Locking dreads is an intricate course of that requires persistence, talent, and a little bit of elbow grease. Nevertheless, as soon as you have mastered the method, you can create stunning, long-lasting dreadlocks that you may be pleased with. On this complete information, we’ll cowl all the pieces you might want to learn about locking dreads, from selecting the best methodology to caring on your new locks. So whether or not you are a seasoned professional or an entire newbie, learn on to be taught all the pieces you might want to learn about locking dreads.
There are two essential strategies for locking dreads: the crochet methodology and the palm rolling methodology. The crochet methodology is extra well-liked, because it’s quicker and simpler to be taught. Nevertheless, the palm rolling methodology can produce extra uniform dreads. Whichever methodology you select, it is essential to be affected person and take your time. Locking dreads can take a number of hours and even days, relying on the size and thickness of your hair.
As soon as you have completed locking your dreads, it is essential to take care of them correctly to maintain them wholesome and looking out their finest. Dreadlocks require common washing and conditioning, and they need to be retwisted each 4-6 weeks. To scrub your dreads, use a light shampoo and conditioner designed for dreadlocks. Remember to rinse your dreads totally and allow them to air dry fully. To retwist your dreads, merely twist them round your finger till they’re tight. It’s also possible to use a crochet hook that will help you retwist your dreads. With correct care, your dreadlocks will final for a few years to come back.
The Artwork of Dreads
The Beginning of Dreads
The historical past of dreadlocks might be traced again to historic civilizations in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In historic Egypt, dreadlocks have been a logo of energy and divinity. Pharaohs and different high-ranking officers usually wore their hair in dreadlocks, and the fashion was additionally well-liked among the many common inhabitants. In historic India, dreadlocks have been related to asceticism and spirituality, and so they have been usually worn by yogis and different spiritual figures. In Europe, dreadlocks have been first adopted by the Vikings, who believed that they gave them energy and braveness in battle. This fashion of hair is believed to have been originated in historic cultures hundreds of years in the past.
Dreadlocks are shaped when hair is allowed to mat and tangle collectively naturally. This may be performed by washing the hair sometimes, combing it solely sometimes, and avoiding using harsh chemical compounds and styling merchandise. Dreadlocks will also be created utilizing quite a lot of strategies, equivalent to backcombing, twisting, or braiding. As soon as dreadlocks are shaped, they are often maintained by periodically separating the roots and re-twisting the hair.
There are lots of several types of dreadlocks, together with:
| Sort | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeform dreads | Fashioned naturally with none manipulation |
| Conventional dreads | Created utilizing a backcombing or twisting methodology |
| Crochet dreads | Created utilizing a crochet hook to lock the hair |
| Interlocked dreads | Created by interlocking two strands of hair collectively |
Important Instruments for Locking
Latch Hook
A latch hook is a small, hook-shaped software that’s used to tug hair by means of the bottom of a dread. This helps to create a good, safe lock. Latch hooks are available in quite a lot of configurations and dimensions, so you will need to select one that’s the proper measurement on your dreads. The hook ought to be sufficiently small to suit simply by means of the bottom of the dread, however giant sufficient to supply an excellent grip.
Utilizing a Latch Hook
To make use of a latch hook, first insert the hook into the bottom of the dread. Then, pull the hook by means of the dread, catching the hair as you go. Upon getting pulled the hook by means of the dread, launch the hair and pull the hook again out. Repeat this course of till the dread is locked.
Ideas
* To make the method simpler, it’s useful to dampen the dread earlier than you begin locking it.
* In case you are having bother pulling the hair by means of the dread, you may attempt utilizing a crochet hook or a knitting needle.
* Watch out to not pull too tightly when you’re locking a dread, as this will injury the hair.
Crochet Hook
A crochet hook is a small, hook-shaped software that’s used to create loops of hair. These loops can be utilized to lock dreads or to create dreadlock extensions. Crochet hooks are available in quite a lot of sizes, so you will need to select one that’s the proper measurement on your dreads. The hook ought to be sufficiently small to suit simply into the dread, however giant sufficient to supply an excellent grip.
Utilizing a Crochet Hook
To make use of a crochet hook, first insert the hook into the dread. Then, wrap the hair across the hook and pull it by means of the dread. Repeat this course of till you have got created a loop of hair. To safe the loop, insert the hook again into the dread and pull the hair by means of the loop.
Ideas
* To make the method simpler, it’s useful to dampen the dread earlier than you begin locking it.
* In case you are having bother pulling the hair by means of the dread, you may attempt utilizing a latch hook or a knitting needle.
* Watch out to not pull too tightly when you’re locking a dread, as this will injury the hair.
| Device | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Latch Hook | Small, hook-shaped software used to tug hair by means of the bottom of a dread | Locking dreads |
| Crochet Hook | Small, hook-shaped software used to create loops of hair | Locking dreads or creating dreadlock extensions |
Getting ready Hair for Dreadlocks
Earlier than embarking in your dreadlock journey, it is essential to arrange your hair to make sure optimum outcomes and decrease potential injury. Listed below are the important thing steps concerned:
1. Cleanse and Make clear
Completely cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup, grime, or oils that would hinder dreadlock formation. Keep away from utilizing conditioners, as they’ll coat the hair and forestall it from locking collectively.
2. Backcomb and Part
Gently backcomb the hair on the root to create texture and encourage matting. Divide the hair into small sections utilizing hair ties or clips to regulate the scale and form of the dreadlocks.
3. Twist and Lock
That is essentially the most essential step in dreadlock formation. Listed below are the detailed directions:
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Take a small part of hair and apply a small quantity of dreadlock wax or gel to the basis space.
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Twist the part of hair tightly between your fingers, rolling it in a clockwise path.
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Proceed twisting and rolling the part till it types a good, cylindrical form. Be sure that the dreadlock is firmly secured and can’t unravel.
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Repeat the method for every part of hair, creating dreadlocks of uniform measurement and form.
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Enable the dreadlocks to dry fully earlier than manipulating them additional.
Tip: You’ll be able to improve the locking course of through the use of pure locking strategies, equivalent to palm rolling or crocheting. Nevertheless, it is advisable to seek the advice of with knowledgeable loctician for steerage and to keep away from damaging your hair.
The Backcombing Technique
The backcombing methodology is an easy and efficient strategy to lock dreads. It entails repeatedly combing the hair backwards till it begins to tangle and mat. This methodology can be utilized on all hair varieties, however it’s particularly efficient for hair that’s already curly or coarse. To backcomb your dreads, you’ll need a fine-toothed comb and a few persistence.
1. Begin by washing and conditioning your hair. This can assist to take away any grime or product buildup that would forestall the dreads from locking.
2. Divide your hair into small sections. The dimensions of the sections will rely upon the thickness of your hair. In case your hair is thick, you could need to divide it into smaller sections. In case your hair is skinny, you might be able to divide it into bigger sections.
3. Take a small part of hair and comb it backwards from the basis to the tip. Remember to comb with even strokes and keep away from pulling on the hair.
4. When you attain the tip of the hair, gently pull the comb again out. Don’t brush the hair again down. Repeat this course of till your entire part of hair is tangled and matted.
| Instruments Required |
|---|
| High quality-toothed comb |
| Go away-in conditioner or hair wax (elective) |
The Crochet Technique
The crochet methodology is a well-liked method for locking dreadlocks. It entails utilizing a crochet hook to create tiny loops across the hair, which helps to carry the dreads collectively and forestall them from frizzing.
Supplies:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Crochet hook | A fine-gauge crochet hook, sometimes measurement 0.6mm or 0.8mm |
| Rubber bands | To part off the hair and create the bottom loops |
Steps:
1. Part the hair: Divide the hair into small sections, about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter.
2. Create the bottom loop: Wrap a rubber band across the base of 1 part of hair and pull it tight.
3. Insert the hook: Insert the crochet hook into the middle of the loop and hook the hair from the underside.
4. Pull the hair by means of: Pull the hair by means of the loop and over the hook, creating a brand new loop.
5. Safe the loop: Tighten the brand new loop across the dread by pulling it down over the shaft. Repeat steps 3-5 across the total circumference of the dread, working your approach down the shaft in a spiral sample.
6. Take away the rubber band: As soon as the dread is securely locked, take away the rubber band.
7. Repeat for remaining sections: Repeat the method for the remaining sections of hair till all dreads are locked.
Twist and Rip Approach
The Twist and Rip methodology is an easy but efficient strategy to lock your dreads. It entails twisting two strands of hair collectively after which ripping them aside to create a knot. Repeat this course of till your entire dread is locked.
Supplies You will Want:
- Small tooth comb
- Water spray bottle
- Locking gel or wax
Step-by-Step Directions:
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Moist your hair and apply a small quantity of locking gel or wax.
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Separate a small part of hair and divide it into two equal strands.
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Twist the 2 strands collectively clockwise.
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Pull the twisted strands aside to create a knot.
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Repeat steps 3 and 4 till your entire part of hair is locked.
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**Ideas for Twist and Rip Approach:**
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Use a small tooth comb: A fine-toothed comb will enable you to separate the hair strands extra simply.
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Do not over-twist the strands: For those who twist the strands too tightly, they are going to be troublesome to tug aside and create a knot.
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Rip the strands aside gently: For those who rip the strands aside too forcefully, you would break the hair.
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Be affected person: It might take a number of makes an attempt to get the dangle of the Twist and Rip method.
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Lock recurrently: You will need to lock your dreads recurrently to forestall them from unraveling.
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Keep away from washing your hair too usually: Washing your hair too usually can take away the pure oils that assist to lock your dreads.
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Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is a way used to lock dreadlocks by rubbing them between the palms of your fingers. Do that in a round movement and apply stress to assist the hair mat and tangle.
To palm roll your dreadlocks:
- Dampen your dreadlocks with water or a locking spray.
- Separate a small part of dreadlocks.
- Place the part between your palms and start rolling in a round movement.
- Apply gentle to medium stress to assist the hair mat and tangle.
- Proceed rolling for a number of minutes.
- Repeat the method till all sections of your dreadlocks have been palm rolled.
Dread Wax
Dread wax is a styling product used to assist lock and outline dreadlocks. It’s constituted of pure components equivalent to beeswax and candelilla wax, and it helps to carry the hairs collectively and forestall them from unraveling.
To make use of dread wax:
- Begin with clear dreadlocks.
- Rub a small quantity of dread wax between your palms to heat it up.
- Apply the wax to the roots of your dreadlocks.
- Use your fingers to work the wax into the hair.
- Twist or braid your dreadlocks to assist the wax set.
- Go away the wax in your dreadlocks for a number of hours or in a single day.
- Wash your dreadlocks with heat water and shampoo to take away the wax.
| Product | Substances | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Dreadlock Wax | Beeswax, candelilla wax, important oils | Helps to carry dreadlocks in place, defines them, and prevents unraveling |
| Locking Spray | Water, witch hazel, important oils | Helps to moisten dreadlocks, making them simpler to palm roll or crochet |
| Dreadlock Shampoo | Pure cleansers, equivalent to coconut oil or aloe vera | Cleanses dreadlocks with out stripping them of their pure oils |
| Dreadlock Conditioner | Pure moisturizers, equivalent to shea butter or coconut oil | Helps to maintain dreadlocks hydrated, mushy, and glossy |
Sustaining Dreads
8. Retwisting and Palm Rolling
Retwisting and palm rolling are important methods for sustaining dreadlocks. Retwisting entails utilizing a crochet hook or your fingers to tighten the roots of the dreads. This helps to forestall them from changing into free or unraveling. Palm rolling is a extra light method that can be utilized to form and easy the dreads. To palm roll, merely use your palms to rub the dreads in a round movement. This helps to distribute the pure oils within the hair and offers the dreads a extra uniform look.
The frequency of retwisting and palm rolling will differ relying on the kind of hair and the specified look. Nevertheless, it’s usually advisable to retwist the roots each 2-4 weeks and palm roll the dreads each 1-2 weeks. If the dreads should not retwisted recurrently, they might turn out to be free and frizzy. If they don’t seem to be palm rolled recurrently, they might turn out to be lumpy and uneven.
Here’s a desk summarizing the advantages of retwisting and palm rolling:
| Approach | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Retwisting | Prevents dreads from changing into free or unraveling |
| Palm rolling | Shapes and smooths dreads Distributes pure oils |
Troubleshooting Dreadlocks
Waxiness and Construct-Up
Wax buildup can happen as a result of extreme use of artificial merchandise or pure oils. To deal with this:
- Use clarifying shampoos to take away product residue.
- Keep away from over-conditioning, as this will contribute to waxiness.
- Rinse hair totally after washing to forestall product accumulation.
Frizzy Roots
New progress may cause frizz across the roots. To handle this:
- Use root management merchandise particularly designed for dreadlocks.
- Apply a small quantity of hair gel or pomade to the roots to easy them down.
- Often palm roll your roots to encourage locking and scale back frizz.
Free New Development
New progress might not lock simply, leading to free strands. To deal with this:
- Use a crochet hook or dreadlock hook to interlock the free hair into the prevailing dreadlocks.
- Palm roll the brand new progress recurrently to encourage locking.
- Apply a small quantity of hairspray to the brand new progress to carry it in place whereas it locks.
Dandruff
Dreadlocks can lure grime and particles, contributing to dandruff. To forestall and handle this:
| Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Dry scalp | Use a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner. |
| Product buildup | Use clarifying shampoos and keep away from extreme styling merchandise. |
| Poor hygiene | Wash dreadlocks recurrently utilizing the right dreadlock care merchandise. |
Shrinkage
Dreadlocks are inclined to shrink as they mature. To handle this:
- Keep away from utilizing scorching water when washing, as it will possibly shrink dreadlocks extra.
- Use a blow dryer on a low warmth setting to dry dreadlocks if crucial.
- Gently stretch dreadlocks whereas they’re damp utilizing a hair decide or dreadlock hook.
Styling and Adornment
As soon as dreadlocks are mature, there are a large number of how to fashion and adorn them. Dreadlocks might be wrapped up into buns or up-dos, interwoven with yarn or thread, and even adorned with beads, jewellery, or different equipment. The probabilities are limitless, and it is simple to search out inspiration by searching on-line boards and social media.
Dreadlock Wraps
Dreadlock wraps are an effective way to maintain your dreads out of your face or just add a pop of coloration or persona to your look. Wraps might be constituted of quite a lot of supplies, equivalent to material, yarn, or leather-based. They are often easy or elaborate, relying in your desire.
Interlocking and Crocheting
Interlocking and crocheting are two methods that can be utilized to tighten up dreadlocks and provides them a extra polished look. Interlocking entails utilizing a particular software to hook collectively particular person dreadlocks. Crocheting entails utilizing a crochet hook to tug loops of hair by means of the dreadlock.
Beads and Jewellery
Beads and jewellery are a well-liked strategy to adorn dreadlocks. Beads might be constituted of quite a lot of supplies, together with wooden, steel, glass, and plastic. They are often strung onto dreadlocks individually or in teams.
Yarn Accents
Yarn accents are one other well-liked strategy to fashion dreadlocks. Yarn might be wrapped round dreadlocks in quite a lot of methods, equivalent to braids, twists, or knots. Yarn accents can add a pop of coloration or texture to your dreadlocks.
Dreadlock Extensions
Dreadlock extensions are an effective way so as to add size or quantity to your dreadlocks. Extensions might be constituted of human hair, artificial hair, and even dread-like rope.
Dreadlocks Extensions Desk
| Materials | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Human Hair | Pure look, really feel, and motion |
| Artificial Hair | Inexpensive, extra sturdy |
| Dread-Like Rope | Most reasonably priced, best to put in |
How To Lock Dreads
Locking dreads is a course of of making and sustaining dreadlocks, that are a sort of haircut by which the hair is matted and twisted into lengthy, rope-like strands. There are lots of completely different strategies for locking dreads, however the commonest methodology is to make use of a crochet hook. To lock dreads utilizing a crochet hook, you’ll need the next:
- A crochet hook
- A pair of scissors
- A comb
- A sprig bottle full of water
Upon getting gathered your supplies, you may start the method of locking your dreads. First, you’ll need to part your hair into small squares. The dimensions of the squares will decide the scale of your dreadlocks. Upon getting sectioned your hair, you’ll need to begin crocheting. To crochet your dreads, you’ll need to insert the hook into the middle of a piece of hair and pull it by means of. You’ll then have to wrap the hair across the hook and pull it again by means of the part. You’ll need to repeat this course of till the part of hair is totally matted and twisted. Upon getting crocheted your entire sections, you’ll need to trim any free ends. You’ll be able to then fashion your dreadlocks as desired.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Lock Dreads
How lengthy does it take to lock dreads?
The time it takes to lock dreads is dependent upon the strategy you utilize and the kind of hair you have got. Nevertheless, it sometimes takes a number of months to a yr for dreads to completely lock.
What’s the easiest way to take care of dreadlocks?
One of the best ways to take care of dreadlocks is to scrub them recurrently with a residue-free shampoo and to keep away from utilizing any harsh chemical compounds or merchandise. You must also recurrently palm roll your dreads to assist them keep locked.
Can I lock my dreads myself?
Sure, it’s potential to lock your dreads your self. Nevertheless, you will need to do your analysis and to make use of the right methods to keep away from damaging your hair.
