HOW DO I CONVINCE MY PARENTS/PARTNER TO LET ME GET DREADS?
Aug 22, 2017 19:57:55 GMT
saralcat likes this
Post by Dreadlocktruth on Aug 22, 2017 19:57:55 GMT
Of all the frustrations we encounter from people who have been wanting dreadlocks for the longest time, the greatest is a fear of how their family or partner might react or even that they've explicitly stated disapproval. This can be caused by many factors but it often plays in to the stereotypes surrounding dreadlocks that exists in Western culture. With that in mind, we've designed this section of the FAQ to be suitable for that parent or significant other to help dispel a few common myths that may be influencing their views and we'd encourage you to share it with them to read.
Are Dreadlocks Dirty?
Despite what you may have heard, dreadlocks require no more maintenance or special treatment than normal hair. You can wash them, dry them, dye them and just about anything else you feel like doing with your hair is possible. As dreads mature, they naturally require less washing due to the lack of extra oils produced by the scalp with daily brushing that is not present when someone decides to grow locks. So, as long as your child or significant other is not rolling around in dirt every day, they will be no dirtier than someone with loose hair.
Excessive or daily washings can cause damage to mature dreadlocks because they would be less able to dry completely, which can cause mildew and unpleasant smells. What this all means is that dreadlocks are actually cleaner with fewer washings.
For more information, here's a video dispelling the myths of dirty dreadlocks by YouTuber LazyDreads:
Wouldn't Wax Make The Process More Presentable?
Wax is actually detrimental to healthy, clean dreadlocks as it attracts lint, dirt and other debris whilst doing nothing to aid the locking process. While it may appear to solve a problem if the person in your life is going through a messy stage, natural products such as aloe vera gel can be used as a temporary solution without costing a fortune, as do most unnecessary and overpriced dreadlocks products.
If you find that your child has questions or is in need of assistance then our community is full of tutorials, advice and members willing to offer up personal experience....and we do it free of charge.
Does This Mean My Child/Partner May Be Doing Drugs?
It has been a common misconception that an interest in dreadlocks must mean there is interest in drugs, namely cannabis. This most likely comes from the fact that one of the world's most well known dreadlocked individuals, Bob Marley, was also known to use and support the use of cannabis. These two things do not always go hand in hand - there are lots of people who do drugs who have never worn dreadlocks, and lots of dreadlocked folks who don't even use caffeine.
Bottom line is that dreadlocks, or an interest in dreadlocks, do not cause people to use drugs.
Do Only Rastafarians Wear Dreadlocks?
Although dreadlocks were introduced to mainstream Western culture through the Rastafari movement, they have roots in many different races and religions and are worn by individuals from all walks of life. The Rastafari religion is relatively new, dating back to the 1930's, whereas stories of twisted locks in hair can be traced thousands of years in biblical stories (the Jewish/Christian hero Samson wore his hair in 7 locks). Muslim groups, Hindu holy men and various deities were also known to wear ropes of hair many hundreds or even thousands of years before Rastafarians.
Our members here at DreadlockTruth come from all kinds of backgrounds and religions and we respect that; there is no need to assume that a change in hairstyle means there is also a change in beliefs.
Will My Child/Partner Have To Shave Their Head To Change Hairstyle?
Another popular myth about dreadlocks is that they cannot be removed. Whilst it does take a lot of work (and a lot of conditioner!), hair that has been knotted for many years can be combed out with great success. I personally have helped removed two sets of 4+ years each and seen several friends from this website do the same when they've decided to go for a change. Again, we are here to offer heaps of advice and experience should your loved one need it!
Will My Child Get a Job With Dreadlocks?
Oh yes, that is not a concern for most of us. It may prove slightly more difficult to work in places such as McDonalds, but generally, finding work is not a problem. If, however, you do find a problem with the typical teenage workplace, branch out and try something new. Your child may find it easier applying at book stores and health food markets, or any of the trendy clothing shops where having dreads might actually help your child get a job.
A Final Word
In our experience, dreadlocks tend to attract a certain, caring, creative type of individual. If your loved one has expressed an interest in what seems like to you to be just a crazy hairstyle, it's likely that they're exploring some kind of inner expression that they've not fully tapped into before and we believe this should be encouraged and accepted, where appropriate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this FAQ! We'd encourage you to explore the other topics on this board for a broader view.
Are Dreadlocks Dirty?
Despite what you may have heard, dreadlocks require no more maintenance or special treatment than normal hair. You can wash them, dry them, dye them and just about anything else you feel like doing with your hair is possible. As dreads mature, they naturally require less washing due to the lack of extra oils produced by the scalp with daily brushing that is not present when someone decides to grow locks. So, as long as your child or significant other is not rolling around in dirt every day, they will be no dirtier than someone with loose hair.
Excessive or daily washings can cause damage to mature dreadlocks because they would be less able to dry completely, which can cause mildew and unpleasant smells. What this all means is that dreadlocks are actually cleaner with fewer washings.
For more information, here's a video dispelling the myths of dirty dreadlocks by YouTuber LazyDreads:
Wouldn't Wax Make The Process More Presentable?
Wax is actually detrimental to healthy, clean dreadlocks as it attracts lint, dirt and other debris whilst doing nothing to aid the locking process. While it may appear to solve a problem if the person in your life is going through a messy stage, natural products such as aloe vera gel can be used as a temporary solution without costing a fortune, as do most unnecessary and overpriced dreadlocks products.
If you find that your child has questions or is in need of assistance then our community is full of tutorials, advice and members willing to offer up personal experience....and we do it free of charge.
Does This Mean My Child/Partner May Be Doing Drugs?
It has been a common misconception that an interest in dreadlocks must mean there is interest in drugs, namely cannabis. This most likely comes from the fact that one of the world's most well known dreadlocked individuals, Bob Marley, was also known to use and support the use of cannabis. These two things do not always go hand in hand - there are lots of people who do drugs who have never worn dreadlocks, and lots of dreadlocked folks who don't even use caffeine.
Bottom line is that dreadlocks, or an interest in dreadlocks, do not cause people to use drugs.
Do Only Rastafarians Wear Dreadlocks?
Although dreadlocks were introduced to mainstream Western culture through the Rastafari movement, they have roots in many different races and religions and are worn by individuals from all walks of life. The Rastafari religion is relatively new, dating back to the 1930's, whereas stories of twisted locks in hair can be traced thousands of years in biblical stories (the Jewish/Christian hero Samson wore his hair in 7 locks). Muslim groups, Hindu holy men and various deities were also known to wear ropes of hair many hundreds or even thousands of years before Rastafarians.
Our members here at DreadlockTruth come from all kinds of backgrounds and religions and we respect that; there is no need to assume that a change in hairstyle means there is also a change in beliefs.
Will My Child/Partner Have To Shave Their Head To Change Hairstyle?
Another popular myth about dreadlocks is that they cannot be removed. Whilst it does take a lot of work (and a lot of conditioner!), hair that has been knotted for many years can be combed out with great success. I personally have helped removed two sets of 4+ years each and seen several friends from this website do the same when they've decided to go for a change. Again, we are here to offer heaps of advice and experience should your loved one need it!
Will My Child Get a Job With Dreadlocks?
Oh yes, that is not a concern for most of us. It may prove slightly more difficult to work in places such as McDonalds, but generally, finding work is not a problem. If, however, you do find a problem with the typical teenage workplace, branch out and try something new. Your child may find it easier applying at book stores and health food markets, or any of the trendy clothing shops where having dreads might actually help your child get a job.
A Final Word
In our experience, dreadlocks tend to attract a certain, caring, creative type of individual. If your loved one has expressed an interest in what seems like to you to be just a crazy hairstyle, it's likely that they're exploring some kind of inner expression that they've not fully tapped into before and we believe this should be encouraged and accepted, where appropriate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this FAQ! We'd encourage you to explore the other topics on this board for a broader view.
