If you are finding an answer to What’s the difference between dreads and locs? then you are in the right place. In this article, we will talk about this topic and related terms.
So no more confusion for you to understand between dreads and locs because we are here to explain it to you in a very easy way.
Dreads are sometimes referred to as dreadlocks and are a hairstyles with a long history that is related to cultural and religious significance.
Some people believe that those who wear their hair in such a way tend to be more spiritual than an average person and some have other beliefs about this hairstyle.
The question arising on the difference between dreads and locs is popular among people, so here we will discuss this topic in detail and will go deep into this providing you the genuine and valuable information.
So let’s not waste time and get to the point…
What Is Dreads Hairstyle?
This hairstyle is of American culture and is an organic form of hair styling in the sense that they have a natural tension between the hair and the hair creates knots as time passes by their own and continues matting of the hair which is also referred to as dread seals.
Commonly, dreads are not created but they are naturally formed as an individual is not brush or brush their hair very less.
They have a natural tendency by which the hair’s natural oil and moisture create tension knots through the whole hair.
This results in unique hairstyles that consist of turns, coils, and various types of size strands with more structure than many people out there.
What Is Locs Hairstyle?
Locs are an African hairstyle in which hair strands are coiled, braided, and twisted to create a rope-like appearance in the hair. In history, various people of Greece and people of many various religions and cultures like Hindu, etc have worn locs.
This hairstyle is sectioned and locked into a place they are an intentional hairstyle and they is mainly often achieved through maintenance and maintaining the hair properly and sectioning the hair to make it in a ropelike structure.
A salon or barber is necessary to ensure that they are maintained properly or not. They may use a chemical compound to lock the knots.
Difference Between Dreads And Locs?
As we have talked about dreads and locs in the upper part, you can find some of the differences between them
Dreads are naturally created on the other hand locs are artificially created by hair stylists or others who are maintained by them.
In short, Dreads is an American hairstyle that is naturally created on its own through the moisture and natural oils present in the hair by which hair has natural tension and ends up making knots.
Whereas, Locs is an African hairstyle that is artificially created and is maintained from time to time by hair stylists, barbers, etc, by which they add some chemical compound to the hair to lock the dreads. Locs have more defined roots as compared to dreads.
They both last a very long time and don’t lose moisture because of how the styles are created. They have some similarities but here we have talked more about the difference between dreads and locs.
How To Get And Maintain The Locs?
Locs are artificially maintained and to start with this you have to first get a clean scalp.
You will need:
- Shampoo
- Comb
- Rubber Bands
- Dread Wax
You can use a clarifying shampoo that can eliminate oils and strengthen your hair.
After that make small sections of your hair, mainly half or one-inch square sections. Work on each section efficiently to maintain the locs well.
First step: Combing and Twisting
First of all, hold a section of hair and then comb your hair with a fine metal comb with the other hand.
When you backcomb each section, twist it and keep the strands of hair in place to get well-shaped locs. Don’t be in a hurry as you will end up getting uneven locs.
Second step: Securing
When you have once backcombed your hair and twisting, then after securing it with a rubber band at the end, and if your hair is straight or wavy then also apply rubber close to the scalp.
But if you have African textured hair then one rubber band is enough for you. After three to four months remove the rubber band once your hair has been locked.
Third step: Waxing
For the locks to get secure in their place and prevent frizzing or drying apply dread wax. But if your hair is naturally curly or you have African texture hair then you should skip this step.
How To Maintain Locs?
Maintaining your locs is very important as it will give you the best results in having the best locs hairstyle. There are some tips on how to maintain your locs that you should keep in mind.
Here are some of the points:
- Shampooing your hair once a week is enough to eliminate oils and residue on the scalp. Clarifying shampoo will work best for this.
- Cover your locs with a silk scarf and wrap them around your hair overnight.
- Condition your hair with apple cider vinegar and rinse it and do it at least twice a month, Apple cider vinegar will neutralize the pH level and will reduce the itchiness.
- When your locs are in the early stages you will face that sometimes your locs might be loosening up so for this you should apply some dread wax and palm roll to tighten up. You have to do this every week in the early stages of your locks.
Benefits Of Wearing Locs
There are many benefits of wearing locs as a hairstyle so let’s talk about them in detail:
- Wearing locks can rock Africa, the Caribbean, etc, it will look amazing on you as it has been done through ages, and every member who does this rocks in this hairstyle if it’s trendy.
- People have problems maintaining their hair and sometimes they face bad hair days, but if you have maintained your locs, the bad hair days will cut off as locs are achieved, they have a consistent appearance and they have a good appearance all the time.
- Locks are protective hairstyles and promote hair growth because your hair is protected from breakage, drying out, etc, and your locks are permanently protective.
- They are economical because locs don’t need so much maintenance and they are fashionable, in vogue right now, and in trend among people.
And there are many more benefits of wearing locs. So go for it without any hesitation.
FAQ
Are Dreadlocks Permanent?
No, dreadlocks are not permanent. You can cut them or unravel them whenever you need them.
How Long Does It Take For Dreadlocks To Lock?
It takes a maximum of 10 months to two years for dreadlocks to lock permanently. But it also varies on your hair type and how your locks have been maintained. These factors are important to make dreadlocks lock.
Do Locs Damage Hair?
Extremely thick and long locs can pressure the hair roots causing damage to the hair by breakage or hair loss. The solution to this problem is to trim your hair from time to time.
How Do You Lock Dreads?
I have answered this question above. You can check it there, I have talked about this in detail.
Conclusion
So, here we are at the end of this article and I have covered every topic in detail and have the best possible try to give you the easiest explanation and more about the difference between dreads and locs.
For your convenience I’ve added some frequently asked questions related to the difference between dreads and locs, you can check that also.
In short, Dreads and locs do have not that much difference but are also not similar. Where dreads are natural on the other hand locs are artificially created in salons.
But those who wear these no matter, if it is dreads or locs, each and everyone who wears these looks stunning and has their personality charm.
If you have any doubt regarding this topic you can ask me in the comment section, and I will try my best to give you the answer.
Have a nice day, guys!
Also, Read – Why Does My Hair Curl At The End?