LOC'D NOT BOUND

Locs have a rich and diverse history that spans across era's. They have been worn in almost every culture in history at some point in time. Below is a compilation of the different accounts we have been able to source. Our goal is to provide a wholesome inclusive view of origin, theories and beliefs from around the world.
 

The Rastafari movement in Jamaica is perhaps the most widely recognized modern connection to locs. Emerging in the 1930s, Rastafarians adopted the hairstyle as a symbol of their spiritual and political beliefs, drawing inspiration from biblical references, particularly the Nazarite vow in the Hebrew Bible, which emphasizes not cutting one's hair as a sign of dedication to God. As a results, for many, the first thought of locs brings to mind the international reggae superstar and activist Bob Marley. His infectious and powerful music catapulted him to fame and mainstream media in the 1970s.
 

Although the association to Rastafarian has merit, the earliest evidence of locs dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, where artifacts show individuals with braided or loc’d hair. In Hinduism, the deity Shiva and his followers were depicted with "jaTaa," meaning twisted locs of hair. Similarly, in ancient Greece, artifacts and descriptions indicate that the practice of wearing locs was prevalent.
 

In Africa, several tribes have a long history with locs. For instance, the Maasai warriors of Kenya are known for their distinctive long, thin, red locs, created using red root extracts. The Mau Mau fighters also wore locs as a symbol of resistance during the colonial period. The Wolof kings and warriors in Senegal were known for their loc’d hairstyles, symbolizing strength and royalty.

In Asia, Tibetan Buddhist monks and certain Hindu ascetics have historically worn locs as a symbol of renunciation and spiritual dedication. The Aztecs in Mesoamerica also had high-ranking priests who wore locs as a sign of their religious status and power.

For many ancient cultures, locs have stood as a symbol of spirituality, cultural identity, and resistance across various global traditions. However, today people choose to loc their hair for various reasons. For some, it’s an outlet of expression, a freeing of inner self articulated on the outside. Others view it as a fashion statement and others make the choice based on convenience and perceived ease of maintenance.

 

Whatever the reason what is clear is that locs are not a one size fits all fad. The essence of loc’d hair is individuality and self acceptance. There is no wrong way to loc. It is a curious and beautiful evolutionary journey with ebbs and flows.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed belong to Loc’d Not Bound, and are based on prescriptive research. The expression of such is a reflective of individual interpretation and adaptation.