Yes my first attempt was with wax and backcombing and palm rolling and it was horrible...both the experience and the results. This time I let Nature do it for me, and I love my dreads...the ones I have so far are strong, with new ones forming all the time. No pain, my hair is healthy and clean.
OK good to know. I have used it a couple of times and it seemed ok, but wanted to ask before a problem developed.
I have been a member of this group for a while, but have been inactive for a long time. Now that I have dreadlocks, I feel that I have something to contribute, and have lots of questions, too! I started letting my hair lock naturally last August (2014), so they are pretty young. I currently have 13 strong, well-established locks with more being born all the time. None of the front is locking yet...not sure it ever will. I had one dreadlock misadventure a few years ago....fell for the sales pitch I guess you could say. I have found this site to be so helpful and by following the advice on it, this time around the process has been so successful and happy! Thank you!
Great tips and very well spoken. I will look up those Buff headwraps you mentioned...sound ideal. Thanks so much for you well-considered reply 
Sting.Rey said:
I work in healthcare and it is also a very appearance based workplace. I was afraid they would come up with some "unsanitary" excuse. Being a proven asset to the team goes a LONG way.
Keep them clean and very well ordered as well as smelling great. Use an essential oil spray before work as long as it is not overpowering. If they smell great enough that people complement their clean smell no one will question their cleanliness. As for appearance from experience I would recommend long dreadbands and head covers as well especially during the "messy" period as I'm in now. You can make them yourself as well from the same material as the rest of your uniform so that it coordinates and actually looks like a part of it. I also use Buff head wraps as well. They are long and work well for working out too.
Try to avoid the stereotypical tams while on duty. That brings a whole other ganja related stereotype as well. And lastly be prepared to work harder for the same level respect and tips your received before.
One last thing one talks about is understanding that having dreads makes you a minority, a hair minority. Just like other types minorities you will have to deal with ignorance and even prejudice from time to time from both staff as well as patrons. Just take hope that there is a way to have dreads still advance through your professional career. A rule of thumb that minorities usually understand is that at first they will have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition of their peers. Just expect it, deal with it and get on with doing the absolute best job you possibly can and nothing will stop you from achieving your dreams and working a place you deem worthy of your talent and skill.
Thanks for the encouragement! I did do a good job last year, the guests liked me as did the staff. I am hoping I have already proven my professionalism and that it will stand on its own...and my dreads will be neatly kept.
soaring eagle said:
babas a chef in 1 i believe
my best friend was 1 in a seafood place in tulsa (few inches below the belt in the bible belt and to the rear..- the s___ stain of the bible belt) after working there for years it changed ownership andthe new owner required her to tie her dreads back and hide them with this hairpeice thingy (like a clipon ponytail thing)
the 1st day she went in like that ..the regular customers that knew her were ouyraged and for the next few weeks stood outside having resteraunt patrons sign a petition to let her wear her dreads freely without hiding them and said they would stop eating there if they didnt comply
so
just be friendly sociable smile alot ..a grumpy waitrsss or 1 thats short with u is more likely to get complaints while doing everything right then 1 that puts her hand on your shoulder looks you in the eyes sweetly talks to you like an old freind as she pours hot soup in your lap
win over the people who eat there with your personality and your dreads..and the management..wont matter at all
Yes I would be tying them back and covering them with a cloth wrap...it's just a little tricky because it's a place I picked up a few shifts last summer....money was phenomenal so I can't pass it up. But have started the dreading process since then. If I had my foot more firmly in the door I would feel more secure. The owner told me she would love to have me back next year (restaurant is open May to Oct), and I would be full time. So on one hand she has seen my work and is happy with it, and how I interact with the guests..on the other, I feel I am not established well there. Just a little concerned it could interfere with my being rehired. Thoughts?
phil said:
My workplace make me cover them . But I have natural dreads ... Very messy . Lol ... So I kinda understand . Its their business so you gotta conform . Maybe If you can pull them back. .. Off your face it will make a difference .
Is there anyone here who works as a server in a high-end restaurant? Would be interested in hearing about your experiences as someone with dreadlocks in that environment. Thanks
Thanks so much! Luckily I can allow it to be free all day long, and I work at a winery right on the coast, so I am in the sea air all day! But nice to know that until the dreads are well-established I can cover them up occasionally. Also nice to hear that you started with short hair and are doing well with it. That's very encouraging
Richard said:
Hey, It's fine to wear a bandana or something, just remember the less your hair is allowed to be free flowing the longer it will take to dread. I started natural 5 months ago at really short hair and I have been loving it. If you want to get an idea of what the process is like check out the members timelines and journals section of the website where you can see different people and different hair styles and how each dread uniquely. peace
Ok...thanks so much for your help. Will post my progress as it happens Namaste
soaring eagle said:
sometimes iss fine most of the times not
leave em loose as much as u can cover (loosely if possible) when you must
