Dreadlocks Turn 4!

My Dreads Turned 4 Today!

Four years ago today I made the decision to dreadlock my hair and I know now that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I've learned a lot from the dreadlock process, from outsider's reactions and about myself in general.  I think I'm a better, more authentic person because I learned to embrace chaos and to truly be who I am without any excuses.

Now, onto the photos - the real reason you're here.  :)

Year One

In that first year I lost approximately 8 inches of length.  Crazy shrinking dreadlocks!

At the time, I loved them, but was very self conscious about the "rat's nest" on my head.  For the first time in my life, I maintained patience and worked through it and it only got better from then on out.

Year Two

I finally began to see a bit of length along the 20 month mark or so and they finally started to look like real dreads!  It was quite exciting!

Year Three

I actually really liked their length in the top photo, but I have always been anxious to have waist length dreads!  Slooooooowly!

Year Four

I could finally pull it up into a giant dreadbun and now it's pretty much the only way I wear my hair.  I have made a promise to myself though, to start wearing them down more this year.  What's the point of having awesome head ropes of they're always pulled up?!

And Now!

I know they will only continue to get better and better from here on our and I'm so excited to stay on this ride.  Sure, it's only hair, but it's awesome hair! =D

To see my entire dreadlocking journey, please check out my Flickr Collection.