At this point, I think everyone knows one or two people who carry
dreadlocks. In your neighborhood, school, or workplace, one person or group of
people carries dreadlocks and just stands out in the crowd. Dreadlocks are not
the most common hairdo you find people with, but they are one unisex hairdo
where you can be sure to find almost as many men with them as women. A
hairstyle that we know to originate from Rastafarian Jamaicans like Bob Marley,
it has now become a common way to style natural hair or generally make a
protective hairstyle with just hair or added extensions. Dreadlocks and locs
mean the same thing, so I will be using both terms interchangeably.

Dreadlocks basically mean ropes of hair or hair that is twisted and
locked so the twists don’t loosen. There are people born with naturally locked
hair, often called Dada in Nigeria, and many tribes in Africa lock their hair
for religious purposes or as a signature of their lifestyle. The purpose of
locs in recent times has been the recent trend of wearing protective hairstyles
for healthy hair. The search for a hairdo that is long-lasting and protective
led many people to make the choice of locking their hair. There is another
popular reason too, which is that locking your hair can increase its length and
volume. I also heard that from many people, so how about we dissect the facts
and science together? I have done all the research, and trust me, by the time
you are through reading this, you will either fortify your existing opinion,
change it, or pick a side if you were previously on the fence regarding this
issue, or even have no opinion.

Before we get into the supposed benefits or long-term effects, it
is imperative that we analyze how to get your hair locked the right way. This
is because there is a common notion that dreadlocksare dirty and only worn by
Ruffians and hoodlums. This happens only when hair is not properly locked and
maintained. For natural locs, i.e., locs with just your hair and no extensions,
you can get it done yourself at home or get it done by a hairstylist. To get it
done yourself, there are ways you can go about it, which include

&nbsp;Let your hair grow
without combing it.

If you do this, your hair will naturally lock over time, albeit for
a long time. The time is dependent on the texture and nature of your hair, as
people with fast-growing curly hair can actually manage to get locs in a couple
of months. As you can imagine, the outcome of this will actually need
professional intervention to look decent and stylish.

6 easy steps to make your own dreadlocks.

The previous method is just cumbersome and counterproductive since
DIYs are the trend these days and people can make just about any hairdo by
themselves in the comfort of their homes. So, here are more defined steps you
can follow to get your locs in place by yourself in considerably less time with
a more presentable result.

I) Let your hair grow out to at least 3 inches long so you can put
in your starter locs.

II) Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and dry to remove oils
and residue, which can delay the locking process.

III) Partition your hair into your preferred size, layering them
row by row in an alternative pattern so it looks like a set of layered bricks
when you are done.

IV) Choose a method to start your dreadlocks. For afro hair, you
can use the crocheting method, double-stranded twists, or comb coils.

V) Now use your palms to roll out the dreads to fix any loose
strands and give them the desired cylindrical shape.

VI) The last step is the aftercare of your starter locs, which may
loosen from time to time since you just installed them. You can always retwist
loosened locs and exercise patience for them to tangle and matte.

Alternatively, you can go to a hairstylist that specializes in
natural dreadlocks to get yours.

Is locking hair the ultimate solution to stunted hair growth?

Hair growth varies for different people depending on genetics,
weather, and overall hair care. Regardless of all that, dreadlocks can grow any
type of hair with time and proper maintenance. The logic is simple: dreadlocks
protect the hair while saving it from the stress of regular pulling and
combing, which can lead to breakage. Even human beings flourish in a less
stressful environment, so obviously the hair will do the same. As for the
science, hair grows from the roots and requires blood flow, nutrients, and the
absence of breakage. All the aforementioned can be achieved using dreadlocks.
Wait, let me explain. So despite the nature of dreadlocks, periodic care and
moisturization are needed to maintain them, which is where all the nutrients
needed to boost hair growth and inhibit breakage can come in. You also need to
periodically reset your locs by getting a professional to incorporate new hair
growth into already established dreadlocks, which will not only keep your hair
neat but also stimulate blood flow. A good head massage can also do the needful
in terms of blood flow.

The economy in Nigeria is not smiling, so I will always bring you
ways to slay and remain chic on a budget. Save that money you planned to use to
make those braids and buy those wigs. I bring you a cheaper alternative that
will also help grow your hair.

Discover all the reasons you should Join the community of people with dreadlocks.

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