Methods for making dreadlocks
Backcombing is a method where you can start dreads with very little hair but your hair should be at least 3 inches when starting dreads with the backcombing method. If you start any shorter than that you will have big problems with getting the dread to stay in, because there is not enough hair to hold the knots together.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if your going with temporary dreads use the silky dread method.
Yes you can, and you have the choice of backcombing the extensions in with this method. Other methods only allow you to braid the extensions in.
You can see some pictures in the pictures section of this page. You can also find pictures on sites like DreadHead and Knotty Boy.
This is probably the best method to start with if you have Caucasian hair. I believe that this method was thought up with Caucasian hair in mind. Because it’s really only one of the few natural ways to make dreads naturally in Caucasian hair.
This method will work wonders in African hair. The dreads seem to lock up just weeks after you are finished backcombing.
Asian hair can be very hard to lock up and this method is one of the few methods that will actually make dreadlocks in Asian hair.
You should start with the back and bottom of your head. Backcombing is a skill and you get better at it the more you do it. So the last ones you do will look the best and you want your best to be the ones people see and your worst to be the ones hidden. So it only makes sense to start in the back. A good idea when starting dreads with the backcombing method is to get some synthetic hair and backcomb a dread or two to get the hang of it before you start on your head.
Yes there is. You can mess up while your backcombing if you push to much hair forward at a time. Some people get confused and push all the hair forward at one time. You should hold the hair taught and only push about an inch at a time. You will only push a few hairs into the dread at a time. But it is a long process and you should know if before you start.
You don’t have to but you will use about 10 plastic combs instead of just one metal comb. The plastic combs just aren’t durable enough to push hair back at that force and not break. You will end up with little plastics bristles all throughout your dreads.
You should create a graph of 1 inch sections of hair.
Backcombing is a lot like teasing hair except you leave the hair teased. It is basically pushing the hair towards the scalp.
Usually people only backcomb once, but sometimes they don’t push the hair back hard enough when they are backcombing and the knots start to spread out. In this case you will want to backcomb again. You can start at the root and push the knots you have already made towards the scalp.
They will begin to lock up in about 2-3 months and they will be completely locked up by six months.
Just washing, the occasional waxing and palm rolling.
These are the two things you should make your decision by
If the dreads get really long they can pull on the scalp if they get really long which can make you loose more hair.
Another way to look at it is that you will get to keep the hair longer, because the dreads will hold the hairs together.
Yep, your hair will dread, you will probably want to use the backcombing method because you will have the best results. The hair might slip out a little, if you don’t backcomb the dreads tight enough, so make sure you do, and make sure you put rubber bands at the tips.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems. Neglect, and twist and rip will not work well with this hair type.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method.
Backcombing
Not really, you just have to make sure that you hold it taught, and backcomb small sections of hair at a time, so you don’t get loops. Your dreads might not turn out as smooth as straight haired dreads; there might be some “S” shapes… But that only adds style and it will go away once the dreads locks up.
They may curl a little when they are new, but if you palm roll them a lot they will straighten out in about a month.
Backcombing
It will be harder to hold the hair to backcomb it and you should make sure you use rubber bands on the tips to hold the knots together. At one point you will feel like your dreads aren’t going to form, but don’t give up, they will lock up soon.
It is really hard to get good results with short hair, there isn’t enough hair to hold the knots together, my advice is use the backcombing method if you are Caucasian or Asian, or use the comb rubbing method if you are African, or wait until your hair is longer.
Backcombing
You will have great results; your dreads will look awesome right after you make them. Make sure you send me pictures!
Backcombing- it will take about 3-6 hours to dread the hair, and about a month to three for them to lock up.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the salons section.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
It is OK to have your dreads made in a salon, many people will say that they are fake dreads, but I do not believe this. I believe that if there were fake dreads are made by using dread perms and bleaches, because the dreads are not matting by themselves, they have had chemicals put on them, to damage the hair so it will mat easier. Let me just say that even though I believe this, I have nothing against dread perm dreadlocks. Your dreads are your own thing, you have the right to make them however you want, and anyone who scolds you about it is just bitter because they made their dreads by doing nothing to their hair because they didn’t do any research to find other methods of doing it, and they’re upset because they have been working on these dreads for about 6 years and they still look like crap and you just walked out of the salon and your dreads look awesome.
Salons usually charge between $100 & $400 to make dreads. IMPORTANT! Many salons say that they do know how to make dreadlocks, but few really do. They will just put your hair in twist and cover it with gel and call them dreads and charge you $200. The best thing to do is decide which method you would like to start your dreads with, print it, and call around. Just take the directions to the salon and tell them THIS IS HOW I WANT THEM DONE! and see if they can do it. If not, try another salon, you will be able to find one that can make the dreads the way you want them.
Backcombing
Yes, yes you can. It is extremely hard to do the back by yourself, but it can be done. I do not recommend it though. I recommend getting a friend or a salon to help you make them.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Backcombing
When the dreads are new you will wax them about twice in the first week and not wash the dreads. In the second week you will wash the dreads once and wax them twice. In the third week you should start to wash your dreads twice a week, you will still wax your dreads twice in this week. And you will do the same in the fourth week. Once the dreads are about a month old you will want to wax them after you have washed them, make sure your dreads are dry before you wax them, otherwise you might get a mildew smell. Once your dreads are about 3 months old you will only want to wax them about once every week or two, it is always best to wax your dreads when they are clean.
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, Knatty Dread Cream, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile
Can I swim with dreads?
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
Yes, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
You will loose about 20%-30% of your length when you dread your hair, you will loose more if you make the dreads really big or if you backcomb large amounts of hair at a time and you will loose less length if you make smaller dreds and backcomb a little bit of hair at a time.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead wax
2. Knatty Dread cream
3. Knotty Boy
1. DreadHead wax– This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread cream– Coming Soon!
3. Knotty Boy – this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandanna toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in. And if you palm roll them while you have them in it will actually dread the hair.
The rubber band at the tip is used to help keep the dreads together when they are new and it helps the tip lock up once the dreads are tight. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
I tried it once, and I didn’t like the way my hair looked afterward, it looked really unhealthy and singed, a lot of the hair broke off, and it smelled so bad. The tips didn’t have the blunt look I was looking for either they just looked fried. If you are going to do it make sure you don’t have any wax or products in your hair, most hair products are very flammable. But I got the best results just rolling the tips in my palms.
You don’t have to shave your head. There are a couple ways to get dredlocks out, if you haven’t used a dread perm
1. The Easiest way: cut your dreads off a little below root and have about 2 inches of hair. You won’t have to spend hardly anytime with this, and if you are not partial to your hair then this is a good way for you to do it.
2. Cut the first half of your dread off, from the tip of the dread to the middle. Then soak the rest of the dread in conditioner and comb the dread out. This will take some time, but you will have cut the strongest part of the dread off, so it will be a lot easier to comb the rest out.
3. You just love your long hair and don’t want short hair: I can completely understand this, this is probably the way I would choose if I were ever thinking about cutting my dreads off, but I’m not so I don’t have to think about it 🙂 Soak the whole dread in conditioner, and comb the dread out. Let me warn you that this will take a lot of time, probably 4 or 5 times longer than it took you to put them in, but if you love your hair, it’s completely worth it. Some people will say that you can’t do this, but you can, I know a person who did this, and I helped them take some of them out. I didn’t stay the whole time, but I know when I came back the next day, they were still working on taking them out.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
Don’t worry about that, it’s normal for dreads to shrink right before they lock up. It means that all the hair in the dreads is finally locking up. You will soon start to get your length back and your dreads will get thicker!
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
The best way to have thin dreads is to make the sections thin when you start them. There really isn’t a good way to thin them once you have already put them in. You can tie string around the roots and make them grow in thinner sections, but if cut them or pull them apart it really tears up the dread.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
Well there are three things you can do
1. Dread them in with the other dreads
2. Make little dreads out of them. I saw one girl with little dreaded bangs, and she looked so cute!
3. Leave them just like they are, have dreads and straight bangs, I’ve seen it once before and it was neat.
Your hair should be at least 2 inches to start this method and no longer than 7 inches.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if your going with temporary dreads use the silky dreadmethod.
You can see some pictures in the pictures section of this site, and on the dreadlocks pictures section of the Knatty Dread site.
This method can work with Caucasian hair if the hair is thin and a bit curly. If you have normal straight hair and want to use this method you can use a curly hair perm before and then you will be able to use the method effectively.
This is one of the top recommended methods for African hair.
Unfortunately this method does not respond well to Asian hair types.
It will probably take about 2 months to see real results and it will take about a year to lock up completely.
You can get extension put in before you start twisting the hair, and then twist the extensions.
Just washing, the occasional waxing, and twisting.
It is when you twist the hair into sections and then twist the hair back and forth between your fingers until it knots up.
These are the two things you should make your decision by
If the dreads get really long they can pull on the scalp if they get really long which can make you loose more hair.
Another way to look at it is that you will get to keep the hair longer, because the dreads will hold the hairs together.
Twisting
You can do this method by yourself and you can start right now.
Yep, your hair will dread, you will probably want to use the backcombing method because you will have the best results. The hair might slip out a little, if you don’t backcomb the dreads tight enough, so make sure you do, and make sure you put rubber bands at the tips.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems. Neglect, and twist and rip will not work well with this hair type.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method.
Twisting
This is a really good method if you have curly hair, you will have good results.
They may curl a little when they are new, but if you palm roll them a lot they will straighten out in about a month.
Yes, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
Twisting- if you hair is 2 inches or shorter, it will be hard to gather enough hair to actually twist it, I recommend going with the comb rubbing method, or waiting until your hair is longer. If your hair is 2.5-6 inches you will have no problem getting this method to give you great results.
Twisting
You will have awesome results using this method for longer hair, you better send me pictures :O)
Twisting- It usually takes about 2 months to look like dreads and 6 months to completely lock up.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the links section there is also a list of salons in the methods section.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
It is OK to have your dreads made in a salon, many people will say that they are fake dreads, but I do not believe this. I believe that if there were fake dreads are made by using dread perms and bleaches, because the dreads are not matting by themselves, they have had chemicals put on them, to damage the hair so it will mat easier. Let me just say that even though I believe this, I have nothing against dread perm dreadlocks. Your dreads are your own thing, you have the right to make them however you want, and anyone who scolds you about it is just bitter because they made their dreads by doing nothing to their hair because they didn’t do any research to find other methods of doing it, and they’re upset because they have been working on these dreads for about 6 years and they still look like crap and you just walked out of the salon and your dreads look awesome.
Salons usually charge between $100 & $400 to make dreads. IMPORTANT! Many salons say that they do know how to make dreadlocks, but few really do. They will just put your hair in twist and cover it with gel and call them dreads and charge you $200. The best thing to do is decide which method you would like to start your dreads with, print it, and call around. Just take the directions to the salon and tell them THIS IS HOW I WANT THEM DONE! and see if they can do it. If not, try another salon, you will be able to find one that can make the dreads the way you want them.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Dread Cream is preferable to use with this method. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Twisting
While your dreads are new you will want to wax them about twice a week and not wash them. Once the dreads are about 2 weeks old you should wash them and once they are dry apply the wax. Once your dreads are locked up you will only want to wax them about once every two to three weeks to condition them and make them look healthy.
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, Knatty Dread Cream, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 2 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. Knatty Dread cream
2. DreadHead wax
1. Knatty Dread Cream – This is the best loc cream we tested. It has necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy locs and scalp and it’s not greasy.
2. DreadHead wax– This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease
Twisting
You will barely loose any length, maybe 20% at most.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
You don’t have to shave your head. There are a couple ways to get dredlocks out, if you haven’t used a dread perm
1. The Easiest way: cut your dreads off a little below root and have about 2 inches of hair. You won’t have to spend hardly anytime with this, and if you are not partial to your hair then this is a good way for you to do it.
2. Cut the first half of your dread off, from the tip of the dread to the middle. Then soak the rest of the dread in conditioner and comb the dread out. This will take some time, but you will have cut the strongest part of the dread off, so it will be a lot easier to comb the rest out.
3. You just love your long hair and don’t want short hair: I can completely understand this, this is probably the way I would choose if I were ever thinking about cutting my dreads off, but I’m not so I don’t have to think about it 🙂 Soak the whole dread in conditioner, and comb the dread out. Let me warn you that this will take a lot of time, probably 4 or 5 times longer than it took you to put them in, but if you love your hair, it’s completely worth it. Some people will say that you can’t do this, but you can, I know a person who did this, and I helped them take some of them out. I didn’t stay the whole time, but I know when I came back the next day, they were still working on taking them out.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in. And if you palm roll them while you have them in it will actually dread the hair.
The rubber band at the tip is used to help keep the dreads together when they are new and it helps the tip lock up once the dreads are tight. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
I tried it once, and I didn’t like the way my hair looked afterward, it looked really unhealthy and singed, a lot of the hair broke off, and it smelled so bad. The tips didn’t have the blunt look I was looking for either they just looked fried. If you are going to do it make sure you don’t have any wax or products in your hair, most hair products are very flammable. But I got the best results just rolling the tips in my palms.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
Don’t worry about that, it’s normal for dreads to shrink right before they lock up. It means that all the hair in the dreads is finally locking up. You will soon start to get your length back and your dreads will get thicker!
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
The best way to have thin dreads is to make the sections thin when you start them. There really isn’t a good way to thin them once you have already put them in. You can tie string around the roots and make them grow in thinner sections, but if cut them or pull them apart it really tears up the dread.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
You should probably have at least 6 inches of hair and no more than 12 inches.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if your going with temporary dreads use the silky dreadmethod.
Not really, but if you are choosing this method you probably don’t care about length because you loose about 50% of your length dreading with this method.
Not really, but if you are choosing this method you probably don’t care about length because you loose about 50% of your length dreading with this method.
This method will work on Caucasian hair if it is very thin or curly. Straight hair usually doesn’t stay knotted up and thick hair has a hard time staying in knots.
It will probably take a year to a year and a half for the dreads to lock up. I have heard in certain rare cases with people with extremely curly or textured hair that the dreads can lock up in 8 months, but that was something I only heard from one person.
Just washing the occasional waxing and the daily twisting the hair around and ripping it apart.
It is when you rub all your hair in a clockwise motion and once you get a big nest of knotted hair ripping it apart into sections. To learn more about this method visit the Twist and Rip Dreadlocks page.
I wouldn’t use the circular rubbing method if you hair is thinning or it runs in you family for hair to thin. Because you will actually be pulling the hair out and it will most likely damage your hair follicles.
This method will work on African textured hair.
It will probably be very hard to dread that hair type with this method. You probably will want to go with a method that has to lock up, like backcombing.
It will probably be very hard to dread that hair type with this method. You probably will want to go with a method that has to lock up, like backcombing.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems. Neglect, and twist and rip will not work well with this hair type.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method.
Twist & rip is a really good method if you have curly hair, you will have good results.
You shouldn’t because when you twist & rip you are actually pulling out the hair, and it won’t be growing all in one direction anymore it will be random, so the curly hair will be random and it won’t have a chance to curl one way.
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
It will take a long time for the dreads to form. It’s really hard to get this method to work on short hair. I recommend trying a different method, or waiting until your hair grows longer.
What should I expect when I start my dreads with long hair with Twist & Rip?
Twist and Rip- it will take six months to a year to form dreads, and they lock up on the way.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the links section there is also a list of salons in the methods section. But not many salons will help you make twist & rip dreads.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. But the twist & rip method is more of a do it yourself method. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Dread Cream is preferable to use with this method. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Twist and Rip
Your dreads will really decide if the bangs are in or out.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead wax
2. Knatty Dread cream
3. Knotty Boy
1. DreadHead wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread cream – This is the best loc cream we tested. It has necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy locs and scalp and it’s not greasy.
3. Knotty Boy – this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
Twist & Rip
While your dreads are new you will want to wax them about twice a week and not wash them. Once the dreads are about 2 weeks old you should wash them and once they are dry apply the wax. Once your dreads are locked up you will only want to wax them about once every two to three weeks to condition them and make them look healthy.
Only a little bit every few days. Just enough to hold the hair together to give it a chance to lock up.
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
Yes, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
Twist and Rip
You could loose, 50% of your length or 30%, it could go either way, your hair chooses, how it wants to knot.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
Twist and Rip
This really is a completely by yourself method.
Using the twist & rip method, yes you will, because the hair will be so damaged from ripping it.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
You shouldn’t really use elastics with this method because you will be rubbing it and ripping it and the elastics will get in the way.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
I tried it once, and I didn’t like the way my hair looked afterward, it looked really unhealthy and singed, a lot of the hair broke off, and it smelled so bad. The tips didn’t have the blunt look I was looking for either they just looked fried. If you are going to do it make sure you don’t have any wax or products in your hair, most hair products are very flammable. But I got the best results just rolling the tips in my palms.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.
You should start out with hair that is about 6 inches long.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if you’re going with temporary dreads use the silky dreadmethod.
You can see a couple pictures in the pictures section of this site. You can also find some pictures on the Hair Police site.
This method will work on Caucasian hair, but if you have the choice I would go with the backcombing or one of the other more natural methods of getting dread locks, just because of the damage the dread perm does to the hair.
The dread perm will work on African textured hair, but I would not recommend it because it does so much damage to the hair and most people get the dread perm to get the same texture that African hair has.
Yes, this is one of the hair types that the dread perm is made for.
A dread perm is when a salon chemically damages your hair to make it hold knots better.
It will probably take about 6 months for the dreads to lock up.
It’s up to you; the pluses of a dread perm are that they look like dreads right after you make them. The down side is the price, the maintenance, and the fact that you will have to cut almost all your hair off when you don’t want them anymore.
Maintenance is required every 1-3 months.
Yes, you can get extensions with the dread perm method.
I wouldn’t go with the Dread Perm method if your hair is thinning, just because your hair follicles are delicate enough as it is, but if you put harsh chemicals on your hair it might cause growth problems.
Yes, thick slippery hair will dread. The Dread Perm method is a good way to get this kind of hair to dread too, because it will break down the hair and it will be able to stay in knots a whole lot easier.
Yes, people with thin hair can get dreads. You will probably want to go with the backcombing method, because most likely your hair is very delicate and a dread perm could fry your hair and make it break off.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems. Neglect, and twist and rip will not work well with this hair type.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method.
Dread Perm
You don’t need a dread perm, you already have what everyone is trying to achieve with a perm. You should use the backcombing method.
They may curl a little when they are new, but if you palm roll them a lot they will straighten out in about a month.
Dread Perm
You won’t be perming much hair, so you won’t see a big result.
Dread Perm
You will see results within a week, they may be good, or your hair may break, you never really know how your hair will react to the chemicals.
Dread Perm
It really depends on the salon and the length of your hair. It could take anywhere from two hours to the whole day. The dreads will probably look like dreads when you come out of the salon.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the salons section.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
It is OK to have your dreads made in a salon, many people will say that they are fake dreads, but I do not believe this. I believe that if there were fake dreads are made by using dread perms and bleaches, because the dreads are not matting by themselves, they have had chemicals put on them, to damage the hair so it will mat easier. Let me just say that even though I believe this, I have nothing against dread perm dreadlocks. Your dreads are your own thing, you have the right to make them however you want, and anyone who scolds you about it is just bitter because they made their dreads by doing nothing to their hair because they didn’t do any research to find other methods of doing it, and they’re upset because they have been working on these dreads for about 6 years and they still look like crap and you just walked out of the salon and your dreads look awesome.
Salons usually charge between $100 & $400 to make dreads. IMPORTANT! Many salons say that they do know how to make dreadlocks, but few really do. They will just put your hair in twist and cover it with gel and call them dreads and charge you $200. The best thing to do is decide which method you would like to start your dreads with, print it, and call around. Just take the directions to the salon and tell them THIS IS HOW I WANT THEM DONE! and see if they can do it. If not, try another salon, you will be able to find one that can make the dreads the way you want them.
Dread Perm
You have to go to a salon for this method, because they do not sell the strong chemicals in normal stores.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Dread Perm
You should not wash your hair for at least 48 hours and longer if you stylist says to wait longer. Once the perm setting time is over you can wash your dreads about once a week while they are new, because they will be delicate. You should wax your dreads after each washing, but wait until the hair is dry before waxing because you will have a mildew smell if you don’t.
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, Knatty Dread Cream, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead Wax
2. Knatty Dread Cream
3. Knotty Boy
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime
1. DreadHead Wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread Cream – Coming Soon!
3. Knotty Boy -this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime – this is an acceptable wax. It seems to be a bit pasty but it beats all the Murray’s and Dax wax products. It has a pretty good hold but it does leave more it’s pasty feeling behind on your dreads.
es, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
Dread Perm
You shouldn’t loose much length at all, but you could loose a lot, because a lot of your hair could break off.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
ou can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in. And if you palm roll them while you have them in it will actually dread the hair.
When you use a Dread Perm you do have to cut your hair down to about 2 inches when you don’t want them anymore.
The rubber band at the tip is used to help keep the dreads together when they are new and it helps the tip lock up once the dreads are tight. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
Don’t worry about that, it’s normal for dreads to shrink right before they lock up. It means that all the hair in the dreads is finally locking up. You will soon start to get your length back and your dreads will get thicker!
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
The best way to have thin dreads is to make the sections thin when you start them. There really isn’t a good way to thin them once you have already put them in. You can tie string around the roots and make them grow in thinner sections, but if cut them or pull them apart it really tears up the dread.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
Dread Perm
1. Dread perm them in with the other dreads.
2. Make little dreads out of them. I saw one girl with little dreaded bangs, and she looked so cute!
3. Leave them just like they are, have dreads and straight bangs, I’ve seen it once before and it was neat.
Your hair should be at least ¼ inch long and shouldn’t be longer than 3 inches.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if you’re going with temporary dreads use the silky dread method.
You can see some dreadlocks pictures in the pictures section of this page. You can also find dreadlocks pictures on sites like Knatty Dread.
This method does not work in Caucasian hair.
This method is the best way to get dreads with short African American hair.
This method does not work in Asian hair.
You just rub a soft bristle brush against your hair in a circular motion to create dreads and dread sections.
I would start at the top of your head in the middle and then work your way to the front temple of your head and then to the side then to the back and then to the other side.
It is really hard to mess up brush rubbing, there really isn’t anything you can do to mess it up unless you just rub the brush back and forth on your head instead of rubbing in a clockwise motion.
It is when you rub a soft bristle brush against your hair in a circular motion to create dreads and dread sections.
When the dreads are new you will probably brush rub once a day for the first week or two and after that you will no have to brush rub again.
Your dreads will look like little nub dreads right after you make them, and will lock up in about a month.
Just washing, the occasional waxing and twisting.
It would be really hard to put extensions in, in such short hair. Plus you would have to use a different method because this method only works on really short hair.
These are the two things you should make your decision by
If the dreads get really long they can pull on the scalp if they get really long which can make you loose more hair.
Another way to look at it is that you will get to keep the hair longer, because the dreads will hold the hairs together.
Yes, people with thin hair can get dreads, and this is a great method for thin hair.
You shouldn’t have a problem just make sure you twist your dreads a lot so they will lock up before they have a chance to fall out.
Brush rubbing
Your dreads will form very fast, and they will lock up quickly.
Nope, you will just have little dread nubs.
Brush rubbing
This is the best method for short black hair, you will have great results.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the Salons section.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
It is OK to have your dreads made in a salon, many people will say that they are fake dreads, but I do not believe this. I believe that if there were fake dreads are made by using dread perms and bleaches, because the dreads are not matting by themselves, they have had chemicals put on them, to damage the hair so it will mat easier. Let me just say that even though I believe this, I have nothing against dread perm dreadlocks. Your dreads are your own thing, you have the right to make them however you want, and anyone who scolds you about it is just bitter because they made their dreads by doing nothing to their hair because they didn’t do any research to find other methods of doing it, and they’re upset because they have been working on these dreads for about 6 years and they still look like crap and you just walked out of the salon and your dreads look awesome.
Salons usually charge between $100 & $400 to make dreads. IMPORTANT! Many salons say that they do know how to make dreadlocks, but few really do. They will just put your hair in twist and cover it with gel and call them dreads and charge you $200. The best thing to do is decide which method you would like to start your dreads with, print it, and call around. Just take the directions to the salon and tell them THIS IS HOW I WANT THEM DONE! and see if they can do it. If not, try another salon, you will be able to find one that can make the dreads the way you want them.
Brush rubbing
Go find a brush! You can start right now.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Dread Cream is preferable for the brush rubbing method. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
You can wash your dreads as often as you like and you should wax about once every 3 days while the dreads are new. And once the dreads are about two weeks old wax once every week or two.
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, Knatty Dread Cream, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
Yes, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
Brush rubbing
Well you don’t have much length to start with; you won’t loose enough to notice.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead Wax
2. Knatty Dread Cream
3. Knotty Boy
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime
1. DreadHead Wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread Cream – Coming Soon!
3. Knotty Boy -this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime – this is an acceptable wax. It seems to be a bit pasty but it beats all the Murray’s and Dax wax products. It has a pretty good hold but it does leave more it’s pasty feeling behind on your dreads.
If you haven’t had the dreads for longer than a month you can probably comb them out, but after a month they are pretty much so there forever unless you shave your head.
You really don’t have much length to work with, so there aren’t many styles you can put the dreads in, except for maybe wrapping different colored rubber bands around them, and dyeing them different colors.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in.
The rubber band at the tip is used to help keep the dreads together when they are new and it helps the tip lock up once the dreads are tight. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
You really don’t have much length to cut but if you cut them, cut them at an angle and twist them a lot.
You really don’t have much tip to burn; your whole dread is pretty much a tip. And, usually, dreads made with the brush rubbing method already have round tips.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
Usually, dreads made with the brush rubbing method already have round tips.
By combining them, just rubber band two dreads together.
Just twist them back and forth between your fingers.
Just twist them back and forth between your fingers.
Just twist them back and forth between your fingers.
Just twist them back and forth between your fingers.
Brush rubbing
I doubt you have bangs, but if you do, and they are longer and you can’t dread them in with the other hair
1. Cut them
2. Backcomb or twist them
Brush rubbing for short African hair- it usually takes about 1-3 hours to complete the process
Your hair should be at least 6 inches to start dreads with this method. This way you will have hair long enough to braid.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if your going with temporary dreads use the silky dreadmethod.
You can see some pictures in the pictures section of this page.
This method will work on most Caucasian hair types. It works best on curly hair and thin hair strands.
This method will work on all types of African hair.
This method will not work on Asian hair types.
The dread braiding method is when you section off your hair and braid it and then leave it alone until the loose hairs come out and they turn into dreadlocks.
It will take about a year for the dreads to form and lock up.
Just washing, waxing, and palm rolling.
Yes, you can get extensions with the dread braiding method. This is probably the best method to get extensions with.
Dread Braiding- it can take 1-5 hours to braid your hair depending on how long your hair is. It can take anywhere from a year to three for the braids to turn into dreads and lock up.
These are the two things you should make your decision by
If the dreads get really long they can pull on the scalp if they get really long which can make you loose more hair.
Another way to look at it is that you will get to keep the hair longer, because the dreads will hold the hairs together.
Yep, your hair will dread, you will probably want to use the backcombing method because you will have the best results. The hair might slip out a little, if you don’t backcomb the dreads tight enough, so make sure you do, and make sure you put rubber bands at the tips.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems. Neglect, and twist and rip will not work well with this hair type.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method
Not at all; curly hair is the easiest type of hair to dread.
They may curl a little when they are new, but if you palm roll them a lot they will straighten out in about a month.
It will take a long time before you see results, but it will look like you have a good style the whole time you are making the dreads.
You will have the best results using this method with long hair. Your dreads will take about a year to lock up and you will probably have some loops throughout the middle of the dread. You can use the crocheting method to get rid of the loops.
Salons usually charge between $100 & $400 to make dreads. IMPORTANT! Many salons say that they do know how to make dreadlocks, but few really do. They will just put your hair in twist and cover it with gel and call them dreads and charge you $200. The best thing to do is decide which method you would like to start your dreads with, print it, and call around. Just take the directions to the salon and tell them THIS IS HOW I WANT THEM DONE! and see if they can do it. If not, try another salon, you will be able to find one that can make the dreads the way you want them.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, Knatty Dread Cream, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
You will probably only loose about 10% of your length, because braids do not take much length once they are in and the hair won’t have much room to move and shorten.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead Wax
2. Knatty Dread Cream
3. Knotty Boy
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime
1. DreadHead Wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread Cream – Coming Soon!
3. Knotty Boy -this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
4. Jamaican Mango and Lime – this is an acceptable wax. It seems to be a bit pasty but it beats all the Murray’s and Dax wax products. It has a pretty good hold but it does leave more it’s pasty feeling behind on your dreads.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
You can start this method yourself just get a pack of rubber bands to hold the tips together.
You don’t have to shave your head. There are a couple ways to get dredlocks out, if you haven’t used a dread perm
1. The Easiest way: cut your dreads off a little below root and have about 2 inches of hair. You won’t have to spend hardly anytime with this, and if you are not partial to your hair then this is a good way for you to do it.
2. Cut the first half of your dread off, from the tip of the dread to the middle. Then soak the rest of the dread in conditioner and comb the dread out. This will take some time, but you will have cut the strongest part of the dread off, so it will be a lot easier to comb the rest out.
3. You just love your long hair and don’t want short hair: I can completely understand this, this is probably the way I would choose if I were ever thinking about cutting my dreads off, but I’m not so I don’t have to think about it 🙂 Soak the whole dread in conditioner, and comb the dread out. Let me warn you that this will take a lot of time, probably 4 or 5 times longer than it took you to put them in, but if you love your hair, it’s completely worth it. Some people will say that you can’t do this, but you can, I know a person who did this, and I helped them take some of them out. I didn’t stay the whole time, but I know when I came back the next day, they were still working on taking them out.
Rubber bands are a must with the dread braiding method. The rubber band is used to hold the hair together while it has a chance to form into a dread and lock up. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in. And if you palm roll them while you have them in it will actually dread the hair.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
I tried it once, and I didn’t like the way my hair looked afterward, it looked really unhealthy and singed, a lot of the hair broke off, and it smelled so bad. The tips didn’t have the blunt look I was looking for either they just looked fried. If you are going to do it make sure you don’t have any wax or products in your hair, most hair products are very flammable. But I got the best results just rolling the tips in my palms.
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
The best way to have thin dreads is to make the sections thin when you start them. There really isn’t a good way to thin them once you have already put them in. You really can’t make the dreadlocks thinner once they are in with the dread braiding method.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
You can braid them in with the braids.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
You can wash as often as you like. Actually I recommend washing everyday, because the more you wash the more loose hairs will come out of the braid and turn into knots. You should palm roll and wax after every washing but make sure your hair is dry before waxing because if you don’t you will get a mildew smell.
While your dreads are new you will probably want to wear a swim cap, but after they mature you will not need one.
Yes, actually your hair will dread easier because the hair has been damaged, so it will hold knots a lot easier. You can use any method and the dreads will lock up.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
You can put loomed dreads in with any hair length.
Loomed dreads are probably the fastest way to get temporary dreads, and backcombing is the fastest way to get permanent dreads.
You can put loomed dreads in any hair type.
You can put loomed dreads in any hair type.
You can put loomed dreads in any hair type.
It depends on what method you use to get dreads.
Your hair should be at least 3 inches to put the braids in.
Yes you can; you cab have them braided into the hair when you are doing the initial braiding.
You can see some pictures in the pictures section of this page
The method works on all hair types.
The method works on all hair types.
The method works on all hair types.
Basic maintenance of washing and waxing is required. And you have to get the dreads redone every month or two
It can take anywhere from an hour to 3 to put the braids in your hair and wrap the synthetic hair around your braids. Your dreads will look just like dreads right after you make them.
There are a list of salons with web pages in the links section there is also a list of salons in the methods section.
You can try posting on message boards to see if there is a dread head in your area that would be interested. And if you are interested in helping someone out with their dreads email us and we will recommend you when people email us. You can also check the salons section in the links section for salons in your area.
You can but it will be a lot of work, I recommend getting a friend to help you or going to a salon.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it may harm silky dreads by loosening the hair and making them fall apart.
You will probably only go through one jar of wax or maintenance product every 6 months.
You should wash your hair and then apply the wax or maintenance product.
You will use the wax or maintenance product the whole time you have dreads to hold in loose hairs.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal hair.
Yes, you can swim with silky dreads; just make sure you squeeze all the water out of the dreads when you are finished swimming so the dreads don’t grow mold.
Yes, you can make silky dreads with hair that has been relaxed. It will not hurt the dreads or the hair at all.
That’s the great thing about this method you can choose if you want your dreads short, longer or the same length as your normal hair.
The best thing to prepare for making silky dreads is make sure you have the right products.
1. A wax or maintenance product to hold the loose hairs in
2. A shampoo that doesn’t leave residue behind. Because if you use a shampoo that leaves residue behind with silky dreads it will make them fall apart faster.
You should also make sure your hair is clean before putting the dreads in.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead wax
2. Knatty Dread cream
3. Knotty Boy
1. DreadHead wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread cream – This is the best loc cream we tested. It has necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy locs and scalp and it’s not greasy.
3. Knotty Boy – this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
Elastics are great for silky dreads they help hold them together at the tips.
The rubber band is used to hold the dread together.
I don’t recommend it with this method because they are kind of a pain to put back together once they are taken apart, and they only last about a month and you can put them in shorter the next time you put them in.
Not with the silky dreads method. Just take apart the twisted hair and undo the braid.
To make dreads fatter with this method, just make the braids bigger.
To make dreads thinner with this method, just make the braids smaller.
You can’t really tighten your dreads permanently with this method. If the dreads are loose than they need to be redone.
1. You can leave them out or
2. You can make little braids out of them and make little silky dreads.
You can start with 2 inches and the hair can be as long as you want it.
Backcombing is probably the fastest way to get permanent dreads. Because the hair looks like dreads right after they are finished, there is also an estimated time of 3 months to lock up. This is the least amount of time out of all the methods.
The fastest way to get temporary dreads is probably the loomed dreads method. But you can only leave them in for a few days. So if your going with temporary dreads use the silky dreadmethod.
You can see some pictures in the pictures section of this site.
This method will work on curly Caucasian hair.
This method will work on African hair.
This method will not work on Asian hair.
It usually takes about 2-3 years for neglect dreadlocks to lock up.
You can braid the extensions in and let those dread by themselves, but when you do this you decide where the section are and when you decide where the sections are it kind of takes away from the whole process.
It usually takes about 2-3 years for neglect dreadlocks to lock up.
There is no maintenance in this method.
This is when you do nothing to your hair and after about 5 years it turns into dreads.
Yep, your hair will dread, but not with the neglect method, you will probably want to use the backcombing method because you will have the best results. The hair might slip out a little, if you don’t backcomb the dreads tight enough, so make sure you do, and make sure you put rubber bands at the tips.
There are two types of thick hair
1. Thick strands- usually Asian people have this kind of hair, it is harder for this kind of hair to actually lock up, you will have a lot of trouble getting this hair type to dread without any help, but if you use the backcombing method with a good wax, you won’t have many problems.
2. Lots of hair- people who have curly have usually have lots of it. The stands are usually thin or normal size, and the dread great. A person with this hair will have no problems getting dreads, with any method.
Not at all, curly hair is the only hair type that I would say will work with the neglect method.
They may curl a little when they are new, but if you palm roll them a lot they will straighten out in about a month.
Neglect
There’s not much to expect with this method and short hair, it will happen when it happens, but it will take longer for the short hair to knot than it will for longer hair. You should probably wait until your hair is longer before you go neglect.
Regular beeswax is very brittle, it will be really hard to put on the dreads unless you melt it and then put it in. But as soon as it dries it’s just going to chunk off, and leave little pieces behind, that will hold dirt and make black spots in your dreads.
Honey is very sticky and it is not very thick so it will just coat the hair like gelatin would and not help hold the knots together in the dreads. It also attracts bugs and dirt.
The only thing Aloe Vera can be used for in dreads is to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process when the dreads are new.
Aloe Vera can be used in dreads to condition them, but it will not help the dreading process because it will coat the hair causing the dreads to have a hard time locking up.
It depends on the size jar. Probably two. You will probably use a jar when you first start your dreads, and then get another one after the third month, and that jar will probably last a year, if not more. Once your dreads are locked up you won’t need to use wax anymore and you can start using a dread moisturizing product like Dread Butta to keep your dreads soft and prevent them from getting brittle
Your choice. Everyone has their own ideas of how they want it done.
Well that depends on what wax you are using, if you are using a pomade wax (like Murray’s beeswax, which I do not recommend, it is greasy and they will make your dreads fall apart) you will have to use a lot because it does not hold the dreads together.
If you use the Dread Head, or Knotty Boy you will be using a finger full of wax on each dred (depending on how thick the dreads are and how long they are).
I’ve had my dreadlocks for over 4 years now, and I still use wax for little loose hairs, frizzes, and to condition them so they don’t get brittle. But you will not have to wax them all the time, once they are about a year old.
Expect the wax to be firm and a little sticky. It might be a little hard to get off of your hands, since it’s waterproof, but you can use liquid Dawn to get it off or a product called Waxx Off that is specifically made for breaking down dread wax. You may find it a little different to work the wax into the dreads for the first time, if you do, get a hair dryer and heat the wax a little before you smooth it on the dread, then melt the wax into the dread using the hair dryer when you’re done.
As often as you please. Some people will say that you can’t wash dreads at all, because they will fall out, but that is just another dreadlock myth. Dreadlocks should be washed at least once a week, just like normal untangled hair. Your dreads may feel a little loose after you wash them, but they will tighten back as soon as they dry. With new dreads you should be careful with them, the first few times you wash them, make sure to be gentle with them, after all, they are newbie baby dreads, and they are fragile.
Actually there are. Here are a few tips.
1. If you have really straight hair you can give it more texture by braiding it for a couple days before you dread or getting a cheep perm from Wal-Mart.
2. Don’t use conditioners on it for at least a week before you dread.
3. Get the items you will need to dread a head of time; you never know what could happen at last minute.
4. Bleach or color your hair, but don’t use the conditioner that comes in the box. This will make your hair holds the knots better.
Elastics are really good for dreads, they help the dreads form the way you want them to and keep loose hairs in. And if you palm roll them while you have them in it will actually dread the hair.
The rubber band at the tip is used to help keep the dreads together when they are new and it helps the tip lock up once the dreads are tight. If it is just a regular rubber band then you should just leave it there until it falls off, but if it is one of those super Scunci elastics then it will never fall off, you should take it off after three months.
It’s not really a good idea, because the dread will start to unravel because the hair that was holding the knots together before is gone. You will have to wait for the tip to lock up again and it’s just a pain in the arse. But if you are going to do it the best way to cut it is like a flower, cut it at an angle and then put a rubber band around the tip and rub the tip against the palm of your hand everyday for about 2 days and then take the rubber band out.
You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.
Of course, they grow just like normal hair. Your normal straight hair grows out of your scalp and then it grows into the rest of the dread.
The best way to get round tips is to use the tip rounding technique where you rub the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand in a circular motion.
The best thing to do is roll the tip of the dread in the palm of your hand. This will make nice little round tips. I rolled my tips for three months and now they are round and really nice.
Dreads do get fatter with time, because the hair that would have fallen out, builds up inside the dread. This is what makes the dreads become hard after a while. But if you want really big dreads and you haven’t started them yet it’s easy to make them fat, just make bigger sections. And it’s pretty easy to make the bigger if the dreads are only about two months old or younger, just rubber band them together and palm roll them as much as you can. But once they are hard it’s really hard to connect them, you can still rubber band them together, but you take a chance of having folds or creases in your dreads.
The best way to have thin dreads is to make the sections thin when you start them. There really isn’t a good way to thin them once you have already put them in. You can tie string around the roots and make them grow in thinner sections, but if cut them or pull them apart it really tears up the dread.
There are a couple methods for tightening roots
1. Crocheting– this really shouldn’t be used for tightening roots, you should only use it to get rid of loose loops. But what you do is stick the dread through the loop and pull it through; it’s kind of like sewing.
2. Clockwise Rubbing– In my opinion this is the best way to tighten roots, what you do is, rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion. It has done wonders for my dreads.
There are many different products out on the market that say they are intended for dreadlocking hair, but that does not mean that they actually work. Any wax that has the ingredient of petroleum is bad for your dreads, it will make your dreads feel nasty and it will make your dreads fall apart. There are 3 waxes that are appropriate for dreadlocking hair:
1. DreadHead wax
2. Knatty Dread cream
3. Knotty Boy
1. DreadHead wax – This is the best of the waxes we have tested. Its strong points were its long lasting hold and its lack of grease.
2. Knatty Dread cream – This is the best loc cream we tested. It has necessary vitamins and nutrients for healthy locs and scalp and it’s not greasy.
3. Knotty Boy – this wax is pretty good over all. Decent hold. Its main problem is that it’s greasier than it needs to be and the hold, while long lasting, isn’t that strong. I also think the smell of their wax is a bit much. At first I was like mmm yummy, but after a few hours or so I was like sick to my tummy.
They should dread in with the other hair.
The best way to tighten them is to palm roll them. Palm rolling has amazing affects.
Use the clockwise rubbing method. Rub the dread against your scalp in a clockwise motion.