Dreadlocks (often called “dreads,” “locs,” or “locks”) are a hairstyle where hair strands are formed into rope‑like, matted sections rather than hanging loose.
They can be created in different ways: by backcombing and twisting, by palm‑rolling strands, by braiding and letting hair naturally mat over time, or by other techniques designed to help the hair knot and lock together. Some people let their hair form locs with very little intervention, while others prefer a more uniform look with regular maintenance.
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What Dreadlocks Are
Dreadlocks are essentially hair that has been encouraged to mat or lock into individual strands.
They’re sometimes described based on how neat they look: “locs” tends to refer to more uniform, intentionally formed sections, while “dreads” is sometimes used for a more natural, less controlled appearance. The name “dreadlocks” has historical roots in how the hairstyle was viewed and labeled in the past, but many people prefer “locs” because it doesn’t carry negative connotations.
Historical and Cultural Background of Dreads
This hairstyle has existed for thousands of years across different cultures around the world.
Ancient Egyptians, Greek civilizations, and Hindu traditions all show evidence of hair being worn in locked or matted forms.
In many African cultures, braided and locked hair carried meanings related to age, status, community, and spirituality.
In the 20th century, dreadlocks became widely associated with Rastafari in Jamaica and later popularized globally through music, especially reggae.
What They Can Mean Culturally
For some people, locs are simply a personal hairstyle choice.
For others, they carry cultural, spiritual, or identity significance connected to traditions and resistance to pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.
In many places, wearing dreadlocks has also brought up conversations about cultural appropriation and whether the style is being shown respect for its origins.
How They Form
Hair begins to lock when the strands start tangling and catching on each other.
This can happen naturally over time if hair isn’t brushed or combed, or it can be helped along with specific methods:
- Backcombing and twisting: pushing hair toward the scalp repeatedly to form knots.
- Palm rolling: rolling each section between palms to help shape and tighten it.
- Braiding or interlocking: weaving or pulling hair through itself to encourage matting.
Individual hair texture affects how easily dreadlocks form: kinky or coily textures tend to lock more quickly than straight hair, though locs can be formed on many hair types with care and patience.
Maintenance and Care
Dreadlocks need care to stay healthy:
- Washing: It’s important to keep both the hair and scalp clean. Many people wash their locs every 7–14 days, though routines vary by lifestyle and hair type. Thorough drying is essential because trapped moisture can lead to odors or mildew.
- Moisture: Natural oils like coconut or olive oil can help prevent dryness. Some people also use lightweight sprays or oils to keep the scalp healthy.
- Maintenance: After the initial locking phase, regular palm‑rolling or occasional tightening helps locs stay neat, and separating any sections that fuse together can keep each loc defined. Some people use tools like a small crochet needle for neatness, with care to avoid breakage.
Things to Consider
Dreadlocks are a long‑term commitment.
They take time to form fully—sometimes months or even years for the hair to mature into tight, defined locs depending on how they were started and the hair type. Some people enjoy the low‑maintenance nature once locs are established, but others will maintain them regularly for a specific look.
Braid Dreads/Braided Dread Styles/Dreads Corn Rows
Can I Braid Locs?
Yes — you can braid locs, and there are a few different ways people do it depending on what you want.
Braiding locs doesn’t damage them when it’s done thoughtfully, but the approach and how long you keep the braids in can matter.
1. Braided Dreads as a Style
You can braid your existing locs into regular braids — just like you would with loose hair.
This might be:
- A single long braid
- Two or more braids
- Fishtail or decorative braid patterns
Adding braids like these is a styling choice, and many people do it to keep their locs neat or show a specific look.
2. Braids as Part of Loc Care or Styling
Many people braid locs just to change up the look temporarily. Locs can be braided and worn for a day or a few days before unbraiding them.
Short‑term braiding is common and generally fine, especially if you don’t pull the hair too tight.
3. Braids Helping Hair Lock
Braids are actually one method people use to start locs:
- During the early phase, hair can be sectioned and braided so that over time the braids mat and turn into locs.
- In this method, the braid pattern may be visible for a while before your hair fully locks.
4. Braiding Locs with Extensions or for Protective Styles
Some stylists create braided looks by incorporating extensions or braiding your locs into larger braided patterns.
This can be a creative protective style — for example combining locs into cornrow patterns or braided updos.
Tips if You’re Braiding Locs
- Avoid pulling the hair too tightly because excessive tension can stress the scalp and hairline.
- If locs are very new or weak, keep braids looser and don’t leave them in too long at first.
- You can wash locs or braids, but make sure they dry thoroughly to avoid any odor or buildup.
In short, yes — you can braid locs both as a style and as a part of how hair matures into locs. How you do it and how long you keep them braided depends on what look you want and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.
Photo Credits: @M.I.A_Braids