LOCS OR DREADS... WHICH IS CORRECT?

How many times have you heard, "I like your dreads", and cringed by the implication of what 'dreads' means to you. I do not mind, but many cultivated loc wearers do. The terms locs and dreads are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to ropes of matted hair. There is however, a distinct difference between the two. The following descriptions are intended to help you distinguish between the terms.


Organic Locs

Organic locs are more widely referred to as dreads or dreadlocks and are formed as the name implies - organically. The hair is washed regularly, but not combed, allowing the hair to mat with no interference. This typically results in thick locs of different shapes and sizes - these are the locs most often associated with interchangeably. Example: Bob Marley

Freeform Locs

Freeform locs are similar to organic locs in that they aren't "tightened" or "maintained." However, freeform locs are cultivated to a degree, as the hair is separated (not parted, just pulled apart in "chunks") into fairly uniform sections after washing. There is no parting, palm rolling, twisting, or latching. Example: Lil Wayne

Cultivated Locs

Cultivated locs are more widely referred to as locs and are formed using various methods. What sets them apart from organic locs and freeform locs is that they are parted into sections of about equal size and regularly maintained, using one of several methods to tighten the new growth. Cultivated locs are usually relatively neat and uniform in appearance. Example: Miss Sixx

Types of cultivated locs include:

Traditional locs
BradeLocz
Nappy Locs
Sisterlocks(tm)

Source: http://www.loclovers.com/Types-of-Locs/1