Interlocking dreadlocks is a well-liked methodology of styling locks that entails utilizing a crochet hook to loop one dreadlock via the bottom of one other. This system creates a robust and safe maintain that may final for a number of weeks, making it an excellent possibility for many who need to keep their dreadlocks with out having to fret about them coming undone. Nonetheless, interlocking dreadlocks generally is a time-consuming and difficult course of, so it is essential to study the right approach earlier than you get began.
Earlier than you start interlocking your dreadlocks, you’ll need to assemble a couple of provides. You will want a crochet hook, a pair of scissors, and a sprig bottle full of water. You might also need to use a dreadlock cream or wax to assist preserve your dreadlocks from changing into frizzy or tangled. Upon getting gathered your provides, you possibly can start the interlocking course of.
To interlock your dreadlocks, begin by sectioning off a small portion of hair. Use the crochet hook to create a loop within the base of the dreadlock. Then, take one other dreadlock and thread it via the loop. Pull the second dreadlock via the loop till it’s tight. Repeat this course of till you could have interlocked all the dreadlocks within the part. Upon getting interlocked all the dreadlocks in a bit, you possibly can transfer on to the subsequent part and repeat the method.
Gathering the Proper Instruments
To realize the specified interlocks, having the suitable instruments is paramount. Under is a complete checklist of important objects to assemble previous to commencing the method:
Crochet Hook
| Dimension | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.25-0.5 mm | Most fitted for small to medium-sized dreadlocks |
| 0.75-1 mm | Beneficial for bigger or thicker dreadlocks |
A crochet hook is essential for separating and interlocking strands. Learn more about choosing the right crochet hook here.
Dreading Comb
A dreading comb with steel enamel helps tease aside and outline strands. Select a comb with superb or medium-sized enamel, relying on the thickness of your dreadlocks.
Part Clips
Part clips are important for organising and securing particular person dreadlocks whereas engaged on others. They assist forestall tangling and keep the cleanliness of the workspace.
Dread Wax
Dread wax is elective however extremely advisable for strengthening and smoothing interlocks. It gives a safe maintain and reduces frizziness.
Dreadlock Device
A dreadlock device, also called a dreadlock hook, is a flexible device designed to tighten and be a part of interlocks. It contains a curved or hook-shaped design that aids in precision and effectivity.
Sectioning and Parting the Dread
Figuring out Your Interlock Sample
Earlier than parting the dreads, resolve on the interlock sample you need. Widespread patterns embody:
- Single-Strand Interlock: Every dread is interlocked with itself.
- Double-Strand Interlock: Two dreads are interlocked collectively.
- Spiral Interlock: Dread segments are interlocked in a spiral sample.
Parting the Dread
1. Divide the dread into sections. This helps management the dimensions and form of the interlocked dreads.
2. **Creating Clear Partings:**
– Divide the dread into 4 equal sections utilizing a rattail comb or your fingers.
– Pull the sections aside barely to create a transparent parting line.
– Use a latch hook or crochet hook to softly separate the hairs on both aspect of the parting line.
– **Methods for Improved Partings:**
| Approach | Advantages |
|—|—|
| **Utilizing a Rattail Comb:** Permits for precision and clear traces. |
| **Pulling with Fingers:** Creates natural-looking partings with a much less outlined look. |
| **Utilizing a Latch Hook or Crochet Hook:** Gives further management and helps forestall hair breakage. |
3. Safe the parted sections with hair clips or rubber bands to keep up their separation through the interlock course of.
Interlocking with a Device
This methodology entails utilizing a device particularly designed for interlocking dreadlocks, corresponding to a crochet hook or a locking device. The device helps to create a good and safe interlock between the 2 dreads.
Step 1: Collect the Dreads
Separate the 2 dreads that you simply need to interlock and pull them to rigidity.
Step 2: Thread the Device
Insert the hook or device into the middle of one of many dreads and pull the device via, making a loop. Maintain the dread in place with one hand and the device with the opposite.
Step 3: Insert the Device into the Second Dread
Thread the hook into the middle of the second dread, weaving it out and in of the hair. Information the hook via the loop you created within the first dread, pulling it again via the second dread from the within out.
Step 4: Tighten the Knot
Tighten the knot by pulling the device again via the primary dread, making a safe interlock between the 2. Repeat the method for all sections of the dreads to finish the interlock.
Step 5: End and Set the Interlock
As soon as the interlock is full, safe it additional by rubbing the bottom of the dreads collectively to tighten the knot. Palm-rolling the world helps to set the interlock and easy out any tough edges.
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
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Interlocking by Hand
Interlocking dreadlocks by hand is a standard methodology that entails utilizing solely your fingers and palms to tighten and safe the dreads. This system requires persistence and observe however presents a pure and natural look.
To interlock by hand, comply with these steps:
- Begin by separating the 2 dreads you need to interlock.
- Grip the bottom of 1 dread along with your fingers and thumb.
- Seize the bottom of the opposite dread along with your reverse hand.
- Pull the 2 dreads in direction of one another, creating rigidity and interlocking the free hairs.
Repeat this course of for the complete size of the dreads, working in small sections. As you pull the dreads collectively, you need to use your fingers to easy out any tough edges or bumps.
This is a extra detailed description of step 4:
Step 4: Interlocking the Dreads
To successfully interlock the dreads, comply with the following pointers:
| Tip | Description |
| Use Rigidity | Pull the dreads in direction of one another with sufficient power to create rigidity however not a lot that you simply injury the hair. |
| Interlock at an Angle | As an alternative of pulling straight down, interlock the dreads at a slight angle to create a safer maintain. |
| Use Fingernails | Use your fingernails to softly comb via the free hairs and information them into the interlocking sample. |
Sustaining Interlocked Dreads
Upon getting efficiently interlocked your dreads, it is essential to keep up them correctly to maintain them wholesome and searching their greatest. Listed below are some key steps to comply with:
Moisturize Recurrently
Interlocked dreads can turn out to be dry and brittle, particularly if they aren’t repeatedly moisturized. Use a dreadlock-specific moisturizer or a pure oil corresponding to coconut oil or olive oil. Apply the moisturizer to the roots of the dreads and work it via to the ends.
Wash and Rinse Totally
Dreadlocks must be washed each 2-4 weeks to take away dust and product buildup. Use a light shampoo and conditioner, and you’ll want to rinse completely to take away all cleaning soap residue.
Separate and Retwist
As your dreads develop, they could begin to fuse collectively. To forestall this, separate them gently along with your fingers or a dreadlock comb. You might also need to retwist the roots of the dreads to assist them keep their form.
Shield Whereas Sleeping
To keep away from tangles and breakage, shield your dreadlocks when you sleep. Put on a satin scarf or bonnet to cowl your head.
Keep away from Warmth Styling
Warmth styling can injury dreadlocks, so it is best to keep away from utilizing scorching instruments corresponding to blow dryers and flat irons. If you happen to should use warmth, use a low setting and maintain the device away out of your dreads.
| Beneficial Merchandise | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Dreadlock Moisturizer | Moisturizes and prevents dryness |
| Coconut Oil | Pure moisturizer and antibacterial |
| Dreadlock Shampoo | Gently cleanses with out stripping oils |
| Dreadlock Conditioner | Nourishes and provides shine |
| Dreads Comb | Separates and detangles dreads |
Avoiding Breakage Throughout Interlocking
Detangling and Moisturizing
Earlier than interlocking, detangle your locs to forestall tangles and knots. Use a detangling spray or conditioner to make the method simpler. Moreover, preserve your locs well-moisturized to keep up their flexibility and stop breakage through the interlocking course of.
Beginning with Wholesome Locs
Interlocking ought to solely be carried out on wholesome and well-established locs. Keep away from interlocking broken or weak locs as they’re extra vulnerable to breakage. In case you have any issues in regards to the well being of your locs, seek the advice of an expert loctician for recommendation.
Utilizing the Proper Instruments
Spend money on high-quality interlocking instruments, corresponding to a steel hook or crochet needle. Poor-quality instruments can injury your locs, so select ones which might be well-designed and simple to make use of.
Correct Approach
Interlocking must be executed with care and precision. Use the hook or needle to softly pry open the bottom of 1 loc and hook it below the opposite loc. Pull the locs collectively fastidiously, avoiding extreme power that might trigger breakage. Additionally, keep away from interlocking too tightly, as this will weaken the locs over time.
Limiting Periods
Do not try and interlock your whole locs in a single sitting. Break it down into shorter periods to present your roots and locs time to relaxation and get well. Over-interlocking can result in scalp irritation and breakage.
Upkeep After Interlocking
After interlocking, it is essential to keep up your locs correctly. Keep away from tight hair ties and kinds that put pressure on the roots. Proceed with common washing and moisturizing to maintain your locs wholesome and stop breakage. This is an in depth breakdown of upkeep after interlocking:
| Upkeep Process | Significance |
|---|---|
| Washing | Cleanses scalp, removes product buildup |
| Moisturizing | Retains locs hydrated, prevents dryness and breakage |
| Retwisting | Tightens locs, prevents unraveling |
| Keep away from Warmth | Warmth can weaken and injury locs |
Ideas for Optimum Interlocking
1. Use a Crochet Hook:
A crochet hook is a specialised device designed for interlocking dreadlocks. It permits for exact and managed interlocking, guaranteeing a neat and safe connection.
2. Moisten Dreads:
Dampening the dreadlocks with water or a locking spray makes them extra pliable and simpler to govern through the interlocking course of.
3. Separate the Roots:
Earlier than interlocking, separate the roots of the dreadlocks to create two distinct sections. This can facilitate the interlacing course of.
4. Interlock in Small Sections:
Break down the dreadlocks into smaller sections earlier than interlocking. This helps forestall overtightening and ensures a constant maintain.
5. Hook and Pull By way of:
Insert the crochet hook into one part of roots and pull the opposite part via the loop, creating an interlocking maintain.
6. Clean and Seal:
After interlocking, use your fingers to easy out any bumps or unevenness. You may also apply a locking gel or cream to seal the maintain and stop unraveling.
7. Superior Interlocking Methods:
| Approach | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Double Interlocking | Creates a tighter and safer maintain, however will be time-consuming. |
| Palm Rolling | Makes use of the palms to govern the dreadlocks, making a pure and rounded form. |
| Two-Needle Technique | Entails utilizing two crochet hooks to create intricate and ornamental patterns. |
Interlocking Errors to Keep away from
Interlocking is a vital a part of sustaining wholesome dreadlocks, however it’s important to keep away from widespread errors that may injury or weaken your dreads. Listed below are a few of the commonest errors to keep away from:
8. Over-interlocking
Extreme interlocking may cause dreadlocks to turn out to be too tight and brittle, resulting in breakage. Purpose to interlock your dreads each 4-6 weeks, or extra incessantly in case your hair grows shortly. Verify the firmness of your dreads by gently squeezing them; they need to be agency however not rock-hard.
To keep away from over-interlocking, use a crochet hook that’s acceptable for the dimensions of your dreads. A hook that’s too small will create extreme rigidity, whereas one that’s too massive won’t successfully lock the hair.
When interlocking, concentrate on the basis space of your dreads, the place new progress happens. Keep away from going too deep into the shaft of the dread, as this will weaken it.
Moreover, listed here are some particular interlocking methods to keep away from:
| Incorrect Approach | Appropriate Approach |
|---|---|
| Utilizing a crochet hook to create new dreadlocks | Use the palm rolling methodology or backcombing to create new dreadlocks |
| Interlocking dreadlocks which might be too moist or dry | Interlock dreadlocks when they’re barely damp |
| Interlocking dreadlocks which have product buildup | Take away product buildup from dreadlocks earlier than interlocking |
Publish-Interlocking Care
1. Light Shampooing
Wash your dreadlocks gently with a residue-free shampoo to take away any product buildup. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical compounds or detergents.
2. Deep Conditioning
Apply a deep conditioner to your dreadlocks to revive moisture and stop dryness. Go away it in for the advisable time and rinse completely.
3. Go away-In Conditioner
Use a leave-in conditioner to maintain your dreadlocks hydrated and stop breakage. Apply it evenly all through your hair.
4. Retwisting
Retwist the brand new progress on the roots of your dreadlocks to keep up their cylindrical form and stop unraveling.
5. Protecting Kinds
Put on protecting kinds corresponding to buns, twists, or braids to forestall friction and tangling.
6. Avoidance of Chemical Therapies
Keep away from chemical remedies corresponding to relaxers, dyes, or bleaches, as they’ll weaken your dreadlocks and trigger injury.
7. Solar Safety
Cowl your dreadlocks with a hat or scarf to guard them from solar injury and fading.
8. Moisture Upkeep
Hold your dreadlocks moisturized through the use of water-based sprays, important oils, or glycerin-based merchandise.
9. Root Care
Pay particular consideration to the roots of your dreadlocks. Cleanse the scalp repeatedly to forestall buildup and promote wholesome hair progress. Use a root stimulator to encourage thicker, stronger roots. Therapeutic massage the scalp gently to enhance blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles. Cowl the roots with a do-rag or bonnet to guard them from friction whereas sleeping. Recurrently trim the free hairs across the roots to forestall break up ends and tangles. Wash the roots with a light shampoo and situation them with a moisturizing conditioner.
| Product | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Water-based spray | Spray it in your dreadlocks all through the day to maintain them hydrated. |
| Important oils | Dilute a couple of drops of important oils (e.g., tea tree oil, lavender oil) in water and mist it in your dreadlocks. |
| Glycerin-based merchandise | Apply a small quantity of glycerin-based merchandise to your dreadlocks to seal in moisture. |
Advantages of Interlocking Dreads
Interlocking dreads is a well-liked hair styling approach that entails utilizing a crochet hook to mix two or extra dreadlocks collectively. This methodology presents quite a few benefits, together with:
1. Enhanced Sturdiness
Interlocked dreads are extremely sturdy and immune to breakage. The interlocking approach creates robust connections between the dreadlocks, making them much less more likely to break or unravel, even throughout strenuous actions.
2. Lowered Knotting and Tangles
Not like conventional dreadlocks which might be usually vulnerable to knotting and tangling, interlocked dreads are much less more likely to kind these points. The interlocking course of helps to maintain the dreads separated and aligned, lowering the chance of tangles.
3. Versatility in Styling
Interlocking dreads will be styled in numerous methods, providing versatility in creating totally different seems. They are often left as is for a pure, free look or styled into intricate designs corresponding to buns, braids, or updos.
4. Simple Upkeep
Interlocked dreads require minimal upkeep in comparison with conventional dreadlocks. They don’t have to be separated, and their sturdiness makes them much less inclined to wreck, lowering the necessity for frequent retouching.
5. Longer Lifespan
Correctly maintained interlocked dreads can final for a number of years with out requiring vital upkeep or restore. Their sturdiness and resistance to breakage contribute to their prolonged lifespan.
6. Improved Hair Well being
Interlocking dreads can promote higher hair well being. The interlocking course of helps to distribute pure oils all through the hair, nourishing the scalp and strands, lowering dryness and breakage.
7. Lowered Rigidity
Conventional dreadlocks can put rigidity on the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss or scalp irritation. Interlocking dreads distribute the load extra evenly, lowering rigidity on the follicles and selling hair progress.
8. Safety from Environmental Harm
Interlocked dreads present a protecting layer for the hair, shielding it from environmental components corresponding to UV rays, wind, and air pollution. This helps to protect the hair’s well being and stop injury.
9. Aesthetic Enchantment
Many individuals discover interlocked dreads to be aesthetically pleasing. They create a novel and attention-grabbing fashion that may improve private expression and confidence.
10. Cultural Significance
Interlocking dreads have cultural and historic significance, notably in Afro-centric communities. They’re usually related to spirituality, empowerment, and a connection to 1’s heritage.
How To Interlock Dreads
Interlocking dreadlocks is a way used to hitch two or extra dreads collectively, making a seamless and safe connection. It entails utilizing a crochet hook or interlocking device to hook and pull the free hair from one dread via the middle of one other. This course of tightens each dreads, stopping unraveling and making a stronger maintain that may stand up to every day put on and tear.
The interlocking methodology can be utilized on any kind of dreadlock, from pure to artificial. It is notably efficient for superb or skinny dreads, because it helps to thicken and strengthen them. Interlocking may assist to restore broken or damaged dreads, restoring their authentic size and kind.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Interlock Dreads
What’s the distinction between interlocking and crocheting dreadlocks?
Interlocking and crocheting are each methods used to hitch dreadlocks, however they differ in the best way the hair is manipulated. Interlocking entails hooking and pulling the free hair via the middle of one other dread, whereas crocheting wraps the free hair across the base of a neighboring dread and pulls it via.
How usually ought to I interlock my dreadlocks?
The frequency of interlocking will range relying on the person and their hair kind. Usually, it is strongly recommended to interlock new dreadlocks each 2-3 weeks till they’re mature and secure. As soon as your dreadlocks are mature, you possibly can interlock them much less incessantly, corresponding to each 4-6 weeks and even longer.
Can I interlock my dreadlocks myself?
It’s doable to interlock your dreadlocks your self, however it may be difficult and time-consuming. In case you are new to interlocking, it is strongly recommended to hunt the assistance of an skilled loctician who can information you thru the method and guarantee your dreadlocks are interlocked accurately.
