Dreadlocks, a common hairstyle worn by several ethnic groups, ravers, cyberpunks, steampunks, goths, punks, neo-hippies, etc. have a long history dating back to and before biblical times. Dreadlocks are believed to be to have originated in North and West Africa. Spartan warriors of ancient Greece and Irish warriors of Medieval times wore their hair in dreads as well. According to some sources and translations the Hindu God, Shiva, is described has wearing "Jataa" which means "locks of twisted hair." In the 70's and 80's men were looked down upon for having long hair yet in the Bible, Book of Numbers 6:5 (KJV) supports having long hair possibly dreadlocks, "All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow." The Ashanti people and other groups reserve dreadlocks (sometimes referred to as "locks" or "locs") for their religious leaders. Hinduism practioners wear locks as a sign of the disregard for profane vanity. However the most known association is Rasta. During the peace and free-love age of the 1970's reggae music became popular, dreadlocks became a fashion statement worn by reggae artists, authors, athletes, etc.. Reggae was a form of music created by Jamaicans, many who follow Rasta. Rasta is more of a movement/ideals rather than a religion, however there is Christian influence within the Rasta movement. For those that follow Rasta, dreadlocks represent a spiritual journey. Rasta locks are grown naturally, no cutting, forming, knotting, or back combing; the hair is washed with pure water no chemicals that would be considered "unnatural." As the reggae style grew, fashion took advantage of the hairstyle, special products were created to care and maintain dreadlocks. Some groups such as the neo-hippies and new age travelers wear dreadlocks as a symbol of their rejection of government and the status quo. Steampunk hairstyles aren't limited to what was worn during the Victorian era, remember steampunk was a mix of Victorian life and a futuristic life, that includes fashion. Steampunk locks can range from normal/typical locks to more outrageous styles involving colored hair, yarn, beads, and more. Cyberpunk also has their owns tyle of dreadlocks involving synthetic materials like plastic tubing, bright plastic beads, wool, yarn, and LED lights. Dreadfalls or dread extensions (that can be knotted or braided into real hair) can be bought in sets through sites like etsy, however creating your own isn't hard, just time consuming. If you feel like attempting to create your own set of dreadfalls (temporary dreads on hair bands or ribbons that tie over your natural hair pulled into buns) then follow the tutorial located below. |
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AuthorsRaven Dossett- lead blogger Archives
September 2013
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