What have you heard about women who wear locs? I once came across this question on a platform: “Would you date a girl with dreadlocks?” The answers were a mix of negatives and positives. The majority said locs looked dirty. Others said it just wasn’t feminine. Someone commented: “I won’t, not trying to date a chick that looks like Lil Wayne.”

Originating from various cultures around the world, locs, also called dreadlocks, have been popular for centuries. They have become a symbol of pride, creativity, and individuality. In the olden days, there were many beliefs associated with dreadlocks. In some traditional cultures, a child with locs is believed to be associated with power and magic. If it must be shaved, it must be accompanied by a special ritual.

But in modern days, locs that used to be perceived as dirty and mystic, are fast becoming trendy across age brackets as more people have accepted it as part of culture. Dreadlocks are making incredible waves, with stylists weaving many irresistible hairstyles for both men and women, young and old. Despite their popularity, ignorance about the hairstyle still exists today.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Locs?

One of the biggest misconceptions about locs I have heard is that they are unprofessional. I have even heard stories of people losing out on job opportunities based on their decision to adorn locs. Why would anyone form an opinion about someone based on physical appearance? Have you seen the ladies who wear locs in 2024? They are corporate ladies with expensive wardrobes and are well-connected. Look around you, there are many successful loc wearers in almost every profession, from law to medicine and finance. They have no trouble maintaining a professional and elegant appearance. When you see them strutting into their corporate, fashion, or government offices, you would change your mind about locs being unprofessional.

Some believe locs are dirty. Locs are just as clean as any other hairstyle when properly maintained. They can be shampooed, conditioned, and moisturized as desired. Just like other hairstyles, you need to care for your locs to keep them looking their best. If locs are your style of choice, stay committed to caring for them properly.

I am not sure why people feel with locs you will be stuck with one hairstyle. Locs are versatile. They can be styled in different ways and even dyed to suit your mood. All you need to do is to find a competent stylist to help you explore all of your styling options.

Photo by William Adams

Black Women Share Their Locs Story

While many people shy away from considering wearing locs, or say they do not like them, for different reasons, some others have embraced this hairstyle and are enjoying the journey so far. Below, Black women with locs share their story and the journey so far.

Kirsten, 32, started her locs journey in 2022 after she had her baby. Explaining why she chose to lock her hair, she said: “I usually have post-partum hair loss around my edges so I did the locs as a protective style.”

So far, Kirsten is enjoying her locs and has not faced any stigma. Rather she has been getting compliments.

Victoria, a 35-year-old professional photographer, has had her locs for close to 10 years.

“I’ve always wanted to; I think locked hair is beautiful and I love how everyone’s Loc just has a way of turning out different. ⁠The time and energy it took to maintain my natural hair was becoming too much for comfort as it grew longer. Since cutting it was not in my books at the time and doing a perm was a definite no, locking it was the way to go.”

Victoria had about 490 strands of sisterlocs installed and maintained by the interlocking and so far, it has been great. She says a lot of people love her hair, but always chip in the fact that it’s way too big a commitment to make.

“Locs are easy to take care of and do not need a lot of products or manipulation. They’re also pretty versatile (micro locs in my case); so if I ever want to wear a weave, wig, do a crochet, or even braid my hair, it won’t be a problem at all.”

Is she loving it? Yes, every single day! According to her, it currently feels like the best decision she has ever made for her hair.

“My only regret is not locking it sooner. I love that you can literally just get up and go, I love how low maintenance it is, and I love that I don’t need to spend hours detangling. So unless something changes in the far future, I 100% love my locs and the entire journey so far!”

Long before Susan had locs, she knew she wanted them. It was only when she started wearing them as an adult that she realized there were negative stigmas attached to them. However, she says she does not care about the stigma and her locs have become her identity. Keeping locs for over 10 years has taught her patience and the beauty of watching something grow and mature.

“I feel like it is more than hair. These locs have become my signature and will always be a part of who I am.”

Adanma Ohakim Okorafor has been on this journey for three years. She had her microlocs installed on the 10th of July 2021, a total of 440 locs, and she instantly loved it.

Sharing her journey with her Instagram followers, she wrote:

“3 years loc’d in a week and still one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life.”

Not too long ago, locs were frowned upon and people had their biases. Today locs have amassed a major surge in popularity. Seeing successful and confident women from all walks of life rocking locs plays a significant role in changing public perception, highlighting its beauty and versatility. It’s time we broaden our views and break free from the stereotypes that confine women who wear locs. Society needs to start respecting women who choose to wear their hair in locs, creating a world where all women feel empowered to embrace their unique beauty.