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Location: Atco, NJ
Zipcode: 08004
Country: US
Zipcode: 08004
Country: US
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My Dread Locks Journey Pt 1
When I first asked family how they thought I would look in dread locks the looks of horror I received were disturbing. At first I cared, somewhat, then I thought 'wait a second' I am almost 46! I'm a independent, free thinking, feminist woman! Who the hell cares what other people think?
I've always wanted dread locks. For as long as I can remember. But I've
had short hair for many years, so I never considered it an option. A couple of years ago I let me hair grow longer. And this month I found it to be a length I found comfortable having dreads in. I spent a good month prior researching dread locks online. Different dread forms, maintenance, styles, washing.
I settled on natural or neglect form dreads with some twist and rip to get themkick-started. I stopped combing my hair for a few days and WOW what a difference that made! My hair was so full and pretty!
More importantly, I was asking myself 'why?' Why dreads now?
As I age I want to set a reminder for myself to let go of beauty standards. I let go of the body standards, so why not beauty? Beauty is within, not on the outside. I shine from the inside! I want to live a more natural life. I became a vegetarian many months ago, quit smoking last year and I want my outward appearance to match how I am feeling on the inside.
I don't want to have to brush my hair anymore!! I don't want to have to straighten it or worry about the grey coming in!! I want to be free of the society pressures of how I am "supposed" to look!! I want to just "be".
I'm good with the dread process. I know there will be days where my hair will be frizzy, crazy, mean, wild and crappy. But that is part of the process and I accept that and am fine with it. I have given myself over to that process.
I am learning the true meaning of peace.
You were over 40 also Barrellady? It is different when you decide to dread at this age don't you think?
Good for you. We are stuck in a society where we care what others think. We tend to follow or be what others want us to, even by our appearance, why?....we go with the flow and don't step outside of the box, even if your inner self is. I too started mine in my 40's. My work would not accept anything other than what they deemed professional. I was never myself outside of the home....and hated it. One day I woke up, truly woke up and decided that my life would be led for me and no one else. I am still the same person within, only my outer appearance has changed...and for the better too! If we want to do something or try something, then we should all go for it. It is our life we live.
You are so right, it takes us many many years to remember " Who the hell cares what other people think" Live your life for you! And enjoy your future mature dreadlocks, they WILL be beautiful, not horrific.....peace
Thanks Tara, I'm so happy I am on this journey at this stage in my life.
A very beautiful realisation and reason to start dreading
it takes you on a journey to discover yourself even more.