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What are locs?

Dread locs, Nubian locs, African locs, locs are all the names used to describe the joining together of strands of curly, coiled African hair. (It has been said that the way curly, coiling African hair grows is very much like the DNA molecule, the cellular blueprint of life in every human being.)

Starting in the cradle of civilization, ancient Khemet (now called Egypt) around 3500 B.C., locs are quite evident in drawings on Egyptian artifacts. Locs were worn by priests, and by people of prominence and royal status within the community. Locs were depicted as the hairstyles of some gods and goddesses.

Dreadlocks are traditionally associated with those of the Ras Tafari faith and symbolize their devotion to God. Although the history of dreadlocks and its link to Ras Tafari has been traced back to the 1920's, it is believed that other cultures were loc'ing their hair thousands of years ago. Many don't realize that there is a difference between what has been traditionally called "dreadlocks" and the modern-day loc style. Dreadlocks have a deeply rooted history and religious affiliation. As a result, I feel that those with "dreadlocks" ought to be distinguished from those who simply chose to loc their hair as a styling option. Although in long run both journeys may have spiritual implications, the foundation on which they began is different.

Rasta's wear more of an organic loc. Whereas, African Americans' Locs are culivated. Both are natural, of course. The Rasta's lifestyle is much different than ours and they have a much warmer climate than us. Today's African Locs represent a beautiful phenomenon. Every nationality including advertisers see how global this hairstyle has become.

What once was a very spirtual relationship has become a very trendy and acceptable way of wearing the hair especially with the X generation. Artist like Lenny Kravitz, Tracy Chapman, Jazz Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, Jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, rap artist's Busta Rhymes and Eryka Badu have certainly created a strong influence for Locing. Trend setting vocalist Lauryn Hill makes wearing her Locs very "In Vogue."

The Journey Continues . . . . .

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