Beard dreadlocks are some of the hottest beard styles for men today.
Are you interested in growing beard dreadlocks but aren’t sure where to start?
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to beard dreadlocks to explain how to grow, create, and maintain them starting today!
Related: How Long Do Dreadlocks Last?
What Are Beard Dreadlocks?
Beard dreadlocks are a style of beard in which the hair is twisted, braided, or matted, also known as dreadlocks.
Dreadlocks are a hairstyle where the hair can tangle and mat into long, rope-like strands. Beard dreadlocks are often worn as a personal statement or as part of a spiritual movement like Rastafarianism.
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How Do You Dreadlock Your Beard?
While dreadlocking your beard isn’t complicated, it does require patience.
Here’s the process for dreadlocking your beard:
- Grow a Full Beard - The first step in dreadlocking your beard is growing a full beard. You’ll need your beard to be about 6 inches long to start dreading it, so it can take a month or so for it to grow to the necessary length.
- Wash Your Beard - After you’ve grown a full beard, you’ll want to prepare your hair for dreading. We recommend washing your beard with a beard shampoo, as they are made specifically for beards and can hydrate and clean your beard without damaging it. Hand-dry your beard with a towel when you’re done washing it.
- Separate Your Beard Hair Into Sections - Depending on the length and thickness of your beard. You should be able to separate it into 2 to 6 or more sections. You can use a comb or your fingers to create the sections more easily.
- Tease Your Beard - Use a fine-tooth beard comb to “rat” or tease your hair and twist it up from the bottom of the sections. Ratting will also help tighten the twist and push it closer to your face.
- Lock Your Beard - To lock your beard take the section that you’re working on and twist it against itself until it locks, creating a little knot of hair. Repeat the process over your ratted hair until the sections are all locked.
- Complete the Lock With Locking Gel - Applying locking gel to your beard dreadlocks will help hold them in place and make them look more natural. Add beard wax to each completed section of your beard.
- Add Accessories to Your dreadlocks - You can add beard rings, beads, rubber bands, or clips that look cool and help hold the dreadlocks in place.
- Maintain Your dreadlocks - As your dread beard grows, you’ll need to maintain them by re-twisting and re-securing them to tighten them up. Dreadlock gel can also help them hold their shape. Wash your dreadlocks every couple of days and use beard oil daily to keep them looking nice and healthy.
Popular Beard Dreadlock Styles
One of the great things about dread beards is they come in a wide array of styles to match anyone’s tastes.
Here’s a list of some of the more popular dread beard styles:
- Short Dread Beard
- Jack Sparrow Dread Beard
- Braided Dreadlock Beard
- Long Dreadlock Beard
- Single Dread Beard
- Long dreadlocks on a Short Beard
- Dreadlock Beard Ponytail
- Dread beard With Short Goatee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for you to grow beard dreadlocks?
It isn’t easy to give a specific timeline for growing beard dreadlocks, as the rate of hair growth can vary significantly from person to person.
On average, hair grows about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month or about 6 inches (15 cm) per year. However, some people may have faster-growing hair, while others may have slower-growing hair.
Several factors can affect the rate of hair growth, including genetics, age, diet, and overall health. For example, people with a family history of fast-growing hair may grow their beard dreadlocks more quickly than those without this genetic predisposition.
Additionally, younger people’s hair tends to grow faster and may slow down as we age. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also promote healthy hair growth.
Are dreadlocks bad for your beard?
Dreadlocks can be a good choice for beard care if adequately maintained. However, it is essential to be aware that dreadlocks can potentially cause damage to the hair and skin if they are not cared for properly.
It is critical to avoid using harsh chemicals or heat on the dreadlocks, as these can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. It is also important to clean the dreadlocks regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and oil, which can lead to irritation and infection. A mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner can help keep the dreadlocks clean and healthy.
It is also important to avoid pulling or tugging on the dreadlocks, as this can cause breakage and damage to the hair. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle the dreadlocks when necessary gently.
Overall, if you take good care of your beard dreadlocks and keep them clean and well-maintained, they can be a healthy and stylish choice for beard care.
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Beard Dreadlocks Are Worth The Effort
Beard dreadlocks take time, patience, and effort, but the results can be well worth it. The hardest part for many people is being patient and letting their beard fully grow so they can begin the dreading process.
Most people can begin dreading it and locking it as soon as their beard is long enough to twist. Rubber bands, clips, beard wax, and beads can help prevent the ends from unraveling.
Wash your beard dreadlocks regularly and apply beard oils that can keep your beard and skin healthy. You’ll also need to tighten your beard dreadlocks from time to time to keep them looking good.
While beard dreadlocks take time and effort, they can look fantastic and be an excellent way to express your individuality or spirituality.
Related: Do Dreadlocks Get Thicker Over Time?