Hairstyles in 2016 have taken on a mind of their own and are more individualized than ever. Rap artist like The Weeknd and Lil Yachty are two examples of people that have taken self-expression to a whole different level. Whether you feel they’re fashion forward or need to be forgotten like your ex, they succeed at their mission, getting your attention. One hairstyle that can always be counted on to grab attention is dreadlocks. The style popularized by Bob Marley, and because of that have become synonymous with rasta culture along with a plethora of other stigmas.

1. Dreads are dirty.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dreads are as healthy, if not healthier than other hairstyles because of the natural materials used to form them. In fact, the less that you put in your hair the more beneficial it will be in the long run for your dreads.

2. You can’t get your hair wet.

Again false. It’s crucial that you wash your hair to maintain healthy hair and scalp. As mentioned before, less is more. You don’t need to wash your hair as often. Oh, and swimming isn’t an issue. The water helps them lock and become stronger, just be careful when you dry them

3. Only black people can wear dreads.

Dreads are one of the most natural hairstyles that have been worn and look good on almost every race. Some of the earliest accounts of dreads being worn are by the ancient Chinese.

4. Dreads take forever to grow.

This one is actually true. Patience is key when it come to dreads. They’re truly an investment and test your will from the beginning. The first couple days, they’re fresh, neat, and in order. But after that first week, the flaws start to show. Some become undone, there fuzzy ends that haven’t quite locked and every dread hasn’t locked so it kind of looks like an organized mess. Until they’re a bit longer, they don’t do what you want. What’s best is to just stay the course. You know the look that you’re trying to achieve, so just wait, you’ll get there.

5. You have to cut your hair when you take them out.

This is again false. The only reason that dreads should be cut out is if something goes wrong. Meaning if they’re locked poorly, or really of you just want to cut them and not keep all the hair you worked to grow.

In the end, dreads have been given a pretty bad reputation for no reason. The truth is that anyone can grow dreads and be proud of what they wear. I am proud to wear my dreads, even if they’re just babies at this point. The fact of the matter is that you are free to wear any hairstyle you want and be proud of who you are no matter how many looks you may get. Not all of them are always bad.