Dreadlocks — preferentially known as “locs” — are a popular hairstyle that includes sections of hair that have been matted and knotted together to create a rope-like appearance. Locs hairstyles have been around for what feels like forever (historians have dated its origins back as far as 2500 BC, according to Ebony), but whether you’ve officially decided to try it out for yourself or it’s still something you’re looking into, there’s a lot you should know about the process and maintaining the look before you get started.
If you’re interested in trying a new natural hairstyle like locs but unsure of where to start, read ahead for a quick and easy-to-follow breakdown of everything you need to know.
Dreads vs. Locs
Locs hairstyles feature ropes of hair also known as Jata (in the Sanskrit language), dreads, and locs. Though all the names are accurate, the most popular and preferred name of them all is “locs,” due to the negative connotation of the word “dread.” The origin of the term “dreadlocks” is believed to be associated with the slave trade, a period in time when enslaved people didn’t have the time or resources to properly groom their hair. As a result, enslavers often referred to this hairstyle as “dreadful” and enslaved people who wore this look were criticized for it, ultimately making the term a reminder of a traumatic history for African American communities all around the world.
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