So, you've seen how unique and beautiful dreadlocks are and are ready for your own. But how do you achieve this unique and edgy hairstyle? No matter your hair type, there is a method that should work to take your loose hair and turn it into locs. A few words of advice first.
You've undoubtedly seen someones locs that have made you want your own. But remember that your locs will be uniquely yours. Dreads have a way of growing their own way and may not resemble the gorgeous mane you saw on the other person. Don't worry, though; yours will be beautiful.
Dreadlocks are significant culturally and spiritually, but for you, they may be neither. You may just love the look. Just remember that it takes patience to grow locs. Even if your hair is already long, your new locs will pale in comparison to your mature locs. Mature dreads are everything! So, be patient and enjoy each of the stages of growth.
Related: The Benefits of Having Locs
How to Make Your Locs
When you're thinking of a method of creating your locs, don't just think of which way is easiest but also which method is likely to work on your hair and how much maintenance each may entail.
Here are the steps to follow before any method is utilized:
- Always begin with clean hair. You may not be able to give it a good shampooing again for a little while after your locs are formed. So, be sure to begin with clean hair and a clean scalp. Dreadlocks grow best with clean hair.
- Dry your hair thoroughly without overdrying. Damp hair can become damaged depending on the loc-making method you use.
- If your hair is short or chemically treated, you should try to grow out at least two or three inches of natural hair.
- Next, decide how thick your locs will be. This depends mainly on how thick your hair is, how long it is, and what look you're going for. Do your research because once you've decided on a size and formed your locs is no time to realize you've made a mistake.
- While neat rows are great for little girls' braids, this isn't suitable for locs. You'll have to use more of a brick-laying pattern. The neatly parted sections should alternate from row to row instead of being stacked one on top of the other. This will give your locs a fuller appearance and provide versatility for styling later. Just be consistent as you section your hair.
Remember: Thicker locs come from bigger sections, and thinning locs come from smaller sections.
The above steps are your preparation for whichever of the following methods you choose.
Related: Dreadlocks: The Cultural Significance
The Backcombing Method
Backcombing works especially well for straighter hair types and afro hair that was formerly chemically treated.
Step 1
After you have shampooed your hair with a good clarifying shampoo, use a blow dryer to give it volume (as much as possible). Make sure that none of your hair is damp before attempting the backcombing.
Step 2
Begin sectioning your hair as outlined earlier. You'll begin at the nape of your neck and work towards the front. Use clips to keep the other hair away from each section as you backcomb.
Step 3
Take each section, begin about an inch or two from your roots, and backcomb it towards your scalp. Keep backcombing until you reach the ends of your hair.
Step 4
Twist your tangled section of hair to create a cylindrical form.
Step 5
If your hair is very straight, you may need to use *dreadlock wax to hold it until it will hold on its own. So, apply the wax to the length of your fledgling loc and palm roll it. The objective is to roll the loc to give it a good shape and smooth the flyaways.
*Only use wax if it's completely necessary. Since it doesn't wash out very well, wax can become an issue on the inside of your locs later.
Step 6
You can continue to use palm rolling to maintain your new locs.
Related: How to Start Two-Strand Twist Locs
Now that you’re growing your locs, are you looking for high-quality, loc-care products? You’ll find them at Lion Locs! Our products are organic and vegan.
The Two-Strand Twist Method
This method works best with afro-textured hair as it will easily hold the twist and the later-forming dreadlock. Braids could also be used with this method, but the resulting locs won't be as thick as with two-strand twists.
Step 1
Part the hair as discussed earlier, and begin at the nape of the neck. But this time, take each section of clean hair and put it in two-strand twists. This is a neat and attractive hairstyle on its own, so your hair will look good as your locs form.
Step 2
Maintain your twists until they loc by using a lite gel and palm rolling them to keep them neat. Depending on your hair texture, density, and regularity of maintenance, this method could take weeks or months to become fully formed locs.
The Crochet Method
The crochet method entails using a small crochet hook (0.6 mm) to make your locs. This is a good method, no matter your hair type. The crochet hooks are available online and in some craft stores.
Step 1
Beginning with clean, dry, sectioned hair, you will backcomb it as instructed above.
Step 2
Take each sectioned piece (one at a time) in your hands and use the crochet hook to pull hairs from the outside of your 'loc' to the inside.
Step 3
You'll use the crochet hook over and over for each loc to form a tighter loc as the stray hairs on the outside are pulled inside.
Step 4
To maintain your newbie locs, you can either palm roll or continue to use a crochet hook.
Related: What Ingredients Are Bad For Locs?
Final Thoughts
Depending on your hair length, thickness, and texture, growing your hair in locs can be straightforward. This isn't to say it will be easy or quick (although for some, it is both), but once you've chosen a method for creating locs and then maintaining them, you just have to be consistent. Enjoy your beautiful new locs!
Are you ready to learn more about your locs? Check us out at Lion Locs for the best in high-quality products and learning resources.