I have dreadlocks. AMA

[DreadsVanLocksDarling]

Not that it matters, not that it's a big deal, not that you (should) care but if you've ever wanted to ask someone with dreadlocks a question or if you think of any now, feel free to ask me.

Anything at all, doesn't matter how it comes across. Happy to answer

I’m mesmerized by this thread.

Thank you op!

More.

.

The woman's picture (second the last) shows her hair's slight resemblance to the plants around her.

Hair can also be shaped into tree figures.

@Imicola

Interesting! I always had the impression they couldn't be washed, but I wonder if I have conflated the unwashed, straight, caucasian hair variety as you've said with straighter hair you might need to get it started by not washing. Do you blow dry it after washing? I guess I also assumed the length of time it takes to dry might lead to a smell.

It can if you don't let it loose to dry fully and breathe. Ours are almost always left loose so they get the air they need.

@audweb Thanks but it's unfortunately a common misconception. I used to think so too when i was growing up and well into adult years. I think it's okay to ask.

Sounds like your DD's much happier this way. No questions, just really lovely to read about the two of you sounding so relaxed and happier with your choices.

OP do you get upset/annoyed if people in nursery day life ask about your hair? I started following a lot of black Instagrammers last year and they largely get very annoyed if anyone asks about their hair. Lots of "what do you think gives you the right to ask about my hair?" following a post about their hair. I suppose it must get very annoying, but just want to say thanks again for this thread. Next time I see someone with locs I'll be all warm and fuzzy thinking of them loving each other.

every day life, I assume you aren't in nursery any more

It's a really interesting thread - even though I have absolutely the utter antithesis of your hair - poker straight, fine, will just hang and look ratty whatever I do with it... I'd love for mine to have any bloody personality to it whatsoever!

Poor DD is so envious of her friend's wonderful mixed race hair - she just envies the things she can do with it so much!

I hear you on the length thing though - a friend's daughter has spiral curls (they've bloody gorgeous) and she gets so despondent that whatever she does she feels like her hair doesn't grow because it just boings back up!

Really interesting thread, thank you.

You mentioned your hair doesn't shed - does that mean you have to trim your locs to keep them at a manageable length, or do they find a natural length and stay at that point?

@zatarontoast

Why is everyone asking about a smell? Does hair have a bad smell if it hasn't been washed, whether it's Caucasian or Afro?

I hate the smell of unwashed Caucasian hair. It's an unmistakable, unpleasant, greasy and musty smell. How long it takes to develop the smell seems to depend on hair and skin type. So I guess it's not completely unreasonable to wonder... and then be educated!

@Miseryl

Do you feel it is cultural appropriation/offensive to you when white people have dreadlocks?

It doesn't offend me at all. I don't consider myself the gatekeeper of locks anyway 😄. Anybody's hair can lock but some will find it harder due to the nature of their hair and may resort to extreme measures to get the process started or going. Once it locks up, it's locked.

On the other hand, anybody's hair can straighten but some will find it harder to straighten or keep theirs straight due to the nature of their hair. Some will take extreme measures to do so.

Both extremes are going against the hair's natural tendencies (not a judgement, just a fact) but if it isn't a problem for the person, it's none of my business. We all have what we like/dislike and sometimes, it's opposite to our nature. Hair is no different.

On cultural appropriation, I'll say that while I understand the reason for cultural appropriation accusations everywhere (history), I personally find it near impossible to accuse Joe/Jane Public of cultural appropriation. I'll have to know the intentions first.

@StillWeRise answered re:headlice Yes I have. No, DD has never.

@ihatesandpits

Could you post a picture I absolutely love dreads and would love to have them but being white Im worried how it would come across and possible abuse I've seen received

Go for it if you don't mind the negativity. Life's too short to not enjoy yourself

@zatarontoast

OP do you ever feel that your locs have prevented you from getting a job or opportunities? I read that quite a bit from black instagrammers.

I'm sort of retired now but my current 'employers' are DH and DD in that I do admin and exec management duties for them in their separate areas and get paid. I put the inverted commas because this employee is doing them a favour and can quit anytime but I choose to help because I don't mind and they asked nicely😄 Before that, I ran a small business so it's been a long while since I've been in a situation where my hair or anything can affect my opportunities.

I've only had faux locs once and I never had issues with getting jobs with different hairstyles (including Admin and HR roles) but I can imagine locks and some hairstyles can cause some to lose certain opportunities to someone else.

OP, thank you for this thread, it is so interesting and you sound so lovely and easy going. If everyone was like you, the world would be a calmer place.

My question: Do you ever cut your locks, or do they have a natural length they don't grow beyond?

Thanks

My faux locs looked a bit like this although the first one is much fuller and slightly longer than mine and the second one is thicker than mine.

Lovely thread, and some gorgeous hair on show. Thank you OP.

@LunaLoveFood

Are they heavy? I know someone with such long dreadlocks that she piles on top of her head and they just look really heavy.

Mine aren't . They're not more or less heavier than any other head of hair unless you add very heavy extensions to them. In which case, your actual hair strands would be in trouble because they cannot bear the weight.

The difference between natural locs and loose hair is that you would feel them (locs) more on your skin or face or hands. Like you would a little twig compared to a feather. If you've worn braids before (even French braids or braided ponytails), they're not different in more solid feel than loose hair.

@MrsMoastyToasty

Do you wear beads etc in your dreads? Are accessories for dreadlocks expensive?

No I don't. I don’t really know currently as I don't wear any besides hair bands/scrunchies and alice band but from wearing hair accessories back in the day, they're not really expensive.

I've never liked 'stereotypical' accessories (eg. I have locks so I need beads or rubber bands or African jewellery, I have afro puff so I need flowers, I have braids or twists or afro so I need hoop earrings). I just wear what I like if it fits.

@NoMoreMrNiceGaius

Is it not uncomfortable to sleep on them? Are you a man or a woman? How long is your hair? Do you ever have a problem fitting your hair in hats/hoodies etc? What is your honest opinion about white people with dreadlocks? If your hair is long, can you still put it up easily if it's hot/to get it out of the way?

Thank you for the AMA, I love all things hair care and this is a really one

Only when it's really hot. I just move them to sprawl out above my head on the bed or put them in a pony.

Woman.

To breasts.

Caps, yes. Winter hats, no unless packed in a pony. Same with hoodies. Although some with much thicker and longer hair may have that problem.

Not my business. I'm alright with it.

Yes.

You're welcome. Happy to do it

@DeusEx

How does the jelly work - doesn’t it make your hair greasy?

Because my hair is naturally dry and doesn't retain moisture, regular oil is too thin for it. It sucks it up quickly and becomes thirsty for more. Therefore not staying moisturised after a few hours or by the next day. Some oils and creams just sit on the hair and don't penetrate the hair shaft. These just make it greasy but dry - a rather weird feel.

Not putting anything doesn't help it and it would feel parched and brittle. This jelly is the only thing that not only works for our specific hair, it's also accepted by our snobby sensitive scalp and doesn't flake or itch like crazy.

The jelly is called blue magic conditioning hair dress. Old school product too (the blue kind).

@Th1me

Can we have a photo to understand what you are describing?

Done