Hair comes in many styles. Four of the most loved styles are dreads, locs, twists, and braids. Each one looks a bit different. Each one needs its own care. Let’s learn about them.
What’s What
Dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids – what makes them different? Let’s look at each one.
Dreads
Dreads form when hair tangles into rope-like strands.
- They form when hair mats on its own
- You don’t comb the hair
- They start messy and get neater
- You can start them by not combing or by backcombing
- They have roots in Rasta culture but many people wear them
“My dreads took time to form,” says Maya. “First they were messy. Now they look neat.”
Locs
Many think dreads and locs are the same. But there are small differences.
- Locs are more neat and kept up
- People start them with set methods
- They begin with clear patterns
- You keep them neat with care
- Many use this term at work
“At work I say ‘locs’ not ‘dreads,'” says James. “Same style, but people see it better.”
Twists
Twists come from twisting hair strands.
- You can undo them
- You twist two parts of hair
- They keep hair safe and wet
- They last weeks, not years
- They come in many sizes
“I pick twists since I can change my look,” says Tasha. “They keep my hair safe.”
Braids
Braids use three or more hair strands woven.
- You cross bits of hair
- They come in many types
- You can add fake hair
- They keep hair safe for weeks
- They have deep roots in Africa
“I try new braid styles often,” says Kendra. “They look good and help my hair grow.”
Past and People
Dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids all have rich pasts.
Old Times
Hair locking goes back to old days:
- Old Egypt had locs
- Holy men in India wear matted hair
- Tribes in Africa made their own braids
- Greeks and Vikings had matted hair too
Today’s Links
Now, these styles tie to many groups:
- Dreads spread from Rasta groups in Jamaica
- Locs grew big in the 70s
- Braids are key to Black style
- All are part of the natural hair world
“My locs link me to my past,” says Elder. “Each inch shows my path.”
How to Make Them
Each dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids style starts in its own way.
Making Dreads
You can start dreads like this:
- Just stop combing
- Tease hair to make knots
- Twist and pull to tangle
- Use a perm to help tangles
- Wait months as they form
Making Locs
Locs need more steps:
- Start with twists or coils
- Roll them in your palm
- You can start with short hair
- Keep them neat from day one
- They get tighter with time
Making Twists
You can make twists at home:
- Wash hair
- Part damp hair
- Add some gel
- Take two bits and twist
- Keep going to the end
Making Braids
Here’s how to braid:
- Part clean hair
- Split each part in three
- Cross right over mid, then left over mid
- Keep this up to the end
- Tie with a band
Keeping Them Nice
Dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids need care in their own ways.
Dread Care
- Wash them each week
- Roll them in your palm
- Keep roots from growing into each other
- Use a bit of wax maybe
- Tighten new growth
Loc Care
- Twist roots each month
- Wash with good soap
- Oil the scalp
- Sleep on silk
- Don’t use thick gels
Twist Care
- They last 2-8 weeks
- Spray with water and oil
- Sleep with a cap
- Fix edges as needed
- Redo them after some weeks
Braid Care
- They last 4-8 weeks
- Wash with light soap
- Oil the scalp
- Wrap at night
- Fix edges to last longer
Not True!
Let’s fix some wrong ideas about dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids.
Clean Hair
NOT TRUE: “These styles are dirty” TRUE: All these styles should be washed. Clean hair locks better!
Hair Health
NOT TRUE: “These styles harm hair” TRUE: When done right, these styles keep hair safe and help it grow.
Who Can Wear Them
The talk about who “can” wear these styles is big:
- Know the past of the style
- Know some folks face hate for their hair
- Think about respect vs. taking
Best Pick for You
When picking dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids, think about:
Hair Type
- Curly hair (3C-4C) forms locs best
- Straight hair needs more work
- Thin hair needs thick parts
- Thick hair needs small parts
Life Style
- Dreads and locs last years
- Twists and braids last weeks
- Think about work rules
- Think about your free time
Your Style
Pick based on:
- What you like
- How much care you can do
- How you want to look
- How long you want to keep it
New Looks
Each style grows with new trends:
- Fake locs for a quick look
- Bright colors in locs and braids
- Shaved sides with locs on top
- Soft locs with loose ends
Work Life
Some still face work issues:
- Know your work rules
- Know your rights
- Find work-safe styles
- Help teach others when you can
Good and Bad
Each style has pros and cons:
Good Points
- Keeps hair safe
- Less hair breaks
- Hair can grow more
- Less heat tools
Watch Out For
- Hair loss from tight pulls
- Gunk from too much gel
- Itchy scalp
- Hair breaks from bad care
Big Change
Switching styles takes work:
From Loose Hair
- Start with clean hair
- Ask for help the first time
- Give it time
- Know what to hope for
From Style to Style
- Dreads to locs just means new care
- Locs to loose means cutting
- Twists can turn into locs
- Braids can lead to any style
Own Your Look
No matter what you pick:
- Feel good about it
- Learn to care for it
- Find hair friends
- Take pics of your hair
- Know you can change it
The End
The pick of dreads vs locs vs twists vs braids is all yours. Each one has its own good points. Each one ties to the past. Each one shows who you are.
