In terms of hairstyles, dreadlocks are a singular and attention-grabbing alternative. Whereas they’re typically related to pure afro-textured hair, it’s doable to attain dreadlocks on straight hair as properly. Nevertheless, the method differs from the strategies used for curly or coily hair. When you have straight hair and also you’re contemplating getting dreadlocks, understanding the strategies and the extent of dedication concerned is crucial.
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 type 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 strategies contain creating small sections of hair and manipulating them to type tight coils that can ultimately 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 fashioned, they have to be cared for repeatedly to forestall unraveling and maintain them wholesome. This contains common washing, conditioning, and retwisting. Retwisting is the method of tightening the roots of the dreadlocks to forestall new hair progress from creating unfastened hairs that might weaken the locs. The frequency of retwisting will fluctuate relying on the specified tightness of the locs and the speed of hair progress. With the appropriate care and a spotlight, dreadlocks can develop into a fantastic and long-lasting coiffure that provides character and magnificence to your look.
Understanding the Completely different Kinds of Dreads
Dreads, also called locs or dreadlocks, are a singular coiffure fashioned 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 modern and expressive coiffure. Understanding the various kinds of dreads is crucial 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 via 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 ultimately type 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 leads to dreads with a much less uniform look however will be quicker than backcombing.
- Crochet Dreads: An expert technique that makes use of a crochet hook to drag the hair via the scalp and create dreads immediately on the roots. This system presents exact management over the scale 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 | Free, uneven form |
| Crochet | Utilizing a hook to drag hair via scalp | Exact, uniform form |
Getting ready Straight Hair for Dreading
Getting ready straight hair for dreading is crucial to make sure profitable, wholesome dreadlocks. Observe 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. This may 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 strategies:
- Backcombing: Gently brush your hair backward towards its pure progress 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 depart 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 you have 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. Persistence and Time
It takes time for dreadlocks to mature and totally mature. Be affected person and keep away from extreme manipulation or touching, as this may weaken or harm 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 scale of your dreads. In order for you massive dreads, make bigger sections. In order for you small dreads, make smaller sections.
After you have 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 ultimately type the dreads.
Backcomb every part for a number of minutes, till it’s fully 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 strategies:
- 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. This may create small knots and tangles that type the muse of dreadlocks. Proceed backcombing for a number of minutes, working from the roots right down to the information 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 – Measurement of part determines dreadlock thickness – Proceed for a number of minutes – Rattail comb is usually used Palm Rolling and Knitting for Frizz-Free Roots
Palm rolling and knitting are strategies used to create dreadlocks that reduce 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 stress and roll for a number of minutes till the part turns into tighter and begins to type 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 via the loop of the opposite part to create a knot.
- Repeat this course of a number of instances, shifting 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 Clean, well-defined dreadlocks Strengthens the dreadlock connections Lengthy-lasting, safe dreadlocks Improves the general look of dreadlocks Wholesome, professional-looking locs Be aware: It is vital to be constant together with your palm rolling and knitting routine to attain 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 gives a robust maintain that helps to maintain your dreads in place, stopping them from unraveling. Here is a step-by-step information on the way to use dread wax for long-lasting maintain:
Step 1: Put together Your Hair
Earlier than making use of dread wax, it is vital 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 approach 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 Methods for Lengthy-Lasting Maintain
For even stronger maintain, take into account these superior strategies:
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 fully earlier than touching or manipulating your dreadlocks. This may 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 via 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 dimension
- Water (if crocheting on dry hair)
Directions
- Put together the hair. Half the hair into small sections, every in regards to the dimension of a pencil. dampen the hair with water if mandatory.
- 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 top of the crochet hook round a small part of hair on the backside of the part.
- Pull the hair via. Pull the hooked hair via 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 Free, Fantastic Hair Use a small hook dimension (0.5-0.75mm) and work in tight, even loops. Thick, Coarse Hair Use a bigger hook dimension (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. Getting ready Straight Hair
Part off damp hair into desired dread form and dimension. 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. This may assist set the dreads in place. Watch out to not overheat the hair, as this may harm it.
Rolling and Palming
Roll every dread between your fingers in a downward movement. This may 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. This may assist to tighten the dreads and stop them from changing into unfastened. Watch out to not over-crochet the dreads, as this may harm them.
Pure Tightening
Because the dreads mature, they’ll naturally tighten over time. Washing the dreads too typically can loosen them, so it is suggested to scrub them solely as soon as every week or much less.
Tightening and Sustaining Dreads
Washing
When washing your dreads, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from utilizing scorching water, as this may loosen the dreads. Rinse your dreads completely 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 fully. This may assist to forestall mildew and micro organism from forming.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is a straightforward however efficient option 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 option 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 may harm it.
Waxing
Making use of dread wax to your dreads will help to tighten them and make them extra sturdy. Dread wax is on the market in a wide range of formulation, so be sure you select one that’s acceptable in 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 Fully Palm Rolling As wanted Crocheting As wanted Waxing Month-to-month or much less Stopping Hair Breakage Throughout the Dreading Course of
Dreadlocks, a singular 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 could additionally pressure and weaken the hair, probably resulting in breakage. To mitigate this danger, a number of precautions ought to be taken through 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 food regimen wealthy in vitamins that help hair progress.
2. Use Rigidity-Decreasing Methods
Extreme stress utilized whereas twisting or matting the hair can result in breakage. To attenuate stress, use delicate backcombing or finger-coiling strategies, avoiding vigorous pulling or tugging on the hair.
3. Keep away from Chemical Therapies
Hair that has been chemically handled (bleached, dyed, relaxed, and so forth.) is extra fragile and inclined to breakage. It is advisable to permit ample time for the hair to recuperate from any prior chemical remedies earlier than beginning the dreading course of.
4. Preserve Hair Moisturized
Moisturized hair is extra pliable and fewer prone 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 develop into heavy and trigger breakage. As an alternative, divide the hair into smaller sections, selling even distribution of weight and lowering pressure on particular person strands.
6. Step by step Tighten Dreads
Keep away from tightening dreadlocks an excessive amount of too quickly. Begin with unfastened twists or mats and step by step tighten them over time because the hair naturally locks collectively. This enables the hair to adapt and minimizes stress.
7. Use Protecting Kinds
Whereas dreadlocks are forming, it is helpful to put on protecting kinds like buns or braids to forestall tangles, snags, and extreme friction that might result in breakage.
8. Keep away from Styling Chemical compounds and Warmth
Chemical styling merchandise, reminiscent of hair gels, mousses, and pomades, can overwhelm the hair, promote tangles, and enhance the chance of breakage. Equally, keep away from utilizing warmth styling instruments like blow dryers and flat irons, as warmth can harm and weaken the hair.
Extra Ideas for Relaxed Hair
Tip
Clarification
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 an alternative, detangle hair gently utilizing a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.
Use satin or silk pillowcases
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can create friction and harm hair. Satin or silk pillowcases are gentler on hair, lowering breakage.
Troubleshooting Frequent Issues
9. Dreads Are Too Tight
Causes:
- Locs had been sectioned too small.
- Locs had been pulled too tightly when forming.
- Locs had been wrapped too tightly in towels.
- Locs had been dried with an excessive amount of warmth.
Options:
Severity Resolution Gentle Moisturize locs with a heavy oil, reminiscent of coconut or olive oil. Gently pull aside the locs together with your fingers. Average Use a loc loosening device or a crochet hook to fastidiously separate the locs. Apply a scalp moisturizer to forestall dryness. Extreme Go to knowledgeable loctician. They will 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 usually used for dreads which are 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 backwards and forwards, serving to to mat the hair and create a extra outlined form. Palm rolling will be executed repeatedly to keep up 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 type knots. This technique can be utilized to start out new dreads or to restore sections of present dreads.
Twisting
Twisting includes separating sections of hair and twisting them collectively, making a spiral form. Over time, the twists will tighten and type 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 sometimes very tight and outlined.
Aftercare Ideas for Wholesome, Vibrant Dreads
Wash Frequently
Dreadlocks ought to be washed repeatedly to forestall buildup of dust, oil, and product. Use a pure shampoo and keep away from harsh chemical compounds or detergents that may strip the hair of its pure oils.
Moisturize
Dreadlocks have to be moisturized to maintain them wholesome and stop breakage. Use a pure hair butter or oil to hydrate the hair and seal in moisture.
Retwist Frequently
Retwisting helps to keep up the form and tightness of the dreadlocks. The frequency of retwisting will fluctuate relying on the person and the specified look.
Shield from Warmth
Warmth can harm dreadlocks, so it is vital to guard them from warmth sources reminiscent of 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 compounds
Harsh chemical compounds, reminiscent of bleach or hair dyes, can harm dreadlocks and trigger them to interrupt. It is best to keep away from utilizing chemical compounds on dreadlocks except completely mandatory.
Use Dreadlock-Particular Merchandise
There are a selection of dreadlock-specific merchandise accessible, reminiscent of shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids. These merchandise are formulated to satisfy the distinctive wants of dreadlocks and assist to maintain them wholesome and searching their finest.
Be Affected person
Rising and sustaining dreadlocks takes time and persistence. Do not get discouraged if they do not look excellent immediately. With correct care and a spotlight, your dreadlocks will develop a fantastic, distinctive character over time.
Methods to Do Dreads on Straight Hair
Creating dreadlocks on straight hair is a fancy course of that requires persistence and dedication. Whereas pure dreadlocks type over time resulting from 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 fluctuate relying on numerous elements, reminiscent of hair size, thickness, and the strategy used. Usually, it could take anyplace from a couple of months to a 12 months or extra to attain totally mature dreadlocks.
Can you sweep out dreads?
As soon as dreadlocks have totally matured, brushing them out will not be really useful as it could trigger harm and breakage to the hair. If you wish to take away dreadlocks, it is best to seek the advice of with knowledgeable hairstylist who makes a speciality of loc upkeep.
Methods to preserve dreads on straight hair?
Sustaining dreadlocks on straight hair requires a special strategy than pure dreads. Common upkeep contains separating and tightening new progress, utilizing palm rolling strategies to encourage locking, and washing and conditioning the hair much less often to keep away from loosening the dreads.
