3: Make dreadlocks using a variety of methods. One is right for your hair type

Make dreadlocks with your natural hair

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Information powers every good decision; and the decision to make dreadlocks is no exception.

There is a lot of information out there about making dreadlocks. Some of it is useful and - let's be honest - some of it is downright bad for your hair.

Before you start dreadlocks, you need to prepare your hair and scalp as well as ensure that you have the right tools.

Check the "Related Links" section below for more detail about preparing your hair for dreadlocks by transitioning.

The proper tools for making dreadlocks

Not only do you need the right hair products, like residue-free shampoo, but you also want to make sure that you have the right hair tools.

At the very least, you'll need:

Bobby pins/hair clips
Tail comb
Wide-tooth comb
No-snag hair elastics These suckers are hard to find but worth the hunt, so grab a bunch.
Wax or wax alternative

Depending on which locking method you'll use for making dreadlocks in your hair, there are usually only one or two other tools that you'll need.

Just how many ways can you lock hair?

Speaking of locking methods, there are at least 10 proven ways to lock hair. Most can be done on your own with the help of an extra pair of hands and some should only be attempted under the care of a dreadlock stylist.

Choosing the right method to make dreadlocks in your hair will mean less frustration and better looking locks over time. The right method for you depends a lot on your hair type.

One of the most common ways to get dreadlocks is to use the backcombing method. This method can be useful for those with Caucasian and Asian hair types but can also damage your hair if you're not careful.

We won't go over backcombing instructions here, mainly because there's already a lot of fairly good guides on backcombing Instead, you'll learn another method: SINGLE TWIST.

Making dreadlocks with a twist

Finger twists (or comb twists) are one of the many methods used to create dreadlocks.

It's included here because the single twist method is one of the few that can be used on any hair type.

DESCRIPTION

Strands of hair are twisted together using the fingers or a comb. The hair may take longer to lock with this method and needs more maintenance because the comb twists can unravel whenever hair gets wet (i.e. while exercising or shampooing).

OPTIMAL HAIR LENGTH

Minimum: 2" or 5 cm
Maximum: 7" or 18 cm

TOOLS

Only the ones mentioned above:

Bobby pins/hair clips
Tail comb
Wide-tooth comb
No-snag hair elastics
These rubber bands are hard to find but worth the hunt, because they won't damage your precious locks...so grab a bunch when you find them.
Wax or wax alternative

TECHNIQUE

Section hair using a rattail comb;
Secure each section with a no-snag rubberband;
Apply a small amount of wax/wax alternative to each section;
Start at back of head, near the nape of your neck, twist the hair from one section around your tightly around one of your fingers;
- If you are using a comb (a wide-tooth comb), then twist the section of hair around a group of teeth.
- Make sure you twist all sections in the same direction (either all clockwise or all counter-clockwise).
Take the twisted lock and separate it in two from the tip. Try to get as close to the root as possible;
Lightly palmroll the two strands back together;
Repeat Step #5, but this time separate the strands with two different halves then before;
Repeat Step #6;
Continue this process until there is not much unknotted hair left at the tip;
Secure the tip of your new lock with a snag-free rubber band so that it doesn't unravel. You may want to do the same with the root;
Continue this process with the rest of the sections;
Set your finger or comb twists with a heat source like a hair dryer or blow dryer.(Optional)

Making dreadlocks in your natural hair is, well, naturally beautiful and a far cry from the majority of popular hair styles today that tend to burden your hair with chemicals.

Enjoy your new dreadlocks and wear them with pride for your style, pride for your culture or pride for your spirituality.

Whatever you're proud of, dreadlocks are a great way to express yourself!

RELATED CONTENT:

Links (each opens a new window)

ť Use snag-free elastics to avoid breaking your dreads
ť Backcombing instructions

From this website

ť Find out which shampoos are good for your do
ť Wax On? Wax Off?
ť Prepare your hair for dreadlocks with a transitioning approach

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