13 Aug 2017

The origin of dreadlocks is unknown, but they have been most closely associated with Rastafarianism and many African communities have a long history of wearing them.
Some people grow dreadlocks as part of their ethnic identity, cultural or religious beliefs such as Kenya’s Maasai warriors who are instantly recognisable by their red-tinted locks.
Besides that, for many people around the world, locks are now a fashion statement and because of that, they have led to business.
Bobonong hair guru and entrepreneur, Morapedi Samuel, affectionately known as ‘Ramashetla’ said in an interview that the competition influences for deadlocks between the youth and the adults is increasing at a high rate.
“I have been in the hairdressing industry for some years and therefore it took a lot of hard work over the years to change perceptions that locks were unkempt, dirty and only for Rastafarians,” said Mr Samuel.
Mr Samuel explained that while some people can take several years to grow dreadlocks, many do not want to wait and it is this need for instant long hair that is pushing the demand for ready locks in the black market.
Mr Samuel said that his business specialises in styiling, twisting, crocheting, washing and tinting dreadlocks.
Although he did not attend formal school for hairdressing, he learnt the art on his own.
Mr Samuel says he is able to convert relaxed and European hair into dreads by weaving additional human hair pieces into the straight hair using a method known as crocheting, which involves the use of a thin, hooked needle.
That fairly new technique has  propelled intense demand and competition for dreads.ENDS