Embark on a transformative journey to embrace the enigmatic attract of dreadlocks along with your luscious, flowing tresses. By harnessing the facility of nature’s parts and meticulous methods, you’ll be able to unlock the secrets and techniques to dread formation and craft a novel, visually hanging hairstyle. Whether or not you search a bohemian aptitude, an expression of individuality, or a connection to historical traditions, this complete information will information you thru the intricacies of dreadlock creation, empowering you to form your hair right into a charming murals.
As a proud possessor of lengthy, wholesome hair, you possess an excellent canvas for dreadlock formation. The prolonged size supplies ample materials to create quite a few dreads, permitting you to experiment with completely different sizes, shapes, and types. Embarking on this transformation signifies a dedication to endurance and perseverance, as dreadlock formation is a gradual course of that requires time and correct care. Nevertheless, the attract of majestic dreadlocks, cascading down your shoulders like a symphony of coiled locks, makes the journey all of the extra alluring.
To provoke your dreadlock journey, it’s important to cleanse your hair completely, eradicating any impurities or product buildup. This step ensures that your hair is in an optimum state to obtain the dread formation methods. Subsequently, you’ll embark on the thrilling part of sectioning your hair into particular person dreads. This meticulous course of includes separating your hair into desired dimensions and shapes, establishing the inspiration in your distinctive dreadlock design. As soon as the sections are outlined, you’ll be able to make use of varied strategies to encourage dread formation, such because the backcombing approach or the crochet hook technique. Persistence is paramount throughout this stage, as dreadlocks kind steadily over time, requiring common upkeep and a spotlight to realize the specified stage of maturity and definition.
Deciding on the Best Hair Size
To efficiently begin dreadlocks with lengthy hair, selecting the optimum hair size is essential. The perfect size varies relying on the specified dreadlock measurement and texture. Listed here are some tips to help in choosing the precise hair size:
For Thicker Dreadlocks:
When you need thicker, extra substantial dreadlocks, a hair size between 12 to 18 inches is really helpful. This size permits for ample hair overlap, guaranteeing a safe connection between the dreadlocks.
For Thinner Dreadlocks:
For thinner, narrower dreadlocks, a hair size between 6 to 10 inches is right. Shorter hair tends to provide thinner dreadlocks, as there’s much less hair to work with through the locking course of.
For Mid-Sized Dreadlocks:
For dreadlocks of medium thickness, a hair size between 10 to 14 inches is appropriate. This size supplies a steadiness between the quantity of hair out there for overlap and the thickness of the dreadlocks.
Moreover, take into account the hair kind and texture. Coarse or curly hair tends to lock extra simply than nice or straight hair. Subsequently, people with nice or straight hair could must develop their hair longer to realize the specified dreadlock measurement.
| Desired Dreadlock Dimension | Advisable Hair Size |
|---|---|
| Thicker | 12 – 18 inches |
| Thinner | 6 – 10 inches |
| Mid-Sized | 10 – 14 inches |
Getting ready Your Lengthy Hair
Step 1: Deep Clear and Situation
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup. Observe with a deep conditioning remedy to moisturize and soften your strands. It will assist put together your hair for sectioning and locking.
Step 2: Sectioning and Parting
Divide your hair into small sections, roughly 1-2 inches large. Use a pointy comb or rattail to half your hair neatly. The variety of sections you create will decide the scale and density of your dreadlocks. Smaller sections end in thinner, tighter dreads, whereas bigger sections create thicker, looser ones.
| Part Dimension | Dreadlock Density |
|---|---|
| 1-2 inches | Skinny, tight |
| 2-3 inches | Medium, average |
| 4+ inches | Thick, free |
After getting parted your hair into sections, safe every part with a hair tie or clip to forestall them from mixing.
Step 3: Backcombing and Twisting
Beginning on the root of a piece, backcomb your hair vigorously briefly, upward strokes utilizing a fine-toothed comb. This creates friction and tangles that may kind the core of your dreadlock. As soon as the hair is sufficiently backcombed, twist the part tightly from root to tip. Safe the twist with a small rubber band or dreadlock clip.
Technique 1: Backcombing Free Hair
Part 3: Backcombing the Mid-lengths and Ends
After getting sectioned your hair and established the bottom of your dreads, it is time to backcomb the mid-lengths and ends. This step is essential for making a cohesive and locked look. Observe these steps meticulously:
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Collect the hair.
Maintain a small part of hair round 3-4 inches away from the bottom dread, guaranteeing that you do not overlap with the already backcombed portion.
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Backcomb vigorously.
Utilizing a fine-toothed comb, gently pull the hair backwards towards the grain. Begin from the ends and work your method up in the direction of the bottom dread. Be thorough and keep away from skipping any sections to create a seamless look.
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Roll and twist.
After getting backcombed a piece, gently roll and twist it round itself to kind a free coil. It will assist the dread to lock extra successfully.
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Repeat the method.
Proceed backcombing and twisting sections of hair, steadily working your method up the size of your hair. Keep away from pulling too tightly on the base to forestall pointless stress in your scalp.
Keep in mind, backcombing could cause short-term frizz and hair breakage. Nevertheless, these results will diminish as your dreads mature and lock collectively.
| Backcombing Methods | Execs | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Free backcombing | Creates a pure and undefined look | Extra prone to unravel |
| Tight backcombing | Produces a tighter and extra outlined look | Could cause scalp irritation and hair injury |
Technique 2: Utilizing Rubber Bands and Beads
This technique is a little more time-consuming than the others, nevertheless it can provide you extra management over the scale and form of your dreads. You have to rubber bands or hair beads, a comb, and a crochet hook or latch hook.
4. Separate the hair into sections
Divide your hair into small sections, in regards to the measurement of a pencil. Tie every part right into a rubber band or safe it with a hair bead. The scale of the sections will decide the scale of your dreads. Smaller sections will create thinner dreads, whereas bigger sections will create thicker dreads.
As soon as the hair is sectioned, you should utilize a crochet hook or latch hook to tighten the dreads. Begin on the root of the hair and pull the hook via the hair a number of instances. It will assist to create a decent, compact dread. Watch out to not pull too tightly, or you would injury the hair.
You too can use the crochet hook or latch hook so as to add beads to the dreads. To do that, merely insert the hook into the dread and pull it via the bead. You may add as many beads as you want, they usually can be utilized to create a wide range of completely different designs.
| Rubber Band | Beads | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Simpler to make use of | Extra time-consuming |
| Management | Much less management over dread measurement | Extra management over dread measurement and form |
| Value | Inexpensive | Costlier |
Technique 3: Braiding and Palming
Step 1: Part Your Hair
Comb your hair completely to take away any tangles. Divide your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches large. Safe every part with a hair tie or clip.
Step 2: Braid Every Part
Take a piece of hair and divide it into three equal strands. Braid the hair tightly from the roots to the ends. Safe the tip of the braid with a hair tie or elastic band.
Step 3: Palm Roll the Braid
Take the braided part in your hand and roll it between your palms, shifting from the roots to the ends. It will assist to tighten and form the braid.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 2-3 for All Sections
Repeat steps 2-3 for all the sections of hair.
Step 5: Palm Roll the Total Head
As soon as all the braids are full, you can begin to palm roll all the head. Take a piece of hair and roll it between your palms for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer on to the subsequent part and repeat the method. Proceed palm rolling all the head till all the hair has been rolled.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Part your hair into small items. |
| Step 2 | Braid every part tightly. |
| Step 3 | Palm roll every braid. |
| Step 4 | Repeat steps 2-3 for all sections. |
| Step 5 | Palm roll all the head. |
Technique 4: Twist and Rip
The twist and rip technique is a extra superior approach that requires some dexterity and coordination. This technique works finest for longer hair with some wave or curl to it. Start by brushing your hair to take away any tangles. Then, divide your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches large.
Take one part of hair and twist it tightly in a single course. Then, take the opposite hand and twist the opposite part of hair in the other way. Maintain twisting till the 2 sections are tightly intertwined.
Maintain the twisted hair between your thumb and forefinger, after which pull the 2 sections aside in a fast, jerky movement. It will create a small, tight dreadlock. Repeat this course of with the remaining sections of hair.
To neaten up the dreadlocks, you should utilize a crochet hook to hook any free hairs again into the dreadlock. You too can use a palm rolling technique to clean out the dreadlocks and make them extra uniform.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for the twist and rip technique:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brush your hair to take away tangles. |
| 2 | Divide your hair into small sections. |
| 3 | Twist one part of hair tightly in a single course. |
| 4 | Twist the opposite part of hair in the other way. |
| 5 | Pull the 2 sections aside in a fast, jerky movement. |
| 6 | Use a crochet hook or palm rolling technique to neaten up the dreadlocks. |
Combining Strategies for Optimum Outcomes
To create optimum dreadlocks, you’ll be able to mix completely different methods to match your hair kind and desired look. By merging varied strategies, you’ll be able to obtain a safe and aesthetically pleasing consequence.
Think about the next combos:
| Technique | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Backcombing + Palm Rolling | Supplies a firmly rooted base and promotes uniform dread formation. |
| Twist-and-Rip + Crochet Hook | Creates well-defined, cylindrical locks and tightens any free sections. |
| Wicking + Knotting | Gently creates skinny, fibrous dreads with pure texture. |
Keep in mind to experiment to find out which mixture works finest in your hair and magnificence preferences. The aim is to realize a steadiness of safety, aesthetic enchantment, and luxury.
Upkeep Ideas for Wholesome Dreads
Common Washing
In contrast to the frequent false impression, dreadlocks require common cleaning to take care of their well being and stop buildup. Use a clarifying shampoo or dreadlock-specific merchandise as soon as each 1-2 weeks to take away filth, oil, and product residue with out stripping away important oils.
Deep Conditioning
Deal with your dreadlocks to deep conditioning therapies each 4-6 weeks. Apply a deep conditioner or a mixture of coconut oil and honey, and let it penetrate for 20-Half-hour earlier than rinsing completely.
Scalp Care
Neglecting scalp care can result in itching, dryness, and dread rot. Therapeutic massage your scalp with oil or a delicate scalp scrub to take away lifeless pores and skin cells and promote blood circulation. Use a sprig bottle to mist your scalp with water or a diluted apple cider vinegar answer to forestall dryness.
Retwisting
Retwisting helps preserve dreadlock construction and stop them from unraveling. Retwist each 4-8 weeks, relying on the specified tightness and progress fee. Use a crochet hook or palm rolling approach to softly tighten free hair close to the roots.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling includes rubbing dreadlocks between your palms in a round movement to create tighter, extra uniform dreads. Use this system sparingly to keep away from over-twisting and breakage.
Separating Dreads
As dreadlocks develop, they might merge collectively. Periodically separate them by gently pulling them aside along with your fingers or a crochet hook to forestall matting.
Defending at Evening
Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to guard your dreadlocks from friction and breakage when you sleep.
Crocheting
Crocheting is an expert approach used to create or restore dreadlocks. A crochet hook is used to insert and tighten new hair to current dreads or to repair unraveling sections. It is best to depart this system to skilled dreadlock stylists to keep away from injury.
Desk: Retwisting Frequency
| Hair Kind | Retwisting Frequency |
|---|---|
| High-quality Hair | 4-6 weeks |
| Medium Hair | 6-8 weeks |
| Thick Hair | 8-12 weeks |
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
Dread Formation Stalling
Potential Causes:
- Lack of Friction: Hair is simply too clean or oily, leading to insufficient friction for dread formation.
- Rigidity: Hair is simply too tight, hindering pure knotting.
- Over-washing: Frequent shampooing strips away pure oils that support in dread formation.
Options:
- Tough up the hair: Backcomb or rub hair with a towel to create friction.
- Loosen the hair: If hair is tightly crocheted or twisted, gently loosen it to encourage knotting.
- Restrict shampooing: Wash hair solely when completely mandatory, utilizing a sulfate-free shampoo.
Free Dreads
Potential Causes:
- Inadequate Knotting: Dread formation was not thorough sufficient, leading to free sections.
- Slipping: Dreads can loosen if they don’t seem to be correctly separated and secured.
- New Progress: As new hair grows, it could possibly create weak spots within the dreads.
Options:
- Re-knot the free sections: Use a crochet hook or interlocking device to tighten the knots.
- Separate and finger-palm roll: Gently separate and finger-palm roll the dreads usually to advertise knotting.
- Add extensions: If new progress is creating weak spot, take into account including hair extensions to bolster the dreads.
Frizziness
Potential Causes:
- Dry Hair: Dreadlocks can grow to be frizzy if the hair will not be correctly moisturized.
- Mechanical Harm: Brushing or combing dreads can create frizz.
- Environmental Elements: Publicity to wind, solar, and humidity can contribute to frizziness.
Options:
- Moisturize usually: Use a pure oil or hair cream to hydrate the dreads.
- Keep away from brushing or combing: Use your fingers or a wide-toothed decide to softly separate and preserve the dreads.
- Shield from parts: Cowl the dreads with a shawl or hat when uncovered to harsh climate circumstances.
Persistence and Consistency: Keys to Success
Beginning dreads with lengthy hair requires endurance and consistency. It is a transformative course of that takes effort and time, however the outcomes may be rewarding. Listed here are some suggestions to make sure profitable dread formation.
1. Selecting the Proper Technique
There are numerous strategies to start out dreads, every with its benefits and drawbacks. Analysis and select the strategy that most accurately fits your hair kind and desired outcomes.
2. Sectioning Your Hair
Divide your hair into manageable sections. It will assist you management the dread formation course of and stop matting.
3. Moisturizing Your Hair
Maintain your hair hydrated by making use of a pure moisturizer, reminiscent of coconut or olive oil. This softens the hair and promotes knotting.
4. Backcombing
Tease your hair from the guidelines in the direction of the roots utilizing a fine-toothed comb. This creates friction and encourages the formation of knots.
5. Rolling and Rubbing
Roll every part of backcombed hair between your palms and rub it in round motions. This tightens the knots and helps kind dreads.
6. Crocheting
Use a crochet hook to drag particular person hairs into the dreads, securing them and stopping free strands. This can be a extra managed technique however requires ability.
7. Neglecting Your Hair
Keep away from washing and brushing your hair too often. This enables the dreads to naturally kind and mature.
8. Utilizing Merchandise
Think about using dreadlock merchandise, reminiscent of wax or cream, to speed up the locking course of and improve the form of the dreads.
9. Troubleshooting
When you encounter any points through the dread formation course of, reminiscent of free hair or uneven dreads, search recommendation from an skilled skilled.
10. Upkeep and Maintenance
As soon as your dreads are fashioned, they require common upkeep to maintain them wholesome and stop injury. This contains deep cleansing, palm rolling, and re-twisting as wanted.
| Routine | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Deep cleansing | As soon as a month |
| Palm rolling | As wanted |
| Re-twisting | Each 2-4 weeks |
How you can Begin Dreads with Lengthy Hair
Beginning dreads with lengthy hair could be a rewarding however prolonged course of. Here is a step-by-step information that will help you get began:
- Wash and situation your hair completely: It will take away any buildup and make your hair extra manageable.
- Part your hair: Divide your hair into a number of sections, utilizing clips or rubber bands, to make it simpler to work with.
- Select a way: There are a number of strategies for beginning dreads, together with the backcombing, crochet, and twist-and-rip strategies. Select the one which most accurately fits your hair kind and desired look.
- Create the dreads: Utilizing your chosen technique, start separating and twisting your hair into small sections. Backcombing includes repeatedly brushing your hair towards a brush or comb, whereas crochet makes use of a crochet hook to drag sections of hair collectively. Twist-and-rip includes twisting sections of hair collectively after which gently pulling them aside to create free dreads.
- Safe the dreads: After getting created the inspiration of your dreads, you’ll be able to safe them utilizing hair ties, crochet, or dread wax. It will assist forestall them from unraveling.
- Upkeep: Dreadlocks require common upkeep to maintain them wholesome and tidy. Wash them each 2-4 weeks with a residue-free shampoo, and keep away from utilizing conditioners or styling merchandise.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How lengthy does it take to start out dreads with lengthy hair?
The time it takes to start out dreads with lengthy hair is determined by the strategy you utilize and the size and texture of your hair. Backcombing and twist-and-rip strategies may be accomplished in a single session, whereas the crochet technique could take a number of days or even weeks.
What kind of hair is finest for dreads?
All hair sorts may be dreadlocked, however some textures are extra appropriate than others. Coily or curly hair sorts are likely to lock extra simply and securely than straight or nice hair.
Are you able to begin dreads with out backcombing?
Sure, there are a number of different strategies for beginning dreads, together with the crochet, twist-and-rip, and neglect strategies. Experiment with completely different strategies to seek out the one which works finest in your hair kind and desired look.
