures—like Rastafarians—think that your hair has energy.
Locs vs. Dreads pic.twitter.com/v8pmH8nfts
— patty phillippe ⌚ (@whose_yourpatty) September 13, 2019
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It is possible to link the words “dreadlocks” and “locs” to the same root word. However, there are distinctions between the two regarding perception and individual expression. Although “dreads” may still conjure up images of the horrific past of the slave trade and suggest a less presentable appearance, locs are an issue of cultural identification.
Despite how popular hairstyles are nowadays, we should remember that there was a time in the past when they represented a particular culture and a group of people who shared the same passion for art and style.
You might as well conduct some research if you’re serious about learning the distinction between dreads vs. locs. Learn something and appreciate the beauty of the history behind these hairstyles.