First off, I want to address the word Dreadlocks. I see all over the internet on how we should say locks/ or locs instead, and not use the word dreadlocks because it came from a “bad place”. Well, a lot of things in this world came from a bad place to begin with, but somehow we manage to turn that around. For instance, the term bitch was used to describe a female dog, and we began using it to cuss someone out. Now, we use it as a term of endearment. This also goes for the N word (ending in a). This word was used in a negative way, and depending on how you use it today can reflect good or bad, or even both! I just wanted to use those words as examples, because there are many words that we all use interchangeably, but it is how you use them that can reflect its meaning behind it.

Now that’s out the way. I love my Dreadlocks, locks, locs, or whatever you want to call them. They are mine, and I enjoy them very much. I have done just about everything with my hair, but having dreads to me is more than “a look”, it is a lifestyle. You have to be committed, and with commitment comes better habits, if you allow it. I have gained so much freedom, because I gained more time back. I remember doing hairstyles that would take hours and hours, sometimes a couple of days, but having locs will change that. You don’t have to do much with your hair, but you still have to take care of it. I like to look at is as a plant, you take good care of it and it will do the same for you.

Because of getting my time back, my locs have allowed me to become more productive, and also cater to more self-care activities. I didn’t like being busy all the time and having a small portion of my day, or week to take care of myself. Especially with caring so much for others, I needed to put that same time in for me. My locs have allowed me to make time for other things while reconnecting with myself. It was no longer a style I wanted to try, but it became more of a lifestyle. I noticed my hair, skin, and nails flourishing more than ever before because I began eliminating harmful ingredients and using more organic ingredients.

My lifestyle changed for the better. I began taking better care of my health, and the better I did the more my dreadlocks thanked me. It’s like they were guiding me on a better path. My relationship with myself and others changed. It was like the more real I was with myself the more real people I began to attract. No shallowness, or insecure about their looks, because they’re comfortable with their true selves. The respect I had with myself increased, and those around me began to change too. I guess its because I became more self-aware, and it allowed me to pay attention to others true characters.

My dreads inspire a different type of attention, but it also eliminated too much attention. What I mean by that is, I would attract people from a different caliber, but I would also get ignored by a certain type of crowd. It’s quite interesting, but I look at it as a protective shield. It’s really like IYKYK (if you know you know), but if you don’t know then you’re missing out. I must say (although a true introvert) I like attracting the people I do now versus who I would attract in the past. It makes me feel that I’m attracting more openminded individuals, who also have a greater sense of self.

I’ve always felt unique, but even more so now. My locs have allowed me to embrace my individuality while creating my own unique style. Yes there are a lot of us who have dreads, but not one dread head is the same. Not one head is the same in general! But there’s just something unique about dreads, and the person wearing them becomes more unique as time goes on. It really shows the level of patience and progress, which we can all work on in real life. My locs are definitely a representation of how my life’s been so far, and because of being patient, caring, and willing, I’ve been able to embark my health and wellness journey into my spiritual journey. All of these different journey’s somehow collided together, and I’m forever grateful!

What have your locs done for you?

Moj0