No other hairstyle evokes such strong and passionate emotions like dreadlocks. From my experience, you either are madly in love with them or hate them with a passion.
I’ve allowed my hair to develop dreadlocks for more than 30 years. At age 52, they don’t have the bounce of my 20-year-old self, but they are still powerful with purpose.
Why Dreadlocks?
I saw dreadlocks the first time at age twenty-three. I’d just changed my diet to vegan in an effort to lose weight. As a well fit high school football player, I was embarrassed how my weight rose from 165 to over 285 lbs in less than 3 years.
It took about eight months to lose ninety pounds with my new diet along with daily exercises of cycling, running, and weightlifting. After the weight loss success, veganism became more of a spiritual adventure. I became a city dwelling naturalist caring about the limited earth resources, underprivileged people, animal abuse, and GMO.
What does veganism have to do with dreadlocks? Simple, If I’m going to great lengths to monitor what goes into my body, why shouldn’t I do the same for the outside? It takes a lot of chemicals to force hair to go against nature.
The Meaning of Dreadlocks
My dreadlocks mean absolutely nothing to me other than making me feel invincible. Why? Because of their desire to exists. I do absolutely nothing to my hair other than no processing, combing, or styling.
I can’t imagine life without them. We have been through several jobs, failed relationships, and many business adventures. They continue to motivate me to live an awesome life every single day but on my terms.
If you Google the term dreadlocks, you will find information on various cultures’ spiritual experiences with this unique hair.
What Society Thinks
When I decided to grow dreadlocks, I was not prepared for the emotional turmoil. Family, friends and even homeless people spoke negative of them to me. Some shunned me. I actually thought I would be commended for my strength to be myself dreadlocks and all.
Television and print media defines what human physical attributes are acceptable and what’s not to be tolerated in our society. Dreadlocks have been relegated to a simple hairstyle for those in entertainment, sports, or militants. Definitely not for the business world. Some go so far as to say if people give you so much grief, why don’t you simply cut them off?
To add to the confusion, you see criminals and thugs with dreadlocks. Animated cartoon clowns with dreadlocks. And silly red, gold, and green hats with fake dreadlocks. Despite the various stereotypes, it still doesn’t affect their importance to an owner who understands how to use them as a strong source of positive inspiration.
They can come into your life and leave a trail of heartaches, loneliness, and being stereotyped. But, they also give you the strength of character, unwavering integrity, and determination of steel.
The Bottom Line
There is something mystic and special about dreadlocks. Why else would one endure the prejudices and problems at the hands of society? As I stated above, they are tremendously more than a fashion statement or a particular way to coolness.
Those who have spent a lifetime manipulating their hair to conform have little or no idea how real hair actually feels. My dreadlocks feel very much alive. Their weight on my head is a constant reminder to hold my head up and walk tall like a lion “king” protecting its nest.
Dreadlocks helped me reconnect to the true nature of my existence. They developed on their own and continue to do what they do on their own. Awesome.
The Book
I documented both positive and negative experiences in my book “Don’t Worry, Be Nappy!” I realized many people had prejudices against this unique hairstyle, but I did not know how terrible some people in society perceived them. Dreadlocks forced me to reassess how much I’d allowed the opinion of others control my life. In reality, the only thing matter are what I think of myself!
Here are some things I share in the book:
- How growing dreadlocks affected his personal and professional relationships.
- The time I almost cut them off.
- How I adjusted to the spiritual transformation of dreadlocks.
- Many varied experiences with society.
I’ve attempted to give in-depth information, great tips, and easy to follow advice. It addresses problems one might encounter and offers solid solutions.
Go to http://www.howtogrowdreadlocks.com and sign up for some free samples. If you have any questions, head over the Forums and introduce yourself.
My all time favorite quote is:
“Keep your culture: Don’t be afraid of the vulture! Grow your dreadlock: Don’t be afraid of the wolf-pack!” – Bob Marley