The History Of Locs

Hello & Welcome,

Today I want to talk about locs and how they are more than just a hairstyle but a statement of patience, perseverance and culture. From free form to regular maintenance locs are a fusion of culture, identity and self-expression derived from prejudice and oppression. However, as we continue to learn and grow it's important to highlight changes and difference between what it was then and what it is now.

In this blog, I want to explore a brief history of hair, locs, and give my input on the terms "locs" vs “dreads” and how to undersatnding the origin of language can ensure cultural appropriation remains cultural appreciation.

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A Brief History:

Locs have deep roots across various cultures and time periods. In ancient Egypt, figures like Osiris and Anubis were often depicted with locs, symbolizing divine power and spiritual connection. Archaeological findings, including mummified remains, support the presence of locs in Egyptian society.

Across Africa, from the Maasai warriors of Kenya and Tanzania to the Himba people of Namibia, locs have signified strength, identity, and cultural heritage. These communities have used natural methods, such as clay and butter, to maintain their locs, emphasizing a deep connection to tradition and the earth.

The transatlantic slave trade brought these traditions to the Americas. Enslaved Africans, often stripped of their cultural identities, maintained their hair in locs as an act of resistance and resilience.

The term "dreadlocks" has a complex history. Research suggests the “dread” in this context originally referred to “fear” or “reverence” while "locs" are seen as a covenant with Jah (God), thereby forming the term "dreadlocs" signifiying one's reverence and devotion to God. In Jamaica, a "dread" refers to a member of the Rastafarian movement who wears his hair in dreadlocks.

In the 1930s, the Rastafarian movement emerged in Jamaica, drawing inspiration from African heritage and rejecting colonial influences. Dreadlocs became a powerful symbol within this movement, representing a commitment to spiritual beliefs, cultural pride, and resistance against oppression. For Rastafarians, locs are more than a hairstyle—they're a spiritual practice influenced by the Nazarite vow in the Bible, symbolizing purity and a rejection of BAbylon (oppressive systems). It was not inherently negative within the community.

Outside of that context, colonial authorities, slave owners, and later societal institutions often used “dread” or “dreaded” as a pejorative. It was tied to stereotypes of Black people as “dangerous,” “uncivilized,” or “other.” By labeling natural Black hairstyles as “dreadful” or “scary,” dominant cultures pathologized or criminalized Black hair. Over time, mainstream media and non-Black populations sometimes misused “dreadlocks,” divorcing it from its spiritual and cultural significance, which reinforced negative perceptions.

The word “dread” carries both spiritual pride and historical oppression. Its meaning depends heavily on context: within Rastafarian and Black cultural spaces, it is reclaimed and celebrated; in colonial or stereotypical narratives, it can be weaponized as a tool of oppression.

When we talk about locs, you might hear the term “dreadlocks” thrown around—but it’s important to know where that word comes from and why it matters. Typically, I will always refer to a client's hair as locs, as the term "dreadlocs" implies a spiritual journey, which highlights a personal journey rather than societal norms.

When you wear locs, you’re participating in a rich cultural lineage that goes far beyond aesthetics. Knowing the history of terms like “dreadlocks” helps honor the resilience, spirituality, and identity embedded in the style. At The Hive, we focus on care, respect, and education—making sure every loc is treated as the crown it deserves to be.