Dreadlocks, also called locks or dreads, give you a fabulous, versatile and super-stylish look. Irrespective of ethnicity, both men and women enjoy wearing this wonderful hairstyle. One good thing associated with dreadlocks is that with the help of a few simple techniques, it can be done on any type and length of hair. Following write up covers all the common and easy methods on how to grow dreadlocks with long, short and curly hair. Dreadlocks - How to Start Dreadlocks with Long Hair?
Backcombing is the method of starting dreadlocks with long hair. The minimum length of hair suitable for carrying out backcombing is 3 inches. In case your hair is shorter than 3 inches, you will find it quite troublesome to hold the dreadlocks in it. Backcombing will give you permanent dreadlocks, therefore, you should go for this method only when you are willing to have dreadlocks for a long period of time. This will help you in making a decision.
Instructions
- Divide your hair into square sections of width between 1-2 inches. Square sections will give you round dreads.
- Secure the hair sections temporarily with rubber bands.
- Take one hair section and hold it between your fingers.
- Use a dread comb to backcomb that section of hair. Start from not more than a distance of one inch from the scalp.
- Keep backcombing the hair section. You will find the hair to pack up at the roots.
- Continue combing the hair backwards, and try to make the dread as tight as possible.
- When you reach the scalp, secure the dread with a rubber band. You can also apply dread wax to better secure it.
- Do this on each section of hair.
- Allow all the dreads to mature for a period of 3-4 months. They will further tighten and smoothen up.
The brush rubbing method of making dreadlocks will come to your help if your hair is shorter than 2 inches and you want to dread lock it. This method of starting dreadlocks is comparatively simpler and less time-consuming than other methods for the same.
Instructions
- Take a soft bristle brush and rub it against your hair in circles.
- Continue doing it for a couple of minutes. You will notice the formation of dreadlocks in the form if little balls of knotted hair.
- You will have to twist your hair everyday to keep hold of dreadlocks in it.
You might have heard about the twisting method of starting dreadlocks. If you are looking for how to start dreadlocks with twists, then I would like to tell you that this particular method of making dreadlocks is only meant for those whose hair length is between 2 -9 inches, i.e. medium hair. This is because, you have to twist your hair to create dreadlocks in it, which is not possible if your hair is too short or too long.
Instructions
- Make section in your hair as you do with the backcombing method of starting dreadlocks.
- Take one hair section and twist it.
- Keep twisting till it develops dreadlocks.
- Apply dread wax to better secure the twists.
- Do it separately for each section of hair.
Curly hair is believed to be the best hair type for starting dreadlocks. Curly hair gets locked easily, and hence assists in the easy formation of dreads. It also requires lesser amount of dread wax for formation and maintenance of dreadlocks. In case your hair is curly, you are the best candidate for starting dreadlocks in hair.
Instructions
- Divide your hair in small sections.
- Take a section of hair and split it into two strands.
- Twist these strands of hair around each other.
- You can use dread wax to hold the twists in position.
- Do the above for each hair section separately.
- Alternatively, you can take hair sections one by one and roll it with your palm. Apply a little amount of dread wax to secure it in place.
- Shampoo your hair well before starting any method of making dreadlocks. An oil-free and clean hair will provide more friction to hold the dreadlocks.
- After making dreadlocks, do not shampoo your hair for the first 3-4 weeks. This period varies on the softness of the hair.
- Keep your hair well-covered with dreadlock hair wraps during showers and workouts.
- You can spray water free moisturizer or sheen to give your hair a shiny appearance.
- Clean your scalp with antiseptic on a regular basis. This is essential to maintain strength and health of hair.
Your hair goes through a number of changes while forming dreadlocks. Its maintenance requires a lot of time and patience from you. Therefore, you should consider all aspects well before deciding whether you should go for it or not. If you are determined and all set to have dreadlocks in your hair, then this article on 'Dreadlocks - how to start' is always there to help you.