Embarking on the transformative journey of dreading your hair is a call that requires each dedication and an understanding of the method. Dreads, often known as locs, are a novel and attention-grabbing coiffure that has been embraced by numerous cultures all through historical past. They’re shaped by permitting sections of hair to intertwine and tangle over time, creating cylindrical strands that may vary in measurement, texture, and elegance. Whether or not you search a bohemian aesthetic, a connection to your cultural heritage, or just a change from mainstream hairstyles, dreading your hair may be an empowering and transformative expertise.
The journey of dreading your hair can start with numerous strategies, every yielding distinct outcomes. The commonest approach is the “neglect methodology,” which entails discontinuing the usage of combs and brushes and permitting your hair to kind dreads naturally by means of each day motion and friction. Different strategies embrace the “backcombing methodology,” the place hair is teased and twisted to create locs, and the “twist-and-rip methodology,” which entails separating hair into sections, twisting them, after which pulling them aside. The selection of methodology depends upon your hair kind, desired dread measurement, and private desire.
The timeline for dreading hair can range relying on components akin to hair kind, methodology used, and upkeep practices. Sometimes, the method can take a number of months and even years. In the course of the preliminary levels, your hair might undergo a clumsy part because it transitions from its combed state to the beginnings of dread formation. Nevertheless, with persistence and correct care, akin to common washing and conditioning, your dreads will progressively mature and develop their distinctive character. As they mature, dreads might develop into thicker and extra outlined, and their texture might change relying in your hair kind and upkeep routine.
Introduction to Dreading
Dreading, often known as locing, is a pure hair care methodology that entails matting your hair into tightly coiled strands. It is a ravishing and versatile type that has been practiced for hundreds of years by numerous cultures all over the world. Whether or not you are a seasoned dreadhead or a curious beginner, understanding the fundamentals of dreading is essential for reaching the specified look and sustaining wholesome dreadlocks.
The method of dreading may be initiated utilizing quite a lot of strategies, together with neglect, backcombing, twisting, and interlocking. Neglect entails merely leaving your hair to mat by itself, whereas backcombing entails repeatedly brushing your hair backward to create friction and tangles. Twisting and interlocking are extra energetic strategies that require twisting or locking sections of hair collectively. The selection of approach will rely in your hair kind, texture, and desired dreadlock measurement.
As soon as the dreading course of has begun, it is vital to be affected person and keep away from combing or brushing your hair. Enable the pure oils out of your scalp to nourish and lock the strands collectively. Rinsing your hair with lukewarm water and utilizing a pure shampoo or conditioner can assist keep moisture and stop dandruff. With time and correct care, your dreadlocks will mature and develop into a testomony to your distinctive type.
Kinds of Dreads
Dreads range broadly in measurement, form, and texture, providing you with ample choices to customise your look. This is a better have a look at the various kinds of dreads:
| Kind |
Traits |
| Freeform |
Naturally shaped with none particular methodology, leading to natural and distinctive shapes |
| Backcombed |
Created by backcombing hair to create tangles, leading to a extra uniform look |
| Twisted |
Fashioned by twisting sections of hair collectively, leading to outlined and cylindrical dreads |
| Interlocked |
Just like twisted dreads, however utilizing a software to lock the hairs collectively for a tighter maintain |
| Crochet |
A way that entails utilizing a crochet hook to hook hairs collectively, creating a really tight and compact dread |
Advantages of Dreading
Dreadlocks have been a well-liked coiffure for hundreds of years, and for good motive. Listed here are just some of the advantages of dreading your hair:
Low upkeep
Dreadlocks are one of many lowest-maintenance hairstyles round. As soon as your dreads have matured, you will not want to scrub, brush, or type them repeatedly. This could prevent plenty of effort and time in the long term.
Versatile
Dreadlocks may be worn in quite a lot of totally different types, so you possibly can all the time discover a look that fits you. You’ll be able to put on your dreads down, up, and even in a bun. You may as well add beads, wraps, or different equipment to personalize your look.
Protecting
Dreadlocks can assist to guard your hair from the weather and from harm. The tight coils of the dreads assist to maintain your hair moisturized and protected against the solar, wind, and rain. Dreadlocks also can assist to forestall breakage and break up ends.
Completely different Dreading Strategies
1. Backcombing
Backcombing entails dividing the hair into sections and repeatedly brushing it upward in opposition to the grain. This methodology creates friction, which causes the hair strands to tangle and kind dreadlocks. Backcombing requires appreciable effort and time and may be uncomfortable attributable to hair breakage. Nevertheless, it produces tight and uniform dreadlocks.
2. Twist and Rip
The twist and rip methodology entails twisting sections of hair collectively after which pulling them aside. This creates small, tight dreadlocks that slowly mature over time. Twist and rip is much less time-consuming than backcombing and causes much less hair breakage. Nevertheless, it can lead to much less constant dreadlock shapes.
3. Crochet Hook Locs
Crochet hook locs are created by utilizing a crochet hook to loop and interlock the hair strands collectively. This methodology affords probably the most management over the dimensions, form, and elegance of the dreadlocks. It gives a neat and polished look however requires skilled coaching and may be time-consuming.
Crochet Hook Locs Methods:
| Method |
Description |
| Freeform Locs |
Locs are shaped randomly, leading to a pure and natural look. |
| Interlocking Locs |
Locs are interlocked collectively utilizing a crochet hook, creating a decent and safe maintain. |
| Coily Locs |
Positive and coily hair is used to create small, uniform locs with a spiral sample. |
| Voluminous Locs |
Extensions are added to create thicker and fuller locs. |
| Two-Strand Twist Locs |
Hair is twisted collectively into two strands after which interlocked for a pure and outlined look. |
Preparation and Supplies
1. Wash your hair
Earlier than you begin dreading your hair, it is vital to scrub it completely with a clarifying shampoo. This can take away any dust, oil, or product buildup that would forestall the dreads from forming correctly. After washing, towel-dry your hair and let it air dry utterly.
2. Part your hair
As soon as your hair is dry, you can begin sectioning it into the specified dread measurement. To do that, use a rattail comb to create small sections of hair, about 1-2 inches extensive. Safe every part with an elastic band.
3. Backcomb or palm roll
To start dreading your hair, you possibly can both use the backcombing methodology or the palm rolling methodology. For backcombing, use a teasing comb to backcomb the hair in every part, ranging from the roots and dealing your method all the way down to the ends. For palm rolling, take a small part of hair and roll it between your palms, ranging from the roots and dealing your method all the way down to the ends.
4. Select dread methodology
There are a number of totally different strategies you should utilize to dread your hair, together with the next:
| Technique |
Description |
| Twist and rip |
This methodology entails twisting two sections of hair collectively after which pulling them aside, making a dreadlock. |
| Latch hook |
This methodology makes use of a latch hook to tug hair by means of the bottom of the dreadlock, making a safer maintain. |
| Crochet |
This methodology makes use of a crochet hook to tug hair by means of the dreadlock, creating a decent and outlined look. |
Backcombing Method
Backcombing entails teasing or brushing hair backward in opposition to its pure progress course. This system creates friction and tangles, selling matting and ultimately forming dreadlocks.
Supplies:
– Rattail comb or backcombing brush
– Spray bottle with water
– Hair wax/pomade (elective)
Steps:
- Part your hair: Divide your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches extensive.
- Dampen your hair: Frivolously spray the part with water to make it extra pliable.
- Backcomb: Utilizing a rattail comb or brush, maintain the hair part taut and brush backwards repeatedly, creating a rough texture.
- Twist and wrap: After backcombing, twist the part and wrap it tightly round its base. Safe with a hair tie or elastic band.
- Palm roll: Roll the wrapped part between your palms, making use of mild strain to additional tangle the strands. Do that for a number of minutes to encourage matting.
- Apply wax/pomade (elective): To advertise the dreadlock formation course of, you possibly can apply a small quantity of hair wax or pomade to the part.
Twisting and Pulling
The twisting and pulling methodology is an easy and efficient strategy to begin dreadlocks. This system entails twisting small sections of hair tightly and pulling on them to create friction. This friction helps to interrupt down the hair cuticles and kind knots, which can ultimately mat and lock collectively. To carry out this methodology, comply with these steps:
| Step |
Directions |
| 1 |
Dampen your hair. |
| 2 |
Part off a small quantity of hair (concerning the measurement of a dime). |
| 3 |
Twist the part of hair tightly from root to tip. |
| 4 |
Pull on the twisted hair for 10-15 seconds. |
| 5 |
Repeat steps 2-4 till your whole hair is twisted and pulled. |
| 6 |
Enable your hair to dry utterly after which separate any clumps of hair which have shaped. |
You’ll be able to repeat this course of as typically as wanted till your dreadlocks are the specified measurement and form.
Upkeep and Care
To maintain your dreadlocks wholesome and searching their finest, it is important to comply with a correct upkeep routine. This is an in depth information that can assist you care on your dreads:
Washing
Wash your dreads each 1-2 weeks utilizing a residue-free shampoo. Keep away from utilizing common shampoo and conditioner, as they will construct up and crush your dreads.
Drying
After washing, gently squeeze out extra water and air-dry your dreads. Don’t towel dry, as this may trigger tangles.
Separating
As your dreads mature, they could begin to fuse collectively. To forestall this, use a dreadhook or latch hook to softly separate them each few weeks.
Palm Rolling
Repeatedly palm roll your dreads to encourage them to tighten and develop a uniform form. This system entails wrapping your dreads round your palm and rolling them in direction of the basis.
Retwisting
For unfastened dreads, retwisting could also be vital each 4-6 weeks. This entails twisting the dreadlock from the basis to the tip to take care of its form and stop unraveling.
Crocheting
Crocheting is a complicated approach that makes use of a crochet hook to tighten and form dreadlocks. It is often carried out by skilled dreadlock stylists.
Locking
Within the early levels of dreadlock formation, locking is crucial to encourage the hair to mat. It entails utilizing a latch hook to create interlocking loops and knots inside the dreadlocks.
Different Ideas
| Tip |
Advantages |
| Moisturize with pure oils |
Retains dreads hydrated and prevents breakage |
| Cowl dreads at evening |
Protects dreads from friction and prevents tangles |
| Keep away from warmth styling |
Direct warmth can harm dreadlocks |
| Trim break up ends |
Prevents fraying and retains dreads wanting neat |
| Be affected person and constant |
Dreadlocks take time to develop and require common care |
How To Dread My Hair
Dreadlocks are a sort of haircut that’s created by permitting hair to mat and tangle collectively. They are often worn by folks of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. There are various other ways to dread hair, however the commonest methodology is to begin with clear, dry hair after which part it off into small items. Every bit of hair is then twisted or rubbed collectively till it begins to mat. As soon as the hair has matted, it’s left to develop and dread naturally.
There are just a few various factors that may have an effect on the best way that dreadlocks kind. These components embrace the kind of hair, the tactic of dreading, and the care that’s taken of the dreadlocks. Folks with advantageous, straight hair might discover that their dreadlocks take longer to kind than folks with thick, curly hair. The tactic of dreading also can have an effect on the best way that the dreadlocks feel and appear. Some folks select to dread their hair by twisting it, whereas others choose to rub it collectively. The care that’s taken of the dreadlocks can be vital. Dreadlocks must be washed and conditioned repeatedly to forestall them from turning into dry and brittle.
There are various advantages to having dreadlocks. Dreadlocks could be a strategy to specific one’s individuality. They will also be a strategy to join with one’s tradition or heritage. Dreadlocks will also be a strategy to make an announcement about one’s way of life or beliefs.
How lengthy does it take to dread hair?
The time it takes to dread hair varies relying on the kind of hair, the tactic of dreading, and the care that’s taken of the dreadlocks. Nevertheless, most individuals discover that it takes not less than 6 months to a 12 months to dread hair naturally.
How typically ought to I wash my dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks must be washed and conditioned repeatedly to forestall them from turning into dry and brittle. Nevertheless, you will need to not wash your dreadlocks too typically, as this may strip them of their pure oils. Most individuals discover that washing their dreadlocks a few times every week is adequate.
Can I dye my dreadlocks?
Sure, you possibly can dye your dreadlocks. Nevertheless, you will need to use a dye that’s particularly designed for dreadlocks, as common hair dye can harm the dreadlocks. It’s also vital to comply with the instructions on the dye bundle fastidiously.
