Lock vs. Dreadlock- "Hairlocking" The basics you need to know

Learn to work with your hair not against it!

“Dreadlock/Dread: A misnomer for locks, carried over from two traditions. Firstly is the Rastafarian way of life, which refers to the uncut, unmanicured locks as dreadlocks because of the fear they instilled in the white man. Secondly, the Eurocentric tradition of England, referred to locked hair as dreadful as they have historically slandered and disempowered any cultural feature that is not theirs. Today Africans perpetuate this slander by referring to their locks as “dreds.” The term Lock is more appropriate. Nakhena Evans- "Hairlocking Everything You Need to Know"

Cultivated vs. Non-cultivated

Locks are considered cultivated locks because they have received some sort of maintenance. A non-cultivated or dread lock is when the hair has not been maintained at all; hair has matted and intertwined itself without being twisted or cared for.

Stages to hairlocking

1. Pre-lock or baby locks-the initial lock. It can be palm rolled or comb twisted (most preferred methods) or two-strand twisted.  You should stay with the same person who begins them as each person will use a different method which could delay the locking process. This stage can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the texture of hair.
1. Tightly Coiled Hair 3-6 months. (looks like a 3)
2. Coiled Hair 6-9 months. (looks like S)
3. Wavy Hair 9-12 months. (usually Caucasian/biracial hair types)
2. Budding or teenager- the hair begins to lock. The lock is no longer thin; it becomes enlarged about 3 quarters down the lock and is rebellious like a teenager. The hair is starting to matt.
3. Shooting or adult locks- the entire lock begins to interlock and matt. The hair is in this stage anywhere from 1-2 years.
4. Contracting phase or elder locks- These locks are now a full network of interlocked spirals of strands. Locks are consistent, tight and solid.
5. Aging- Now you have gotten to year 5, locks are established. After a while, the hair may become thin- trimming is suggested and healthy maintenance will reduce the thinning.

Locks require patience and time. They are not like braids and can be done in several hours. It takes months to years to fully develop locks and have them done the right way. Don’t use brown gel or beeswax. Brown gel tends to dry the hair and beeswax is very hard to break down and if the right shampoo isn’t used it will remain locked in the hair which is not good. These types of products give the appearance of a healthy lock but on the inside of the lock dirt and debris will be retained making the locking process longer and adding more work.

The oil that is most like the natural oil your scalp secretes is Jojoba oil. Sunflower, olive or peanut oil can be supplemented for jojoba oil. You will want to use these oils after shampooing and conditioning to put what moisture that has been taken out back by shampoo back into the hair and scalp.  Aloe Vera gel mixed with oil is a good locking agent that is water soluble.

***Eat right and educate yourself about your hair-> what is going into and on your scalp will get absorbed into your blood. You want to make sure it’s able to help not potentially harm you.***