Loc’d and Loaded

I decided to get dreadlocks almost a year ago and as I am sitting here typing up this blog post, I immediately realized that my biggest regret was not doing it sooner. My hair has thrived in more ways than one and I cannot get over how much it has changed me as a person. For those of you who are not familiar with dreadlocks (a style rooted in Black and African cultures), it is when multiple sections of hair is twisted, palm-rolled, or crocheted to form a rope-like structure. Over time those rope-like structures mature and harden to become locs. It is a low maintenance, elegant natural style that can be worn in so many different ways and that is what I love the most about having locs.

Since I embarked on my loc journey, I have felt a change or a shift in me that I cannot put into words other than to say it has changed me in a good way. I feel more rooted, confident, positive and free! If given the chance to go back and do it sooner, I would. The compliments I get are insane and I have lost count how many times I have caught people trying to sneak and touch my hair since getting dreadlocks. I cannot blame them, locs are pretty awesome, but please do not touch my hair without asking first and I mean that in the kindest way possible. I find such behavior to be odd yet funny because for many, many years Black people were made to feel like their hair was ugly or unruly. That is why I find it funny that so many people have the urge to want to touch it. I get it, Afro-textured hair is intriguing. Not too long ago, I had one lady lean over me because she amazed at how square and neat my parts were, but I digress. Let me get back to the topic at hand before I start to rant.

Having dreadlocks has taught me the importance of self-love, patience and self-appreciation because when you embark on a loc journey, it can be a little bumpy at first –> even uncomfortable, but once you move past that, it becomes a place and space of pure jubilee. Having dreadlocks has literally taken me back to my roots and I am loving and accepting every part of my hair. Yes it is coarse, kinky and curly but you know what? I would not change it for nothing in the world because that is what makes me, me. July 3rd will mark one year since my hair has been loc’d and I cannot wait to see what year two will bring. I am loc’d and loaded with not intentions of being unfolded!

💅🏾-Anita