A look at locks

There are many options when it comes to showcasing ethnicity and individuality.
On Southern University’s campus the “natural look,” is in style.
Afrocentric styles such as the Afro, the comb twist, braids, two-strand twist, headwraps, dreadlocks are being seen more and more.
The most common style are dreadlocks, which are sometimes worn with shells, Bob Marley t-shirts and head wraps.
For a long time dreadlocks were exclusive to those of Rastafarian faith, which originated in Jamaica, with the belief that Ethiopia is the Promised Land. But not anymore.
“I think a lot of people are getting locks just for style and not understanding that it’s a meaning behind it,” said Hilary Bruno, a junior majoring in business management from Grenada, West Indies.
The word dreadlocks came from Jamaica in the early movement of the Rasta man.
Dreadlocks come from the word dread, which means fear and horror.
The Mau Mau tribe wore dreadlocks to intimidate the colonies of Kenya in East Africa.
Even Julius Caesar claimed that the Celts wore dreadlocks by describing them as having “hair like snakes.”
The hairstyle has roots in Africa, but was lost after Blacks entered the United States.
Some hairstyles are used to begin the ever popular dreadlocks.
Many men sport the “comb twist” which is meant for very short hair while men and women who have long natural hair sport the “two strand-twist.”
In time, these twists will also turn into dreadlocks.
Being natural isn’t always accepted by everybody.
“There are consequences to having dreads. I know that with my dreads it’s hard for me to find a job,” said Keenan Harrison, a senior majoring in finance from New Orleans.
If you decide to be natural, don’t forget that it’s a lifestyle, not just a hair style.