Why Are Dreadlocks Called Dreadlocks Etymology History

The term “dreadlocks” evokes strong imagery and deep cultural significance. Often associated with Rastafarianism, reggae music, and African heritage, the style has been worn for centuries across multiple continents. But why are they called *dreadlocks*? The answer lies in a complex interplay of colonial attitudes, linguistic evolution, spiritual resistance, and cultural reclamation. Far from being a simple hairstyle, the name “dreadlocks” carries a legacy of defiance, identity, and transformation.

Origins of the Word \"Dread\"

The prefix “dread” in “dreadlocks” does not originate from admiration or reverence in the way many assume. Instead, it stems from European colonial perspectives. In 17th and 18th century English, “dread” meant fear, awe, or something to be feared. When British colonizers encountered Africans with matted hair, particularly during the transatlantic slave trade, they used the term “dread” to describe what they perceived as wild, unkempt, or threatening.

This perception was rooted in ethnocentrism. European beauty standards favored straight, combed hair, and any deviation was often labeled as primitive or savage. Enslaved Africans who allowed their hair to lock naturally—due to lack of grooming tools, harsh conditions, or deliberate cultural preservation—were described by colonizers as having “dreadful” hair. Over time, this descriptor evolved into the compound noun “dreadlocks.”

“Colonial language framed African aesthetics as dangerous or uncivilized. ‘Dreadlocks’ began as a derogatory label, but was later reclaimed with pride.” — Dr. Nia Johnson, Cultural Historian

Ancient Roots: Locks Long Before the Term Existed

Long before the word “dreadlocks” entered the English lexicon, locked hairstyles were present in ancient civilizations. Historical and archaeological evidence shows that people across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East wore matted or twisted hair for spiritual, religious, or social reasons.

• In ancient Egypt, depictions on temple walls show priests and deities with tightly coiled or matted hair, suggesting ritual significance.
• Hindu ascetics known as Sadhus have worn “jata” (matted locks) for thousands of years as a symbol of renunciation and devotion to Shiva.
• Ethiopian warriors and Coptic priests also maintained locked hair as a mark of strength and holiness.
• The Nazirites in the Hebrew Bible, including figures like Samson, vowed not to cut their hair as part of a sacred oath.

These examples illustrate that locking hair is not a modern trend but a deeply rooted global practice. The physical formation occurs naturally when curly or kinky hair is left uncombed over time, forming rope-like strands. Yet none of these traditions originally used the term “dreadlocks.” That label came much later—and from an outsider’s gaze.

Tip: Understanding the difference between the hairstyle’s ancient origins and its modern naming helps separate cultural truth from colonial narrative.

Rastafari Movement and Reclamation of Identity

The modern association of dreadlocks with Black identity and resistance emerged most powerfully through the Rastafari movement in Jamaica during the early 20th century. Inspired by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I and the teachings of Marcus Garvey, Rastafarians embraced natural living, African heritage, and rejection of Babylon—code for oppressive Western systems.

For Rastafarians, growing dreadlocks became an act of faith and defiance. They interpreted scripture literally, adhering to the Nazirite vow from Leviticus 21:5: “They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.” Allowing hair to lock was seen as returning to a natural, God-given state.

Initially mocked and persecuted, Rastafarians transformed the negative connotation of “dread” into a badge of honor. To them, the locks were “dreaded” by the system—but that was precisely the point. They were feared because they represented independence, spiritual clarity, and resistance to assimilation.

By the 1960s and 70s, global exposure through reggae music—especially Bob Marley—popularized dreadlocks worldwide. What began as a term of derision was now being worn proudly, signaling solidarity with African roots and anti-colonial struggle.

Timeline of Key Developments

Period	Event	Significance
~1500 BCE	Egyptian and Indus Valley depictions of matted hair	Early evidence of locked hairstyles in spiritual contexts
1600–1800s	Colonial observers describe enslaved Africans’ hair as “dreadful”	Term “dreadlocks” begins as racialized insult
1930s	Rastafari movement founded in Jamaica	Dreadlocks adopted as religious and political symbol
1960s–70s	Reggae spreads globally; Bob Marley rises to fame	Dreadlocks become internationally recognized
1990s–Present	Cultural debates on appropriation and rights	Ongoing conversation about respect, ownership, and discrimination

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

As dreadlocks gained popularity beyond the African diaspora, questions arose about who can wear them and under what context. Non-Black individuals adopting the style without understanding its historical weight have sparked controversy. For many Black communities, dreadlocks are not just a fashion choice—they are a lived experience tied to systemic oppression, identity, and resilience.

In workplaces and schools, Black people with dreadlocks have faced discrimination, being told their hair is “unprofessional” or “messy.” Meanwhile, others wearing similar styles are praised as “bohemian” or “edgy.” This double standard highlights deeper issues of racial bias.

Understanding the etymology of “dreadlocks” is essential to navigating these conversations. Wearing the style without acknowledging its history risks reducing a powerful symbol to a trend.

Checklist: Respecting the Cultural Significance of Dreadlocks

1. Research the history before adopting the style.
2. Acknowledge the Rastafarian and African roots of dreadlocks.
3. Be mindful of power dynamics—avoid profiting from the style without giving credit.
4. Support Black-owned hair care brands and artists who represent the culture authentically.
5. Speak up against discrimination toward those who wear dreadlocks as part of their identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dreadlocks only a Rastafarian thing?

No. While the Rastafari movement popularized the term and gave it spiritual meaning in the 20th century, locked hairstyles appear in many cultures—including Hinduism, ancient Egypt, and Indigenous African societies. Dreadlocks are a global phenomenon with diverse meanings.

Can anyone wear dreadlocks?

This is a nuanced question. Anyone can physically grow locks, but doing so without awareness of the cultural and historical context can be seen as appropriation. If someone from outside the African diaspora chooses to wear them, it’s important to approach the style with humility, education, and respect for those who have endured stigma for wearing them.

Is the term “dreadlocks” offensive?

Opinions vary. Some in the Rastafari and African-centered communities embrace the term as reclaimed and empowering. Others prefer alternatives like “locs,” “locks,” or “Nubian knots” to distance themselves from the colonial connotations of “dread.” Context and intent matter—listening to how individuals identify their own hair is key.

Conclusion: From Stigma to Strength

The term “dreadlocks” began as a colonial insult, born from fear and misunderstanding. But through the resilience of African and Afro-diasporic communities, especially Rastafarians, it was transformed into a symbol of pride, faith, and resistance. The history of the word mirrors the journey of the people who wear it—oppressed, yet unbroken.

Today, understanding the etymology of dreadlocks is more than an academic exercise—it’s an act of respect. Whether you wear locs or simply encounter them, recognizing their depth fosters empathy and challenges outdated stereotypes. Hair is never just hair; it carries memory, meaning, and movement.

💬 What does your hair mean to you? Share your thoughts or experiences with identity, culture, and self-expression in the comments below.