9.1.2 – Acceptable Loops vs. Problematic Loops

WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• When loops damage dreadlocks
It’s not normally a concern, but loops can possibly damage dreadlocks in a situation where the hair never fully locks up. What happens is the dreadlocks grow out for years, and there’s a serious loop present that never locks up or turns into a bump, then the dreadlock can pivot at that loop. This isn’t something to be overly concerned about, and it takes years to develop. Worst case scenario you just cut it at the loop and reattach it, which usually isn’t a big deal.

• Interlocking
This is one of the reasons I hate the interlocking method so much. A non-Afro client will have healthy dreadlocks, go to a salon where the salon doesn’t know how to work with their hair texture so they just interlock the dreadlock, then the dreadlock grows out with the interlocked loop in the middle of the dreadlock. Over time this hair will flex and pivot at the interlocked location and as it flexes it can start to break hair, eventually leading to a weak damaged part of the dreadlock.

• Acceptable loops
Most naturally formed loops are perfectly acceptable and not likely to form any type of damage. This is especially true for smaller loops. Most of these loops will eventually turn into bumps which give the dreadlock a natural character.

• Mostly just a matter of Preference
Other than the potential for damage overtime with problematic loops, this is purely a matter of preference. I love dreadlocks with character, I think loops and bumps look great on aged dreadlocks. However it’s not something that I want personally. And many of our clients prefer not to have loops either. Ultimately, 99% of the time, it’s just a matter of preference.