30 Pros and Cons of Dreadlocks You Need to Know

Have you ever considered getting dreadlocks? They can be a divisive topic – some people love them and think they’re a great way to express oneself. In contrast, others think they’re unkempt and unprofessional. They can be a cool and unique style, but they have pros and cons like anything. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of rocking dreads. Hopefully, by the end of this intro, you’ll better understand whether dreadlocks are suitable for you.

Pros of Dreadlocks:

1. Low maintenance: One of the biggest pros of dreadlocks is that they require very little maintenance. Once they’re established, you must wash them and occasionally separate any new growth. No need for regular trims or styling.
2. Durability: Because dreadlocks are tightly matted hair, they are much more resistant to breakage and damage. If you have thin or fragile hair, dreadlocks are an excellent option.
3. Cultural significance: For many people, dreadlocks hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. They may be worn as a form of religious devotion, cultural identity, or political statement.
4. Versatility: Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks can be styled in various ways. You can wear them up, down, half up, half down, braided, twisted, etc. The possibilities are endless.
5. Individuality: Dreadlocks are a unique and individualistic hairstyle. They allow you to express yourself and stand out in a sea of sameness.
6. Cool factor: Let’s be honest; dreadlocks just look cool. They have a certain edginess and coolness that other hairstyles don’t have.
7. Time saver: As I mentioned before, dreadlocks are low maintenance. This means you’ll save the time you typically spend styling your hair.
8. Cost-effective: Along the same lines, dreadlocks can save you money in the long run. No need to buy styling products, pay for regular haircuts, or visit the salon as often.
9. Excellent in hot weather: Dreadlocks can help keep you cool because the hair is not lying directly against your scalp. The air can circulate more efficiently, which can be a welcome relief on a sweltering summer day.
10. Warm in cold weather: On the flip side, dreadlocks can also help keep you warm in cold weather. The tightly matted hair provides insulation, trapping your body heat close to your scalp.
    
    
11. Swimming made easy: No need to worry about ruining your hairstyle when you go for a swim with dreadlocks. They are water-friendly and will dry quickly once you’re out of the water.
12. Hypoallergenic: For some people with sensitive scalps or allergies, dreadlocks can be a hypoallergenic alternative to classic hairstyles.
13. Job friendly: Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks do not hinder getting a job. In fact, many companies have no policy against them, and some even embrace them as a form of diversity and individual expression.
14. Age-defying: It’s a little-known fact, but dreadlocks can make you look younger. The tightly matted hair gives the appearance of a complete and thick head of hair, which can be a welcome benefit as we age and hair loss becomes more common.
    
    
15. Confidence booster: Lastly, dreadlocks can be a significant confidence booster. When you embrace your unique self and own your style, it can do wonders for your self-esteem and overall well-being.
    

Cons of Dreadlocks:

1. They can be time-consuming to maintain. Dreadlocks require regular upkeep to keep them looking neat and tidy. This can involve tightening loose dreads, re-twisting them, and even washing them with unique products. All of this can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you have a lot of dreadlocks.
2. They can be expensive to maintain. Along with the time investment, maintaining dreadlocks can also be costly. Special shampoos, conditioners, and styling products can add up, as can frequent salon visits for re-twisting and other services.
3. They can be hard to style. While dreadlocks look cool, they can also be challenging to style. Finding hairdos that work with dreadlocks can be complicated, and you may have to get creative with headbands, scarves, and other accessories to keep your dreads looking fresh.
4. They can make you feel hot and sweaty. Dreadlocks can trap heat and moisture against your scalp, making you feel hot and sweaty on warm days. This can be incredibly unpleasant if you live in a humid climate.
5. They can be itchy. If your scalp is sensitive, you may find dreadlocks can be itchy and uncomfortable. This can be due to the tightness of the dreads or the build-up of product on your scalp.
6. They can be tough to sleep on. If you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, you may find that dreadlocks can be tough to sleep on. They can get tangled and knotted, which can be uncomfortable and even painful.
7. They can be tough on your hair. Dreadlocks can put a lot of strain on your hair, especially if they are tightly twisted or if you have a lot of them. This can lead to breakage and thinning, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to grow out your hair.
   
8. They can be tough on your scalp. Tightly twisted dreadlocks can also strain your scalp, leading to irritation and even bald spots in extreme cases.
9. They can be tough to comb. Dreadlocks can be very difficult to comb, especially if they are tightly twisted or if you have a lot of them. This can make it tough to get tangles out, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
10. They can be tough to wash. Washing dreadlocks can also be challenging, as the tightness of the dreads can make it tough to get all the way to your scalp. This can lead to build-up and dandruff, which can be unpleasant.
11. They can be tough to dry. Drying dreadlocks can also be challenging, as the dreads can take a long time to dry completely. This can lead to a musty smell if the dreads are wet.
12. They can be tough to cut. Cutting dreadlocks can be challenging, as getting the scissors into the dreads can be difficult without snipping off too much hair. This can be incredibly challenging if you try to give yourself a haircut.
13. They can be tough to color. Coloring dreadlocks can also be a challenge, as the tightness of the dreads can make it tough to get the color all the way to the root. This can lead to uneven coloring and patchy-looking dreads.
14. They can be tough to straighten. If you want to straighten your dreadlocks, you’ll likely find it to be a challenging task. It can be tough to get the heat all the way to the root of the dreads, and you’ll likely need to use many heat-protectant products to avoid damaging your hair. Straightening dreadlocks can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to straighten each dread individually.
15. They can be tough to remove. They are tough to remove if you decide you no longer want dreadlocks. You’ll need to carefully cut or unravel each dread, which can be time-consuming and potentially damaging to your hair. Plus, you’ll likely need to use unique products to help soften and loosen the dreads, which can be expensive.
    
    

In conclusion, dreadlocks can be a unique and expressive form of hairstyle, but they also have pros and cons. On the plus side, dreadlocks can be low maintenance, versatile, and a great way to embrace natural hair. However, they can also be time-consuming to create and maintain and may only be accepted in some social or professional settings. Ultimately, the decision to wear dreadlocks is personal and should be based on individual circumstances and preferences. Just remember, if you decide to rock dreadlocks, try avoiding any “hair-raising” situations!