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Gaya

In our interview with her, Judith shared her real-life experience over the past seven years since she locked her hair. With her healthy, lengthy dreads to show for all the effort she has put into them, it was a pleasure to document her honest opinions about dreadlocks, especially for you, dearest gentle reader. If this is your first time stopping by <a href="http://aura.ng/life-and-love/he-didn-t-cheat-but-i-still-had-to-leave">Aura Magazine</a>, subscribe using the button above for more stories that can both entertain and benefit you.

When Judith was asked about the less glamorous truth of dreadlocks—things she had to discover for herself after beginning the journey—this was her response:

“I’ll say number one, it’s not as<a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/3-things-to-do-differently-to-grow-your-natural-hair-longer-and-fuller"> low-maintenance</a> as people think. Dreadlocks are not just ‘do it once and go’ for the rest of your life without ever having to touch them, wash them, or brush them…not at all! Except for extreme cultures of messy, overgrown dreadlocks. But if you are trying to still look reasonably neat, they require intentionality, regular care, attention, and your love. Like any other hairstyle.”

For her, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. This is largely because, compared to <a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/5-protective-hairstyles-for-black-hair">other hairdos</a>, the care they require is not as tedious, as long as you are committed to a routine that works for you. She refers to them as “ready to go". They are also very versatile, because you can still perform almost all the usual styling options.

“Put it in a bun, twist it, braid it, or revert to a regular ponytail… Really, you can do anything with your locs. So you don’t have to experience the pain of new braids frequently. Only when you go to retwist once in a while, depending on how fast your hair grows.”

If you had to start your journey all over again, what would you do differently?

“First of all, I wouldn’t go to the same loctician, because he messed up my dreadlocks and even cut my hair. So I would do more research on my own, talk to more people, and ask more questions to ensure I don’t fall for every opinion from locticians. I’d make sure I know enough about dreadlocks before I begin my journey.”

As a newbie just starting out, if there’s anything Judith’s fairly long, seven-year experience suggests, it’s that you should do thorough research for yourself. Lastly, she advises that you don’t let anyone influence your decision to lock your hair unduly. Do it for yourself, whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or otherwise.

As much as <a href="https://aura.ng/beauty/dreadlocks-can-grow-any-type-of-hair-unraveling-the-logic-and-science">dreadlocks</a> may be lower maintenance than braids, you should still be ready and open to invest in your hair both emotionally and financially. Dreadlocks are not just boring or basic. There are countless options and paths you can explore. So find what works for you and stick to it diligently.

Thinking of getting dreadlocks? Discover the real maintenance, pros, and lessons from a seven-year journey.

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