Freeformed Locs: A Personal Journey and Collective Revolution

Definition: “Freeform(ed) Locs” are dreadlocks that form naturally and without any manipulation. (also commonly known as, organic dreads, neglect method dreads, natty dreadlocks, rasta locs, the "crown", and others.)

Besides keeping the hair clean, there is no required maintenance. The individual’s hair remains uncombed. One’s hair (with varying degrees of time based on hair texture) will then fuse together, naturally, into units commonly called, “Dreadlocks”, or "Locs". 

Freeform dreadlocks differ from “traditional dreadlocks”; in that, traditional dreads are manipulated and styled. Traditional dreadlocks are neater and more uniform in appearance. In the split screen below, the model on the right has freeformed locs.  The model on the left has traditional locs.

Some of the common ways that traditional dreadlocks are groomed or maintained include but are not limited to:

-Combing into manmade sections often called a “grid pattern”,

-twisting and retwisting new growth,

-palm rolling,

-crocheting,

-root threading for “root maintenance”, and

-back-combing or other forms of manipulation often with the use of combs and tools.

By contrast, absolutely nothing is done to the hair in order for an individual to grow freeform locs. Anyone of any race, culture, or hair texture can grow freeform locs. It can take those with straight and very loose or wavy textures many years to see their hair form into dreads; however, an individual with curlier or coily hair could see the first dreads form in as little as a week!

 Those of us with curlier textures are left waiting for length and not necessarily the formation of locs.  Either way, sooner or later, the results are the same—an absolutely unique set of freeform locs. People are diverse, and every hair journey is unique.

Every head of hair is different, as locs form as they see fit. For instance, if you are a side-sleeper, your hair may reflect this. If you wear a lot of head coverings, your locs may be influenced to take that shape. If you play with your hair out of nervous habit, or work out, that too will shape your crown—everything that is unique to you and your life-style will influence the formation of your organic freeform locs.

Want locs like Bob Marley or maybe you’re going for more of a Weeknd look—J.Cole? The Wadada Twins? GET RID OF THIS THINKING! If you’re serious about embarking on a freeform loc journey the first thing you must do is let go of the outcome. That’s right! You must forget about how you look and trust the process. This is the best part of growing freeform locs—letting go.

Blessed Journey, from the Amazing Black Woman!