HEALTH & BEAUTY
THE HISTORY OF DREADLOCKS “LOCS”
T he history of black people wearing hair locs is deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. Locs, also known as dreadlocks, are formed by allowing hair to nat- urally mat and lock together. This practice holds a rich heritage that spans across various civiliza- tions and continents. One of the earliest recorded instances of locs can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians, who highly valued their hair, often wore locs as a symbol of spirituality, strength, and royalty. Locs were associated with the deity known as Bes, who was considered the protector of households and a symbol of good luck. During the transatlantic slave trade, Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas, where their cultural traditions were suppressed. Despite this oppression, the practice of wearing locs persisted as a way for enslaved individuals to maintain a connection to their African roots. Locs became a form of resistance, representing self-acceptance, cultural identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. In the 20th century, the Rastafari movement in Jamaica popularized locs as a manifestation of their religious beliefs. Rastafarians, inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I, embraced natural hair as a symbol of their African heritage and spiritual enlightenment.
“Today, wearing hair locs continues to be an expression of cultural pride, individuality, and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards. It is a way for black people to celebrate their natural hair texture, reclaim their history, and chal- lenge societal norms. the history of black people wearing hair locs is a testament to the resilience, spirituality, and cultural pride of the African diaspora. It is a tradition that has withstood centuries of oppression and continues to thrive as a powerful symbol of identity and resistance,” says Terrence S. Elliott, owner of T.S. Elliott Salon.
T.S. ELLIOTT SALON 1100 S 7th St, Louisville, KY 40203 | (502) 409-4894 For Appointments Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063610452174
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