Embark on a journey of transformation and embrace the charming attract of dreadlocks. Whether or not you search to reconnect along with your roots or specific your individuality, this information will empower you with the important information to embark on the trail of making pure dreadlocks at residence. The method includes persistence, care, and a deep appreciation for the distinctive magnificence that arises from untamed hair.
Earlier than embarking on the dreadlock-making course of, it’s essential to determine a strong basis of wholesome hair. Start with a radical cleaning routine, eradicating any product buildup or impurities. Enable your hair to dry naturally, avoiding the usage of warmth styling instruments that may weaken the hair shaft and hinder the formation of dreadlocks. Subsequent, part your hair into manageable components, utilizing parting instruments or just your fingers. This can present a framework for creating uniform dreadlocks.
The method you select for creating dreadlocks will rely in your hair sort and desired end result. The twisting technique includes dividing hair sections and twisting them firmly till they start to tangle and type dreadlocks. Alternatively, the backcombing technique entails backcombing hair sections aggressively, creating matted areas that may finally turn into dreadlocks. Whichever method you utilize, guarantee to work with persistence and precision, taking note of the course and alignment of your hair to realize a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing consequence.
Sectioning and Preparation
1. Hair Varieties and Necessities
The kind of pure hair performs an important position within the dreadlock formation course of. Preferrred hair sorts for dreadlocks embody kinky, coily, or tightly curled hair textures, which have a pure tendency to tangle and knot. Straight or wavy hair, however, could require extra help to create and preserve dreadlocks.
Earlier than beginning the dreadlocking course of, it is important to contemplate the porosity and situation of your hair. Extremely porous hair absorbs moisture simply and should require extra frequent upkeep to maintain dreadlocks wholesome and stop dryness. Dry, broken, or chemically processed hair could also be extra inclined to breakage and require additional care through the early phases of dreadlock growth.
Moreover, the size of your hair will affect the scale and variety of dreadlocks you’ll be able to create. Longer hair can accommodate extra and bigger dreadlocks, whereas shorter hair could also be higher suited to smaller, tighter dreads. Nevertheless, remember that as dreadlocks mature, they have an inclination to shrink in size, so it is necessary to start out with hair that’s at the least shoulder-length or longer for optimum outcomes.
Hair Size Necessities by Dreadlock Measurement:
| Dreadlock Measurement | Minimal Hair Size |
|---|---|
| Small (pencil-width) | Shoulder-length (bra-strap size) |
| Medium (marker-width) | Mid-back size (armpit size) |
| Massive (thumb-width) | Waist-length (hip size) |
4. Washing and Detangling
Getting ready your hair for dreadlocks includes completely washing and detangling it to take away any dust, product buildup, or knots. Use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product residue and open up the hair cuticles. Keep away from utilizing conditioners or leave-in merchandise, as they will make hair slippery and hinder the dreadlocking course of.
As soon as your hair is clear, gently detangle it utilizing a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush. Work your manner from the ends to the roots, fastidiously eradicating any tangles with out breaking the hair. If you happen to encounter cussed knots, apply a small quantity of olive oil or coconut oil to the knot and attempt to gently work it out along with your fingers.
After detangling, don’t blow-dry or use any warmth styling instruments in your hair. Enable it to air-dry naturally to forestall harm and protect its pure texture.
Twisting and Palm Rolling
Twisting and palm rolling are two of the commonest strategies for beginning dreadlocks on pure hair. Each strategies contain separating the hair into small sections after which twisting or rolling them collectively. Nevertheless, there are some key variations between the 2 strategies.
Twisting
Twisting is a comparatively easy technique that may be performed on hair of any size or texture. To twist your hair, merely separate a small part of hair and twist it tightly from the foundation to the tip. Safe the twist with a rubber band or hair clip. Repeat this course of till your entire hair is twisted.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is a extra time-consuming technique than twisting, however it could possibly produce tighter and extra outlined dreadlocks. To palm roll your hair, separate a small part of hair and roll it between your palms. As you roll, apply stress to the hair to create a decent coil. Proceed rolling till your complete part of hair is coiled. Safe the coil with a rubber band or hair clip. Repeat this course of till your entire hair is palm rolled.
Twisting vs. Palm Rolling
The next desk compares the 2 strategies of beginning dreadlocks:
| Attribute | Twisting | Palm Rolling |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | Much less | Extra |
| Issue | Simpler | Harder |
| Outcomes | Looser, much less outlined dreadlocks | Tighter, extra outlined dreadlocks |
Neglecting and Matting
Neglecting your hair is an important step within the dreadlock formation course of. By permitting your hair to mat and tangle naturally, you create the inspiration for interlocking strands. Listed below are 5 key suggestions for neglecting your hair successfully:
- Keep away from washing and brushing: Chorus from washing or brushing your hair throughout this era. Washing can take away pure oils that help in matting, whereas brushing separates strands and hinders knot formation.
- Encourage tangles: Sleep on a cotton pillowcase or put on a silk scarf to attenuate slippage and promote tangling. You can even gently rub your hair collectively to stimulate mats.
- Part and separate: Divide your hair into small sections utilizing rubber bands or clips. This prevents giant, tangled clumps and encourages uniform dread formation.
- Use friction: Rub sections of hair collectively vigorously utilizing your fingers or a crochet hook to create friction and help in matting. Concentrate on the bottom of the hair close to the scalp.
- Hold it damp: Spritz your hair with water often to maintain it barely damp. Moisture helps soften the hair and facilitate tangling. Nevertheless, keep away from over-wetting, as this may weaken the strands and promote mildew.
Upkeep
As soon as dreadlocks start to type, ongoing upkeep is crucial. Wash and situation your dreads much less incessantly, utilizing pure merchandise designed for locs. Keep away from utilizing scorching water, which may weaken the hair. Enable your dreads to dry naturally, and resist the urge to tug or twist them excessively.
Extra Suggestions
For sooner matting, you need to use backcombing, palm rolling, or crochet hooking methods. These strategies assist create extra friction and speed up the dreadlock formation course of. Nevertheless, it is necessary to strategy these strategies with warning and solely use them as wanted, as extreme manipulation can harm the hair.
Retwisting and Upkeep
Retwisting dreadlocks is a necessary a part of sustaining their form and integrity. The frequency of retwisting is determined by the person’s hair sort and desired dreadlock dimension. For brand new dreadlocks, it is suggested to retwist them each 2-3 weeks till they’re absolutely mature.
To retwist dreadlocks, observe these steps:
- Wash and situation your hair to take away any dust or product buildup.
- Separate a small part of hair and dampen it with water.
- Utilizing your fingers or a crochet hook, gently twist the hair clockwise till it types a compact dreadlock.
- Repeat steps 2-3 for all sections of your hair.
- As soon as all dreadlocks are retwisted, safe them with rubber bands or bobby pins to forestall unraveling.
Upkeep
Along with retwisting, dreadlocks require common upkeep to maintain them wholesome and freed from buildup. Listed below are some suggestions for sustaining dreadlocks:
- Wash your dreadlocks with a clarifying shampoo each 2-3 weeks.
- Apply a moisturizing conditioner to the ends of your dreadlocks to forestall dryness and breakage.
- Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or styling merchandise in your dreadlocks.
- Cowl your dreadlocks with a shawl or hat when sleeping to forestall friction and tangling.
- Often test for any indicators of lint or dust buildup and take away it with a brush or decide.
| Frequency | Motion |
|---|---|
| Each 2-3 weeks | Retwist |
| Each 2-3 weeks | Wash with clarifying shampoo |
| As wanted | Apply moisturizing conditioner |
| By no means | Use harsh chemical substances or styling merchandise |
Troubleshooting and Repairing
Brittle Hair
Dehydration and protein overload could make hair brittle and vulnerable to breaking. Moisturize repeatedly with a deep conditioner and keep away from over-proteinizing hair.
Unfastened Roots
Unfastened roots happen when the hair will not be correctly interlocked on the base. Re-twist the roots each 4-6 weeks to forestall unraveling.
Knots Between Dreads
Use a crochet hook or dreadlock needle to softly separate knotted hair. Keep away from over-grooming, as it could possibly weaken the dreadlocks.
Frizzy Ends
Use a beeswax or dreadlock wax on the ends of the dreadlocks to easy flyaways. Keep away from brushing the dreadlocks, as it could possibly create frizz.
Gradual Development
Dreadlocks take time to develop, because the hair is locked in place. Be affected person and keep away from manipulating the dreadlocks an excessive amount of.
Undesirable Cut up Ends
Use a pointy pair of scissors to trim away cut up ends. Keep away from reducing the dreadlocks themselves, as it could possibly weaken them.
Thinning Dreads
Thinning dreadlocks can happen if they’re too tightly wrapped or if the hair is broken. Re-twist the dreadlocks gently and use a dreadlock thickening spray.
Nap Lifting
Nap lifting happens when the hair on the base of the dreadlocks grows out and turns into seen. Use a crochet hook or dreadlock needle to tug the unfastened hair again into the dreadlock.
Micro-Dreads
Micro-dreads are small, tight dreadlocks that may be troublesome to handle. Use a crochet hook to softly separate them and keep away from over-grooming.
How To Begin Dreadlocks With Pure Hair
There are a couple of alternative ways to start out dreadlocks with pure hair. One in style technique is the neglect technique, which includes merely not brushing or combing your hair and permitting it to mat naturally. One other technique is the backcombing technique, which includes brushing your hair backwards in opposition to the grain, creating tiny knots that may finally type into dreadlocks. You can even use a crochet hook to start out dreadlocks, which is a extra managed technique that means that you can create extra even and constant dreadlocks.
Irrespective of which technique you select, it is very important be affected person and constant along with your care routine. Dreadlocks can take a number of months and even years to totally mature, and so they require common upkeep to maintain them wholesome and looking out their finest.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Begin Dreadlocks With Pure Hair
How lengthy does it take for dreadlocks to type?
The time it takes for dreadlocks to type will fluctuate relying in your hair sort, the tactic you employ, and the way nicely you take care of your dreadlocks. Neglect dreadlocks can take anyplace from 6 months to 2 years to type, whereas backcombed or crocheted dreadlocks can type in as little as a couple of weeks. As soon as your dreadlocks have shaped, they’ll proceed to mature and tighten over time.
How do I look after my dreadlocks?
Caring to your dreadlocks is crucial to preserving them wholesome and looking out their finest. You need to wash your dreadlocks repeatedly with a light shampoo, and keep away from utilizing harsh soaps or detergents. You must also keep away from brushing or combing your dreadlocks, as this may trigger them to unravel. As a substitute, use your fingers to separate your dreadlocks and take away any unfastened hair. You might also need to use a dreadlock wax or gel to assist preserve your dreadlocks in place and stop them from frizzing.
How do I begin dreadlocks on my own?
There are a couple of alternative ways to start out dreadlocks by your self, together with the neglect technique, the backcombing technique, and the crochet technique. The neglect technique is the only technique, however it could possibly take the longest to see outcomes. The backcombing technique is a extra managed technique, however it may be extra time-consuming and may harm your hair in case you are not cautious. The crochet technique is essentially the most exact technique, however it may be costly and requires some talent to do it accurately.
