Thick and skinny dreadlocks have been a part of the discussion for a long. The newcomers following the dreadlocks trend seem confused initially as they lack basic knowledge about locs. If you are a novice with little to no knowledge about dreadlocks, we are here to help. Thick and thin dreads are two basic types of locks with different diameters, installation requirements, styling and maintenance.
In this article, we will show you the significant difference between thick and thin dreads and what are the pros and cons of having them. You will know what advantages thick locs bring and on what grounds you must reject thin dreadlocks. Although the criteria vary from person to person and there is no way to fit around, you can choose according to your style, comfort and personality. So, continue reading to learn more about dreadlocks.
Thick vs Skinny Dreadlocks
Thick dreadlocks are usually made by picking thick hair sections for making locks. On the other hand, thin locks are created by taking small hair. The two make a huge difference in appearance, maintenance, and hairstyles. Thick locs are easy to retwist and take less time than thin locks, which take hours. Likewise, thick dreadlocks take long drying after a head wash. Both locks require enough hair care routine while sleeping, washing, and styling.
Before choosing the one, you must know the difference between them and how they will impact your lifestyle. Complete your part of the research and go with the one that fits best. Here are some pros and cons of the thick and thin locs, so you know what locs will go with your hair type.
Pros and Cons of Thick / Skinny Dreadlocks
Thick or thin locs significantly differ from styling to the hair care routine. Both types of dreadlocks are ideal for different individuals. The people who want a fuller look with fine hair texture must opt for thin dreadlocks. On the other hand, individuals who are not so picky about their hairstyles can go with thick locks. Here are some pros and cons of both locs so that it is easier for you to choose.
Pros of Thick Dreadlocks
Thick dreadlocks are easy to maintain as they need significantly less styling. Further, they cover the whole head in less number of locs. Let’s have a glance at other benefits of having thick dreadlocks.
1: Look better
The first pro of getting the thick locks is that they look better. Whether you get the styling done or perform the retwisting, they always look better—no need to style them as you can go easy with wild thick dreadlocks. Further, the locs look dope on all face cuts and head shapes. Without worrying about your everyday style, they are easy to carry into the college, office and formal events.
2: Easy to style
The second most important benefit of starting the thick locks is that they are much easier to sculpt styles such as two twist strands, braid styles, and knotting styles. In addition, the locs are thick, bigger and stronger, so they easily fit into any style. There is no need to use a certain number of hair-setting products as the thick locks hold tightly for a long.
3: Less number of dreads
If you are someone who feels bothered with the hair strands, this is the type of you. Thin locs are a lot in number. So, thin locks keep teasing you on the face, chin, and neck. Thick locks are less in number and are pretty easy to handle. Further, the locks are easy to retwist as well.
4: Low maintenance
The less number of locs require less maintenance. One of the significant pros of getting the thick locks is that they are pretty less in number, which makes a big deal in keeping them neat and clean. Moreover, using certain hair care products also decreases with the number of locs.
5: Minimal retwisting
The more the number of locs, the more time you need for retwisting. Retwisting is one primary technique that can’t be neglected at any cost. For all locs, it is necessary to keep them in good shape and condition by retwisting. Retwisting the locs at the right time makes a huge deal and affects the overall outcome of the locs.
6: Stronger and durable
If you have thin hair and have an issue with excessive hailfall, one method is to get thick dreadlocks. Thin locks fall off easily when they are not retwisted on time. On the other hand, thick locks hold themselves for longer.
7: Resilience
One major pro of having thick locs is resilience. The thick locks cover all the mistakes you make along your loss journey. For instance, using the wrong hair care products or bleaching the hair doesn’t affect the locs. The locs stay the same even after a few hair color trials. It makes them one of the best types of dreadlocks if you want to do an experience with your natural hair.
Cons of Thick Dreadlocks
With so many advantages of having thick locks, there are some cons to having thick locs. Let’s have a look:
1: Low volume
Don’t expect to have a head full of voluminous locks. Thick locks are thick hair sections, so they fail to look fuller. Moreover, the hair doesn’t get enough volume.
2: Scalp look
With thick locs, the hair sectioning gives a scalpy look. The locs cover the entire head but not like thin locks that cover each tiny section of the head.
3: Take longer to dry
One major con of having thick locks needs extra drying time. If you are looking forward to getting thick locs, you will need to spare one day to wash and dry the logs. Further, the locs are prone to mildew and buildup if left undried.
4: Less palatable
Another disadvantage of thick locks is that the locs are less palatable. You may face enough criticism at your college or work for having thick locs.
5: Less styling versatility
Thick locks are hard and stiff to touch. Moreover, the locs are not easily manageable. So, these factors make them less versatile for styling—the threshold of thickness losses the versatility. For instance, wicks fall among the famous and classy thick locks styles.
Pros and Cons of Thin Dreadlocks
Thin locks are easy to style and manage and are high-maintenance locs that requires proper time and attention. Let’s look at the pros and cons of having thin locs.
Pros of Thin Dreadlocks
Thin locks are easy to carry with any styling look. Moreover, the locs give a fuller look. Here are some of the pros of having thin dreadlocks:
1: Mimic hairstyles
Thin locks can mimic certain hairstyles. For instance, two-strand twists are one of the popular techniques used for starting the locs.
2: Natural look
The locs, which are thin and curl, make the flawless natural look. They don’t seem like dreadlocks because the hair strands are quite thin in texture, just like natural human hair locs. So, they give the perfect look of natural human hair without any styling.
3: Smaller sections
Thin locks are created on the smaller portions of the hair. You can choose the thickness of your locks. Regardless of the diameter of your locs, you will be able to get locs on each part of your head.
4: Fuller look
The thinner locs gives the perfect fuller look. If you have a thin hair texture and want a fuller and healthy look, this hair dreads type is an ideal choice.
5: Palatable look
Thin locks give a palatable look to the college, university and office. With less negativity and less friction, you perform well.
6: Dry easily
Another practical benefit of having thin locs is that the locs dry easily. No need to use any hair or blower for drying the locs. Thick dreadlocks take extra time to dry, even on an average day.
Cons of Thin Dreadlocks
There are always two sides to a story. Likewise, there are some demerits of having thin loss, and let’s dive deep into having thin dreadlocks.
1: Matting
One con of having thin locks is that they matter easily. The locs have no distance and are closely attached, so the locs matte easily. It is a very tedious task to keep them separated to prevent matting.
2: High-maintenance
One more demerit of having thin locs is proper hair maintenance. All lots require adequate time and a hair care routine to maintain good condition, and thin locks need more maintenance daily to maintain a good shape.
3: Easy to break off
Thin locks easily become weak over time, and if the locks are not moisturized properly, the locs become weak and fall off easily. In addition, thin locks break easily if not retwisted on time.
4: Hairstyles
There are various styles for managing thin locs. But, one demerit is that it requires deep research and analysis to check the braid styles. For instance, you will need to check if your locks are strong enough to go with the double twists or need braiding to go with a particular look.
To sum up, thick locs are preferable for some individuals but not all. It depends on a variety of factors. These locs are easy to maintain and handle daily. Every individual has a different hair type and choice. So, one must complete their part of the research before making a final decision.
Grace Udoh
February 06, 2023
Trying to decide on which type of dread to make. But not still sure.