“The most worthwhile endeavor I have ever undertaken is responsibility for my life. It’s hard, and it’s worth it.” – LeVar Burton, Jet, 29 August 1988
Dreadlocks are a life-changing experience. Don’t fool yourself thinking it‘s an easy road having them. Schools reject children with dreadlocks from school. Or hear someone denied or lose jobs because they refuse to cut theirs. There are many ongoing arguments of cultural appropriation.
You wonder if this controversial hairstyle right for you. How do you start? Will family and friends approve? What can happen on the job? Do people treat you different?
Here are fifteen tips to help you prepare for a successful life with dreadlocks.
- Is your hair coarse, curly, or straight? The answer determines if you need beeswax or something similar, and the time required.
- Decide if you want them for fashion, spirituality, or going natural. Each reason could have a different route for your hair developing dreadlocks.
- Understand this unique hairstyle is fast becoming a very prosperous business. There are many gimmicks, quick-fix methods, and unnecessary products on the market. Always check ingredients of homemade solutions.
- Create a budget. You will need salon fees, beeswax, oils, natural cleansers, tams, bans, beads, and large hats.
- If using a loctician, plan several paid visits. It takes patience and time for hair strains to intertwine into dreadlocks.
- Visit two or more salons to compare prices, services, and techniques.
- Try to talk to people with them. Ask how they started and their good or bad experiences.
- Make sure you understand its history. Research the Internet and read articles, blogs, websites, and books.
- Tell family, friends, and coworker of your plans for this hairstyle. What are their feelings about your decision and why? This will give you an idea of who you can turn to if needing emotional support.
- Become familiar with your workplace dress code. Talk to your Human Resource department. Get a thorough understanding of policies on hair.
- Prepare to upgrade your skills, start a business, or find another job.
- Build up your confidence. Step outside your comfort zones. Take online courses. Try a multitude of activities. Challenge yourself often.
- Learn how to handle stress. Pray, meditate, do affirmations, be mindful, or practice visualization. These techniques also help you focus on present moments and important issues.
- Get a journal and write daily. Create to-do lists, goals, plans, thoughts, ideas, or whatever helps make sense of life.
- Read motivation books. Listen to self-improving speeches and podcasts. And attend positive lifestyle (diet, health, finance, etc.) seminars.
Be determined to achieve success on your terms and standards. What are your reasons? Will they be enough to keep you on the path of your goal? Write them in your journal and review the list three times a day: morning, noon, and night.
Before you take the leap, understand they are a powerful way to express yourself but they may come at a price. Prepare yourself.