What are dreadlocks?

Dreadlocks, locks, dreads or Congos (the big fat ones) are matted coils of hair that have a rope-like appearance and feel, and can be formed intentionally or naturally.

Historically Speaking....
The history of dreads...hmmmm where do we start?  This is an in-depth topic, we will give you an overview and if you feel deeply intrigued and fascinated then perhaps it's a calling for you to delve deeper yourself!

Dreadlocks have been around since ancient times and were worn by Samson, John the Baptist, the ancient Egyptians (it's interesting to note that archaeologists have found dreadlocks still intact in modern day excavations!), Indian holy men and yogis, various tribes in Africa and other indigenous people around the world.

However it is Rastafarians who are probably best well-known for locking their hair. The anti-establishment Rastafarian movement was founded in 1930 and was based on philosophies and ideologies of prominent Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey. After the crowning of Ras Tafari (Emperer Haile Selassie) in Ethiopia, the movement gained a strong following in Jamaica and the term "dreadlocks' was coined. It soon spread throughout the rest of the West Indies and today you will find Rastafarians in most countries around the world.  Much of this is due to the ever-growing popularity of Reggae music and the message it contains.

Whilst the wearing of dreadlocks is closely associated with Rastas, this unique and often controversial hair-style has transcended the boundaries of race, cultural and ethnic identity, social status, religion and fashion.