Embark on a charming journey into the realm of dreadlocks, the place rebellious strands dance with untamed freedom. Whether or not you are a seasoned dreadhead or a curious novice, we unveil the secrets and techniques to locking in your dreads, guaranteeing they stand tall and defy the legal guidelines of gravity. Dive into the world of dreadology, the place historical strategies meet trendy improvements, promising a mane that instructions consideration and sparks intrigue.
The trail to dreadlocks isn’t with out its challenges, however worry not, for we will information you thru the uncharted waters. From the preliminary means of sectioning and twisting to the important upkeep routines, we cowl each step with precision and readability. Be taught the artwork of backcombing, unraveling the mysteries behind palm rolling, and discover the wonders of interlocking, a way that guarantees rock-solid dreads. Alongside the best way, we’ll dispel frequent misconceptions and arm you with sensible tricks to hold your dreadlocks thriving.
Embrace the transformative energy of dreadlocks, a logo of liberation and self-expression. Witness the journey from unruly strands to mesmerizing coils as we delve into the intricacies of dreadlock formation and upkeep. Whether or not you search the basic dreadhead look or want a extra intricate model, we’ll empower you with the data and strategies to attain your required aesthetic. So, put together your self to embark on a unprecedented voyage, the place your hair turns into a canvas for creativity and a testomony to your unyielding spirit.
The Pre-Locking Wash
Earlier than you’ll be able to start the locking course of, it’s important to totally cleanse your hair to take away any grime, oil, or product buildup that will impede the formation of dreadlocks. This pre-locking wash is essential for guaranteeing that your dreads lock correctly and preserve their integrity over time.
To realize optimum outcomes, observe these steps for the pre-locking wash:
1. Clarifying Shampoo:
Begin by utilizing a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup and extra sebum out of your hair. These shampoos are formulated to deep clear the scalp and hair, leaving it feeling refreshed and freed from residue. Keep away from utilizing shampoos that comprise silicones, as they will coat the hair and make it tougher for the dreads to lock.
| Clarifying Shampoos |
|---|
| Teatree Clarifying Shampoo |
| Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Mix Shampoo |
| Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two |
2. Deep Conditioning:
After clarifying your hair, apply a deep conditioner to revive moisture and forestall dryness. This step is important for conditioning and detangling your hair, making it extra manageable for the locking course of.
| Deep Conditioning Merchandise |
|---|
| SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque |
| Cantu Shea Butter for Pure Hair Deep Remedy Masks |
| Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Masks |
3. Rinse and Dry:
Totally rinse out the deep conditioner and gently towel-dry your hair. Keep away from rubbing or wringing your hair, as this will harm the fragile strands and disrupt the locking course of.
Sectioning and Moisturizing
Sectioning
Dividing your hair into sections earlier than locking helps to maintain your locks organized and prevents tangling. To part your hair, use a comb to create partings in your scalp. The dimensions of the sections will depend upon the specified thickness of your dreadlocks. For thicker dreadlocks, use bigger sections. For thinner dreadlocks, use smaller sections.
| Part Dimension | Dreadlock Thickness |
|---|---|
| Giant (1-2 inches) | Thick |
| Medium (1/2-1 inch) | Medium |
| Small (1/4-1/2 inch) | Skinny |
Moisturizing
Moisturizing your hair earlier than and after locking is crucial for protecting it wholesome and stopping breakage. Use a pure oil, comparable to coconut oil or jojoba oil, to therapeutic massage into your scalp and locks. This may assist to seal in moisture and shield your hair from harm.
Listed below are some suggestions for moisturizing your dreadlocks:
- Apply moisturizer to your scalp and locks often, particularly after washing your hair.
- Use a pure oil that’s particularly designed for dreadlocks.
- Therapeutic massage the oil into your scalp and locks utilizing round motions.
- Enable the oil to take a seat in your hair for not less than half-hour earlier than rinsing it out.
Backcombing or Teasing
Backcombing, often known as teasing, is a hair-styling method generally used to create dreadlocks. It entails utilizing a comb or decide to brush the hair backwards in opposition to the grain, creating raised ridges and tangles.
To backcomb successfully, divide the hair into small sections and begin combing from the foundation in the direction of the ends. Give attention to making a tough and textured floor that can encourage the hair to tangle. Keep away from over-combing, as it may harm the hair and make it liable to breakage.
As soon as the hair is totally backcombed, it is vital to keep up the tangles and forestall the hair from unraveling. This may be achieved by means of varied strategies, together with:
Palm Rolling
Roll the dreadlock between your palms, making use of strain to create friction and entangle the hair.
Crocheting
Use a specialised crochet hook to hook the free hairs and pull them into the dreadlock. This technique is right for creating even and tight locs.
Waxing
Apply a small quantity of beeswax or dread wax to the dreadlock and work it in utilizing your fingers. The wax will assist maintain the hairs collectively and forestall frizz.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is one other efficient technique for locking dreads. Whereas it takes a bit extra effort and time than twisting or backcombing, palm rolling can create extra uniform and well-defined dreadlocks.
To palm roll your dreads:
Step 1: Separate the Hair
Separate a small part of hair from the remainder of your hair. The part needs to be concerning the measurement of your thumb.
Step 2: Roll the Part
Take the part of hair in a single hand and place it within the palm of your different hand. Use your fingers to roll the hair in a clockwise course for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Lock the Roll
After you have rolled the part of hair, maintain it in your hand for a number of seconds to permit it to set. You can too use a crochet hook or latch hook to lock the roll in place. To make use of a crochet hook or latch hook, insert the hook into the middle of the roll and pull the hair by means of the hook. Repeat this course of till the roll is locked in place.
Step 4: Palm Roll Common Upkeep
After your dreads have been palm rolled, it is very important palm roll them often to keep up their form and definition. Palm rolling needs to be accomplished each 2-4 weeks, or extra usually if vital.
Utilizing a Crochet Hook
Supplies:
- Crochet hook
- Rattail comb
- Hair wax or gel (elective)
Steps:
- Begin with clear, dry hair that’s sectioned into small, equal-sized sections.
- Take a small part of hair and backcomb it calmly to create a knot.
- Use the crochet hook to hook the knot and pull it by means of the hair shaft.
- Tighten the knot by gently pulling on each ends of the hair part.
- **Superior Method: Interlocking Dreads**
- As a substitute of pulling the knot by means of the hair shaft, use the crochet hook to create an interlocking loop.
- Insert the hook into the bottom of 1 dread and hook the opposite dread from behind.
- Pull the hooked dread by means of the loop to create an interlocking knot.
- Repeat this course of till the 2 dreads are securely interlocked.
- This system creates a tighter and extra sturdy lock.
- Repeat steps 1-5 for all hair sections till all dreads are locked in.
Suggestions:
- Use a fine-tipped crochet hook for tighter locks.
- Apply hair wax or gel to scale back frizz and improve maintain.
- Be affected person and take your time to keep away from damaging your hair.
Locking with Needle and Thread
Utilizing a needle and thread to lock dreads is a extra time-consuming technique, however it affords a number of benefits:
- It gives a safer maintain than different strategies.
- It helps to maintain dreads neat and tidy.
- It might assist to stop frizz and tangles.
Supplies You may Want
To lock dreads with a needle and thread, you will want the next supplies:
- A pointy needle
- Sturdy thread in a pure shade that matches your hair
- A pair of scissors
- A rattail comb
- Beeswax (elective)
Step-by-Step Directions
To lock dreads with a needle and thread, observe these steps:
- Begin by separating a small part of hair on the base of the dread.
- Use the rattail comb to backcomb the hair till it turns into matted and tangled.
- Thread the needle with a double strand of thread and knot the ends.
- Insert the needle into the middle of the matted hair and pull the thread by means of.
- Wrap the thread across the dread a number of instances, securing it with a knot.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 till all the dread is locked. To lock the roots, divide them into small sections. Maintain the sections in place together with your fingers and wrap the thread across the roots whereas making use of stress. Safe with a knot. Repeat with the opposite sections till the roots are utterly wrapped.
- Trim any extra thread.
- Apply beeswax to the threads to assist safe them (elective).
Interlocking
Interlocking is a technique of locking dreadlocks collectively utilizing a crochet hook or different small, pointed instrument. This system creates a extra everlasting maintain than palm rolling or twisting, and it may be used to restore free or damaged dreads.
To interlock dreadlocks, begin by separating two dreadlocks which might be shut collectively. Use the crochet hook to create a small loop on the base of 1 dreadlock. Then, insert the hook into the loop and pull the opposite dreadlock by means of. Tighten the loop to safe the dreadlocks collectively.
Repeat this course of till the entire dreadlocks are interlocked. You should definitely work in small sections, in order that you do not put an excessive amount of stress on the dreadlocks. Additionally, watch out to not interlock the dreadlocks too tightly, as this will trigger breakage.
Interlocking could be a time-consuming course of, however it’s a very efficient strategy to lock dreadlocks. This system can be utilized to create a wide range of completely different dreadlock kinds, together with locs, coils, and twists.
Listed below are some suggestions for interlocking dreadlocks:
- Use a pointy crochet hook or different small, pointed instrument.
- Begin by separating two dreadlocks which might be shut collectively.
- Create a small loop on the base of 1 dreadlock.
- Insert the hook into the loop and pull the opposite dreadlock by means of.
- Tighten the loop to safe the dreadlocks collectively.
- Repeat this course of till the entire dreadlocks are interlocked.
- Work in small sections, in order that you do not put an excessive amount of stress on the dreadlocks.
Twist and Rip Methodology
The twist and rip technique is a extra aggressive method that produces smaller, tighter dreadlocks. It entails twisting sections of hair after which ripping them aside. This technique is finest fitted to shorter hair, as longer hair can develop into too tangled and troublesome to separate.
Supplies
- Large-toothed comb
- Dreadlock wax (elective)
Steps
- Wash and totally dry your hair.
- Part your hair into small, equal elements.
- Twist every part tightly and maintain it for a number of seconds.
- Pull the hair aside on the ends, creating two strands.
- Roll the strands collectively towards the scalp, making a dreadlock.
- Repeat steps 3-5 for every part of hair.
- As soon as all of the dreadlocks are shaped, rub dreadlock wax into them to assist maintain them collectively.
- Dry your dreadlocks totally utilizing a blow dryer or air dryer.
8. Palm Rolling
This system can improve the locking course of by smoothing out any free hairs and inspiring dreadlock formation.
- Supplies: N/A
- Steps:
- Place your palm over the bottom of a dreadlock.
- Roll the dreadlock between your palm and fingers, making use of mild strain.
- Repeat for 5-10 minutes per dreadlock.
- Carry out palm rolling often (each few days) till the dreadlocks start to mature.
Kinds and Upkeep
Dreadlocks, often known as locs, are a flexible and distinctive coiffure that may be styled in varied methods. From basic freeform to intricate pattern-based, there is a model to go well with each persona and choice.
Upkeep
To take care of wholesome and vibrant dreadlocks, common care is crucial. Listed below are some key steps to observe:
Washing
Wash your locs each 1-2 weeks with a light shampoo designed for dreadlocks. Keep away from over-washing, as this will strip away pure oils.
Drying
After washing, air-dry your locs as a lot as doable to reduce breakage. You should utilize a towel to softly pat them dry, however keep away from rubbing vigorously.
Retwisting
Common retwisting helps preserve the locs’ form and prevents frizz. Retwist each 4-6 weeks, relying on the expansion charge and desired look.
Oiling
Making use of a light-weight oil to your locs helps hold them moisturized and wholesome. It additionally helps forestall breakage and encourages progress.
Scalp Care
The scalp beneath your locs wants consideration too. Therapeutic massage it gently together with your fingertips to stimulate blood movement and take away any buildup.
Safety
When sleeping or participating in strenuous actions, cowl your locs with a bonnet or scarf to stop friction and harm.
Trimming
As your locs develop, break up ends might seem. Trim them often to keep up a wholesome look and forestall breakage.
Coloring
If desired, you’ll be able to shade your locs. Use a dye particularly designed for dreadlocks and observe the directions fastidiously.
Equipment
Decorate your locs with beads, clips, or scarves to personalize your model and add a contact of aptitude.
Persistence and Consistency
Embrace the Timeframe
Enable ample time for the dreading course of, sometimes spanning a number of months to years. Keep away from dashing the journey, as persistence fosters optimum dreadlock formation.
Common Interlocking and Palm Rolling
Interlocking dreads with a crochet hook or palm rolling strengthens them and prevents unraveling. Interlock or palm roll often, particularly in the course of the preliminary phases of formation.
Keep away from Chemical Remedies
Chorus from utilizing hair gels, sprays, or different chemical therapies that intrude with dreadlock formation. These merchandise can go away residue or loosen locks.
Sectioning and Separating
Divide hair into sections and separate particular person dreads to advertise even locking and forestall matting. Use clips or hair ties to maintain sections aside.
Upkeep and Hygiene
Correct upkeep entails washing dreads with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from brushing or combing, as this will harm locs.
Persistence and Consistency in Motion
Months 1-3: Basis Constructing
Start interlocking or palm rolling often (each 2-3 weeks). Give attention to creating a powerful basis and separating dreads.
Months 4-6: Steady Progress
Interlocking or palm rolling turns into much less frequent (each 4-6 weeks). Dreads begin to mature and develop into extra outlined.
Months 7-12 and Past: Upkeep and Evolution
Common upkeep stays essential. Dreadlocks proceed to mature and will develop character and persona.
| Timeframe | Upkeep |
|---|---|
| Months 1-3 | Frequent interlocking/palm rolling, sectioning |
| Months 4-6 | Much less frequent interlocking/palm rolling, separation |
| Months 7-12+ | Common upkeep, washing |
How To Lock In Dreads
Locking dreadlocks is the method of making a everlasting, matted look to your hair. This may be achieved by means of a wide range of strategies, every with its personal benefits and downsides.
Probably the most frequent strategies of locking dreadlocks is the crochet hook method. This entails utilizing a small crochet hook to drag the free hair into the bottom of the dreadlock, creating a good, compact look. The crochet hook method might be time-consuming and requires some follow to get good outcomes.
One other technique of locking dreadlocks is the backcombing method. This entails utilizing a comb to backcomb the hair in opposition to itself, making a tangled and matted look. The backcombing method might be quicker than the crochet hook method, however it may also be extra damaging to the hair.
A 3rd technique of locking dreadlocks is the neglect technique. This entails merely leaving your hair alone and permitting it to naturally dreadlock over time. The neglect technique is the least labor-intensive, however it may additionally take the longest to see outcomes.
After you have chosen a way of locking dreadlocks, you will want to be ready for a interval of adjustment. Your hair will seemingly develop into dry and brittle, and you might expertise some itching and scalp irritation. These signs are regular and can often subside inside a number of weeks.
After your dreadlocks have locked, you will want to keep up them often to maintain them trying wholesome. This may contain washing your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioning it with a leave-in conditioner. Additionally, you will must separate your dreadlocks occasionally to stop them from fusing collectively.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Lock In Dreads
How Lengthy Does It Take To Lock Dreads?
The time it takes to lock dreadlocks varies relying on the tactic you employ and the kind of hair you may have. Generally, the crochet hook method takes the longest, whereas the neglect technique takes the least period of time.
How Do You Stop Dreads From Unlocking?
There are some things you are able to do to stop your dreadlocks from unlocking. First, make sure that to clean your hair with a residue-free shampoo and situation it with a leave-in conditioner. Second, separate your dreadlocks occasionally to stop them from fusing collectively. Lastly, keep away from utilizing merchandise that comprise alcohol or sulfates, as these components can break down the dreadlock formation.
How Do You Clear Dreads?
To scrub your dreadlocks, use a residue-free shampoo and work it into the roots of your hair. Rinse your hair totally after which apply a leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Keep away from utilizing merchandise that comprise alcohol or sulfates, as these components can break down the dreadlock formation.
