Embarking on the transformative journey of dreading your hair is a call that requires each dedication and an understanding of the method. Dreads, often known as locs, are a singular and attention-grabbing coiffure that has been embraced by numerous cultures all through historical past. They’re fashioned by permitting sections of hair to intertwine and tangle over time, creating cylindrical strands that may vary in dimension, texture, and elegance. Whether or not you search a bohemian aesthetic, a connection to your cultural heritage, or just a change from mainstream hairstyles, dreading your hair might be an empowering and transformative expertise.
The journey of dreading your hair can begin with numerous strategies, every yielding distinct outcomes. The most typical method is the “neglect methodology,” which includes discontinuing the usage of combs and brushes and permitting your hair to type dreads naturally by way of every day motion and friction. Different strategies embody the “backcombing methodology,” the place hair is teased and twisted to create locs, and the “twist-and-rip methodology,” which includes separating hair into sections, twisting them, after which pulling them aside. The selection of methodology depends upon your hair kind, desired dread dimension, and private desire.
The timeline for dreading hair can differ relying on elements equivalent to hair kind, methodology used, and upkeep practices. Usually, the method can take a number of months and even years. In the course of the preliminary levels, your hair might undergo a clumsy part because it transitions from its combed state to the beginnings of dread formation. Nevertheless, with persistence and correct care, equivalent to common washing and conditioning, your dreads will step by step mature and develop their distinctive character. As they mature, dreads might turn into thicker and extra outlined, and their texture might change relying in your hair kind and upkeep routine.
Introduction to Dreading
Dreading, often known as locing, is a pure hair care methodology that includes matting your hair into tightly coiled strands. It is a good looking and versatile fashion that has been practiced for hundreds of years by numerous cultures world wide. Whether or not you are a seasoned dreadhead or a curious beginner, understanding the fundamentals of dreading is essential for reaching the specified look and sustaining wholesome dreadlocks.
The method of dreading might be initiated utilizing a wide range of methods, together with neglect, backcombing, twisting, and interlocking. Neglect includes merely leaving your hair to mat by itself, whereas backcombing entails repeatedly brushing your hair backward to create friction and tangles. Twisting and interlocking are extra lively strategies that require twisting or locking sections of hair collectively. The selection of method will rely in your hair kind, texture, and desired dreadlock dimension.
As soon as the dreading course of has begun, it is vital to be affected person and keep away from combing or brushing your hair. Enable the pure oils out of your scalp to nourish and lock the strands collectively. Rinsing your hair with lukewarm water and utilizing a pure shampoo or conditioner may also help preserve moisture and forestall dandruff. With time and correct care, your dreadlocks will mature and turn into a testomony to your distinctive fashion.
Varieties of Dreads
Dreads differ broadly in dimension, form, and texture, providing you with ample choices to customise your look. This is a more in-depth have a look at the various kinds of dreads:
| Sort | Traits |
|---|---|
| Freeform | Naturally fashioned with none particular methodology, leading to natural and distinctive shapes |
| Backcombed | Created by backcombing hair to create tangles, leading to a extra uniform look |
| Twisted | Shaped by twisting sections of hair collectively, leading to outlined and cylindrical dreads |
| Interlocked | Much like twisted dreads, however utilizing a instrument to lock the hairs collectively for a tighter maintain |
| Crochet | A method that includes utilizing a crochet hook to hook hairs collectively, creating a really tight and compact dread |
Advantages of Dreading
Dreadlocks have been a preferred coiffure for hundreds of years, and for good cause. Listed here are just some of the advantages of dreading your hair:
Low upkeep
Dreadlocks are one of many lowest-maintenance hairstyles round. As soon as your dreads have matured, you will not want to clean, brush, or fashion them repeatedly. This may prevent plenty of effort and time in the long term.
Versatile
Dreadlocks might be worn in a wide range of totally different kinds, so you’ll be able to all the time discover a look that fits you. You may put on your dreads down, up, and even in a bun. You may also add beads, wraps, or different equipment to personalize your look.
Protecting
Dreadlocks may also help to guard your hair from the weather and from injury. The tight coils of the dreads assist to maintain your hair moisturized and shielded from the solar, wind, and rain. Dreadlocks can even assist to forestall breakage and break up ends.
Totally different Dreading Strategies
1. Backcombing
Backcombing includes dividing the hair into sections and repeatedly brushing it upward in opposition to the grain. This methodology creates friction, which causes the hair strands to tangle and type dreadlocks. Backcombing requires appreciable effort and time and might be uncomfortable as a consequence of hair breakage. Nevertheless, it produces tight and uniform dreadlocks.
2. Twist and Rip
The twist and rip methodology includes twisting sections of hair collectively after which pulling them aside. This creates small, tight dreadlocks that slowly mature over time. Twist and rip is much less time-consuming than backcombing and causes much less hair breakage. Nevertheless, it can lead to much less constant dreadlock shapes.
3. Crochet Hook Locs
Crochet hook locs are created through the use of a crochet hook to loop and interlock the hair strands collectively. This methodology gives probably the most management over the dimensions, form, and elegance of the dreadlocks. It offers a neat and polished look however requires skilled coaching and might be time-consuming.
Crochet Hook Locs Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeform Locs | Locs are fashioned randomly, leading to a pure and natural look. |
| Interlocking Locs | Locs are interlocked collectively utilizing a crochet hook, creating a decent and safe maintain. |
| Coily Locs | Wonderful and coily hair is used to create small, uniform locs with a spiral sample. |
| Voluminous Locs | Extensions are added to create thicker and fuller locs. |
| Two-Strand Twist Locs | Hair is twisted collectively into two strands after which interlocked for a pure and outlined look. |
Preparation and Supplies
1. Wash your hair
Earlier than you begin dreading your hair, it is vital to clean it completely with a clarifying shampoo. It will take away any filth, oil, or product buildup that might forestall the dreads from forming correctly. After washing, towel-dry your hair and let it air dry utterly.
2. Part your hair
As soon as your hair is dry, you can begin sectioning it into the specified dread dimension. To do that, use a rattail comb to create small sections of hair, about 1-2 inches huge. Safe every part with an elastic band.
3. Backcomb or palm roll
To start dreading your hair, you’ll be able to both use the backcombing methodology or the palm rolling methodology. For backcombing, use a teasing comb to backcomb the hair in every part, ranging from the roots and dealing your approach all the way down to the ends. For palm rolling, take a small part of hair and roll it between your palms, ranging from the roots and dealing your approach all the way down to the ends.
4. Select dread methodology
There are a number of totally different strategies you should utilize to dread your hair, together with the next:
| Methodology | Description |
|---|---|
| Twist and rip | This methodology includes twisting two sections of hair collectively after which pulling them aside, making a dreadlock. |
| Latch hook | This methodology makes use of a latch hook to tug hair by way of the bottom of the dreadlock, making a safer maintain. |
| Crochet | This methodology makes use of a crochet hook to tug hair by way of the dreadlock, creating a decent and outlined look. |
Backcombing Method
Backcombing includes teasing or brushing hair backward in opposition to its pure development route. This system creates friction and tangles, selling matting and ultimately forming dreadlocks.
Supplies:
– Rattail comb or backcombing brush
– Spray bottle with water
– Hair wax/pomade (non-obligatory)
Steps:
- Part your hair: Divide your hair into small sections, about 1-2 inches huge.
- Dampen your hair: Flippantly spray the part with water to make it extra pliable.
- Backcomb: Utilizing a rattail comb or brush, maintain the hair part taut and brush backwards repeatedly, creating a rough texture.
- Twist and wrap: After backcombing, twist the part and wrap it tightly round its base. Safe with a hair tie or elastic band.
- Palm roll: Roll the wrapped part between your palms, making use of mild strain to additional tangle the strands. Do that for a number of minutes to encourage matting.
- Apply wax/pomade (non-obligatory): To advertise the dreadlock formation course of, you’ll be able to apply a small quantity of hair wax or pomade to the part.
Twisting and Pulling
The twisting and pulling methodology is an easy and efficient solution to begin dreadlocks. This system includes twisting small sections of hair tightly and pulling on them to create friction. This friction helps to interrupt down the hair cuticles and type knots, which can ultimately mat and lock collectively. To carry out this methodology, comply with these steps:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dampen your hair. |
| 2 | Part off a small quantity of hair (in regards to the dimension of a dime). |
| 3 | Twist the part of hair tightly from root to tip. |
| 4 | Pull on the twisted hair for 10-15 seconds. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 2-4 till your whole hair is twisted and pulled. |
| 6 | Enable your hair to dry utterly after which separate any clumps of hair which have fashioned. |
You may repeat this course of as typically as wanted till your dreadlocks are the specified dimension and form.
Upkeep and Care
To maintain your dreadlocks wholesome and looking out their greatest, it is important to comply with a correct upkeep routine. This is an in depth information that can assist you care in your dreads:
Washing
Wash your dreads each 1-2 weeks utilizing a residue-free shampoo. Keep away from utilizing common shampoo and conditioner, as they will construct up and overwhelm your dreads.
Drying
After washing, gently squeeze out extra water and air-dry your dreads. Don’t towel dry, as this could trigger tangles.
Separating
As your dreads mature, they could begin to fuse collectively. To forestall this, use a dreadhook or latch hook to softly separate them each few weeks.
Palm Rolling
Recurrently palm roll your dreads to encourage them to tighten and develop a uniform form. This system includes wrapping your dreads round your palm and rolling them in direction of the foundation.
Retwisting
For free dreads, retwisting could also be obligatory each 4-6 weeks. This includes twisting the dreadlock from the foundation to the tip to keep up its form and forestall unraveling.
Crocheting
Crocheting is a sophisticated method that makes use of a crochet hook to tighten and form dreadlocks. It is normally carried out by skilled dreadlock stylists.
Locking
Within the early levels of dreadlock formation, locking is important to encourage the hair to mat. It includes utilizing a latch hook to create interlocking loops and knots inside the dreadlocks.
Different Ideas
| Tip | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Moisturize with pure oils | Retains dreads hydrated and prevents breakage |
| Cowl dreads at night time | Protects dreads from friction and prevents tangles |
| Keep away from warmth styling | Direct warmth can injury dreadlocks |
| Trim break up ends | Prevents fraying and retains dreads trying neat |
| Be affected person and constant | Dreadlocks take time to develop and require common care |
How To Dread My Hair
Dreadlocks are a kind of haircut that’s created by permitting hair to mat and tangle collectively. They are often worn by folks of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. There are lots of other ways to dread hair, however the commonest methodology is to start out with clear, dry hair after which part it off into small items. Each bit of hair is then twisted or rubbed collectively till it begins to mat. As soon as the hair has matted, it’s left to develop and dread naturally.
There are a couple of various factors that may have an effect on the best way that dreadlocks type. These elements embody the kind of hair, the strategy of dreading, and the care that’s taken of the dreadlocks. Folks with advantageous, straight hair might discover that their dreadlocks take longer to type than folks with thick, curly hair. The tactic of dreading can even have an effect on the best way that the dreadlocks feel and appear. Some folks select to dread their hair by twisting it, whereas others want to rub it collectively. The care that’s taken of the dreadlocks can also be vital. Dreadlocks needs to be washed and conditioned repeatedly to forestall them from turning into dry and brittle.
There are lots of advantages to having dreadlocks. Dreadlocks could be a solution to categorical one’s individuality. They can be a solution to join with one’s tradition or heritage. Dreadlocks can be a solution to make a press release about one’s life-style or beliefs.
How lengthy does it take to dread hair?
The time it takes to dread hair varies relying on the kind of hair, the strategy of dreading, and the care that’s taken of the dreadlocks. Nevertheless, most individuals discover that it takes at the least 6 months to a 12 months to dread hair naturally.
How typically ought to I wash my dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks needs to be washed and conditioned repeatedly to forestall them from turning into dry and brittle. Nevertheless, you will need to not wash your dreadlocks too typically, as this could strip them of their pure oils. Most individuals discover that washing their dreadlocks a few times every week is ample.
Can I dye my dreadlocks?
Sure, you’ll be able to dye your dreadlocks. Nevertheless, you will need to use a dye that’s particularly designed for dreadlocks, as common hair dye can injury the dreadlocks. It’s also vital to comply with the instructions on the dye bundle fastidiously.
