Dreads are a type of hair style that is made from twisting or back combing your hair. They can look very cool and can also make you look a bit different. The process of creating dreadlocks is not exactly straightforward. If you are considering doing it, there are a few things you should know.
First, there are three basic types of dreadlocks. Strand twist dreads are formed by twisting each strand in one direction. These dreads can be either permanent or temporary. Permanent dreads require the person to wash and blow dry their hair before the procedure. This will help to raise the dreads up and give them some extra volume. You will also need to find some sort of tightening gel.
Another dread-making procedure is called palm rolling. This technique is the most effective, and it should be done daily to keep the dreads from unraveling. It is also the best at keeping them looking defined.
Using the proper dread comb is another key to forming dreads. Rather than using a regular comb, you should try a finely toothed metal comb. Unlike ordinary combs, this comb won’t break if you yank on a knot.
Creating dreadlocks is a lengthy process. If you want to get the most out of your efforts, you’ll need to be patient. On average, it takes eight months to a year for dreads to form. After this time, you should expect to see some unraveling. However, the process is well worth the wait. Besides, you might be surprised at how short your dreads will end up being!
Next, you’ll need to section your hair. This can be done with a comb, fingers or clips. Make sure to start with a wide section. A one-inch-wide section is ideal. Alternatively, you can divide your hair into finger-sized sections, which will allow you to create a thicker dread.
Once you have finished dividing your hair, you should take a good look at the results. The dreads should be a good quarter of an inch shorter than their original length. In addition, your dreads should be able to be combed in a single motion. Keeping the section a couple of inches from the root of the hair will help to ensure that they aren’t too heavy to manage.
Wax is a great way to smooth out your dreads. But it’s not the only way to achieve this. Backcombing is another option, but it is not the easiest of procedures. You can use a comb to back comb the first couple of strands, but you’ll need to comb the rest of the hair in reverse.
For the best result, don’t be tempted to skip the wax. Leaving it on can create buildup and leave your dreads in a messy state. Using a dread-specific product, such as Knotty Boy Dread Wax, can be a much better option.
Dreads are a natural result of the Rastafarian culture, but you can still get the look. There are a few ways to create them, but the easiest and most effective is palm rolling.