Is it locs? Or dreadlocks? Perhaps locks or rastas? Isn’t there already a number of terms used in the locs world!?
On locslife you’ll notice I typically use the term locs. This is more so for consistency and personal preference. However, there is nothing wrong with the term dreadlocks. It perfectly describes locs and vice versa. Read on to learn more on the locs vs dreadlocks debate.
History of Dreadlocks Term
If you break down the term dreadlocks, you’ll notice two words “dread” and “locks.” The exact history upon when dreadlocks was first termed is uncertain.
Some refer to it in the biblical sense of dread meaning fear of God. Thus, people may feel a spiritual or religious connection to the term or just not have a negative connection.
However, it was popularized when the British attempted to colonize Kenyans and found the hairstyle on the Kenyan warriors as “dreadful” – hence dreadlocks.
Due to that connotation and history, some do not like the word dreadlocks. It is common to hear “there is nothing dreadful about my locs” for those who do not prefer the term.
Community Differences Dreadlocks vs Locs?
If you look up locs on Facebook you get the result on the left, and if you look up locs, you’ll get the group of photos on the right.
Like I said, there is no technical difference between the two. However, there may be some community difference between the two terms. Thus, those looking for tailored results for their hair may prefer to use one term over the other – at least for Internet search purposes. Others may also refer to locs as being more purposefully cultivated and dreadlocks as more freeform or as specifically referring to the Rastafarian culture. Overall, there is a wide range in usage of the terms dreadlocks vs locs across communities.
Should You Refer to Your Dreadlocks as Locs or Vice Versa?
You absolutely do not have to. None of the terms are more correct than the other. If one feels more comfortable to say, go with that. If you don’t have locs and/or are afraid of offending someone, you can go with “locs/locks” as it is more neutral. There is less likely for someone to hold negative associations with the term. However, that is just my opinion. Moreover, many people have absolutely no negative feelings about the term. Thus YMMV.
