I Dread

So here goes!

In 2007, I made the decision to loc my hair. I had gone through the many stages of hair affairs from perms, weaves, braids and even jheri curls....yes, I did that too. The decision to lock my hair was a personal one. I wanted to have give my hair a break from chemicals and the stress of not knowing what to do with it every few months. Locking would allow my hair to grow in it’s natural state, and would allow me to have a hairstyle that was essentially low maintenance. Additionally, I would not have to spend a boat load of money at the hairdressers or spend money on buying hair extensions, or sitting for 8-12 hours just to get my hair braided. After all the things that I had put my hair through over the years, I decided it needed a much needed break. I decided to go natural.

 My locking journey started with the two strand twist and beeswax as a binding agent. Some people may choose a different method like platting the hair and allowing it to lock. My locking method was such  that I would retwist my roots every other week or as needed. As the months progressed I watched as my hair eventually started to lock. It was as if I had planted a baby tree and I was watching it grow and take form as the weeks passed by. Weeks turned in to months and months into years. The occasional compliments and questions about my hair from curious minds continuously creates an engaging dialogue between me and perfect strangers. My hair gives me a strong sense of pride. It is a reflection of who I am and my ethnic roots.

My sister started her dreadlock journey sometime before I did and she used the plat method. Look at how lovely her locks turned out. Today she has a lovely mane, like the true Leo that she is. 

 (Picture of Anita Antoinette)

Curious minds....

Another thing you should know is that you will get many admirers and curious minds who will have many questions ranging from “is that your real hair?”, “how do you sleep at night and how often do you wash it?”...among a plethora of other questions. There will also be those awkward moments when you are asked if you are a Rastafarian. Your hair will also require its own pat down as you make your way through the airports, just in case you’re smuggling something in it. Some people may also assume assume that you smoke ganja (weed) and live a rather carefree life....you know, like the Rastafarians do of course.

Representation

Often times when I am able to make the trip back home to Jamaica, that in itself is truly a cultural experience. For many people that hail from the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, wearing dreadlocks is an outward representation and symbol of Rastafari. That being said, I am usually greeted at the airport with phrases like “wah gwaan Ras” (translation: what’s going on?) or “Empress” as a sign of respect. Sometimes true Rastafarians will show recognition by displaying a traditional Rastafarian handle symbol made to look like the shape of a diamond. This hand gesture is known as the Seal of Solomon. Selassie made this pose with his hands to show that he is the Manifestation of Divinity. Some Rastafari followers believe this symbolic way of holding his hands together is his sovereign right as regent and blood line of the king and prophet David himself.

 Lock history

Here’s a bit of knowledge that I will drop on you.

Just in case you didn’t know, dreadlock originated in Africa. Rastafari, also known as Rastafarianism, is an Abrahamic religion that was adopted by the Rastafari(s) in Jamaica during the 1930’s. It is classified as both a new religious movement and a social movement by scholars of religion. There really is a lot of history behind just wearing your hair in dreads.

It is also important to know that you should never misrepresent who you are. True Rastafarians will not judge you if you tell them your hair journey is not tied to Rastafarianism, but rather, a personal journey for yourself! They will still say ‘big up yuhself Empress’ (translation: much respect) and show respect.

Today, my hair continues to flourish and has grown to a length where it touches my baxide (translation: derriere, bottom). I imagine that at some point I may decided to keep it trimmed at a certain length. Not because I don’t want to continue to see it flourish but because the longer it gets, the more strain it could out on my scalp. The last thing I want is to have a full flowing lock of hair, but with a balding or ‘pickie, pickie’ (translation: thinning or stubbly hair) front hair line or worse! Plus, a good trim every now and then doesn’t hurt. Just remember, your hair is like a garden, every now and then you must trim it a bit if you want to see it continue to bloom and growth at its best!

Finally, if you are looking to loc your hair, it is a journey that requires patience and commitment. It will require some amount of time to take shape and form, but it will look good in the end. Just be patient and enjoy each stage of the process....yes, from bobbo dread, natty dread to a full flowing lock of dreads!

 If you have natural hair or dreadlocks, what made you decide to go that route? What has your hair journey been like an how do you continue to embrace the natural look? Send us your stories or pics.

 Similarly, if you have questions for me, I would love to hear from you! I am always open to answering your queries about my experience with my dreads, and my lock care and routine etc. so feel free to send them my way and I’ll give you my ‘drye yeye’ (translation: honest, straightforward) feedback.

 Peace, love and dreadlocks!