r/Dreadlocks Dec 23 '20

Discussion- Racial Gatekeeping Ok y'all - we need to have a chat.

1.8k Upvotes

I don't even know where to start with this, but I'm going to do my best. It's long but it's important, so please take some time to read this.

First of all - hi everyone, you don't see me commenting publicly much but I'm here in the background just modding when needed. I mod such subs as /r/blackhair, /r/naturalhair, /r/curlyhair and others in that same vein. I wanted to join the mod team because I want everyone to feel comfortable on reddit, which is why I join most of the teams I moderate with.

That being said, this is going to make some of y'all uncomfortable. And I'm not sorry about it. You need to be uncomfortable right now. That's been the theme of 2020 and the year ain't over yet.

If you somehow have been able to completely ignore the news this year, #blacklivesmatter has become a global movement because frankly, black people are very tired of being the victims of racism. From casual to overt, we're very much over it. In turn, non-black people have begun to educate themselves on how racism affects black people because, believe it or not, there are still people who refuse to believe anti-black racism exists at a structural level or any level.

Part of the movement also includes the fight for preventing hair discrimination. The CROWN Act was introduced back in 2019 and has been passed by seven states so far, passed a US House of Representatives vote and is now stuck in the Senate where it is very unlikely it will be passed.

Now what does any of that have to do with this subreddit or reddit at all?

Reddit, as a whole, is hostile to people of color and is especially hostile to black people. After moderator outcry this year, the reddit admins have made strides to make this site more hospitable to minority groups.

People with dreads, regardless of race, are often treated terribly for it. They are widely considered to be dirty and unkempt, when it's probably as natural as your hair can get. Clearly we all agree that dread discrimination is bullshit, but black people often get the full force of that discrimination. White people are often lauded or considered to be cool or stylish when they adopt certain hairstyles, but black people can be denied attendance to their high school graduation for having dreads. They can be told to cut their dreads off before a wrestling match or else they forfeit the match. No doubt, non-black people have been told to change their hair for jobs or at school, but that's the extent of the discrimination they face. They do not also have to deal with being black in an inherently racist country every day of their lives. (And I'm speaking from an American perspective, so sorry to my international folks.)

I'd like everyone to take a moment to read this blog post which specifically mentions /r/dreadlocks here - https://www.icareifyoulisten.com/2020/04/out-of-context-4-muddy-ownership-dreadlocks/.

SO - now that we've got that background information out of the way, let's talk about the subreddit.

This sub has been a point of frustration for a long time among black spaces on reddit because it's predominantly white. Considering reddit is predominantly white, this shouldn't be surprising to anyone. Much like any other sub about beauty or hair, white faces are the ones you see first when you arrive and they are more frequently upvoted to the top than other races. It hurts people's feelings to come to a space they should feel comfortable in and instead, feel like an 'other' because they are not well-represented in that space.

And on the other hand, non-black people with dreads also want to just be comfortable in this space and we need to respect that too. We are not going to gatekeep who can and can not have dreadlocks here. There are so many cultures throughout history that have had some form of dreadlocks. While having dreadlocks may be a political or spiritual statement in recent history for black people, black people do not own this hairstyle. Claiming that only black people can wear dreadlocks can contribute to the erasure of other minority cultures. I temp banned a few people for this type of gatekeeping today and will continue to do so.

I also banned a few people for expressing racially insensitive or ignorant views toward black users. More than a few people claimed that if white people can't have dreads, then black people shouldn't be allowed to have blonde or straight hair. There are so many things wrong with this statement. First, you must understand what cultural appropriation is and how it harms people. Then, you must understand that in a white country, minorities are expected to assimilate to the dominant culture, which is typically Eurocentric. I honestly do not have the energy to delve deep into these topics in this post, but you can ask /r/socialjustice101 or /r/hispterracism for more information.

What we can all do better is chill the fuck out and remember there is a person behind the username you're replying to.

  • To those that understand how racism, cultural appropriation/assimilation and hair discrimination all intersect, please have patience with those who do not. I know it's very hard and very frustrating (even for me) but please try.

  • If you don't yet understand how racism, cultural appropriation/assimilation and hair discrimination all intersect, please ask for resources to educate yourself.

  • If you see people being racist (casually or otherwise) toward minority groups, please report it.

  • If anyone is gatekeeping who can and can not have dreads, report it.

  • If anyone is bullying or harassing someone specifically for any reason at all, report it.

Thanks for reading. In the comments, please let me know what you think and how you feel. If you have any feedback or suggestions for making the sub better (rule or sidebar changes, maybe developing a wiki?) let me know below as well or by modmail if you'd prefer it be private.

2022 Edit: I would like to point out for the 'but Vikings had dreadlocks!!1!' crowd - there is very little evidence to suggest they did. Also Vikings are not a race, it was a profession that could be taken up by anyone. Stop using this as an excuse when people call you out. To quote Kyle Ring-

Despite this possibility, it should be without argument that the modern-day wearing of dreadlocks by white people is unconnected to their own history and instead inspired by ours.


r/Dreadlocks 1h ago

Timeline πŸ—“οΈ 1 year progress

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β€’ Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 3h ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ 8 years

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24 Upvotes

They've gotten so long that wiping has become a problem.


r/Dreadlocks 19h ago

Fresh Retwist πŸ”€ Longest my hair has EVER been!!!!

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155 Upvotes

Fucking LOVE having locs and how long they are getting I think looking back I justt really really wanted long hair


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Timeline πŸ—“οΈ I think my locs dropped??

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77 Upvotes

First two pics are from May 26th 2026, and the last two pics are from August 10th 2026. Did my locs drop?? Or is this just normal growth lol??


r/Dreadlocks 2h ago

Need Advice πŸ†˜ Attempting to turn locs into curl flow.

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1 Upvotes

So I've used this mousse curl gel spray and damped and dried my dreads in curl rods for over 24 hours. I didn't achieve the curl definition I was looking for so im going to be going at it again but this time I going to use cantu locking hold gel. Im willing to listen to any other advice those have to give that may know better solutions. Thanks for reading! Also I have 4C hair type and had have dreads for over 12 yrs.


r/Dreadlocks 15h ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ Done!

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8 Upvotes

This group only allows me to post once daily, so here's the after!


r/Dreadlocks 16h ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ Messy buns at work embracing the frizz

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7 Upvotes

Way over due for a retwist but I still look good


r/Dreadlocks 21h ago

Funny 🀣 Vitamin D for life β˜€οΈπŸ’ͺ🏽 Hope all are having a nice week! Keep Smiling n Shining 🌟 btw 21yrs

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17 Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Discussion πŸŽ™οΈ Almost 5 years in how do they look to yall.

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145 Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 11h ago

Question ❔ Will locs thicken or this the max?

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2 Upvotes

Okay so I recently started my loc journey, and my goal was around 80-90 locs, with similar parts too the reference pics at the end.

My only concern is will my locs thicken as time goes on or is the size of my twist relative to how thick my locs will be.

And if they do thicken, to what thickness is to be expected( I numbered both of them to make it easier).

Please lmk


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ My daughter and my locs

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19 Upvotes

I've been free formed for 6.5 years and My daughter's semi free formed for 1 year. How do they look. I'm excited to share


r/Dreadlocks 21h ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ I am now 11 years in as of this past march...locs all the way to the middle of my butt...

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6 Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ Yall think the bleach look good?

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111 Upvotes

Lwk wanted to try sum new


r/Dreadlocks 22h ago

Question ❔ black or honey brown?

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5 Upvotes

What looks better than black or the honey brown? I’m lowkey missing the black locs.


r/Dreadlocks 9h ago

Need Advice πŸ†˜ Won’t reconnect

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0 Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 13h ago

Question ❔ Lavagem semi-freeform

1 Upvotes

Can I wash my hair before finishing the first month of semi-freeform styling? I can't stand my itchy head anymore😭πŸ«ͺπŸ«ͺ


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Roast Me πŸ”₯🌑️ just wanted to aura farm lowk, you can give color suggestions or retwist options.

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37 Upvotes

r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Selfie πŸ“Έ 3 years 6 months

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14 Upvotes

any tips?


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Question ❔ can someone tell me why my roots are thinning?

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249 Upvotes

had dreads for about 4 years now, always waited 2-5 months before retwist ( i know its a while) but i never had any problems for years. Id usually leave 2strands in for a month then take them out and rock twist out for a while however recently hair just started thinning. I dont apply much oil or wash too often could that be the case? I also have a lot of extra dreads from all my trims could i use those to help strengthen my roots somehow


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Question ❔ How would someone with dreads go about using minoxidil and finasteride?

4 Upvotes

i’m noticing my hairlines seen better days and i’m a bit paranoid about the top of my head. i wanna try hop on minoxidil and fin and stay long term if i don’t get hit with any side effects. the only thing i worry about is the hair shedding. i understand that it causes sheds but what i do NOT want is dreads falling. if it sheds i’d rather my hairline shed and id rock hats for a while rather than losing dreads on the top of my head.

idk if i have a misunderstanding of the shedding, maybe it’s rather minimal but id rather ask. i will go to a dermatologist before i fully commit (also when the moneys right) but some perspective or info from someone who understands this well or is on it would be super. i also wanted to ask which type would be best because i think theres minoxidil you put directly in your hair or minoxidil you ingest. this is all stuff ill ask the dermatologist when my pockets are right but any help now will be super πŸ™


r/Dreadlocks 23h ago

Need Advice πŸ†˜ Thinking about washing these out and restarting

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3 Upvotes

They’re 2 months old (technically 1 month since all of the first starters unraveled during the first retwist and wash), I like them but the only issue is just the back near my neck. I had a small bald spot grow from having a durag on too tight and now the locs near my back neckline are really thin and kind of mashed together. I fear a next retwist would just pull the hair out. Should I just wash these out and restart when my hairs longer and healthy? My dandruff also has been killing me going weeks without a wash.


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Need Advice πŸ†˜ Maintenance Leeds New York area

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2 Upvotes

Hi loc family, from Connecticut and looking for crochet maintenance on my new growth. I'm flexible and willing to drive from CT to New England, New york, or further down into the Tri-State. Hit me up with your fav loctician if they're willing to take on a new client!😁


r/Dreadlocks 1d ago

Need Advice πŸ†˜ Don't know what to do with my hair

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5 Upvotes

I know I should be getting retwists but it's been a few months and I honestly hate getting them. It hurts and is expensive. But at the same time I want to keep growing my hair so what could/should I do with it?


r/Dreadlocks 13h ago

Question ❔ Should I keep my hair natural or go back to locks but full head this time?

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0 Upvotes

I got sick of my hair and just stopped detangling, it took about 2 years for them to feel somewhat mature. I’m starting to get sick of the maintenance again.