|
| "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:
» |
My darling sister was not quite happy or supportive of my new "African" lifestyle, as she would put it. |
» |
Mother dearest, asked me why I was trying to be different and make my life hard. |
» |
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. |
» |
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?" |
» |
I must have heard "you look like Buck Wheat" a thousand times. |
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:
1. |
Read everything you can about growing dreadlocks. Check out books from the library, read hair fashion magazines, and find books at your local bookstore. |
2. |
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. |
3. |
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. |
4. |
Talk to those who have dreadlocks. Ask them questions about their experiences both good and bad. |
5. |
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. |
6. |
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. |
7. |
Are you prepared to upgrade your skills, start a new business, or find another job if your current job cannot accept your dreadlocks? |
8. |
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. |
9. |
Prepare your mind through meditation, affirmations, and visualization. These proven techniques have helped many people overcome insurmountable obstacles in their lives. |
10. |
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. |
11. |
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. |
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.
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.
Discuss this topic with others right now at The Salon!
 |
 |
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.