Introduction
Do you have a strong desire to give your hair a makeover and make your own dreadlocks? Well, then there’s some good news! Making dreadlocks can be simple and done right in the comfort of your own home if you know the right steps. First things first, you need to decide which type of dreadlocks you would like to create. Whether it’s traditional, synthetic, temporary, or even DIY-ed glue-in dreads—making the right choice for haircare is key.
You’ll also need to ensure you have all the necessary supplies from wax and knitting needles to special combs and crocheting hooks. Our goal is to demystify the process for you and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create your very own dreadlocks at home. But before we dive into our instructions, let’s first take a look at why this hairdo has become so popular lately.
What You Need to Know Before Starting
Making your own dreadlocks is a great way to express yourself through your hair, but it’s important to consider all of the factors before you start. First, you need to make sure that your hair is at least 6 inches long. This will ensure that you have plenty of hair for twisting and knotting together. You’ll also want to consider the thickness of your hair, as thicker hair will require more time than thinned locks. It’s also a good idea to wash your hair with a specialized dreadlock shampoo before starting the process.
Another factor to take into account is what type of look you prefer—dreadlocks can be woven in multiple ways depending on your style preferences and texture of your hair. Keep in mind that wax may be required after the initial installation process; this helps keep the dreadlocks neat while they continue to mature over time. Finally, it is recommended that you complete this process in front of a mirror so that you can adjust as the dreads take shape until they are just right!
Different Methods of Making Dreadlocks at Home
Making your own dreadlocks at home is a great way to save money and have the styles you want without having to visit a salon. Plus, if you already have dreads, maintaining them yourself is easier and more convenient than visiting a professional!
When it comes to making dreadlocks at home, you need to decide which method works best for you. Here are the three most popular DIY methods:
Backcombing: This type of dreading is done using a fine-toothed rat tail comb and some wax, gel or mousse. You will be creating knots in your hair by backcombing it, then securing the knots with the hair product of your choice.
Twist and Rip: This involves taking two sections of hair and twisting them together in one direction repeatedly until the knot is tight enough that it won’t come undone when pulled apart. You may need some help keeping the sections separate while twisting them.
Dread Perm: If you don’t want to worry about forming and maintaining your dreadlocks manually every day, you can use a special perm solution to lock and tighten them. This method requires that your hair be at least three inches long, so it may take some time before you’re ready to go this route if you’re starting from scratch.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to thoroughly research all the steps involved so that you can create salon-quality dreads at home!
How to Make Backcombed Dreadlocks
Making dreadlocks at home may sound intimidating, but it’s actually much easier than you might expect. Armed with a few tools and some patience, you can create your own perfect dreadlocks in no time!
Backcombing Method
Backcombing is the most popular way to start dreadlocks. This time-tested method involves sectioning your hair into even parts, then backcombing (or teasing) each section of hair with a metal comb. To get started, use long strokes to comb the hair against its natural grain, until it looks matted and tangled. Then take small amounts of the matted part and twist it around your finger until it forms a nice circular loop. Secure each loop around the scalp using an elastic band or palm rollers to hold them in place as they “lock up” or set.
If you’re looking for an even sturdier option, you can also add in some dread wax or locking gel to help hold everything together even more firmly as your new locks form. As for tools, all you need is a metal comb and some elastic bands or palm rollers. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and give it a try!
Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Dreads at Home
Maintaining dreadlocks is a labor of love, but with a few helpful tips, you can keep your dreads looking fly. Here’s what you should know to make sure your locks stay in tip-top shape.
Shampoo Regularly
You should shampoo your dreadlocks at least once a week to remove dirt, excess oils and other buildup. Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for dreads and make sure you rinse your locks thoroughly; excess shampoo can be drying.
Use a Spray Bottle
You’ll want to wet your locks regularly—not enough that they drip, but just enough so they stay damp while you work on them. A spray bottle with water works great for this.
Maintain the Locks comment out this line as it was repeated twice previously
Maintaining your dreadlocks will take some trial and error, as different methods work best for different hair types. Try using detangling products or even waxes to keep the base of the dread tight and uniform in size, or use aloe vera gel or nettle tea mixture to help lock in moisture. Once you develop an approach that works for your hair type, stick with it until something changes!
Popular Styling Options for Dreadlocks
Are you interested in styling your dreadlocks? It’s not hard to create unique looks with your dreadlocks if you know a few tricks.
Finger Coiling
One of the easiest ways to style your dreads is finger coiling. This method involves rolling the dreads around your finger, then securing them down with a rubber band. This will give your dreads a spiral shape and can be done using larger sections or small pieces all over the head.
Two Strand Twists
Another popular way to style your dreadlocks is two strand twists. This involves taking two sections of hair and twisting them together until they become intertwined, giving a neat and uniform look across the head.
Back-combing and Palm Rolling
Back-combing and palm rolling are other popular methods for styling dreadlocks. Back-combing involves gently running a comb through each section of hair until it knots up with itself and takes on the shape of a dreadlock. Palm rolling is similar but instead of using a comb, you use the palms of your hands to roll and compress each section until it takes on the desired shape.
No matter what type of style you decide on, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to creating different looks with dreadlocks! With enough practice, you’ll be able to create unique and creative styles that perfectly fit your look!
FAQs on Making Your Own Dreadlocks at Home
You may still have lingering questions and doubts about the process of making dreadlocks at home. Have no fear, we got you covered! Following are a few of the frequently asked questions and tips that will help guide you through making your own dreadlocks!
How often should I clean my dreadlocks?
It’s important to clean your locks on a regular basis. You can use a light shampoo every two weeks to remove any dirt or oils that accumulated in your locks. After cleaning, make sure you dry them completely—damp dreads may cause mold and mildew.
How long does it take for my locks to mature?
It takes about six months for dreadlocks to fully mature. During this time, the natural wax and oils in your hair form a hard cast around each lock, creating the classic look of dreadlocks. However, some people have different hair types, so this time-frame may vary.
Can I separate existing dreadlocks?
Yes! If your existing locks are too big or need to be separated more evenly, there are several techniques you can use to achieve your desired look: palm rolling, crochet hooking or backcombing. Each technique slightly alters the texture of the lock while separating it properly.
Conclusion
Dreadlocks are a unique and stylish look, but it can be difficult to maintain them yourself. With patience and a little know-how, you can make your very own dreadlocks with the right tools and supplies. Whether you’re looking to save money or just have some creative fun, this guide has everything you need to get you started.
Take your time, follow the tips and tricks we’ve outlined, and you’ll have a beautiful head of dreadlocks to show off in no time. With the right commitment, you can be sure that the results will be worth it.
Be the first to comment