I am normally a staunch supporter of people doing what they like with

their hair but for some, I can give solid reasons not to get dreadlocks.  There are some things or trends that do not suit your personality or body type etc. that you should just say no!

Here are some reasons not to get dreadlocks:

Shy or lacking self esteem

Having dreadlocks is not for the weak.  It is a known fact that people who do not like them will harass you in public.  These attacks can be from strangers and unfortunately family.   If you are a cryer or get distressed easily, this is not the hair for you.

Frizz

If you like your hair “perfect” and frizz free this is not the hairstyle for you.  I lost a client who would come weekly (she was not a celebrity) to fix her hair.  Hair, if you don’t know, will show growth after about three weeks.  I was stressed trying to keep the frizz away and finally told her she lacked the personality for dreadlocks.  Needless to say, I have no idea if she kept them.

Controlling behavior

Along with all the other behaviors that give reasons not to get dreadlocks are those who are controlling.  Controlling in the sense that the hair must be tight to the head at all times.  It falls in the category of people with obsessive traits and usually ends with lots of breakage and thinning because the hair is never left alone.  They will be constantly fixing and twisting and regarding their silhouette in the mirror.

Impatience

If you are someone who does not like waiting for results, starting dreadlocks might not be for you.  I see a lot of people who get dreadlock extensions but are disappointed when their hair fails to be as thick or a different texture.  There is a period while the hair is locking that is challenging for everyone.  

Conformist 

If you are a person who follows trends religiously, you may have issues with the time you invest in having dreadlocks.  If kept too long, you might have to cut them and you might need length for the next popular hairstyle.

Quick tempered

Many people with dreadlocks can tell you stories for days of strangers who have pulled, stroked or shoved their hands in their hair, without waiting for permission or asking.  If you are someone who cannot tolerate this kind of behavior, you are on your way to developing patience.

Someone neglects their personal needs and well-being

I put this reason for those people who see people with beautiful dreadlocks and think they will have it too.  If your hair looks thin and frizzy normally, this will not change.  If you do not consider cleaning and managing your hair personally or professionally necessary, dreadlocks will not change that.  If you will only eat to live and not eat nutritional foods, dreadlocks is not the hairstyle for you unless you are willing to change.

I found these were valid reasons not to get dreadlocks, but, being humans, we can always change our outlook and learn from different experiences.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head” & “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest”.