We understand this distinction better in relation to our food – natural food is grown organically, without the aid of growth additives or pesticides. Dreadlocks can also be grown without the aid of chemicals to speed the process.
All-natural dreads are locs made using non-chemical processes and methods.
Why Are Chemicals Used For Growing Dreads?
In a chemical process, hair is held in position using chemicals that change the structure of the hair. The role of chemicals is to convince hair to modify its original structure and stay in the modified state.
This process of growing dreads is preferred (and often, required) by individuals with hair types that are not naturally curly.
How Are Natural Dreads Shaped?
If the hair texture is coarse already (as with most African hair types), a non-chemical process is used to physically twist hair into knots.
Products (like dread wax), used to tighten these knots do not count as chemicals because they do not speed up the locking process and the structure of the hair is unaltered. Waxes simply help such hair types to stay compressed so that they can tighten when the locks are palm rolled.
Are Natural Dreads Better Than Chemical Dreads?
Neither process is superior. Both natural and chemically-made dreads are comprised of knotted hair and both types of dreadlocks require maintenance for long-term health.
Whether you dread your naturally or using chemical processes, you will need to regularly knot and tighten your locs as they mature.
I am personally in favor of letting hair do what it naturally does. But, I also respect another individual’s choice to use chemical methods, especially if your hair is unable to dread naturally on its own.