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, making certain they stand tall and defy the legal guidelines of gravity. Dive into the world of dreadology, the place historical methods meet trendy improvements, promising a mane that instructions consideration and sparks intrigue.
The trail to dreadlocks shouldn’t be with out its challenges, however concern not, for we will information you thru the uncharted waters. From the preliminary strategy of sectioning and twisting to the important upkeep routines, we cowl each step with precision and readability. Study the artwork of backcombing, unraveling the mysteries behind palm rolling, and discover the wonders of interlocking, a method that guarantees rock-solid dreads. Alongside the way in which, we’ll dispel widespread misconceptions and arm you with sensible tricks to hold your dreadlocks thriving.
Embrace the transformative energy of dreadlocks, an emblem 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 need a extra intricate fashion, we’ll empower you with the data and methods 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 completely cleanse your hair to take away any filth, oil, or product buildup that will impede the formation of dreadlocks. This pre-locking wash is essential for making certain that your dreads lock correctly and preserve their integrity over time.
To attain optimum outcomes, comply with 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 include 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 significant 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:
Completely rinse out the deep conditioner and gently towel-dry your hair. Keep away from rubbing or wringing your hair, as this may injury 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 rely upon the specified thickness of your dreadlocks. For thicker dreadlocks, use bigger sections. For thinner dreadlocks, use smaller sections.
| Part Measurement | Dreadlock Thickness |
|---|---|
| Massive (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 can assist to seal in moisture and shield your hair from injury.
Listed below are some ideas for moisturizing your dreadlocks:
- Apply moisturizer to your scalp and locks commonly, 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 sit down in your hair for a minimum of half-hour earlier than rinsing it out.
Backcombing or Teasing
Backcombing, also called teasing, is a hair-styling method generally used to create dreadlocks. It includes utilizing a comb or choose 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. Deal with making a tough and textured floor that can encourage the hair to tangle. Keep away from over-combing, as it could actually injury the hair and make it susceptible to breakage.
As soon as the hair is completely backcombed, it is essential to take care of the tangles and forestall the hair from unraveling. This may be achieved by numerous strategies, together with:
Palm Rolling
Roll the dreadlock between your palms, making use of stress to create friction and entangle the hair.
Crocheting
Use a specialised crochet hook to hook the unfastened hairs and pull them into the dreadlock. This methodology is good 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 methodology 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 must be concerning the dimension 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 path for about 1 minute.
Step 3: Lock the Roll
After getting rolled the part of hair, maintain it in your hand for a number of seconds to permit it to set. You may also 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 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, you will need to palm roll them commonly to take care of their form and definition. Palm rolling must be performed each 2-4 weeks, or extra usually if obligatory.
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 evenly to create a knot.
- Use the crochet hook to hook the knot and pull it by the hair shaft.
- Tighten the knot by gently pulling on each ends of the hair part.
- **Superior Approach: Interlocking Dreads**
- As an alternative of pulling the knot by 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 the loop to create an interlocking knot.
- Repeat this course of till the 2 dreads are securely interlocked.
- This method creates a tighter and extra sturdy lock.
- Repeat steps 1-5 for all hair sections till all dreads are locked in.
Ideas:
- 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 methodology, but it surely provides a number of benefits:
- It gives a safer maintain than different strategies.
- It helps to maintain dreads neat and tidy.
- It could actually assist to forestall frizz and tangles.
Supplies You will Want
To lock dreads with a needle and thread, you will have the next supplies:
- A pointy needle
- Sturdy thread in a pure coloration 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, comply with 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.
- Wrap the thread across the dread a number of instances, securing it with a knot.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 till the complete dread is locked. To lock the roots, divide them into small sections. Maintain the sections in place along with your fingers and wrap the thread across the roots whereas making use of pressure. Safe with a knot. Repeat with the opposite sections till the roots are fully 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 software. This method creates a extra everlasting maintain than palm rolling or twisting, and it may be used to restore unfastened 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. Tighten the loop to safe the dreadlocks collectively.
Repeat this course of till the entire dreadlocks are interlocked. Remember to work in small sections, in order that you do not put an excessive amount of pressure on the dreadlocks. Additionally, watch out to not interlock the dreadlocks too tightly, as this may trigger breakage.
Interlocking generally is a time-consuming course of, however it’s a very efficient technique to lock dreadlocks. This method can be utilized to create quite a lot of totally different dreadlock types, together with locs, coils, and twists.
Listed below are some ideas for interlocking dreadlocks:
- Use a pointy crochet hook or different small, pointed software.
- 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.
- 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 pressure on the dreadlocks.
Twist and Rip Methodology
The twist and rip methodology is a extra aggressive method that produces smaller, tighter dreadlocks. It includes twisting sections of hair after which ripping them aside. This methodology is finest fitted to shorter hair, as longer hair can change into too tangled and tough to separate.
Supplies
- Vast-toothed comb
- Dreadlock wax (elective)
Steps
- Wash and completely dry your hair.
- Part your hair into small, equal components.
- 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 fashioned, rub dreadlock wax into them to assist maintain them collectively.
- Dry your dreadlocks completely utilizing a blow dryer or air dryer.
8. Palm Rolling
This method can improve the locking course of by smoothing out any unfastened 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 stress.
- Repeat for 5-10 minutes per dreadlock.
- Carry out palm rolling commonly (each few days) till the dreadlocks start to mature.
Types and Upkeep
Dreadlocks, also called locs, are a flexible and distinctive coiffure that may be styled in numerous methods. From basic freeform to intricate pattern-based, there is a fashion to swimsuit each character and choice.
Upkeep
To keep up wholesome and vibrant dreadlocks, common care is crucial. Listed below are some key steps to comply with:
Washing
Wash your locs each 1-2 weeks with a light shampoo designed for dreadlocks. Keep away from over-washing, as this may strip away pure oils.
Drying
After washing, air-dry your locs as a lot as attainable to attenuate breakage. You need to use 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 development.
Scalp Care
The scalp beneath your locs wants consideration too. Therapeutic massage it gently along with your fingertips to stimulate blood movement and take away any buildup.
Safety
When sleeping or partaking in strenuous actions, cowl your locs with a bonnet or scarf to forestall friction and injury.
Trimming
As your locs develop, cut up ends might seem. Trim them often to take care of a wholesome look and forestall breakage.
Coloring
If desired, you’ll be able to coloration your locs. Use a dye particularly designed for dreadlocks and comply with the directions fastidiously.
Equipment
Decorate your locs with beads, clips, or scarves to personalize your fashion 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 speeding the journey, as endurance 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 commonly, particularly throughout the preliminary levels of formation.
Keep away from Chemical Therapies
Chorus from utilizing hair gels, sprays, or different chemical therapies that intrude with dreadlock formation. These merchandise can depart 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 includes washing dreads with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from brushing or combing, as this may injury locs.
Persistence and Consistency in Motion
Months 1-3: Basis Constructing
Start interlocking or palm rolling commonly (each 2-3 weeks). Deal with creating a robust 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 change into extra outlined.
Months 7-12 and Past: Upkeep and Evolution
Common upkeep stays essential. Dreadlocks proceed to mature and should develop character and character.
| 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 quite a lot of strategies, every with its personal benefits and drawbacks.
One of the crucial widespread strategies of locking dreadlocks is the crochet hook method. This includes utilizing a small crochet hook to tug the unfastened hair into the bottom of the dreadlock, creating a decent, compact look. The crochet hook method will be time-consuming and requires some observe to get good outcomes.
One other methodology of locking dreadlocks is the backcombing method. This includes utilizing a comb to backcomb the hair in opposition to itself, making a tangled and matted look. The backcombing method will be quicker than the crochet hook method, but it surely can be extra damaging to the hair.
A 3rd methodology of locking dreadlocks is the neglect methodology. This includes merely leaving your hair alone and permitting it to naturally dreadlock over time. The neglect methodology is the least labor-intensive, however it could actually additionally take the longest to see outcomes.
After getting chosen a technique of locking dreadlocks, you will have to be ready for a interval of adjustment. Your hair will doubtless change into dry and brittle, and it’s possible you’ll 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 have to take care of them commonly to maintain them wanting wholesome. This can contain washing your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioning it with a leave-in conditioner. Additionally, you will must separate your dreadlocks sometimes to forestall them from fusing collectively.
Folks 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 strategy you utilize and the kind of hair you have got. Basically, the crochet hook method takes the longest, whereas the neglect methodology takes the least period of time.
How Do You Forestall Dreads From Unlocking?
There are some things you are able to do to forestall your dreadlocks from unlocking. First, ensure that to clean your hair with a residue-free shampoo and situation it with a leave-in conditioner. Second, separate your dreadlocks sometimes to forestall them from fusing collectively. Lastly, keep away from utilizing merchandise that include alcohol or sulfates, as these elements 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 completely after which apply a leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Keep away from utilizing merchandise that include alcohol or sulfates, as these elements can break down the dreadlock formation.
