Dreadlocks are the natural result of three to six months uncombed hair. Strains of hair intertwine together and create "ropes" or "locs". All types of hair eventually clunk or matte together if left free of combs and hair relaxers for a long time. The texture of the hair determines how long it takes.



Thick coarse hair develops or grows dreadlocks fast, easy, and may not need chemicals or twisting. Straight hair takes longer and will always need chemicals and twisting. Most Blacks' hair is coarse while other races have straight hair. In the end, however, both types of hair will start growing dreadlocks. To say one race of people is responsible or can claim dreadlocks as their own is a bold statement against the laws of nature.

The issue isn't what race of people did dreadlocks come from but rather, which accepts this unique and natural hairstyle as a part of their culture. So far, the answer has been a resounding yes from the Black communities across the nation and world.

For many Blacks, dreadlocks are a symbol of pride and cultural identity. Some are going natural because most hairstyles need the use of hair relaxing chemicals which may cause harm to hair and scalp. Dreadlocks are much simple to maintain: just wash and go.

In Bob Marley's song "Buffalo Soldiers," he describes the black soldiers who helped protect American settlers from Indians after the Civil War, as "dreadlock Rasta." The Indians called the soldiers "Buffalo Soldiers" because their dreadlocks resembled curly hair of the buffalo.

The Buffalo Soldiers are examples of how dreadlocks have been much a part of Black history and culture right here in America. In fact, historians have described how shackled slaves grew dreadlocks during the three to six month ride from Africa to America. The slave trader or master cut them off because they considered them "dreadful" to look at and forbade the slaves to grow them back.

Whether for spiritual reasons, personal motivation, or a fashion statement, Black people have been growing dreadlocks longer than most cultures. Today, the popularity of dreadlocks is on the rise not only for Blacks, but for many in other races.

As stated before, anyone can grow dreadlocks with patience and the right technique. It doesn't matter the color of skin or which part of the world you live in. Again, the hair's texture is what matters most. To find out what you need to grow dreadlocks, visit a hairstylist specializing in dreadlocks (locticians).

Here's a rule of thumb with much wiggle room. If you are of African descent with thick hair, growing dreadlocks should be natural, easy, and fast with few visits to a loctician. If you are not of African descent and have straight thin hair, it will take longer. You'll need more frequent visits to a loctician and the use of chemicals such as beeswax.

Dreadlocks are a big part of Black culture. However, they can be experience and enjoyed by every race in the world. So, in the words of Bob Marley "Grow your dreadlocks, don't be afraid of the wolf pack".

Copyright (c) 2008 Jeffery Bradley