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 Dreadlocks
are "HOT", in style, and everyone from teenagers to business professionals
wants them. Take a look around and there they are on billboards,
television commercials, sitcoms, all types of sports, cartoons,
movies, and magazine advertisements.
With
the popularity of dreadlocks on the rise, you may think it's very
easy to adorn your head with this wonderful fashion.
Growing dreadlocks, however, can be a long difficult process.
I have been growing dreadlocks for ten years and can honestly
tell you it hasn't been a trouble free process.
Everywhere I go, I find myself answering many questions concerning
my "nappy hair". Here's a conversation I recently had while standing
in line at the local grocery store:
"Is
all of that your real hair?" She asked.
"Yes it is," I responded."
"Who did it for you?"
"No one, its all natural. They are called dreadlocks."
"No it's not, your hair can't do that. Can it?"
"Yes it can. All hair can do this if you leave it alone and
stop combing it or putting chemicals in your hair."
"How long have you been growing them?"
"About ten years."
"Can you take it down?"
"No, you'd have to cut it all off to get rid of them."
"How do you wash it?"
"The same way you do, rinse, shampoo, and repeat."
"Can white people grow dreadlocks?"
"Yes, every culture on earth has people with dreadlocks."
"Well, it's beautiful." "You look like Bob Marley."
"Thank you." |
Of
all the questions I respond to, the one I give most attention
is "How do you grow dreadlocks?" In which I reply, "Why do you
want to grow dreadlocks?" In my opinion, growing dreadlocks is
the easy part, the most difficult part is dealing with the misconceptions
of those in society who don't understand them. To be honest, they
can make life very unpleasant at times.
"Why do some people have such a hard time with dreadlocks? It's
just hair!" you may say, and you are right. Unfortunately, the
rest of the world doesn't think that way. I personally, did not
expect the onslaught of negativity I received from family, friends,
and the public in my decision to grow dreadlocks.
Here
are a few of the many circumstances I've encountered while growing
dreadlocks:
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My
darling sister was not quite happy or supportive of my new
"African" lifestyle, as she would put it.
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Mother
dearest, asked me why I was trying to be different and make
my life hard.
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My
ex-wife's dying grandmother told me from the side of her
deathbed to cut that "mess" off my head? Telling me that
God said no man should have long hair.
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At
the local supermarket, I was approached by a man who asked
me "who the hell would let me work for them with hair like
that?"
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I
must have heard "you look like Buck Wheat" a thousand times.
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Trust
me, today I still get a few wisecracks but not as many as before.
My experience has taught me that growing dreadlocks is mentally,
physically, and spiritually challenging. If you are planning to
grow dreadlock, be prepared for a life changing experience.
Here
are 11 suggestions to help men and women become prepared for the
process of growing dreadlocks:
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1.
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Read
everything you can about growing dreadlocks. Check out books
from the library, read hair fashion magazines, and find
books at your local bookstore.
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2.
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Do
some research on the Internet. Go to http://www.google.com
and enter "dreadlocks". There are hundreds of informative
websites and newsgroups that deal with dreadlocks.
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3.
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Visit
hair salons and find out what processes they use to grow
or create dreadlocks. Make sure you visit more than one
to compare prices and service.
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4.
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Talk
to those who have dreadlocks. Ask them questions about their
experiences both good and bad.
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5.
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Let
everyone you know at home, work, or school of your plans
to grow dreadlocks. Ask them how they feel about your decision
to grow dreadlocks and why they feel a certain way? This
process will give you an idea on who you can turn to when
the world seems to turn against your new lifestyle.
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6.
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Check
out the dress code at your place of employment. If possible
talk to your Human Resource department and let them know
about your desire to grow dreadlocks and find out exactly
where they stand on the issue.
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7.
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Are
you prepared to upgrade your skills, start a new business,
or find another job if your current job cannot accept your
dreadlocks?
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8.
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Expand
your mind by reading, studying, and trying new things on
a constant basis. This will give you an opportunity of get
to know yourself better. In addition, you will have many
lonely times mixed with doubt on your hand. Use it wisely.
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9.
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Prepare
your mind through meditation, affirmations, and visualization.
These proven techniques have helped many people overcome
insurmountable obstacles in their lives.
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10.
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Start
a journal and fill it with your thoughts on a daily basis.
Write to-do lists, goals, plans, thoughts, or whatever that
will help you make sense of any situation you encounter
during your dreading process.
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11.
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Know
your hair's texture. Is it naturally spongy, curly, straight,
or course? How quickly you grow dreadlocks or even if it's
possible depends on the texture of your hair.
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I've
choosen to grow dreadlocks because of the declaration to myself
to achieve success by my own terms and standards. They are a part
of my reasons to endure despite it all. What are your reasons?
Will your reasons be enough to keep you on the path? Before you
take the leap, understand that dreadlocks are a beautiful way
to express yourself but they may come at a price. Prepare yourself.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Jeffery
Bradley is the author of "Don't Worry Be NAPPY! - How To
Grow Dreadlocks In America And Still Get Everything You Want!
which features great tips and practical advice on growing dreadlocks
and living a successful life with them.
To learn more about Jeffery Bradley visit him at www.netnia.com/nappy
or contact him at
jbdreads@swbell.net.
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