Maintaining dreadlocks is not an easy task. It's an everyday job. There are many options when it comes to maintaining or grooming your locs, and whether you want to go to professional or not, each technique available; has its benefits, and you must pick which one works best for your locs.
In this article, we will be looking at the three primary techniques available. You can look at each technique to see it's benefits and price points to aid in your decision. However, the cost depends on a mixture of variables such as hair length, hair thickness, loc maturity, and what method you wish to use, we will provide as much information as possible.
Related: History of Dreadlocks
Palm Rolling (Retwisting)
Palm rolling is when you grasp the dread between the base of your palms and rub it back and forth vigorously applying a good amount of pressure, causing the dread to tighten and compress. Similar to rolling Play-Doh between your palms to make it long and skinny.
Tip: For the best results when Palm rolling use wax in the locs.
How often
To maintain the consistency in your loc while it solidifies and matures and keeping them clean. This translates into an appointment every two weeks for optimal care of the locs.
Price
Remember that there are a lot of variables that every individual Loctician will take into account when they set their final price the variables are listed below:
- There is the length of the hair.
- There is the current maintenance of the hair.
- There is the strength of the dreadlocks.
- The loctician will assess the state of your locs and will generally quote you an estimated time for doing the locs.
Starter Locs: $55 - $300
Mature locs: $35 - $150
Interlocking
Interlocking is a method of maintaining new growth with an interlocking tool or a latch hook. This can be achieved in a three rotation system. Using the interlocking tool, you pull the entire loc through from 3 different angles. As this method is for new growth, it will work best on mature locs.
Tip: Ensure you leave a little loose hair at the scalp when interlocking. As it gives you some well-needed flexibility with your locs.
How often
As Interlocking is more of a knot builder within the loc, you can do it less frequently as you are waiting for new growth to repeat the process. The recommendation is between 6-8 weeks. Although ideally 8 weeks because by then enough new growth should have sprouted.
Interlocking is a viable method for;
- Those who have an active lifestyle or workout a lot.
- Those who started with braid locs on lengthy hair
- Those who live far away from their loctician and must travel miles for an appointment.
- Those with a lot of slippage and difficulty locking their hair
Price range
Remember that there are a lot of variables that every individual Loctician will take into account when they set their final price, the variables are listed below:
- There is the length of the hair.
- There is the current maintenance of the hair.
- There is the strength of the dreadlocks.
- The loctician will assess the state of your locs and will generally quote you an estimated time for doing the locs.
Starter Locs: $85 - $300
Mature locs: $70 - $250
Related: How to become a certified loctician
Crochet
For crochet dreadlock creation, your hair must be at least four to five inches long around your head, ideal for loose and un-knotted hair. The outcome depends on the thickness, texture, and type of hair that you have. For new locs using a mix of backcombing and the crochet method, there is no length loss.
Tip: Some new dreadlocks take more than one session to complete.
Related: Everything you need to know about crochet dreadlocks
How often
We recommended you do full maintenance 6 - 8 weeks after the first session to keep your locks looking smart and fresh. After three months, go for another maintenance appointment to straighten the dreadlocks closest to the bottom as they tend to shrink.
Price range
Remember that there are a lot of variables that every individual Loctician will take into account when they set their final price, the variables are listed below:
- There is the length of the hair.
- There is the current maintenance of the hair.
- There is the strength of the dreadlocks.
- The loctician will assess the state of your locs and will generally quote you an estimated time for doing the locs.
Starter Locs: $300 - $400 ($60 per hour after five hours)
Mature locs: $300 - $400 ($60 per hour after five hours)
Soft Crochet
This method allows for your dreadlocks to form naturally. It's a slow and messy method that takes over 4 months before locs start developing. Control over shape and consistency is non-existent and guarantees at least six inches of hair loss.
How often
The recommendation is to have a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks to tighten any rebelling dreadlocks and continue the process. Go for another maintenance session in another 6 weeks to keep the locs looking fresh.
Price range
Remember that there are a lot of variables that every individual Loctician will take into account when they set their final price, the variables are listed below:
- There is the length of the hair.
- There is the current maintenance of the hair.
- There is the strength of the dreadlocks.
- The loctician will assess the state of your locs and will generally quote you an estimated time for doing the locs.
Starter Locs: $260+
Consistency is crucial when maintaining your locs, so when you choose the method of maintaining your locs, stick with it.
It would be best if you avoided irregularities in the consistency of your loc size. If you choose to interlock or palm roll stick with it, switching back and forth will create a line of demarcation between these two areas that produce a kink/bend in your locs.
Good luck on your Dreadlock journey.
looking to do your own loc maintenance? Lion Locs can help you find the right products for your hair type if you read our product reviews!