First thing first, congratulations! You just got new dreadlocks! Your first dreadlocks for that matter! You look and feel amazing, and it’s definitely what you have always wanted. Therefore, a heartfelt ‘Happy Dreadlocks!’ is in order from us!
But now you’re wondering what’s going to happen during the first few months while wearing new dreadlocks. How are you going to feel? What should you do to maintain them? What should you expect with new dreadlocks? And, most importantly, are there things people are not telling you about this hairstyle? Don’t worry! We’ve covered everything right here!
How Will I Feel Physically With New Dreadlocks?
Let’s tackle this aspect of your new do first because dreadlocks are a permanent hairstyle, unlike everything else. This means you have to sleep on them, take showers with them on, and pretty much incorporate them in your lifestyle. Therefore, how do new dreadlocks feel from a physical point of view?
The truth is you will feel a certain amount of pain the first few days after you get them. The process of getting your hair locked in itself is quite lengthy and uncomfortable at that. It’s essentially someone pulling and twisting your hair. And, after that, your scalp will definitely feel it. But you do get used to it in under a week.
It’s also worth noting that men tend to feel more pain than women when getting new dreadlocks. The simple reason is that men are not used to having anyone deal with their hair in this way. Whereas women have a literal lifetime behind them in which people have put their hair up in ponytails, braids, buns, you name it. They are used to it.
Phantom Hair Effect
This refers to the fact that, in the first few days or even weeks for some people after getting new dreads you won’t be used to your hair being locked. You’ll still think you have traditional, loose hair. Therefore, you will want to run your hands through it or tuck in behind your ear if it gets in your face.
But when you do that, you’ll find out you can’t because it has now been turned into locs. It’s something we all do out of force of habit. And we call it ‘phantom hair’ after the ‘phantom limb’ syndrome experienced by people who have lost a limb. They state they can still feel it.
Creating New Habits
Building on the above, once your brain figures out you can no longer make use of your old habits of running your fingers through your hair or tucking it behind your ear, you will develop new ones.
These may include tossing your new dreadlocks from side to side, always rearranging them around your head or throwing them about to get them out of your face. It’s a set of habits most people who wear dreads have. And now you’ll have them too!
All aboard the Preconception Train!
Yes, it is true that we now live in an age when the internet and the easy access to information has made us all just a little more enlightened. But that’s the key word – ‘a little more.’ Therefore, you need to be aware that a lot of people still view dreads with much preconception.
In other words, wherever you go, your dreads will be there before you. People will have already formed an opinion about you without knowing you at all. And that’s just because you are wearing this hairstyle. Unfortunately, most individuals have a negative opinion, and that is something you will need to prepare yourself for.
Apart from that, there are still places and cultures around the world where dreadlocks are not common at all. Therefore, people there will see you as somewhat as a curiosity. Plus, they will have a lot of questions for you. Brace yourself!
Make Sure You Have Permission to Get New Dreadlocks
I know, this doesn’t sound good at all. But the truth is, no matter how cool locs are, you need to have both feet on the ground before you get them.
If you’re a teenager who is still in school, you will need your parent’s permission to do it. At the same time, even if your parents do agree, they might need to get an agreement from the school you are currently attending. If not, you might get into trouble or asked to cut your hair. Most schools do not allow their students to get novel hairstyles such as dreadlocks.
The same idea applies when it comes to your workplace. Some offices have a strict dress and styling code that does not allow shorts, sneakers or dreadlocks for that matter. You need to consider all these things before getting new dreadlocks.
Patience, Patience, Patience
And last but definitely not least is patience. Everything about dreadlocks takes an incredibly long time. Getting your hair locked is a long process. It all depends on the length of your hair and how thick you would like your dreads to be.
Maintaining your dreads takes quite a while as well, and it should be done twice a year. Even shampooing and then allowing your locs to dry naturally takes a long time. Therefore, make sure you have the patience and energy to take care of your locs like you should.
But nothing requires more patience when getting new dreadlocks than waiting for them to grow to your desired length. That’s why they call it a loc journey because it’s definitely going to be an adventure getting to that amazing length! But we promise it’s going to be a fabulous ride that you won’t want to get off! Happy Dreadlocks!
Visit London Dreadlocks if you want to start your dreadlocks now or if you’re in need of dreadlocks maintenance!