White People with Dreadlocks

This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series White People Dreads

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White People Dreads

• White People with Dreadlocks

THIS ARTICLE IS A REPRINT OF AN ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NAANI.COM IN 2002. WE’VE DECIDED TO REVIVE THE DEBATE TO SEE HOW MUCH WE AND VISITORS HAVE GROWN…HOPEFULLY.

I remember back in college that every now and then I’d spot a (dread)locked head on campus. The irony was that none of them belonged to my African-American peers. I didn’t know what to think when I saw a White person with dreadlocks. At the time, I didn’t fully understand their historical significance myself so I thought, “Who am I to judge?”

white people with dreadlocks

Obviously these people were brave enough to embrace a traditionally African style that even some Blacks have difficulty accepting, so why hate?

When I started researching (dread)locks and natural hair on the web, most of the sites I stumbled upon catered to a White audience. I thought dreadlocking African hair was a trial but after reviewing some of these sites, it seemed White people take locking to a whole notha level.

I’ve seen sites that not only recommend using vats of beeswax, but also toothpaste, glue…honey???? On top of that, some boast the ability to lock one’s hair in a matter of just a few weeks which anyone with locked hair knows is a joke.

So it got me thinking and I decided to pose a few questions. What do you think of White people with dreadlocks? Is it a lifestyle or hairstyle for them? Are they ever truly dreadlocked?

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67 Responses to “White People with Dreadlocks”

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1. 31
   Raven Says:
   April 22nd, 2009 at 12:16 PM

   I stumbled on this string while doing some research on dredlocks and how to start and keep them, particularly for “whites” and actually had a hard time finding a lot of info right away, despite what everyone here said about all the info out there BEING FOR white people. But I was a bit amazed at what I have read. I guess I never realized it was such an issue, on either side of it all.

   I am “white” according to society I suppose, my skin is pale but I have ancestry of many races and cultures, including those of African descent, as most of us do, and my hair is a very strange mix. In fact, for years I found myself trying to “fit in more” by straightening it every month, and the only thing that WOULD straighten it successfully was “african hair products”. Perm solutions for “white women” would literally only last 2-3 days, tops… even though “technically” I am caucasian. Not that any of this truly matters except to display that fact that many people waste many years trying to “fit in” no matter who they are, when we simply need to find the love inside each and every one of us, and therein lies ALL beauty.

   Well over a year ago, I met a man who is Hindu and African American, he grows his dreds every 7 yrs, cuts them and starts them over to symbolize the 7 year cycle of life. I adored that idea, and we spent many days chatting about religion, culture, spirituality and the like, and we grew very close. There was no racial boundary between us, still isn’t. I expressed my curiosity on the locks to him, and he was very encouraging. In fact, he really liked the idea. I have pondered on it since, but have only now decided to attempt it.

   It has nothing to do with style, heritage, or skin color to me. It is spiritual. It FEELS natural. It takes time and nurturing to achieve them, no matter who you are (Unless you just go to some expensive salon and have them done FOR you… which is not what I am doing). I believe that we go through cycles of life, and finding a way to care for ourselves, give our bodies personal attention and ALSO be able to beautifully show the cycle of life is a gift.

   I understand the karmic residue of years and years of hatred and pain, but I also understand that we can no longer fight fire with fire unless we desire a bigger fire. So I am electing we try soothing fire with water instead. And I am looking forward to my new endeavor as I also am beginning a new chapter in my life at this time, which seems to be the opportune time to be true to myself. Will I ever be “truly dredlocked”? Well that is yet to be determined, and I suppose it also depends on what your definition of that phrase really is.

   I appreciate the chance to say a few words on the subject, and I wish all love & peace

   Namaste’

   Reply Quote
2. 32
   BlackAngel Says:
   May 8th, 2009 at 5:50 PM

   I never got ALL up in arms about them having dreads. (Not ALL up in arms. :p ) Now I guess it doesn’t really matter. I just don’t care if they have them anymore. I saw a guy at the store and I still had some of my old notions come to mind, but they were ROPES first off, which I love, and LONG. They looked cool, but he was straight haired. LIKE BLONDE AND REALLY STRAIGHT HAIRED, so it looked kinda… Stringy.. But I guess it was alright.

   I do think the meaning and the journeys are different though. Not that their journey is any less meaningful to them, ours is a different kind of journey. Usually one where we are trying to not only just shake off the shackles of high, uptight society, but we are shaking off racial standards and stereotypes as well. Showing that no longer do you own us. Among other things and I’m not sure if they will ever have that journey to make.

   I’ve grown a little bit… A LITTLE bit. :p

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3. 33
   Taylor Says:
   May 8th, 2009 at 8:24 PM

   I am a white person with dreadlocks. I have had dreadlocks for 6 years. I never backcombed anything or purchased any product for my hair. I just let my hair do its thing, and it takes about 2 years for your hair to actually look like dreadlocks that way.
   For me, its not so much a statement as a lifestyle. I don’t care what mainstream, commercial America has to say about the way I live my life. As a young teenager, I decided that shaving my legs was a stupid idea. People might think I’m dirty or call me a hippie, but I really don’t care. I have more important things to focus on in life than grooming. And I’m not dirty, by the way- I shower every other day.
   Anyway, My dreadlocks look and grow much differently than an african american’s dreadlocks do. I like the way my hair looks, and yes, I do see it as an expression of culture- just a different culture. Its an abberation from main stream society that I have dedicated myself to- you can take out a piercing for work, but you have to shave your head to take off your dreadlocks. Just looking different, and being seen in the community as looking different takes society one step closer to being culturally accepting and non-prediusted towards those who are different.
   I don’t see it as stealing someone else’s culture, because I am not trying to represent someone else’s culture- I am representing myself.

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