Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyles

The Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyles first appeared in Jamaica during post emancipation. It was a means of defiance for ex-slaves to rebel against Euro-centrism that was forced on them.

The hairstyle was originally referred to as a “dreadful” hairstyle by the Euro centric Jamaican society. It later evolved to the term now used: Dreadlocks. Jamaicans also use the term Natty Dreadlocks.

Rastafarians grow their hair into dreadlocks because it is a part of the Nazarite Vow. (Also their dietary rules are part of the law) All Rastafarians take this vow and claim it is commanded by the Bible (Leviticus 21:5

“They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard nor make any cuttings in their flesh”).

To many Rastafarians, dreadlocks also symbolizes the mane (locks) of the lion in the Lion of Judah, which is one of titles given to all Ethiopian Kings.

Emperor Haile Selassie was also very fond of lions and had them as pets around his palace. The lion is also seen as an animal that is gentle but powerful when provoked. He is the “King” of the jungle.

Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyles history – Why we wear dreadlocks

In history, the Jamaican dreadlocks are an ancestral hairstyle inescapable. Asia, Africa in different peoples, in the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica, and in.

Over time, said hair becomes matted and knotted into itself, forming the hairstyle. Which isn’t wrong the locs phenomenon emerged from Jamaica before.

Rasta dread beads for dreads dreadlock jewelry for girls with dreads hairstyles Jamaica hair braid cuff Rastafarian hair dread accessory Bead for dreadlocks .

Even though they are commonly associated with Jamaica and the Rastafarian movement, the roots of dreadlock styles for men and women go.

Below are some different dreadlock hairstyles to help inspire you to make the right decision Shoulder length dreadlocks for Jamaican man.  Face symbol of a man with dreadlocks hairstyle for Rastafarian and reggae theme.

The wearing of dreadlocks started here in the early 1950s and became prominent with the popularity of Reggae music.

How to get Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyles

• You can start dreadlocks yourself at home or with the help of a trusted professional by seeking a highly recommended loctician in your area.
• Either way, once begun, the process will unfold as it sees fit. While you can guide the process, expect that your hair will have a mind of its own and will definitely surprise you along the way.
• Generally speaking though, hair that is left to its own devices will matte and lock on its own eventually. Think your hair is the exception? Try not brushing your hair for a week and see how many twists, tangles and knots it forms.
• All types of hair can form dreadlocks. It’s just a matter of how long it takes and how they are actually manipulated to encourage the locking process.
• The main variance affecting how fast dreadlocks form is your hair texture. Hair textures will matte and lock at different rates so the process and timeline will vary from person to person.
• When it comes to your loc journey, although it can be similar to your peers, it will actually be 100% individual and unique to you. And since it’s also possible to have different textures on your one head, even your own set of locs may mature at different rates.
• For example, you may have locs that tighten and compress very quickly around the sides and back, but the top always seems to unravel.

How to maintain Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyles

The reasons for wearing dreadlocks are many, but in Jamaica there are two main reasons, it is either worn as a fashion statement or for spiritual reasons.

Dreadlocks are not unique to Jamaica and Rastafarians. The dreadlocks hairstyle originated in Africa and was worn by various tribes there.

The earliest tribe this hairstyle can be attributed to is the Masai tribesmen of Kenya. Many of the warriors of this tribe wore this hairstyle. These men sometimes dyed their hair red with root extracts.

Step 1: Allow your hair to grow at least 2-3 inches or more

 Let your hair grow out naturally during this pre stage. The more hair your have to work with in its natural state, the easier it will be to start your locks off. And the straighter your hair, the more it will shrink when you install your starter locs.

Step 2: Decide roughly how thick you want your dreadlocks to be

This is totally a matter of style preference. Pick out some images (or take pictures of friends) with dreadlocks that you admire and examine their size. Keep in mind that the longer you let your hair grow out in Step 1, the larger the sections you can achieve.

Step 3: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo

Dreadlocks form faster on hair that is clean and dry. There is a persistent myth that hair must be dirty in order to make dreadlocks.

Although we don’t really know how this rumor got started, it’s simply not true and needs to be permanently squashed. In fact it’s quite the contrary because oils and residues actually delay the locking process.

Step 4: Part your sections and keep consistent

A long ended rat tail comb is really convenient for this step. Create a pattern that alternates from row to row. Think in terms of brick laying, where the bricks are staggered from row to row, as opposed to, stacked right on top of each other. This will allow you more versatility in styling once your locs are mature.

Step 5: Finish with a palm-rolling session 

After you finish the starter loc method that fits your hair type, finish off with a palm-rolling session. With your first installation/creation of the individual dreadlocks, this will not do much in terms of speeding up the locking process.

However, it will help compact any loose hairs and start the cylindrical shape of the locs off right. Over time, each time you palm roll it’ll further set and help them keep their shape.

Step 6: Set the style under a dryer

Your hair may still be a little damp at this point, so go ahead and sit under the dryer for a bit to let the dreadlocks dry completely through. This will also help set them.

Step 7: Be patient

You will probably experience some unraveling after your starter session. This is to be expected because you’ve merely formed the locks, they are not actually locked yet.

But don’t worry, if some of your dreads unravel, simply redo the method you used in step 5 to reshape them. You will be training your young dreads for quite some time until they begin to tangle and matte.

How to style Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyle

• Afro-textured hair: has the most versatility in starting natural dreadlocks. You can use the crochet method, double strand twists, braids or comb coils to start your locs. If you want very fine, micro dreadlocks then Sister locks is a trademarked method that many people choose.
• For Caucasian hair: Backcombing is the most common method for straight hair. It involves using a finely toothed metal comb (a.k.a. dread comb) to tease the hair until it tangles on itself. The method includes backcombing a few strands at a time until the hair builds up into a tangled knot.  
• For Asian hair: Asian hair is the hardest to lock because it’s the straightest of all hair textures. Tangling and matting is not something this hair naturally wants to do. A lot of manipulation is required to form dreadlocks on Asian hair and thus the instant nature of the crochet method will probably be the optimal method here.
• For loosely textured hair: You can use any of the above methods but unraveling will still be a concern. All in all, time and patience is key in allowing the hair to matte and lock.

At this point you may have noticed that we haven’t mentioned dread wax and therefore wondering ‘can you dread your hair without wax?’ Well,  the answer is a resounding Yes! 

Although dreadlock wax is commonly used, we actually don’t recommend it. Yes, it will hold a fresh re-twist or help compact a backcombed dread, but the long term effects are quite unhealthy for your locs. And here’s why…

It attracts a lot of lint and causes unsightly product build-up in the later stages. A preferred alternative is to use a natural holding agent made of aloe ver gel and castor oil or flaxseed gel.

How to grow Jamaican dreadlocks hairstyle

While the exact timeline that your hair will take to lock will vary, here are the stages of the loc journey that you can predictably expect.

IT’S all natural: The Dreadlocks Growth stages you can expect

Formation stage: 

Specific to free-formers (a.k.a. the neglect method) the hair is left uncombed and starts to form its own sections, collecting into natural clumps of hair.

Starter stage (a.k.a. baby stage)

Here the sections are set and after a few months little knots begin to form in the locs. This is referring to as ‘budding’ – i.e. when sections of the loc start to matte but the whole dreadlock is not completely matted. They also start to swell and frizz. Unraveling will still happen at this stage.

Teenager stage:

Continuing to develop, the dreads will form loops, bumps, and kinks. Your locs will be quite rebellious and go through many changes as they find their own identity, this is probably why it’s called the teenager stage. The good news is that your dreads are finally tangling all the way through. They’ll become denser and more compact as a a result.

Mature stage: 

The changes in structure have started to level off. Frizz is no longer a problem either. What you’ll notice most of all in this stage is growth and length. The dreadlock is tight and compact and there is little risk of unraveling during this stage.

Jamaican with dreadlocks hairstyles

We share a beautiful picture above of how the Jamaican dreadlocks look.

5 Best products used for getting Jamaican dreadlocks

Locs are a hairstyle where the hair that one would normally comb or shed locks into itself, creating rope like strands.

During the locking process, people developing locs don’t untangle their hair, which is what causes the strands to coil around themselves into fused units.

Some people simply stop combing through their hair in order to form “freeform” locs, which tend to vary greatly in size.

Many others prefer a more cultivated look, with neat, even partings throughout, and a uniform size to each unit. Below is Top 5 best products for getting Jamaican Dreadlocks.

Knotty Boy LockStead Tropical Tightening Gel

An all-natural, leave-in, easy wash-out formula designed to help bind together stray hairs and tidy up frizzy dreadlocks.

• aloe-based natural formula
• grooms & controls frizz easily
• awesome tropical lime fragrance
• light, wash-out formula
• wax-free alternative for starting dreadlocks

Jamaican Mango & Lime Resistant Formula Locking Gel

The Jamaican Mango & lime products combine ancient Jamaican recipes and nourishing ingredients that come together perfectly, creating a complete line of products that ‘Start and maintain healthy, well-groomed locs, and twists’.

The Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel Resistant Formula. Provides an extra firm hold for hard-to-lock, resistant hair without flaking and causing build-up of traditional gels.  Perfect for locking color-treated or gray hair.

• Long-lasting hold
• Resistant formula locking gel has no buildup
• Starts and maintains locks and twists naturally

Murray’s Gel-Loc Lock

Loc-Lock premium gel helps lock styles in place and keeps them looking better longer. The cream formula containing Olive Oil and Sweet Alomound Oil will not flak and will reduce itching.

Gel Loc-Lock should be applied in section prior to braiding or twisting. For best results, finsih style with a warm dryer. We recommend using Murray’s Liquid Beeswax to relieve tightness and to help maintain your style longer.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Loc & Braid Butter

Intensely moisturizes twists, coils, braids and locs. The blend of natural Shea and Cocoa Butters and Soybean Oil deeply conditions hair while giving it a whole lot more shine. Made with the right balance of Beeswax to help prevent build-up. 

Corn, soybean, cocoa, and shea butters are the first 4 ingredients; so you know your hair is getting maximum moisture from this pomade. 

Soybean oil is known for its deep penetration into the hair shaft, acting as an effective sealant for moisture and protection from elements, prolonging wash day for your locs. It is also beneficial to those with a sensitive scalp or skin conditions like eczema.

Knatty Dread Dreadlocks Cream

Knatty Dread Natural Dreadlocks cream is an alternative to dread wax for textured hair. Based on natural Lanolin and Shea butters (completely free of petrolatum) it is a powerful moisturizer that helps textured natural hair dread quickly.

Whether you’re starting dreads from twists or maintaining long, mature dreadlocks you’ll find Knatty Dread to be the perfect balance between a light product and the hold your natural black hair needs.

The natural defense and strength of our hair is lost when it dries out. Regular application of Knatty Dread Cream keeps your dreads strong, vibrant and protected from daily stresses. Dread with confidence, this is the only cream worthy of your crown of locs!

5 Best shampoos for Jamaican dreadlocks

If you’ve recently styled your hair with dreadlocks, you’ve probably just discovered that your regular shampoo doesn’t quite work!

That’s because locs require a bit more TLC if you want them to look great, and appear residue-free.

Don’t just give up on your locs because your regular shampoo doesn’t work. All you need is the RIGHT shampoo. Find that and you’ll soon be loving your dreads.

Yes, specially formulated loc shampoo does exist, and it works.

We’ve reviewed all of the top brands to put together a comprehensive list of the most popular products around and we’ve explained the ingredients you’ll find in each one.  In our guide you’ll also find plenty of top tips to make your locs look amazing.

Our mission is to help you find the best shampoo for your locs and we’re confident that, if you take a look at our TOP 5 list, you’ll find it.

1. Dollylocks Tea Tree Spearmint Liquid Shampoo

Dollylocks might not make the cheapest shampoos for locs, but it does bring to the table top-notch ingredients that work, so the extra spend is well worth it, which is a view shared by hundreds of independent users.

This particular formula is made with organic coconut and other plant-based ingredients, so you can expect its action to be gentle on your hair.

It won’t load your hair with product as some regular shampoos can.

Dollylocks’ formulas are hypo-allergenic and with a balanced pH level. That’s good news for people who have a sensitive scalp, and don’t want a shampoo that strips away the natural oils of their hair.

The nice clean scent it leaves behind is lovely. For those who like their hair to smell clean and fresh after a wash, this one is an excellent choice.

What we like about this product:

–    It’s based on natural and organic ingredients so it’s not aggressive on your hair

–    The balanced pH makes it a good option for people with a sensitive scalp

–    The nice fresh scent is a huge hit with users

What we don’t like about this product:

–    Due to the coconut oil, it might leave a tiny amount of residue now and again

–    It doesn’t lather so well, but that is a trait for most organic shampoos

2. Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleaning Shampoo

This product from Design Essentials is very popular among people with dreads, as it has some significant advantages over other products.

It’s actually designed to suit all hair types, not just styles, like locs. That’s very important since you shouldn’t neglect your hair type when picking a shampoo for your dreads.

The shampoo is as a deep cleanser, which means you’re left with clean looking, and clean feeling hair.

As it’s made with oat protein, the shampoo hydrates your hair, while the henna helps make your hair more resistant to breakage.

Another thing that makes this shampoo stand out  is that it will also give your hair volume and shine. Since you don’t want your locs to look dull and lifeless, that’s a real plus.

Those with thinning hair or hair that breaks easily will find this their best option.

What we like about this product:

–    The use of natural ingredients increases the nourishing power of this shampoo

–    It is a formula based on a few natural ingredients, so it is less aggressive on your hair than others

–    Adds volume and shine for healthy looking locs

What we don’t like about this product:

–    Although it has a hydrating formula a few users report a little dryness

3. Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo Bar

One of the most important things you want from your loc shampoo is hair that’s residue free.

If you have trouble finding a shampoo that does that, here’s the leading alternative.

Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo Bar is a soap bar that cleans without leaving behind any residue like other products can.

You might like the fact that you can use this as a body soap too, which means that, when you travel, you don’t have to pack multiple products.

The combination of rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree will help your sensitive scalp get rid of any itchy sensations, whilst leave you feeling fresh and invigorated.

It’s made to suit all hair types, as well as all skin types, and it’s priced very well making it a great choice for everyone.

What we like about this product:

–    The refreshing feeling it leaves behind due to the scalp soothing ingredients

–    It can be used as a body wash too

–    It won’t weigh down your hair, leaving it residue-free

What we don’t like about this product:

–    It’s not a sulfate-free formula

–    Some people comment that the bar is a little on the small side

4. Dollylocks Nag Champa Natural Shampoo For Locs

Like many products from Dollylocks, this shampoo is made with organic and natural ingredients. That ensures that the formula isn’t too aggressive on your hair, and it will not strip it of its natural oils.

In fact, thanks to the coconut oil, it will actually nourish your hair, leaving a healthy shine.

The floral scent is exotic and appealing, and stays in your hair all day, which is seen as a major benefit by users.

For those who dyed their hair before styling it with dreadlocks, this shampoo is a top choice – the manufacturer advertises it as a good pick for someone with colored dreads, presumably to help preserve the coloring.

Although not as popular as the tea tree and spearmint fragrance reviewed above in terms of sales volume, this loc shampoo scores higher than any other on our list based upon independent feedback.

What we like about this product:

–    This is also made with gentle cleansing ingredients to avoid stripping the hair of its natural moisture

–    This product is well balanced to ensure that your hair gets cleaned thoroughly

–    The pleasant scent of Nag Champa is a highlight of this formula

What we don’t like about this product:

–    Getting the residue out of your hair can be a hassle according to some users

–    You might experience a slight oily feel after using the product

5. Knotty Boy All Purpose Shampoo Bar

It has a Lovely smelling ingredients create the scent for this bar of soap that can be used to clean locs and dreads.

It is also made from cold-pressed castile soap, it’s ideal for all skin types and hair types, and it can be used as a body soap, too.

People who travel will find it an option that’s hard to beat.

The soap is biodegradable, and it doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients.

Using it is easy, and seeing that it’s so compact, you can take it anywhere you go.

Many people comment on the lightness its smell, which has a hint of fresh cut grass.  And the patchouli scent makes it exotic, adding to its general appeal.

Highly recommended.

What we like about this product:

–    This is an all-purpose product, which means that it can be used for any type of hair and skin

–    It doesn’t contain toxic ingredients, and it is also biodegradable

–    The scent is beautiful and exotic

What we don’t like about this product:

–    Unfortunately, it  doesn’t have the longest lasting scent, no matter how pleasant

–    Some users report that it can be hard to wash off

How to buy Jamaican dreadlocks wig

Shopping for the Jamaican dreadlocks hat or the Jamaican dreadlocks hairpiece getting stressful for you? are doubts rolling over your head and confusing you?

We know how it is; we have been through the entire journey of Jamaican dreadlocks hat and hairpieces as we have put forward an entire list of the best Jamaican hat with dreads available in the market these days.