Rasta Hairstyle For Men - Tips and Tricks To Get The Look

Are you looking to rock a Rasta hairstyle for men? The dreadlocked hairstyles often associated with Reggae and Rastafarian culture have become popular amongst people from a range of backgrounds, in part due to the way the style speaks for itself and its embrace by the music industry. Whether it's because a particular celebrity rocks it, or simply because it has a laidback yet assertive air of confidence, there are plenty of reasons to consider the look for yourself.

In this article, we will explore the different types of Rasta hairstyles available, give you tips on how to get the look yourself, as well as reviewing some of the products and maintenance routines that will really see you through the style with increasingly healthy and stylish results. Keep reading to find out more about this unique form of self-expression, both in terms of its long and ancient history, as well as the modern inspiration behind it.

History of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks, a popular aspect of the Rasta hairstyle for men, have a long and powerful history dating back to several religions and ways of life. Those who adhere to Rastafari culture are likely to have their dreadlocks in accordance with their religious tenets, such as not cutting their hair and having it grow freely as a mark of commitment to the lifestyle. This is a modern spin on much older traditions, as going further past the 20th century roots of the Rastafarian faith, dreadlocked hair can be found in the hieroglyphics of Ancient Egypt. This rich heritage gives the style a timeless appeal, evidenced by its continual rise in popularity for many generations.

Different Types Of Rasta Hairstyles

The Rasta hairstyle for men has seen a resurgence in recent years, as various celebrities have acclaimed the unique look due to its association with both comfort and individuality. Though there are slight variations within the style, they typically all contain two main characteristics: medium to long length and tight, neat dreadlocks.

One popular variation is the 'traditional tight locs', the ropes of tight and neat dreads which don't extend past the neck or jawline. This style is great if your hair type allows it and you want to use fewer styling products,
but is relatively difficult to maintain correctly. The second Variation is the natural-looking freeform locs that typically involve jumbo-sized locs with looser ends near the shoulder area. This style is perfect for those who want to retain some of their natural kinks and waves.

How To Get A Rasta Hairstyle

Historically, obtaining a dreadlocked hairstyle was generally done with the help of a trusted professional, though nowadays there are a variety of ways to go about it yourself. It's important to note that some methods work better for certain hair types than others, so research into your best options is important.

The most recommended methods are ‘twist and rip’ (for afro-textured/kinky hair) and comb coil/interlocking (for curly and wavy hair). To do twist and rip, you will ideally need oils or gels to keep the sections of hair separate. Then, you'll section off the area of hair to be dreaded and, using your fingers, you'll twist two strands in opposite directions. From there it should take between one to two weeks for your locks to settle into shape.

Comb coil or interlocking is generally considered the optimal method for preserving the health of your hair, and involves sectioning off the area to be dreaded and spraying each section with a leave-in conditioner. You'll then carefully comb each section to make a flat coil, before dipping a crochet hook into a jar of wax and waxing around only the root of each coil.

Products and Maintenance Tips

Once you have achieved the Rasta hairstyle for men that you are looking for, it's essential to maintain it properly. Fortunately, there are a variety of high quality and affordable products available to help you keep it looking healthy and stylish.

Should you choose the traditional dreadlocked style, then shampoo containing peppermint, tea tree, or menthol and conditioners containing shea butter, aloe vera, or avocado are ideal as they will keep your scalp and scalp glands hydrated and calm. On the other hand, loose or braided locs may require moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.

An effective moisturizing conditioner is essential for any type of dreadlock style, as it helps to detangle locks, stop them from becoming matted, and add shine to your hair. Whether your locks are twisted, braided, or loose, there is a moisturizing conditioner to suit any type of dreadlock.

Finally, you can look out for leave-in conditioners and sprays that can help you maintain your dreadlocks. They are incredibly handy to ensure your look stays fresh throughout the day. You can find many leave-in conditioners that not only protect your hair but also nourish and promote growth, making them an essential part of preserving the look of your Rasta hairstyle in the long-term.

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