Despite the progress that has been made in the acceptance of natural hair styles and choices, locks (dreadlocks) still remains a misunderstood option. People will say all sorts of things about locks. And people will tell you to do all sorts of things to start and maintain them.

Here is the real deal.

Myth: To have locks, you need to start with dirty hair. And you shouldn’t wash your hair for a while once you get them.

Fact: That is just unsanitary. Run far away from anyone telling you these things. Locks need to be washed just like regular unlocked hair. Depending on the stage and the method you used to start your locks you will need to be careful but the maximum amount of time that you should wait between washings is a month for coil or palm rolls. And during that time you can clean your scalp with an astringent and cotton balls.

You don’t want to use conditioner or oil based products on your hair, as that will make the process take longer. But by all means wash your hair!

Myth: People who have locks are dirty.

Fact: There are all types of people. Yes, there are those who wear locks that don’t take care of their hair. There are also those who wear braids, weave and wigs who don’t take care of (wash) their hair. There is nothing in locks themselves that makes them dirtier than any other hair choice.

Many lock wearers find that they are able to wash their hair more with locks than they did before they locked.

Myth: Wearing locks hold some type of religious significance.

Fact: All types of people wear locks. Some do chose them because of religious reasons. Others like the look. You don’t have to be in a certain religion to “rightly” wear locks.

Myth: Having nice locks is high maintenance.

Fact: It does take some time to get your locks started and some methods are more maintenance intensive than others. In general the up keep on locks isn’t more than the up keep on most natural styles. If you have super small locks and are maintaining with a tool you will spend more time on your hair than if you are free forming , twisting, or palm rolling. That just comes with the territory but in general locks are not a high maintenance hair choice.

Myth: You can only have nice locks if you have very kinky and coily hair.

Fact: You can start locks on literally any hair type. I’ve seen people of all nationalities that have neat well maintained locks. Some methods work better on some types of hair. If you want locks you can have them no matter how wavy or straight your hair is.

Myth: Backcombing isn’t a natural way to start locks.

Fact: Backcombing is just another way to start locks. It’s as natural as twisting or braiding. If your hair is wavy, straight or resistant to locking and you want larger size locks, backcombing may be the way to go for you.

Myth: Thinning locks are caused by locks size. Small locks thin easier.

Fact: It all comes down to maintenance. If you maintain your hair by twisting and you over twist and you have small locks to begin with you can thin your locks. If you maintain your hair with a tool and weave in your new growth you are less likely to experience thinning. In fact tool maintained locks are a good option for those who want locks but have thin hair.

Myth: Locks damage your scalp.

Fact: Locks do not damage your scalp. Locks are a natural hair choice that in themselves do nothing to affect your scalp. Putting substances on your hair that are not meant for your hair or over twisting, or over tightening can be damaging, but locks themselves do not damage your scalp.

Myth: Gum, black gel, honey, mayo, toothpaste, glue and mud all can be helpful in starting locks.

Fact: You really wouldn’t put that stuff in your hair, would you? Really people do get desperate and want a quick fix, but it is time and the proper methods that lock hair not gooey stuff.

Myth: All products that say they are for locks will work well on your hair.

Fact: As locks have become more, popular more and more companies are trying to get into the game. There are some products out there that contain ingredients that could hinder the locking process or be damaging to your locks. When choosing products for you locks, be wise. All that glitters is not gold.

Myth: If you ever decide to take your locks down you are some how selling out.

Fact: You need to do what is best for you. Locks are a wonderful way to wear your hair, but it just that a way to wear your hair. Having locks or not having them doesn’t make you any more or less of who you are.

Myth: You have to shave your head if you don’t want locks anymore.

Fact: You don’t unless you want to. There are many ways to take down locks. Shaving your head is the quickest way. But there are many other methods for taking out locks.

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written by lwill74, July 23, 2008

Myth: Gum, black gel, honey, mayo, toothpaste, glue and mud all can be helpful in starting locks.

Gum? Toothpaste? I've never heard of those, and if I did, I would not have tried them. That's just plain silly. :P

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written by Marty81, November 10, 2008

I have to admit I thought you had to start off with dirty hair, also I thought the only way to take out your locs was to shave your head. What other ways are there?

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