That depend on your hair goal, lifestyle, and personal style! Since you have low porosity 4C natural hair, here are some key points to consider before locking it:
Pros of Dreadlocks for 4C Hair
- Low-Maintenance Styling: Once your locs are established, they often require less daily manipulation compared to loose natural hair.
- Length Retention: 4C hair tends to shrink and tangle, but dreadlocks allow your hair to retain length over time because you’re not constantly detangling.
- Protective Nature: Locs can protect your hair from breakage caused by frequent combing, styling, and heat.
- Versatile Looks: Locs can be styled in updos, buns, curls, and even braided.
Cons or Considerations
- Commitment: Locs are semi-permanent. They require a long-term commitment unless you’re willing to comb them out (which can be time-consuming) or cut them off.
- Initial Phase: The budding and locking process can look “messy” or uneven at first (sometimes called the “ugly stage”).
- Scalp & Build-Up Care: You’ll need to be diligent with cleansing to avoid buildup, especially since low porosity hair can hold onto products.
- Growth Goals: If your current priority is growing your hair out, you can still achieve that with loose natural hair using protective styles (twists, braids, wigs, etc.). Locs don’t stop growth, but the journey feels different because your hair strands are matted together.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Are you ready for a long-term style that may take months to mature?
- Do you want to avoid frequent styling and manipulation?
- Are you comfortable with the early stages of locs?
- Will you be okay if, one day, you want to remove them and may need to cut your hair?
Alternative Approaches
- Temporary starter locs (faux locs): Try them first to see how you feel about the look.
- Two-strand twists or mini twists: Can mimic the loc look while allowing easier take-down.
- Protective styles: If growth is your main focus, wigs, braids, or twists with minimal tension may be better for now.