Hey My Honeys!!
Welcome to the “HIVEblog“, a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and learn ALL we can about Locs!
Locs, commonly referred to as “dreads” or “dreadlocks”, is a style in which hair falls into rope-like strands, made when the hair locks into itself. During the loving process the hair tangles, which causes the strands to coil around themselves into fused units. Some prefer to form “free form” locs by simply stopping combing through their hair, resulting in a tendency to vary in size. Others prefer a more manicured look to their locs with even and neat parts, and uniformed size to each loc, achieved with regular re-twist maintenance. There is a simple yet fine art to cultivating locs no matter the esthetic you choose.
During this post I will explore a brief history of locs, the cultural meaning behind the different forms of locs, and touch slightly on the term “dreads” and cultural appropriation.
A Brief History of Locs:
The conversation on who SHOULD wear locs is constantly up for debate. With the history of the hair method reaching Africans, ancient Greeks, Hindus, ancient Israelites, and various additional religions and cultures, what culture STARTED locs is still a modern mystery. Regardless, The stereotypes surrounding locs are widely known, however few are aware of the cultural and religious meaning behind the various types of locs.
The roots of dreadlocks, also known as "locs," extend deeply into the annals of human history, transcending continents and cultures, intertwining spirituality, identity, and societal symbolism. The origins of this distinctive hairstyle can be traced across different civilizations, each imbuing its own unique essence into the fabric of the locs' narrative.
One of the earliest documented instances of locs dates back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. Renowned for their advanced civilization, the Egyptians adorned themselves with locs, considering them a symbol of spiritual significance and high esteem. Depictions of Pharaohs and gods, such as Osiris and Anubis, often showcase these distinctive rope-like coils cascading down their backs, signifying divine power and a connection to the divine.
Moving across the African continent, locs were prevalent among various tribes, including the Maasai of East Africa and the Himba of Namibia. Within these communities, locs were more than a mere hairstyle; they symbolized cultural identity, spirituality, and even served as a visual marker of one's age, status, or tribal lineage.
The spread of locs wasn’t confined to Africa alone. It made its mark in the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans, forcibly transported to the Americas, carried with them not just their physical beings but also their rich cultural heritage, including the tradition of wearing locs. Despite the harsh conditions they endured, these individuals managed to preserve their cultural practices, including the maintenance and styling of their hair.
Within the Rastafarian movement, which emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, dreadlocks became an emblematic expression. Rastafarians, influenced by Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African ideologies and embracing the teachings of Haile Selassie, regarded locs as a sacred and symbolic manifestation of their spiritual beliefs. The growing visibility of Rastafarianism and its association with reggae music brought global attention to the significance of locs as a statement of cultural pride, resistance against oppression, and a connection to African roots.
The technique of palm rolling plays a pivotal role in the formation and maintenance of locs. Rooted in ancient practices, this method involves rolling and twisting sections of hair between the palms using natural products like a locking gel or shea butter. Over time, this repetitive motion encourages the strands to intertwine and form the distinctive rope-like structure that characterizes dreadlocks.
In recent times, locs have transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity among individuals from diverse backgrounds, drawn not only to its aesthetic appeal but also to its historical and cultural significance. Its evolution from a symbol deeply embedded in spirituality and identity to a globally recognized hairstyle mirrors the interconnectedness of human history and the enduring legacy of cultural practices.
In essence, locs, with their intricate history and profound symbolism, stand as a testament to the resilience, diversity, and enduring cultural significance of hairstyles throughout the ages. As they continue to evolve and be embraced worldwide, their journey remains an ever-unfolding story of cultural heritage and personal expression.
-Bee