For as long as I can remember I have always wanted dreadlock my hair but the beliefs associated with it have kept me at bay. This hair style has for example been associated, in some countries, with a culture of degenerates.

Beauty and agony is a package we all have learned to pay for in salons. My only desirable option on this visit was for dreadlocks, so I looked forward to the visit.

My search for that perfect saloonist started. I needed someone with a good history.  Evans Leon turned out to be what I was looking for. He had been in the dreadlock business for more than ten years also donned the hairdo too.

Three hours spent under his hands was well worth it…I felt great!

The first month was the hardest as I struggled with ridiculously oily hair. There were times when it seemed so easy to just cut them off or just wash all the oil off.

Of course there are people who kept reminding me of what a disaster my locks were and how they missed my beautiful natural hair. It seemed like I was fighting a battle I had lost from the beginning but a friend of mine walked through it all with me.

With the right support system I stepped forward to yet another month this time my locks seemed to be shaping up and an inch longer.

Tomorrow will be my second month anniversary; I can put my hair in a short ponytail. Not all the locks are long enough though.

I will have to wait a little while longer for all of them to fit in one neat ponytail. I have noticed that they are getting heavier which is great.

I realize now that this will be a long journey of commitment and patience. They might not be yet what I once envisioned but they will get there. If its patience then I will give them that but I will triumph.

(Operation lockdown with Evans Leon)

Evans works at the Salon Esteem at the MTN center. He has been a ‘locktician’ for the last ten years and says that it has been a journey of expression.

His work brings him satisfaction and fulfillment. He gives the following advice on the misconceptions associated with dreadlocks.

How long does it take to form dreadlocks?

Locks can begin to form in a couple of weeks or even a few days after the first waxing. One should use bees wax since it’s made especially for locks. It takes longer for people with really soft hair but by the end of the first month they are more manageable and neater.

Is it true that dreads locks have to be dirty to lock?

Actually clean hair will lock faster than dirty hair. Not washing your hair hinders it from locking because of the oil and dirt build up.

Ends