In relation to hairstyles, dreadlocks are a novel and attention-grabbing selection. Whereas they’re typically related to pure afro-textured hair, it’s doable to realize dreadlocks on straight hair as nicely. Nevertheless, the method differs from the strategies used for curly or coily hair. You probably have straight hair and also you’re contemplating getting dreadlocks, understanding the methods and the extent of dedication concerned is important.
One of many key variations between creating dreadlocks on straight hair and textured hair is the start line. With textured hair, the pure curl sample helps kind the locs. In distinction, straight hair lacks this texture, so you will have to create the locs manually. There are a number of strategies for doing this, such because the backcombing method or the crochet technique. These methods contain creating small sections of hair and manipulating them to kind tight coils that can finally dread up. The backcombing technique includes brushing the hair towards the grain, whereas the crochet technique makes use of a crochet hook to create the locs.
The journey to dreadlocks on straight hair requires persistence, dedication, and correct upkeep. The preliminary locking course of can take a number of hours, relying on the size and thickness of your hair. As soon as the dreadlocks are shaped, they have to be cared for repeatedly to forestall unraveling and hold them wholesome. This consists of common washing, conditioning, and retwisting. Retwisting is the method of tightening the roots of the dreadlocks to forestall new hair development from creating unfastened hairs that might weaken the locs. The frequency of retwisting will differ relying on the specified tightness of the locs and the speed of hair development. With the best care and a spotlight, dreadlocks can turn into an exquisite and long-lasting coiffure that provides character and magnificence to your look.
Understanding the Completely different Varieties of Dreads
Dreads, also called locs or dreadlocks, are a novel coiffure shaped by the matting and locking of hair strands. Whereas dreads are sometimes related to reggae tradition, they’ve a wealthy historical past throughout numerous cultures and have gained recognition as a trendy and expressive coiffure. Understanding the various kinds of dreads is important earlier than embarking on the journey of getting them executed.
Conventional Dreads
- Pure Dreads: Created by washing the hair sometimes and permitting it to lock naturally by friction and the buildup of pure oils. This course of can take a number of months to years and requires appreciable persistence and dedication.
- Backcombing: Entails utilizing a brush to tease the hair whereas holding it taut, creating tiny knots that finally kind dreads. This technique will be executed at residence however requires a big quantity of effort and time.
- Twist and Rip Dreads: Created by twisting two strands of hair collectively after which separating or "ripping" them aside. This system ends in dreads with a much less uniform look however will be sooner than backcombing.
- Crochet Dreads: An expert technique that makes use of a crochet hook to drag the hair by the scalp and create dreads instantly on the roots. This system affords exact management over the dimensions and form of the dreads however will be time-consuming and costly.
| Kind of Dread | Technique | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Pure | Washing sometimes, permitting pure locking | Natural, irregular form |
| Backcombing | Teasing hair taut and brushing | Knotty, cylindrical form |
| Twist and Rip | Twisting, then separating strands | Unfastened, uneven form |
| Crochet | Utilizing a hook to drag hair by scalp | Exact, uniform form |
Making ready Straight Hair for Dreading
Making ready straight hair for dreading is important to make sure profitable, wholesome dreadlocks. Comply with these steps to transition your straight hair easily:
1. Deep Clear and Detoxify
Completely cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup and impurities. It will create a clear canvas for dread formation.
2. Create Friction and Texture
To encourage tangling, create friction and texture in your hair. Use the next methods:
- Backcombing: Gently brush your hair backward towards its pure development route to create knots and snags.
- Sectioning and Twisting: Divide your hair into small sections and twist them tightly within the desired route of the dreadlocks.
- Teasing: Use a fine-toothed comb to tease the hair and create small, unfastened tangles.
- Braiding: Braid your hair tightly and go away it in for a number of hours or days to encourage dread formation.
3. Use Dreadlock Merchandise
Apply dreadlock-specific merchandise to assist mat and maintain the hair collectively. These merchandise typically comprise beeswax, lanolin, or sea salt, which create friction and encourage the formation of dreadlocks.
4. Upkeep and Separation
After getting created dreadlocks, it’s important to separate them repeatedly to forestall them from merging. Use a dreadlock separator device or your fingers to softly separate the dreadlocks on the roots.
5. Endurance and Time
It takes time for dreadlocks to mature and absolutely mature. Be affected person and keep away from extreme manipulation or touching, as this will weaken or injury the dreadlocks.
Backcombing and Sectioning
Earlier than you start, shampoo your hair and towel dry. Don’t situation or use any merchandise.
Subsequent, divide your hair into small sections utilizing a comb or rattail. The scale of the sections will decide the dimensions of your dreads. If you would like giant dreads, make bigger sections. If you would like small dreads, make smaller sections.
After getting divided your hair into sections, begin backcombing every part. This implies brushing the hair towards the grain, in direction of the basis. Backcombing will create knots and tangles, which can finally kind the dreads.
Backcomb every part for a number of minutes, till it’s utterly tangled.
Instance of detailed rationalization of Backcombing and Sectioning
To create natural-looking dreads on straight hair, backcombing and sectioning are essential steps. Here is an in depth information to those methods:
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into evenly sized sections utilizing a rattail comb. The scale of the sections will decide the thickness of your dreads. For bigger dreads, make bigger sections, and vice versa.
- Backcombing: Maintain a piece of hair taut on the roots and brush it downwards with a fine-toothed comb. It will create small knots and tangles that kind the inspiration of dreadlocks. Proceed backcombing for a number of minutes, working from the roots right down to the guidelines of the hair.
- Desk illustrating Backcombing and Sectioning:
Backcombing Sectioning – Brush hair downwards towards the grain – Divide hair into even sections – Create knots and tangles – Dimension of part determines dreadlock thickness – Proceed for a number of minutes – Rattail comb is often used Palm Rolling and Knitting for Frizz-Free Roots
Palm rolling and knitting are methods used to create dreadlocks that decrease frizz and unevenness. Here is an in depth step-by-step information:
Palm Rolling
- Divide your hair into small sections.
- Roll a piece of hair between your palms, utilizing a downward movement in direction of the scalp.
- Apply gentle strain and roll for a number of minutes till the part turns into tighter and begins to kind a dreadlock.
- Repeat for all sections of hair.
Knitting
- As soon as the sections are palm rolled, divide every part into two smaller sections.
- Hook one part over the opposite utilizing a crochet hook.
- Pull the hooked part by the loop of the opposite part to create a knot.
- Repeat this course of a number of instances, transferring upward in direction of the scalp.
- Safe the knot with a small rubber band or thread.
- Repeat for all sections of hair.
Advantages of Palm Rolling and Knitting Outcomes Reduces frizz and unevenness Easy, well-defined dreadlocks Strengthens the dreadlock connections Lengthy-lasting, safe dreadlocks Improves the general look of dreadlocks Wholesome, professional-looking locs Observe: It is necessary to be constant together with your palm rolling and knitting routine to realize optimum outcomes. Common upkeep and retwisting will assist to maintain your dreadlocks neat and freed from frizz.
Utilizing Dread Wax for Lengthy-Lasting Maintain
Dread wax is a styling product specifically formulated for dreadlocks. It supplies a powerful maintain that helps to maintain your dreads in place, stopping them from unraveling. Here is a step-by-step information on how one can use dread wax for long-lasting maintain:
Step 1: Put together Your Hair
Earlier than making use of dread wax, it is necessary to wash your hair and take away any product buildup. Use a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair.Step 2: Part Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections to make it simpler to use the wax. Begin with the again of your head and work your method as much as the highest and sides.Step 3: Apply the Dread Wax
Take a small quantity of dread wax and rub it between your palms to melt it. Apply the wax to the roots of a piece of hair, beginning about an inch from the scalp. Use your fingers to unfold the wax evenly and work it into the hair shaft.Step 4: Twist and Palm Roll
Twist the part of hair and roll it between your palms to create the dreadlock form. Repeat this course of for all of the sections of hair.Step 5: Superior Strategies for Lengthy-Lasting Maintain
For even stronger maintain, take into account these superior methods:
Approach Description Backcombing Use a comb to tease the hair roots to create texture and quantity, which helps the wax maintain higher. Interlocking Use a crochet hook or dreadlock needle to attach two dreadlocks collectively, making a safer bond. Crocheting Use a crochet hook to tighten the dreadlocks and create a extra outlined form. Step 6: Let the Wax Set
Permit the dread wax to dry utterly earlier than touching or manipulating your dreadlocks. This could take a number of hours or in a single day.Crocheting for Tighter Dreads
Crocheting is a way used to create tight, uniform dreadlocks. It includes utilizing a crochet hook to drag the hair by a piece of dreadlock, making a loop. The loop is then tightened, drawing the hair nearer collectively and securing the dreadlock. Crocheting will be executed on each dry and moist hair, however it’s typically simpler to work with moist hair as it’s extra pliable.
Supplies
- Crochet hook with a 0.5-1mm hook measurement
- Water (if crocheting on dry hair)
Directions
- Put together the hair. Half the hair into small sections, every concerning the measurement of a pencil. dampen the hair with water if essential.
- Insert the hook. Insert the crochet hook into the middle of the part of hair, about 1-2 inches from the basis.
- Seize the hair. Hook the tip of the crochet hook round a small part of hair on the backside of the part.
- Pull the hair by. Pull the hooked hair by the part, making a loop.
- Tighten the loop. Use the crochet hook to tighten the loop, drawing the hair nearer collectively and securing the dreadlock.
- Repeat. Proceed crocheting all the part of hair, working in small loops. Be affected person and take your time to make sure that the dreadlock is tight and safe.
Hair Kind Crocheting Approach Unfastened, Advantageous Hair Use a small hook measurement (0.5-0.75mm) and work in tight, even loops. Thick, Coarse Hair Use a bigger hook measurement (0.75-1mm) and work in barely looser loops. Dry Hair Dampen hair with water earlier than crocheting to make it extra pliable. Moist Hair Simpler to work with as it’s extra pliable. Making ready Straight Hair
Part off damp hair into desired dread form and measurement. Apply a small quantity of dread wax to the roots of every part. Backcomb the hair in direction of the roots utilizing a fine-toothed comb.
Introducing Warmth
Use a hair dryer on a low warmth setting to dry the backcombed hair. It will assist set the dreads in place. Watch out to not overheat the hair, as this will injury it.
Rolling and Palming
Roll every dread between your fingers in a downward movement. It will assist to tighten and form the dreads. Proceed rolling till the dreads are agency and safe.
Crocheting
Use a crochet hook to drag unfastened hair into the dread. It will assist to tighten the dreads and forestall them from changing into unfastened. Watch out to not over-crochet the dreads, as this will injury them.
Pure Tightening
Because the dreads mature, they may naturally tighten over time. Washing the dreads too typically can loosen them, so it’s endorsed to scrub them solely as soon as every week or much less.
Tightening and Sustaining Dreads
Washing
When washing your dreads, use a light shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from utilizing sizzling water, as this will loosen the dreads. Rinse your dreads totally to take away all residue.
Drying
After washing, towel dry your dreads as a lot as doable. Then, use a hair dryer on a low warmth setting to dry them utterly. It will assist to forestall mildew and micro organism from forming.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is an easy however efficient approach to tighten dreads with out utilizing any instruments. To palm roll, merely place your dread between your palms and roll it in a downward movement. Proceed rolling till the dread is tight and safe.
Crocheting
Crocheting is one other efficient approach to tighten dreads. To crochet, merely use a crochet hook to drag unfastened hair into the dread. Watch out to not over-crochet the dread, as this will injury it.
Waxing
Making use of dread wax to your dreads may also help to tighten them and make them extra sturdy. Dread wax is out there in quite a lot of formulation, so you should definitely select one that’s applicable to your hair sort. Apply the wax sparingly and work it into the dreads utilizing your fingers.
Desk of Dread Upkeep Ideas
Upkeep Tip Frequency Washing As soon as every week or much less Drying Utterly Palm Rolling As wanted Crocheting As wanted Waxing Month-to-month or much less Stopping Hair Breakage Through the Dreading Course of
Dreadlocks, a novel and individualized coiffure, are achieved by tightly twisting or matting strands of hair collectively. Whereas the dreading course of can improve the pure texture and add character, it might additionally pressure and weaken the hair, doubtlessly resulting in breakage. To mitigate this danger, a number of precautions must be taken throughout the dreading course of, making certain that the hair stays wholesome and intact.
1. Begin with Wholesome Hair
Robust, wholesome hair is much less liable to breakage. Previous to beginning the dreading course of, it is essential to nourish the hair with deep conditioning remedies, common trims to take away cut up ends, and a balanced weight-reduction plan wealthy in vitamins that assist hair development.
2. Use Stress-Decreasing Strategies
Extreme stress utilized whereas twisting or matting the hair can result in breakage. To reduce stress, use delicate backcombing or finger-coiling methods, avoiding vigorous pulling or tugging on the hair.
3. Keep away from Chemical Therapies
Hair that has been chemically handled (bleached, dyed, relaxed, and many others.) is extra fragile and vulnerable to breakage. It is advisable to permit ample time for the hair to get well from any prior chemical remedies earlier than beginning the dreading course of.
4. Maintain Hair Moisturized
Moisturized hair is extra pliable and fewer more likely to break. Use leave-in conditioners, hair oils, or pure moisturizing merchandise to maintain the hair hydrated all through the dreading course of.
5. Part Hair into Smaller Items
Dreadlocks created from bigger sections of hair usually tend to turn into heavy and trigger breakage. As a substitute, divide the hair into smaller sections, selling even distribution of weight and lowering pressure on particular person strands.
6. Steadily Tighten Dreads
Keep away from tightening dreadlocks an excessive amount of too quickly. Begin with unfastened twists or mats and progressively tighten them over time because the hair naturally locks collectively. This enables the hair to adapt and minimizes stress.
7. Use Protecting Types
Whereas dreadlocks are forming, it is useful to put on protecting types like buns or braids to forestall tangles, snags, and extreme friction that might result in breakage.
8. Keep away from Styling Chemical substances and Warmth
Chemical styling merchandise, resembling hair gels, mousses, and pomades, can crush the hair, promote tangles, and improve the chance of breakage. Equally, keep away from utilizing warmth styling instruments like blow dryers and flat irons, as warmth can injury and weaken the hair.
Extra Ideas for Relaxed Hair
Tip
Rationalization
Moisturize hair repeatedly
Use leave-in conditioners, hair oils, or pure moisturizing merchandise to forestall dryness and cut back tangles.
Keep away from extreme brushing
Brushing relaxed hair too typically can result in breakage. As a substitute, detangle hair gently utilizing a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.
Use satin or silk pillowcases
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can create friction and injury hair. Satin or silk pillowcases are gentler on hair, lowering breakage.
Troubleshooting Widespread Issues
9. Dreads Are Too Tight
Causes:
- Locs have been sectioned too small.
- Locs have been pulled too tightly when forming.
- Locs have been wrapped too tightly in towels.
- Locs have been dried with an excessive amount of warmth.
Options:
Severity Answer Gentle Moisturize locs with a heavy oil, resembling coconut or olive oil. Gently pull aside the locs together with your fingers. Reasonable Use a loc loosening device or a crochet hook to fastidiously separate the locs. Apply a scalp moisturizer to forestall dryness. Extreme Go to an expert loctician. They’ll use specialised strategies to loosen the locs with out damaging them. Interlocking or Crocheting
These strategies contain utilizing a particular device to tightly interlock or crochet the dreads collectively, making a extra compact and unified look. Interlocking is often used for dreads which might be well-established, whereas crocheting is extra appropriate for newer dreads.
Palm Rolling
This system includes utilizing the palms of your fingers to roll the dreads forwards and backwards, serving to to mat the hair and create a extra outlined form. Palm rolling will be executed repeatedly to take care of the form and texture of the dreads.
Backcombing
Backcombing is a way used to create dreads by brushing the hair towards the grain, inflicting the hair to tangle and kind knots. This technique can be utilized to begin new dreads or to restore sections of current dreads.
Twisting
Twisting includes separating sections of hair and twisting them collectively, making a spiral form. Over time, the twists will tighten and kind dreads. Twisting will be executed with or with out the usage of merchandise.
Wicking
Wicking is a technique that makes use of a particular wicking device to create dreads. The device is inserted into the hair and pulled out, creating a skinny, rope-like dread that’s usually very tight and outlined.
Aftercare Ideas for Wholesome, Vibrant Dreads
Wash Usually
Dreadlocks must be washed repeatedly to forestall buildup of dust, oil, and product. Use a pure shampoo and keep away from harsh chemical substances or detergents that may strip the hair of its pure oils.
Moisturize
Dreadlocks have to be moisturized to maintain them wholesome and forestall breakage. Use a pure hair butter or oil to hydrate the hair and seal in moisture.
Retwist Usually
Retwisting helps to take care of the form and tightness of the dreadlocks. The frequency of retwisting will differ relying on the person and the specified look.
Defend from Warmth
Warmth can injury dreadlocks, so it is necessary to guard them from warmth sources resembling blow dryers and curling irons. Use a warmth protectant spray or wrap the dreadlocks in a shawl or bandana when uncovered to warmth.
Keep away from Chemical substances
Harsh chemical substances, resembling bleach or hair dyes, can injury dreadlocks and trigger them to interrupt. It is best to keep away from utilizing chemical substances on dreadlocks except completely essential.
Use Dreadlock-Particular Merchandise
There are a number of dreadlock-specific merchandise obtainable, resembling shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids. These merchandise are formulated to satisfy the distinctive wants of dreadlocks and assist to maintain them wholesome and looking out their finest.
Be Affected person
Rising and sustaining dreadlocks takes time and persistence. Do not get discouraged if they do not look excellent instantly. With correct care and a spotlight, your dreadlocks will develop an exquisite, distinctive character over time.
Learn how to Do Dreads on Straight Hair
Creating dreadlocks on straight hair is a fancy course of that requires persistence and dedication. Whereas pure dreadlocks kind over time on account of neglect and lack of brushing, creating dreads on straight hair includes actively manipulating the hair to imitate this pure course of.
Folks Additionally Ask
How lengthy does it take to get dreads on straight hair?
The time it takes to get dreads on straight hair can differ relying on numerous elements, resembling hair size, thickness, and the tactic used. Usually, it might take wherever from a number of months to a yr or extra to realize absolutely mature dreadlocks.
Can you sweep out dreads?
As soon as dreadlocks have absolutely matured, brushing them out isn’t really useful as it might trigger injury and breakage to the hair. If you wish to take away dreadlocks, it is best to seek the advice of with an expert hairstylist who makes a speciality of loc upkeep.
Learn how to keep dreads on straight hair?
Sustaining dreadlocks on straight hair requires a distinct method than pure dreads. Common upkeep consists of separating and tightening new development, utilizing palm rolling methods to encourage locking, and washing and conditioning the hair much less steadily to keep away from loosening the dreads.
