Dreadlocks are a popular hairstyle that’s made up of rope-like strands. They can be made using many different methods, including braiding and interlocking. They can be worn for religious, cultural, or even just aesthetic reasons. However, the process of starting dreads can be tricky.
Some methods are easier than others, so it’s important to choose the right one for your hair type. You may also want to consider the maintenance of your dreads when it comes to how often you wash and moisturize them.
Brushing
You can start dreads with a soft-bristled brush or sponge brush, which is specifically designed to produce dreads in hair. Do small circular movements with the brush, and apply cream or wax to each ball that forms. This will take about a minute for each ball, and works well on coarse or wavy hair that’s 3/4” to 2.5” long (1.905 cm to 6.35 cm).
Backcombing
You might have a friend who can help you backcomb your hair, which is an old-fashioned method of forming dreadlocks. This will produce dreads on hair that’s at least 3 inches or 7.6 cm long, and it takes time to grow. You will probably need to wait a few months until your hair grows to that length.
The dreads produced by this method tend to have more volume than the other methods. You will also need to keep them moisturised and trimmed regularly to maintain their shape.
Three-strand twists
This is a less complicated method than braiding or finger coils, but it is a great option for those with kinky, curly hair. It’s similar to a 3-strand braid, but instead of twisting the strands being braided, you are twisting them in the opposite direction that you are braiding them (counter clockwise).
After a few months, your locks should begin to lock together and you can remove the rubber bands used to hold them in place. It’s also important to avoid applying too much tension, as this can lead to the dreads becoming broken.
Repairs and Tension
As you comb your dreads, it’s important to check for any damaged areas or knots in the hair. These can break off and cause your dreads to look bad, so be sure to take care of any problems you find while you’re growing them out.
Keeping your hair healthy and moisturized will also help your dreads to lock properly. Make sure you use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that won’t leave any residue behind in your locs.
Wax and dread wax are popular options for dreadlock maintenance, but you can also try hair creams. A hair cream will not only give your dreads moisture, but it will also provide them with a little more structure.
Locs are a beautiful and unique hairstyle, but they require a lot of patience and care. You can’t rush the process, but it’s worth it if you want to have dreads.
The best way to learn how to start dreadlocks is to experiment with different styles and techniques until you find one that works for your hair type. Once you’ve learned how to do it, you can start enjoying the dreads that you have!