Approximately 4 ½ years ago I thought it would be really funny to dread my hair. Against the words of some naysayers and with the support of my friends- I went ahead and made it happen. Over the course of that time I have come to learn a lot about dreadlocks that I never knew. Here in this photo, 46 dreadlocks hang from my head. I have composed a list of facts/observations/debunked-myths that I discovered on my wonderful dreaded journey that I wish to share with you. Here are 46 observations about having dreadlocks, 1 for each of my locks.
1. Dreadlocks will get stuck in velcro and one should always be wary of velcro near your locks.
2. Chicks love the locks; especially your festy chicks, alt. girls and granola crunching Vermonters.
3. If you are white and have dreadlocks- complete strangers will approach and ask you if you have drugs to sell them. From mall parking lots to concert lawns and your family dentist’s waiting room.
4. If you want dreads, you don’t just stop washing your hair.
5. Contrary to what a lot of people think, maintaining a nice set of locks takes a lot of time, effort and help from your close friends if you are lucky. Additionally, it can take up to a year for the locks to really form.
6. Dreadlocks can and should be washed, approximately 1 - 2 times per week.
7. You can use a small crochet hook to pull loose hairs back into the body of a dread.
8. People will want to touch/feel your locks. The polite ones ask for permission first.
9. Young, sheltered children will shamelessly stare at you in department stores.
10. Dreadlocks can make a really fun toy for your cat. Though be mindful of the swinging claws near your eye sockets.
11. Your dreads serve as excellent additional shock absorbing padding inside your helmet during your favorite action sports.
12. Dreadlocks can be styled in many exotic up-dos, down-dos, braids and more!
13. Dreadlocks taste like hair.
14. Young, well-adjusted children will appreciate the playfulness and silliness of your dreadlocks.
15. Once you have dreadlocks, you may find that others will ask you to give them dreadlocks.
16. Dreaded folk appreciate a nice sharp pointed object to scratch the occasional scalp itch.
17. People might make assumptions. Once a cop told me I could only be an artist or a musician with “hair like that.”
18. If you have dreads (or any alternative hairstyle/body mod), it’s best to ignore people who think like that. My professionalism is reflected by my work ethic, knowledge and skills- not my hair.
19. There are few things more satisfying than head-banging at your favorite show with locks a’ flailing.
20. Dreadlocks are sexy.
21. Some might tell you your hair is gross. They’re jealous.
22. Usually- people with dreadlocks are super nice.
23. Vermont is very dread-friendly. Capital region NY- not as much. I have received many great comments in Albany, but several negative comments as well.
24. It feels great when someone compliments your dreads. After all, you put so much work into them.
25. In my experience, long dreads can protect your scalp and the back of your neck against sunburn more effectively than non-dreaded hair.
26. While I do not wash my dreads every day- it takes me probably about 5-6 times as long to clean them as it did before.
27. Sometimes I just sit upside down on the coach and let them soak in a bucket of warm water, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and baking soda. That does the trick and feels great. Wring out and blow dry after or lay in the sun.
28. Dreadlocks can make a great place to accessorize with beads, charms and more.
29. Animals such as dogs, cats and cows appreciate a nice dread head.
30. Geckos and chameleons will climb a dreadlock as if it were a tree vine.
31. Dreads can look good in a suit as well as casual attire.
32. You can defend your head and face from pesky insects such as mosquitoes with a swift hair flip to stun any bug in your proximity. Seriously useful.
33. In my experience, TSA will poke at your dreads with a pen before letting you board any aircraft.
34. Once you knot up your hair- many former acquaintances, classmates, coworkers and friends may no longer recognize you and you may have to reintroduce yourself to some of your compatriots. That or you could go with it and dawn an entirely new persona if you wish.
35. Dreadlocks can make a great conversation starter.
36. Beware; horses might mistake your locks for tasty hay.
37. Lots of people will ask you, “How did you dread your hair?”
38. There are many ways to dread your hair such as back-combing, palm-rolling or the ‘twist-‘n-rip’ method (my personal favorite) where you twist a section of hair in one direction before randomly halving the group of hairs and pulling the two sections apart, forming a knot at the base of the section of hair. Repeat until the knot extends to the full length of the hair. These methods work best when used in conjunction with each other.
39. On the subject of dread wax- a lot of people are for it- a lot of people are against it. I found it useful when starting my dreads and used wax from bees and other organic ingredients. You really want to be modest in its application; overdoing it will give your hair a near permanent greasy coat. A modest application will help speed up the process in the beginning and can easily be washed out later with the method mentioned in observation #27. You shouldn’t need any more wax after your first few months if you choose to use it.
40. Using a blow drier on the ‘hot’ setting after palm rolling your dreads with a small bead of wax will really help lock-up your young dreads.
41. You might also be asked often, “Why did you do that to your hair!?”
42. People dread their hair for lots of reasons from religious or spiritual purposes, experimental reasons, because it is a desired style, they think it looks good, to avoid day-to-day hair styling, or simply to get girls. My personal reason was obviously the latter.
43. Just kidding- the real reason behind my dreadlocks was to prove to myself that I would be true to myself and do what I want to do despite what others, even family, told me was right or wrong or best for me. Every day I see them is a reminder that I am the one in control of my life and I make my own decisions. No excuses. Nobody to blame but myself.
44. Olivia is the best dreadlock touch-up specialist.
45. Dreadlocks are hella fun!
46. There is no such thing as the Dreadlock Secret Society. ; )
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If you made it all the way down here- thank you for reading!
