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Grow Your Dreadlocks The Right Way while Living a Life of Success and Prosperity with Them!

15 Tips To Great Dreadlocks

 “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”
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When planning to grow dreadlocks, prepare yourself for life-changing experiences. No other hairstyle evokes such strong and passionate emotions like dreadlocks. Someone truthfully said “either you like them or you don’t.” Even well-known public figures like Bobby McFerrin and Alice Walker have shared their experiences with the popular natural hairstyle and how their lives were changed after they started growing dreadlocks.

Let’s face it, people have many prejudices about dreadlocks like only those who practice the Rastafarian religion wear dreadlocks or one is just lazy because they neglect to take care of their hair. Wearing dreadlocks may force you to reassess how much you have allowed others determine your appearance or who you “should” fit into the popular side of society.

One of the biggest mistakes one can make is thinking since the popularity of dreadlocks is on the rise, it’s nothing more than a simple hair fashion. However, there are still people who do not accept this ancient hairstyle. Everyday we hear about problems those with dreadlocks encounter with schools, jobs, and society. Recently in Dallas Texas, one police officer lost her job and others suspended because of their dreadlocks. These types of situations leave many confused and unsure about them. However, scattered among the horror stories are many individuals who are growing dreadlocks and living quite successfully with them.

Remember, this is the very hair concept that was outlawed by the slave owners back in the horrible slavery days. Trust me, those attitudes are very much alive. Here are fifteen critical steps to take into deep consideration to help you prepare for dreadlocks success.
 

1. Look in the mirror, feel your hair, and examine it closely to determine the natural texture. Is it coarse, curly, or straight? This is the first and most important step. The texture of your hair will determine what method to use, if beeswax or a similar substance is required, and how long the process will take.

2. Ask yourself if you are growing dreadlocks for fashion or spirituality. For fashion, a loctician can quickly create dreadlocks that can be removed later. Going natural is a more spiritual route. During the process one can learn much about yourself, patience, and faith.

3. Dreadlocks are fast becoming a very prosperous business for hair stylists. Be careful of gimmicks, quick fix methods, and products that could harm your hair.

4. When using the services of a loctician, plan on scheduling and paying a fee for many visits. Repeat visits are required for continuous twisting and re-applying oils and beeswax. You must keep your appointment and take the advice of your choosen loctician.

5. Become knowledgeable by reading everything about dreadlocks. Check out books from the library, read hair-fashion magazines, and find books at your local bookstore. This book had everything needed to grow great dreadlocks, plus living a successful life with them.

6. Research the Internet. Go to http://www.google.com or any of the search engines and enter "dreadlocks." There are hundreds of informative websites and newsgroups.

7. Visit one or more different hair salons to get an idea of the processes used, prices, and service. Talk to those who have them. Ask questions about good and bad experiences as well as their reasons for growing dreadlocks.

8. Let everyone at home, work, or school aware of plans to have dreadlocks. Find out how others feel about dreadlocks and why. This will give an idea of who to turn to when the world seems to turn against your new lifestyle.

9. Check out the dress code at your place of employment. If possible, talk to your Human Resource department and let them know your desire for dreadlocks. Find out exactly where they stand on the issue.

10. Prepared to upgrade your skills, start a new business, or find another job if your current job cannot accept your dreadlocks? There are many resources available at the back of this book.

11. Expand your mind by reading, studying, and trying new things on a constant basis. Due to needed solitude, this is an excellent time to experiment and try new things. Use them wisely.

12. Prepare your mind through prayer, meditation, affirmations, and visualization. These proven techniques have helped many people overcome insurmountable obstacles. Study the chapter "In the Mind" later in this book.

13. Start a journal and fill it with your thoughts on a daily basis. Write to-do lists, goals, plans, thoughts, or whatever helps make sense of any situation encountered during the dreading process.

14. Read motivation books, listen to life-improving audios, and attend seminars. The more prepared, the more confidence will develop during the process.
    Last, but not least, list good reasons for wanting dreadlocks. Reasons help endure any setbacks or disappointments. What are your reasons? Will they be enough to stay on the path? Before you take the leap, understand dreadlocks are a beautiful way to express yourself but they may come at a price. Prepare yourself.

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