The 'misunderstood' Hairstyle

Dreadlocks. Most people look at them and think 'eww', 'yuk', 'why would they do that?'. I used to be one of these people, but after looking up about the hairstyle I realise that you 'can't judge a book by its cover' and can't assume things. It turns out there is actually nothing disgusting or gross about the hairstyle, it just looks different. There are many rumors about dreadlocks and these are the truths I discovered behind them.

1. Dreadlocks are meant to be dirty, they are never washed.
This is completely wrong. Dreadlocks need to be washed because clean hair locks up faster and easier than oily and dirty hair. Dreadlocks need to be washed with residue free soaps and shampoos though because the residues, found in most cleaning products, prevent the hair from locking up.

2. You can get dreadlocks just by not brushing your hair.
This is true, but only one way to get dreadlocks and it is called the 'neglect' method. By not brushing your hair at all over several years dreadlocks will form, but not many people use this method for it takes too long. It is easier for people with African-textured hair to form dreadlocks using the 'neglect' method.

3. Only black people have nice dreads.
It is easier for black people to have nice, smooth and tight dreads because of the texture of hair, it is possible for people of all races to have nice dreads if they put some work into it. The first month is pain, as they tighten but when the dreads mature they are basically maitenence free.

4. If you no longer want dreads, you have to shave your hair off.
This is not true, although you do have to cut your hair to get rid of them. At least its not your whole hair! This is why girls should really think before deciding to have dreadlocks. It would be impossible to comb them out once you fully have dreadlocks and they are muture.

5. Mayonaise, Toothpaste, Honey, Glue, Rubber Cement, Mud, Chewing gum, Peanut butter, Shave butter, Candle wax and hair gel are great for staring dreads.
Some people will do this, but they have had no experience or prior knowledge. There are good ways that are saffe for your scalp, clean and healthy.

There are many different ways to get dreads including
- Backcombing
- Wool Sweater or Wool hat rubbing
- Neglect
- Twisting
- Dread perm
- Rub things in your hair!

So next time you see someone with dreads don't think EW, YUK. Their hair is completely clean, they just prefer that sort of hairstyle!