Locs have always been a prominent feature when it comes to aesthetics within many Caribbean cultures.

“In the Caribbean, hair is more than just a physical attribute; it is a vital form of self-expression and identity. The rich history of locs, braids, and natural styles reflects cultural pride and heritage,” says Jeana Dorival, the 44-year-old loctician and founder of Tiny Hands Locs from London.

Jeana, who is of Dominican heritage, has been crafting locs for several years and her work within her community and culture has surpassed just hairstyling.

Her accolades speak for themselves, her success and hard work was honoured with the Business of the Year award in 2023 and the Black Honour award last year.

Besides her salon being a hub for connection and celebrating culture, Jeana’s salon provides a space for her community to indulge in holistic hair care.

“My journey with locs began in 2004 when I started growing my own. This experience not only deepened my connection to my natural hair but also fuelled my passion for crafting and caring for others’ locs. This realisation inspired me to establish Tiny Hands Locs.

“Caribbean culture significantly inspires my work at Tiny Hands Locs. The vibrant traditions, styles, and deep-rooted appreciation for natural hair within Caribbean communities profoundly influence my approach to hairstyling and loc care,” says Jeana.

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They are very distinct to any other hairstyle specifically due to the level of commitment it takes due to the process of literally interlocking the strands of hair semi permanently.

“I draw true inspiration from the joy and enthusiasm my clients express when they see their beautifully crafted hair. Witnessing their transformation not just in appearance but also in confidence brings immense fulfilment to my work.

“To me, locs represent a powerful form of self-expression and individuality. They embody the rich diversity of culture and heritage, allowing each person to showcase their unique identity and story,” says Jeana.

Locs are a symbol of heritage and deep-rooted culture which has been sustained for centuries. It’s more than a hair style.

The intricate style of locs can range from micro locs to sister locks which are smaller, more malleable styles to freeform locs which are thicker and more natural looking.

Alongsie styling Jeana also has a line of natural, high-quality, authentic products made to enhance and nourish natural hair.

“This work transcends mere hairstyling; it is a calling to uplift and empower individuals through their natural beauty.

“We are not just crafting hairstyles; we are nurturing self-esteem, fostering community, and celebrating the beauty that exists within us all,” says Jeana.

Jeana’s work doesn’t stop at styling locs if anything it’s just the beginning as she visits correctional facilities to provide hair care services.

She aims to encourage inclusion and diversity by offering inmates belonging and dignity through self-care.

Kamila, a 44 year old loctician from London who was born in Poland is the owner of Royal Headz Dreadlocks.

“When I started my loc journey 23 years ago, I still lived in Poland and it took me a few months to get my hair right. I wasn’t sure how to begin.

“But back then in the early 2000s, in a mid-size town in northern Poland, diversity was non-existent, finding anyone who can do alternative hairstyles was basically impossible,” says Kamila.

Despite locs not being as popular at the time and there not being a huge community of people with locs, Kamila recognised the beauty in them and was sure to achieve her desired style.

“Once I left secondary school and gained more freedom and independence, I decided to express my admiration for Black culture by wearing my hair differently.

“Locs have always been a symbol of freedom for me, especially freedom to be your true self, the one that shouts ‘I don’t care what you think about me!’, I naturally became more confident and accepting of myself.

“I separated my soft Caucasian hair into sections and started twisting them. My hair was saved by a lovely chap, Martin, a fellow student I met at university. He had beautiful, thick, blond locs; he crocheted my hair.

“I was finally able to look after my own hair. I have had locs ever since, I have experimented a lot with them, from thickening and extending to splitting and slimming, I have done it all and I learned a lot in the process,” says Kamila.

For years now, she has been specialising in making locs from scratch using a crochet method which is a technique that has been incredibly useful for clients wanting to repair or extend their locs.

“What I love even more though is all the friendships I made along the way and the ability to deeply connect to people,” says Kamila.

Chrissy, the founder of Chrissy Dreads Services similarly has been working specifically on locs for over a decade now.

“I’ve spent 19 years of my life wearing my hair in locs, and it is way more to me than just a hairstyle.

“Initially most of my experience was in Caucasian, straight hair, but as the years have gone on, my experiences have led me to work with people from all over the world, including a lot of different hair types,” says Chrissy.

The appreciation and recognition of locs have gained significant traction recently with more and more women and men choosing to do it to their hair.

“I believe it is important to respect and give recognition to the roots and culture of this hair style, to be able to better understand it and provide it as a service,” says Chrissy.

Women like Jeana, Kamila and Chrissy are the women that are cultivating spaces that spread the power and beauty of locs.