Hello all, I'm new and I just posted my intro lol But anyways, my parents are in the way of me getting dreadlocks. They just don't see things they way i see! I see dreadlocks as a beautiful extension of the human body, and to me, they represent patience, strength, discipline and of course, individuality! But sadly like I said, they don't see that and they said that I'm not getting them as long as I'm living with them, and when I move out, I can do whatever I want, soooooo it looks like I'll be moving out sooner than I expected lol But, to the point, is there anything I could do to prepare for when I move out and get dreads, or is there a way I could convince my parents to let me get dreads?? I currently have a mohawk, but I'm going to cut it off in a month or so, so my hair will be a little longer than a buzz cut. My hair is wavy and sorta thick (if any of that matters). Thanks in advance for the advice, and I think its so AWESOME that there is a forum like this
1. Is there a way to convince them to let you get dreads? Sure. You could prove you're responsible or present them with research on how they aren't dirty or show them how they won't restrict your future. But considering your first thought was to move out, I doubt any of those options would work for you. 2. Even if you use the natural method you're gonna need more hair than a buzz cut would leave you. DEFINITELY gonna need more than that to backcomb, unless we have different definitions of backcomb. 3. Pictures are worth a BILLION words on the internet, especially when talking about hair because everyone's is different. 4. If you want any interesting colors, dye first and then go about your locs however you wish. It's easier that way, trust me. 5. Moving out and being on your own is not to be taken lightly. Just sayin'.
Ahhh sorry for the miscommunication on the hair, I'm cutting it to around a buzz because I have a mohawk, so I need to make all of my hair one length. And I'll try to take some pics soon haha Thanks for replying
from a buzz cut to some dreads with even a lil length will take at least 2 yrs, if not longer, so dont move out right away, and as you're hair is growing, just go neglet, the parents prolly wont even notice whats the deal untill maybee yr 3!!! lol, so you have plenty-o-time! .......they will let you have a mohawk, but not dreads??mmmm wierd i say
Not that my parents have any say on what I do with myself, but they were also disappointed to hear I was getting dreads. It seems the misperceived idea about them is dirty-grungy, someone who has no job and sits around smoking pot all day. When I explained to them how they work, how you have to wash them all the time, etc. they were happy for me. Read through the FAQ at the top of the page and have them take a look at it as well if they're willing- it may calm them down a bit. Good luck.
I personally would grow my hair out for a few months until it's at least 4-5" long, wash my hair for the last week or two before putting them in with dread soap, and backcomb them. In the mean time, when your hair gets 3" or longer, you can practice backcombing dreads in randomly (only to take them out), this way it'll be quicker and easier when you come round to doing it. If you want to use neglect to make dreads, then just do nothing I guess!
Ask them how they see dreadlocks and why they don't wan't you having them. Let us know what they reckon, maybe we can try and fix a few of the misconceptions up.
Murder Them Whilst They Are Sleeping In Their Bed, Then Bury The Bodies In The Far Corner Of The Back Yard, In The Dark Of Night.... Problem Solved.... The Moral Of This Story Is, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER, Let Anybody Or Any Thing, Get Between You And Your Dreadlings...:2thumbsup: Cheers Glen.
GlenGlen!! What a dark thing to say! My goodness, now we can see what's hiding behind all those smilies and cheerful posts
That Was GLEN's Evil Twin Posting, Iv'e Managed To Keep Him Well Hidden Since I Joined Here, BUT, There Is A Stirring In The Basement, And I Doubt I Can Keep Him Under Wraps For Too Much Longer.... You Have Good Reason To Be Afraid.... Cheers Glen.
Hmmm, I think I will show them the FAQs and maybe then they will let up a litle bit...hopefully hehe. Also, I think that if they know it would still be a couple of years b4 I get them that would probably make them a lot more chill and accepting in a way Again, thanks for all the replies! You are all so nice and I'm grateful to have a community like this to turn to for help and even Glen's evil twin tried to help Cheers!
I can't understand that "not while your living under my roof" attitude. I have 2 children, adults now with their own offspring, and I would never use that phrase. Surely the point of raising a child to become a successful adult is to let him/her make their own mistakes or if it is something dangerous explain that the decision is theirs but your opinion is...... anyway I would have thought that parents who can tolerate their son with a mohican should be able to live with dreads! Maybe they're not comfortable with it because of the social and political image it portrays.
do your research on dreads and explain it to them. it helps if you have a legit reason as to why you're getting them.
Tell em Ahmad said to let you have dreads....OR ELSE! You gotta say the last part with a really fierce voice. They should understand after this.
My advice: Just grow 'em from your buzz cut. As already noted: it will take a year or two to grow your hair out. In the mean time don't comb or condition and possibly look into an alternative to shampoop for washing. Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps are the 'go to' in this department, but some people don't like them or the hardness of their water makes the soap feel slimy or something. A couple spoonfuls of baking soda dissolved in water is another good one. This way, your parents are less likely to be pissed because: a)They may realize that it's just your hair changing and not who you are, and it gives you time to be proactive and show them that people who don't comb their hair are still able to get jobs and be respectablelike. b)They may not even notice until it's 'too late' c)Technically you didn't 'get dreads' they just sorta happened. If they're the type of people who would take scissors to your head or punish you for that... then they just suckballz and you're better off without them. Also, I think Ahmad's advice is sound
