It’s common for people who don’t know about natural hair to confuse braids with dreads. However, the two hairstyles are fundamentally different.
If you’ve been trying to decide between dreads and braids and could use a little assistance, this is the article for you. Keep on reading for an in-depth comparison between dreads VS braids.
What Are Braids?
The origins of braids can be dated back 5,000 years to 3,500 B.C. in African cultures. Africans have been braiding their hair for centuries. Among many African tribes, braided hairstyles are a distinctive way to identify each tribe. Braid patterns and styles indicate a person's tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religious beliefs.
A braid is a protective hairstyle that is a complex hairstyle of three or more interwoven strands of hair. Sometimes people add weaves to their braids to make them longer and fuller. The most common braided hairstyles are box braids, cornrow braids, micro braids, and so on.
What Are Dreads?
The history of dreadlocks dates back to 2500 BCE to ancient Egypt, where archaeologists discovered mummified remains with dreadlocks.
Their origins are complicated, but historians have seen dreadlocks worn in various tribes throughout history, including many different African ethnic groups, Germanic tribes, the New Guineans, and more.
Dreadlocks refer to cylindrical sections of locked hair. You can easily style dread in various ways, including a ponytail, a bun, or even a braid-out.
What Are the Difference Between Braids And Dreads?
1. Installation method
When it comes to installation methods, braids, and dreads are very different. Whether you want regular or box braids, the braid is done using a simple three-strand method. Dreads can be a bit more complicated, you may need to comb your hair back and then have dreads through things like interlocking or crochet.
2. Time required for installation
Braids are very time-saving to install compared to dreadlocks, it can usually take half an hour - 2 hours. Dreads take longer because you have to wait for your hair to grow back longer. Some dreads may take days, weeks, or even months to become available.
3. Maintenance
Braids and dreads also differ greatly in care. Dreads are low maintenance and you don't have to do much to secure them. While braids are also low-maintenance, they need to be cared for properly or they lose their original beauty.
Washing Method:
The way you wash your hair is also different when it comes to your dreads and your braids. While dreads require multiple shampooing sessions, braids require extra care.
Washing Dreads:
Although many people have the conception that those with dreadlocks do not wash their hair, it is actually a wrong thing to assume. Dreadlocks are required to wash and the frequency depends on their maturity.
The first step is to make the dreads and scalp wet properly well. Then taking a little bit of shampoo, you need to work it into the hair. Once the proper amount of lather is created, massaging the scalp entirely is necessary.
If the dreads are matured, You need to wash your hair with a lot of water for proper cleansing. A second and third shampoo session is also recommended, and make sure to wash out everything thoroughly after each session.
Washing Box Braids:
In the case of your box braids, soak your braids and rub shampoo on your scalp ensuring that it is fully saturated. Then rinse your hair properly and use a light conditioner. Grab a big towel to soak up the maximum amount of water from your hair. Finally, let your hair dry completely and apply oil to your hair.
So, Which One is better?
Dreads and braids both are amazing hairstyles that will provide you with your desired look. While dreads can give you that messy and free vibe, braids will make you look pretty and sophisticated.
So it is difficult to answer which is better, braids or dreads. Because they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, everyone has different styles and preferences, so everyone's choice will be different.
So based on your personal opinion and analyzing the facts that we have presented in this article. Choose the right one for you according to your needs. What suits you is the best.