3 year dread journey

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The 5 Stages of Locs: What to Expect During the Process

From starter locs to rooted.

@OFFICIALLISABONET / Design by Dion Mills

Once you decide to embark on the beautiful journey of getting locs , it's easy to feel confused on where to start and what each step of the process entails. There are five different stages of locs and each stage requires different maintenance and care. The five stages of locs are: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted. 

When you reach the rooted stage of your dreadlocks, the versatility in hairstyles that awaits you is endless but it takes some time to get there. The average loc journey can take 18-24 months so it's definitely a process that requires a lot of patience and upkeep.

If you're ready to commit to this hairstyle, then please read ahead as two master locticians breakdown every stage of the loc'ing process and arm you with tips and product recommendations to ensure that your loc journey will be as smooth as possible.  Keep scrolling to get a full breakdown of the loc stages.

Meet the Expert

• Chimere Faulk is a natural hairstylist, loctician, and the founder of loc care brand Dr. Locs .
• Courtney Grayton is a master loctician, hair educator and the owner of Hair Goals , a hair salon in District Heights, Maryland.

How to Prep Your for Your Loc Journey

Courtney Grayton recommends having at least 3-4 inches of relatively healthy hair before setting up your loc appointment. "Though not absolutely necessary, it would be a great idea to get a professional trim as split ends are not able to accept and retain moisture properly," she adds.

Grayton also suggests doing hydration treatments such as a deep conditioning or a steam treatment to help give your hair extra moisture. This helps prepare your hair for the change in routine it's about go through. 

Stage One - Starter Locs

@jaidotfoot

The starter (aka "baby") stage of the loc process can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on your hair type and how fast it grows. There are several styles—such as braids, two-strand twists, comb coils, and palm rolls—that you can choose from to start your locs. This is the stage where you'll begin to create a parting pattern if you wish. You could also always opt for a free-form look, where you don't "cultivate" or control section size and simply allow your hair to be . Either way, it's important that you don't create sections that are too small, as locs can break off if they're too thin or too dry. 

"In the starter stage, it may seem difficult because your hair keeps coming undone when shampooing," says Faulk. "Dr Locs’ Jinan Leave-In Conditioner ($27) is a perfect daily regimen to use to keep your scalp and baby locs moisturized."

The length of this stage is entirely determined by your hair type and how fast your hair typically grows, but expect about three to six months. Your locs will look pretty uniform and neat. The best course of action during this stage? Just letting them grow.

Stage Two - Budding Locs

@locdess

During the budding phase, you might notice that your new growth is puffy and on the fuzzy side. "During this stage, your hair will start to stick or matte together at the tops of your coils after shampooing," Faulk notes. However, it's still crucial that you are consistently and thoroughly cleansing your hair to avoid build-up, bumps, and weak spots. "Dr. Locs' Yasin Shampoo ($27) is designed to run fluidly throughout your hair and to never create a product build-up. You’ll notice less of your coils come undone, making it easier to groom afterward."

It's a great idea to practice a re-twisting routine to maintain the style of locs you choose or to transition in loc sizingx. You can keep track of the original section partings when re-twisting or maintaining a free-form style without parting. It allows you to get into a consistent routine while keeping up with the rapid growth process. This stage can last anywhere between six to 12 months.

It may be tempting to re-twist often, but it's important not to overdo it, as this can lead to thinning locs and breakage that can prolong your loc growth.

Stage Three - Teenage Locs

Jacopo Raule / Getty Images

"The teenage stage feels fun because you start to see the vision," Faulk says. However, this is also the stage where you wonder what could be going on with your hair. Too short to lie down easily, your teenage locs may seem to sprout all over your head and go in whatever direction they want. This can be a tough stage for some, but if you can persevere, it'll be worth it.

Faulk explains: "Your locs start to plump up and develop their form. You want to be careful with product use before the next steps because of product build-up. Dr Locs' Imani Locking Spray ($22) is a water-based solution designed to gently hold locs in place without excessive build-up." This is also an excellent time to invest in and experiment with accessories such as scarves, headbands, and head wraps . They'll enable you to play around with different styles and jazz things up. 

This stage can last anywhere from 12 to 15 months and again, you don't want to re-twist too much because it can cause damage to your hair.

Stage Four - Mature Locs

@spiritlovesbeauty

"The mature stage could begin as early as one year after beginning your journey depending upon the texture of your hair," Faulk tells us. Don't worry if you're over a year in and you don't feel your locs aren't mature yet, though; looser hair textures often take longer.

You know you've reached the mature stage (about 15 to 18 months) when your locs are finally long enough to lie flat or hang down. Faulk asserts that "maturing occurs when your locs are firm and there’s no more reforming," so you won't have to re-twist your new growth as often during this period. The locs should be thick enough to support themselves. Odds are you'll be comfortable with your locs by now, and able to enjoy a regular shampooing and conditioning routine.

Stage Five - Rooted Locs

@officiallisabonet

Once your locs are firmly in place, you're officially in the rooted or "adult" stage. "This stage comes several years later," Faulk makes a point of saying. "In the final stage, your locs will hang differently. They feel heavier and at the same time more slender." This will be around 18 to 21 months.

At this point, you'll be able to wear your locs well past your waist or trim them if you want a more manageable style. What's more: Your hair care routine can be as simple or as complex as you like, although Faulk emphasizes that "throughout each stage, you want to make sure you keep your locs hydrated."

If you're not comfortable with re-twisting or even choosing a starter loc hairstyle, you can always visit a professional loctician, who can guide you in the right direction.

Moisture Retention and Low-Manipulation Help You Maintain Healthy Locs

Grayton says that moisture retention and low-manipulation are key to helping you maintain healthy locs in each and every stage of your loc journey. "The tried-and-true way to moisturize your locs is through the “hydrate and seal” process. This involves using a water-based product to add hydration to the hair and then sealing that moisture in by applying an oil-based product on top."

Grayton recommends using a water-based product like Froetry's Free Spirit Curl Refresher ($22) and a oil-based product like Froetry's Ooh Baby Healing Growth Serum ($16) to help hydrate and moisturize your locs.

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Loc Stages By Month: A Complete Timeline

Dreadlocks , often abbreviated as locs, can be a beautiful and unique hairstyle when worn correctly. There are many ways to wear dreadlocks , and each person's style is unique. This guide will show you the four main stages of hair growth for dreadlocks based on the month in which they are started. Each stage has its unique look and requires different care techniques. So whether you're just starting your dreadlock journey or rocking them for years, this guide will help you understand where your locs are and how to care for them accordingly. Let's get started!

Monthly Loc Stages

If you're new to locs , you might wonder how they change and develop over time. In this blog post, we'll break down the different stages of locs by month so you know what to expect as your locs grow and mature. Keep reading to learn more! 

So, you've decided to take the plunge and start your loc journey! Here's a look at what you can expect during your first month of locs.

The first few weeks after installing your locs will be spent getting used to your new hairstyle. Your scalp may be tender, and you'll probably have to adjust to not being able to see your whole face in the mirror! It would be best if you were careful not to handle them too much, as this can cause them to unravel. Be sure to moisturize your locs regularly, as they will be prone to drying out during this stage.

You'll also notice that your locs are growing fast during this time! This is because when your hair is in its early stages of forming, the roots hold on tighter than they will once the locs fully mature. This means that your locs will be extra strong and resilient during this time, so don't be afraid to experiment with different styles.

One thing to keep in mind during month one is that your locs will require a bit more care and attention than they will later on. This is because they are still adjusting to their new environment and are more susceptible to things like drying out or getting tangled. Be sure to moisturize regularly and use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots that may form.

Overall, month one is a time of adjustment—both for you and your new locs! There's a lot of trial and error involved, but it's all part of the fun. Just remember to be patient and take good care of your locs , and you'll be well on your way to healthy, happy hair.

Related Link: The Best Loc Styles For Ladies

Congratulations on making it to the second month of your loc journey ! Your locs are starting to mature and take shape, but they require special care and attention. Taking care of your locs in the second month is about maintaining moisture levels, preventing buildup, and retwisting as needed.

Wash Your Locs Regularly

It's important to wash your locs regularly, especially in the early stages when they are prone to buildup. You should aim to wash your locs at least once a week, using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to rinse your locs thoroughly after washing to remove all traces of shampoo and conditioner.

Would you like to learn more about dreadlocks? Check out our blog  for more styling tips, tricks and more.

Deep Condition Your Locs

Deep conditioning of your locs is also important in the second month. This will help keep them hydrated and prevent them from drying out. You can deep condition your locs at home by applying a deep conditioner to your locs and covering them with a shower cap for 30 minutes.

Retwist Your Locs as Needed

As your locs continue to grow, you may find that they need to be retwisted more frequently. Retwisting helps keep your locs neat and tidy, and it also helps them maintain their shape. You should aim to retwist your locs every two weeks or so. If you find that your locs are starting to unravel, you can retwist them sooner.

Three Months

By three months, your locs will be fully matured. They will be thicker and more robust than they were at the previous stage. You can experiment with different styles at this stage, but be sure not to put too much strain on your locs. continue to moisturize regularly to keep them healthy and hydrated. 

Related Link: The Best 2 Strand Twist Styles for Locs

Six Months and Beyond 

Stage 1: The Growing Pains Stage (6-9 months)

This is the stage where your locs will start to thicken and mature. You may find that your locs are more prone to tangles and knots during this stage, so be sure to use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair. Deep conditioning treatments will become your new best friend!

Stage Two: The Settling In Stage (9-12 months)

By now, your locs should be fully settled and starting to look their best. If you haven't already, this is a great time to experiment with different styles and see what you like best. Whether you opt for a sleek updo or a playful bowtie style, rock your locs with confidence!

Stage Three: The Maintenance Stage (12+ months)

Once your locs have reached the 12-month mark, they'll require much less maintenance than they did in the early stages. That said, it's still important to keep up with regular trims and touch-ups to keep your locs looking their best. Deep conditioning treatments can also be done every few weeks to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

Interested in further loc hair care products? Check out our products page for detailed descriptions on the best loc care products. 

Loc Journey Photos From Day 1 to Year 15

Whether you have yet to start your loc journey or are a few years in, you’ve undoubtedly wondered, “what will my locs look like in the future?” At what point will you reach your “goal length?” Maybe even “Should my locs be budding yet?” Because everyone’s journey is different, there is no formula for where you’ll be in the future. But take a look to get inspired and see the possibilities with these yearly comparison loc journey photos.

Table of Contents

Year 1 & under loc journey photos, year 2 loc journey photos, year 3 loc journey photos, year 4 loc journey photos, year 5 & over loc journey photos.

That first year of locing your hair is filled with anticipation and wonder. Moreover, in your first year of locing, your hair will undergo many changes. You may experience a lot of shrinkage to the point where you think your hair is shorter than the beginning of the process! However, this is completely normal. During this stage, your locs will also start to bud and form baby locs.

1 Month Locd

6 Months Locd

7 Month Locd Journey

9 Month Loc Journey

1 Year Locd Journey

1 Year Loc Journey

Back Up Top

At 2 years in, your locs are still maturing. However, your hair will have taken on much more of a locd appearance. You may find your hair appears to grow faster. Likely what it is is reduced breakage and less shrinkage. 

2 Year Loc Journey

At three years in your locs journey, your hair is fully matured. If you started with under 2-3 inches of hair, your locs are likely shoulder length by now. You may start to notice some lighter colored locs. No worries. If so, you’re likely getting some natural hair dye by the sun.

3 Year Loc Journey

Year 3 Loc Journey

At 4 years locd you’ve probably hit your stride. You’ll be seeing increased growth from year 3. At this point, you’ve probably experimented with different care routines and styles. Maybe you’ve even considered cutting your locs . However, at four years in, there is still much more to come if you continue your journey.

4 Year Loc Journey

Over half a decade locd!

At this point, you’ve gone through a lot of changes with your locs. You’ve probably dealt with (and hopefully conquered) build up as well as developed good routines. What’s next from here is just a continuation of the journey.

5 Year Loc Journey

7 Year Loc Journey

10 Year Loc Journey

Almost 15 Year Loc Journey

Those are just some snapshots of loc journeys. Remember, everyone goes through their own journey. These photos just serve as a guide of what one can expect. But there are so many factors that’ll impact how your loc journey unfolds over time.

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Your Ultimate Guide To The 5 Different Stages Of Locs

by Jeanette Nkwate May 12, 2021

Wondering what the different stages of locs (also known as dreadlocks) are? If you’ve started your locs journey, we know it can be reassuring to know you’re on track and if you’re still thinking about loc’ing your hair, it can be helpful to know what to expect along the way. 

The locs process is one that takes patience and maintenance as it takes time to go from the baby stage to the adult stage (approximately 21 months plus in total), but don’t let this put you off. Locs are beautiful and worthwhile! 

Still love locs? Then keep scrolling to discover the 5 different stages of locs, the duration of each stage and what to expect in each phrase. 

1. Starter Stage/ Baby Stage

Image Credit: @merylajohnson

In the locs process, the Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. But how long this stage lasts depends on a couple things, such as your hair type and how fast your hair grows. 

Typically, this stage also can be rather trying as many people find that as they wash their hair, their locs can become unravelled or look ‘fluffy’. But it’s important to remember that this stage is just a stage and once your locs mature things will be slightly easier. 

When ‘installing’ or starting your locs, bear in mind what type of locs you want (freeform, braided, twisted, comb coiled, palm rolled and interlocked) and their size, and take into account your hair type and if you want to have a parting pattern. 

Often it’s down to personal preference, but remember that if you create large locs that your individual locs will be rather weighty when they get longer and likewise, if you make your locs very small you’ll need to make sure you keep an eye on their moisture levels as locs can easily break when they are thin and dry . 

2. Budding Stage/ Sprouting Stage

Image Credit: @baddgaldri

The Budding Stage (also known as the Sprouting Stage), occurs roughly six to twelve months into your locs journey. This is when you’ll start to notice that your hair isn’t unravelling when you wash it and notice your new growth, which will look a bit fuzzy and fluffy. 

It’s during this stage that you’ll want to incorporate retwisting into your routine. This will help you keep your original partings and help maintain the style of your locs. Again, how you do this is down to personal preference, many people retwist, palm roll or interlock their own ‘roots’ at home, while others prefer to get their new growth managed by locticians. 

NB : Creating a routine is really important. And we know it will be tempting to want to retwist your new growth as soon as you notice it coming through, but be careful that you don’t over do it as over manipulation can lead to thinning and breakage . 

3. Teen Stage

Image Credit: @carla_fye 

The Teenage Stage (also known as the ‘Ugly’ Stage) of locs is usually 12-18 months into your journey. Wondering why this stage is named so?  It’s because much like teenagers, this is when your locs can become a little rebellious and can be seen as awkward due to its in-between length.

But in our opinion, we think that this loc stage is the most exciting. This is when you can see your locs really taking form, develop and you can begin to visualise your locs potential! 

4. Mature Stage 

Image Credit:@thequalityname

The Mature Stage of your locs journey starts approximately at months 15-18. Your locs have finally matured! This is when you have a year or so under your belt and your locs are more cylindrical in shape. 

You'll notice that you don't have to retwist/reform your locs as much because your locs will have taken a nice firm shape and you’ll have a very established locs routine. 

5. Rooted Stage/ Adult Stage

The final locs stage is the Rooted Stage also known as the Adult Stage, which occurs anywhere from 18-21 months plus. Your locs are grown and adult! 

Your locs care routine will be established and your locs will be flourishing. So remember not to get too complacent and leave your hair locs without properly cleansing and moisturising them. It doesn’t matter which stage you’re at, the basics are important to help you maintain your lovely locs .  

Editor's Tip:   Whether you’re new to locs or just starting out, our set is designed to help your locs thrive!   The  Afrocenchix Locs Care Set  contains a curated selection of products from our award-winning range to help you cleanse and moisturise your locs so they stay lovely.

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Dreads at 3 Months: Redefining Beauty

My dreads are three months old.  Which means for ninety something days now, I’ve been carrying around these ropy, tangly, matted knots, instead of the long, thick wavy hair that partially defined me for all of my previous 38 years.   And they look, well…  they’re a huge mess .  Their current appearance does not do much to help the opinions of my mom all the people who think that dreadlocks are unkempt or unwashed.  Despite my tender loving care, some days they look a little bit – or a lot – of both.  I feel this overwhelming need to say that out loud, because I can feel the looks.  I can feel the wordless stares.  Not necessarily because I have dreadlocks, but because I have crazy, messy, rebellious teenage dreadlocks.   They’re a mess.  I’m aware.

They are filled with crazy loops and twists and lumps and bumps.  All of which are a normal progression in the journey of dreadlocks (and actually a good sign that they are doing what they are supposed to do), but somehow very different in reality than they were when they were merely hypothetical.   There are things to do to “tame” the loops a little quicker…  there are techniques that involve basically poking and threading with big needles, and/or I could always find a salon that does dread maintenance.

BUT.  And it’s a big but.  I’ve decided to embrace the chaos.

Some of the “maintenance” recommended by certain websites and schools of thought can actually cause a lot of damage.  And the last thing I want is to commit to a long-term hairstyle, only to have them thin and fall out because I didn’t treat them properly!  More than that though, is this linear idea that neat, perfect and uniform = beautiful.   Did I decide to take this drastic and bold step with my hair, only to make it look like everyone else’s?  If I’d wanted that, I could have gotten perfectly round extensions.  No, what I signed up for was a journey .  I’m surely not done with my own journey of growth, so why should my hair be any different?  I have bad days and bumpy days and setbacks… but I am learning to trust that there is beauty, not just in the end, but in the process .

I didn’t like what I’d started to see in myself over the past several weeks as my hair changed.   Me, forever proud not to be overly attached to things like make-up, hairstyles, and fashion…   I was mourning my old hair.   I’d be fine for a few days,  hiding it all under a buff or bandana, and then I’d take a good look in the mirror, wanting to look nice for church or dinner or just a day out.  On one shoulder would be the confidence. “You can own this!  You’re awesome!”  And on the other, would be that insecure teenager again.   “But.  But.  It’s not pretty .”

I am so much more than my hair.

At the same time, my hair’s become an outward symbol of an inward process, more so than I ever could have imagined when I started this journey three months ago.  I look forward to having mature, beautiful dreads in a couple of years.  I do.  But now, I look forward to the journey even more… loops, bumps, and all.

Once a little boy was playing outdoors and found a fascinating caterpillar. He carefully picked it up and took it home to show his mother. He asked his mother if he could keep it, and she said he could if he would take good care of it. The little boy got a large jar from his mother and put plants to eat, and a stick to climb on, in the jar. Every day he watched the caterpillar and brought it new plants to eat. One day the caterpillar climbed up the stick and started acting strangely. The boy worriedly called his mother who came and understood that the caterpillar was creating a cocoon. The mother explained to the boy how the caterpillar was going to go through a metamorphosis and become a butterfly. The little boy was thrilled to hear about the changes his caterpillar would go through. He watched every day, waiting for the butterfly to emerge. One day it happened, a small hole appeared in the cocoon and the butterfly started to struggle to come out. At first the boy was excited, but soon he became concerned. The butterfly was struggling so hard to get out! It looked like it couldn’t break free! It looked desperate! It looked like it was making no progress! The boy was so concerned he decided to help. He ran to get scissors, and then walked back (because he had learned not to run with scissors…). He snipped the cocoon to make the hole bigger and the butterfly quickly emerged! As the butterfly came out the boy was surprised. It had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. He continued to watch the butterfly expecting that, at any moment, the wings would dry out, enlarge and expand to support the swollen body. He knew that in time the body would shrink and the butterfly’s wings would expand. But neither happened! The butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly… As the boy tried to figure out what had gone wrong his mother took him to talk to a scientist from a local college. He learned that the butterfly was SUPPOSED to struggle. In fact, the butterfly’s struggle to push its way through the tiny opening of the cocoon pushes the fluid out of its body and into its wings. Without the struggle, the butterfly would never, ever fly. The boy’s good intentions hurt the butterfly. Struggling is an important part of any growth experience. In fact, it is the struggle that causes you to develop your ability to fly.

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Filed under about me , acceptance , being happy with what is , dreadlocks , life , self image

18 Responses to Dreads at 3 Months: Redefining Beauty

I appreciate you putting this out there. I’m about 9 months into mine. I blame that fact that I’m not maintaining them on a broken wrist but the truth is I don’t want to. I have kiddos and  a life. So for now they are on their own. NOBODY says anything. I find it interesting that folks act like they don’t see the dreads which makes me think they hate them. I’m ok w/ that. I can’t imagine not having them. How boring would that be? I stopped  wrapping my hair at night because I was just to tired to deal w/ it. I’m thinking that caused my locs to really shorten up. I’m ok with it tho. I do catch myself thinking… I can’t wait till they are long and fully matured. Then I have to let go of that thought cause it is what it is… and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m loving this journey. 

Nine months, very cool!  I too find myself thinking about the future when they’re long and mature… and have to snap myself out of it.  I love them too, and know that this is exactly the way they’re meant to be right now.  An awesome journey to be sure.

Mine are about 5 months old now and they are the same. I don’t do much maintenance and they are lumpy and bumpy and messy, they are wispy and a bit wavy. I like them 🙂 Conventionally pretty? Maybe not, but I look through my favorite dread photos over on pinterest and I think they are pretty, even my young messy dreads are nice in their own way. I think it is time to wrap a few and add a bead or two 🙂

I have been thinking about wrapping and adding some beads too. 🙂

A few weeks ago my 8 year old daughter cut bangs on her 2 younger sisters.  REALLY.  Short.  Bangs.  In solidarity with them, I allowed my hair to be cut in the same style.  And I HATE it.  I wanted to prove to them that ‘it’s only hair’ but oh, it is so hard to look at myself in the mirror and see the hack-job on my hair!  

I’ve decided that this is meant to be a growth experience for me and that I will somehow be more mature and grateful as a result.  But I’m not sure if I can handle the next 6 months until my hair grows out!  At least I feel like I have some company in my discomfort.

Joy to you, Jen!

Wow!  I think that is awesome, and I *know* that you can not only handle it, but gain something positive from the experience as well. <3

I love reading people’s journeys with dreads. So interesting to hear your thoughts — and this process really does cause a lot of thoughts!

It really does!  It didn’t quite realize just how much of a mental process it would be when I started it.

I really appreciate this!  your message really resonates with me, thanks for sharing your journey, bumps and loops and all!!  🙂

 You’re welcome! 🙂

I just started the journey about 3wks ago …. using the natural/neglect method {which means I have nothing but separation and tangles right now lol}. This is my 2nd time starting this journey. I was all about how much I missed my hair, how I couldn’t do this or couldn’t do that last time, so I brushed them out.

I must be in a different place this time because I’ve barely looked in a mirror …. I didn’t take note of when I actually stopped brushing my hair and beginning this journey again …. and time has been FLYING since I haven’t been so obsessed over my hair lol

I’m looking forward to the day I can start putting beads and wraps in them 😀

I think I started my second set of dreadlocks at about the same time you did since mine are three months old now. I cut off my first set last June because I had allowed a lot of negative energy to permeate my experience and part of that was not accepting them for what they were.  Following the natural, neglect route does not make for uniform, round dreads and I sort of let that be an issue for me.

This time, I am letting them be. I separated, backcombed and did a bit of twist and rip. And that is it. Like you say, if I wanted high maintenance, I wouldn’t have chosen this. I want them to be what they are.

It is a journey, inward and outward. It is a learning to accept. Breathe and accept. Breather and accept. Just this.

In the end, I think the knotty, twisted, natural dreads are so much more beautiful.

Let’s do this sister!!!

Awesome, thanks so much for sharing your story.  I love knowing that there are other people out there going through the same sort of journey. 🙂

Pingback: Dreadlocks – One Year Later

Mine are the same at 5 months, have you had any progress?

Maddy, I recently combed out my dreads right at the 3 year point. I really ended up loving them. They matured nicely between year two and three, and then I just really wanted to comb my hair again, and feel the water on my scalp in the shower. But it was SUCH a great journey to have them, and I’m so glad I did it!!

Hi Jen 🙂 Thanks for this post. I’m at about 4 months and starting to feel pangs of self consciousness about my hair but I’m still loving the journey (just not the frizz!). Do you have any pics of your hair after a couple of years, please?

Thank you 🙂

Jen your experience with dreads seems quite similar to mine. I let mine happen naturally (at age 40 – suddenly realised that I’d wanted them for 20 years, so why not give it a try) and they were messy and curly at first, but I had no desire to make them uniform or neat. I loved having them, then after a couple of years I missed combing my hair and being able to have a whole range of hair styles, so I started taking them out. My hair is thick and very curly and they don’t come out easily – I’ve been slowly working on them for many many months and I’m down to only 4 left now, most of my hair is back to normal (although shorter than it used to be) and soon i’ll have dread free hair again – which I appreciate greatly now that I have had the dreads, and I’m also so happy that I had that period in my life with dreadlocks which I loved.

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I'm Jen... the shy, lost girl from the east coast who married at nineteen and eventually found herself - four kids later - in the middle of the desert. I like chocolate. You can read more about me here .

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9 Life Lessons I Learned After 4 Years with Locs

February 18, 2022. This day marks four years that I’ve had my locs!! 

You know what this means?! I basically just earned my bachelor’s degree in dreadlockology, or locology for short. Sounds prestigious, I know! Hence why I wrote a deeply inspiring article— please hold your applause till the end. 😉 

In all seriousness, I’ve been reflecting on my loc journey up until now and realized the many things that it has taught me thus far. 

You may ask- does someone need to get dreadlocks to become enlightened or learn the lessons I did? HA! Absolutely not, but I thought it was worth it to share.

1. Live a life without regrets. 

I remember the day I decided to get dreads, as well as the many conflicting thoughts I had leading up to that moment. On the one hand, I loved the hair style on other people. But what if I hated the way it looked on me? Would people judge me? Would this decision put my job in jeopardy?

I had way too many questions, so I did what any rational person would do…I sought out the help of dreadlock gurus on YouTube and binge-watched everything I could find. 

Finally, I came to a satisfying conclusion. Life is short and hair grows back (for most of us, anyway). So without questioning my thoughts any further, I took the leap. 

Since then, have I missed my straight hair? Sure I have! But only a handful of times. I genuinely have no regrets about locking my hair.

2. You get to define your own standard of beauty— don’t try to fit someone else’s.  

We live in a world plagued by filters and photoshopped images. As a result, our society’s standard of what is beautiful has reached a level that is basically unattainable. 

You know what, though? I say, to hell with it!

The most beautiful things in life are imperfect and free. And dreadlocks are an exact reminder of that. 🙂 

3. People are much deeper than stereotypes. 

How many times have you heard “Do not judge a book by its cover?” Probably more times than you can count.

I think it’s human to make generalizations about people based on first impressions— not that it’s okay to jump to conclusions without getting to know the person or make assumptions solely based on looks— but it’s completely natural for thoughts to pop into our heads.

Now, I’m sure you know, there are many stereotypes associated with the dreadlock community, and the majority of them are not good. 

I’ve been asked so many random questions with respect to my locs ( for the curious, the list can be found here ) and I love the reactions of those who invest a minute in me and learn that I don’t meet hardly any of the stereotypes. 

In the process, I’ve also learned not to take anyone’s judgements to heart. Some people are simply misinformed.

4. Break free of your comfort zone. 

A wise person once said: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.

Nothing brought me out of my comfort zone quicker than going out in public with my locs. At first, especially, I felt people staring at me everywhere I went. I could not go unnoticed. It definitely made me uncomfortable (particularly on the days when I couldn’t tame my hair) but I learned to live with it. 

Fast-forward four years. It doesn’t even phase me that my hair is ‘different’. My locs give me a sense of freedom that straight hair never did.

5. Learn to let go of the things you cannot control. 

Dreadlocks have a mind of their own, seriously! One day they cooperate like well-behaved children, and other days they are unmanageable rebels. It’s on those days that you have to learn to inhale, exhale, and let go. 

It’s a lot like life, wouldn’t you say? There are so many things that we have no control over. When you let go of the outcome or expectation of something, you start to live in the present.

6. We’re constantly evolving. Take a moment to look back and see the progress you’ve made.

Dreadlocks are ever-changing. In the day-to-day, it doesn’t feel like my locs have experienced a drastic transformation. But when I look at photos of my day one, year one, year two, etc.. I’m shocked to see the difference! 

In the same way, there are times where my life feels stagnant. Since 2020 especially, I often felt like I was in a slump that I could’t get myself out of. I’m certain that lockdowns and restrictions had a lot to do with it, but in retrospect, it was a time where I grew a lot, both professionally and as a person— I just didn’t take the time to look back long enough to even notice. 

7. Be patient. Anything meaningful in life requires a long-term commitment.

Anyone with dreadlocks can attest to the fact that they demand a great deal of patience. Not only do you have to commit to keeping them clean and healthy, but more importantly, when they’re in your head, they’re there to stay (for some time, anyway). 

Here are a few cool facts to give you perspective on the level of patience they require.

• Locs go through a few phases to reach their ‘maturity’— we’ll call these phases baby, teen, and adult. Depending on a person’s hair type, it can take as little as a year and as much as three years to reach the adult phase!
• Not everyone goes to a professional loctician but I do. My first appointment (for installation) took 8 hours, plus one stretch break. My annual maintenance appointment takes between 4 to 5 hours— and that’s only to touch up the roots!
• Washing dreadlocks is quick and easy but drying them takes almost an entire day. The thicker your locs are, the longer they’ll remain wet. Mine take an average of 8 hours to dry completely. 

Dreadlocks serve as a great reminder to stay committed to the things that are important to you. 

8. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. 

Throughout my loc journey, I sometimes caught myself comparing my dreads to someone else’s. Theirs looked perfect, and mine were full of loops. Their roots were tidy and evenly sectioned, and mine were disheveled. Etc, etc. Eventually I learned to hush the negative voice in my head and started being kind to myself. 

You see, every person on earth has one thing in common: we are all different! Everything that makes us human— our DNA, fingerprints, personality, set of beliefs, life experiences, etc— are unique. In a similar way, each of my dreads are different and unique, and I’m okay with that. 

9. Learn to love yourself. 

“Love yourself” sounds kind of narcissistic, so I like to re-word it and say “embrace every part of your being”.

For as long as I can remember, the opinion of other people always surpassed my own. One of the things I give my dreadlocks credit for is that they helped improve my self-esteem. Learning to be at peace with messy hair despite the possibility of being judged as a result of it moved me from a place of self-hatred to a place of self-acceptance. 

I’ve learned to embrace who I am. Wild hair, free spirit, lover of people, nature, and everything in between. This is me, take it or leave it. 🙂 

Dreadlocks taught me to live life on my own terms. And I found much freedom in doing so. What has your loc journey taught you? Let me know in the comments.

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