Interlocking is a technique of connecting dreadlocks collectively to create a everlasting bond. This system is commonly used to create intricate patterns and designs in dreadlocks, and it may also be used to restore damaged dreadlocks. On this article, we’ll present a step-by-step information on the way to interlock dreadlocks.
Earlier than you start interlocking your dreadlocks, it is very important make it possible for they’re clear and freed from any filth or particles. You must also make it possible for your dreadlocks are lengthy sufficient to interlock. The perfect size for interlocking is about 6 inches or longer. In case your dreadlocks are shorter than this, they could be too tough to interlock.
After getting ready your dreadlocks, you’ll be able to start the interlocking course of. To interlock two dreadlocks, begin by crossing the 2 dreadlocks over one another. Then, take the tip of 1 dreadlock and wrap it across the base of the opposite dreadlock. Subsequent, take the tip of the opposite dreadlock and wrap it across the base of the primary dreadlock. Proceed wrapping the 2 dreadlocks round one another till they’re securely interlocked.
Selecting the Proper Instruments
Choosing the perfect instruments is paramount to interlocking dreadlocks successfully. Every software serves a selected goal and contributes to the general end result. This is a complete information to the important instruments and their features:
Comb: A necessary software for separating and sectioning dreadlocks. Go for a wide-tooth comb with sturdy tines to forestall breakage or harm.
Crochet Hook: A flexible software used for interlocking dreadlocks and including extensions. Select a hook with a dimension that matches the thickness of your dreads. A smaller hook is beneficial for smaller dreads, whereas a bigger hook fits thicker ones.
Dreading Sponge: A specialty software used to create and tighten dreadlocks within the early levels of formation. It consists of a textured floor that aids in matting and interlocking hairs to kind nascent dreadlocks.
Crochet Needle: A fine-tipped needle used for intricate repairs and changes to dreadlocks. It permits for exact changes and reshaping of particular person locks.
Locking Gel: An non-obligatory product that helps to strengthen and maintain dreadlocks in place. It will possibly scale back flyaways and promote a extra cohesive dreadlock construction.
Extra Concerns:
- Needle or Hook Measurement: Match the needle or hook dimension to your dreadlock thickness for optimum outcomes.
- Materials: Go for instruments made out of sturdy supplies like stainless-steel or bamboo to make sure longevity and resistance to bending or breaking.
- Consolation: Take into account the ergonomics of the instruments to reduce hand fatigue and pressure throughout prolonged use.
Getting ready Your Dreads
Earlier than interlocking your dreads, it is essential to organize them to make sure a profitable interlocking course of. This is an in depth information to get your dreads prepared:
Cleaning Your Dreads
Begin by completely washing your dreads with a clarifying shampoo. Keep away from utilizing common shampoos or conditioners, as they will depart behind residue that may hinder the interlocking course of. After washing, rinse your dreads with lukewarm water and allow them to air dry utterly.
Retwisting Your Dreads
As soon as your dreads are clear, it is time to retwist them. Retwisting helps tighten and compact the dreads, making them stronger and simpler to interlock. Use the palm-rolling approach to softly twist every dread from root to tip. This can assist create a easy and even base for interlocking.
Sectioning Your Dreads
To make the interlocking course of extra manageable, part your dreads into smaller sections. Use clips or hair ties to separate your dreads into teams of 3-5 dreads. This can provide help to give attention to one part at a time and be sure that all of your dreads are interlocked evenly.
Getting ready Your Interlocking Instruments
Select the interlocking instruments that you may be utilizing, akin to a crochet hook or interlocking needle. Be sure the instruments are clear and sharp to facilitate the interlocking course of. You may additionally need to use a dread wax or cream to assist lubricate the dreads and make the interlocking extra seamless.
| Interlocking Instrument | Description |
|---|---|
| Crochet Hook | A small hook-shaped software used for interlocking dreads by catching the hair and pulling it by the bottom of one other dread. |
| Interlocking Needle | A skinny, needle-like software with a curved tip used for interlocking dreads by poking it by the bottom of 1 dread and pulling the hair of one other dread by. |
Splitting and Wrapping Approach
The splitting and wrapping methodology is one other efficient approach for interlocking dreads. In contrast to the palm rolling methodology, this system entails utilizing a software or your fingers to separate the strands of hair and wrap them round one another to create a dreadlock.
To make use of the splitting and wrapping approach, observe these steps:
- Break up the hair: Begin by dividing the hair into two sections utilizing a rattail comb or your fingers.
- Wrap the sections: Take one part of hair and wrap it across the different part clockwise. Pull the wrapped hair by the middle of the dreadlock.
- Repeat: Proceed wrapping the 2 sections of hair round one another in the identical path till you attain the specified size of the dreadlock.
- Safe the tip: After getting wrapped the sections to the tip, safe the dreadlock with a rubber band or string.
Detailed Information to Splitting and Wrapping Approach
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a rattail comb or your fingers to separate the hair into two sections (left and proper). |
| 2 | Take the left part and wrap it over the appropriate part clockwise. |
| 3 | Pull the wrapped left part by the middle of the dreadlock and maintain it securely. |
| 4 | Take the appropriate part and wrap it over the left part clockwise, wrapping in the identical path as earlier than. |
| 5 | Pull the wrapped proper part by the middle of the dreadlock and maintain it beside the left part. |
| 6 | Repeat steps 2-5 till you attain the specified size of the dreadlock. |
| 7 | Safe the tip of the dreadlock with a rubber band or string to forestall unraveling. |
The splitting and wrapping approach is right for creating dreadlocks of varied sizes and densities. It additionally permits for extra management over the form and look of the dreadlocks.
Interlocking with the Crochet Hook
The crochet hook methodology is a broadly used approach for interlocking dreadlocks. It entails utilizing a crochet hook to tug hair from the bottom of 1 dread into the bottom of one other.
Supplies:
- Crochet hook (dimension is determined by hair thickness)
- Moisturizing spray (non-obligatory)
Steps:
- Put together the dreadlocks: Part off the dreadlocks you need to interlock and moisten them with a moisturizing spray if desired.
- Insert the hook: Angle the crochet hook into the bottom of the primary dreadlock, about 1-2 inches from the foundation.
- Pull by: Hook the tip of the crochet hook into the bottom of the second dreadlock.
- Hook the hair: Rigorously pull the hair by the bottom of the primary dreadlock and loop it over the hook.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 till the specified degree of interlocking is achieved. For a stronger interlocking, pull the hair loop tightly over the hook and thru the bottom of the second dreadlock.
Ideas:
- Use a hook that’s the applicable dimension on your hair thickness. A smaller hook will create a tighter interlock, whereas a bigger hook will create a looser one.
- Be affected person and work slowly. Interlocking can take time, particularly in case your dreadlocks are thick or matted.
- If the dreadlocks are too dry, they could break if you pull them by. Apply a moisturizing spray to forestall this.
Pressure and Tightness
When interlocking dreads, it is very important obtain the appropriate stability between pressure and tightness. If the dreadlocks are too free, they are going to be susceptible to unraveling. If they’re too tight, they will trigger ache and harm to the hair. The perfect pressure is one that’s cosy however not constricting.
To search out the appropriate pressure, begin by interlocking the dreads evenly. Then, regularly improve the strain till the dreads really feel safe and the hair is not free. Be sure you examine the strain recurrently and modify it as wanted.
The next desk gives a information to the totally different ranges of pressure:
| Degree of Pressure | Description |
|---|---|
| Gentle | The dreads are free and simple to maneuver. |
| Medium | The dreads are cosy however not constricting. |
| Tight | The dreads are very tight and tough to maneuver. |
The perfect degree of pressure will differ relying on the person’s hair kind and preferences. You will need to experiment to search out the appropriate pressure that works finest for you.
Ending
As soon as your dreads are interlocked, you will want to complete them off. This entails wrapping the ends of the dreads with thread or yarn to safe them and forestall them from unraveling. You need to use any shade of thread or yarn you want, however make sure that it is sturdy sufficient to carry the dreads in place. To wrap the ends, merely begin on the base of the dread and wrap the thread or yarn round it tightly, working your manner as much as the tip. When you attain the tip, safe the thread or yarn with a knot.
Upkeep
As soon as your dreads are completed, you will want to take care of them to maintain them wholesome and searching their finest. Listed here are a number of suggestions:
Washing
Dreadlocks must be washed recurrently, however not too typically. Washing them too typically can strip them of their pure oils, which might result in dryness and breakage. Goal to clean your dreadlocks each 2-3 weeks, or extra typically in the event that they get soiled or smelly.
Drying
After washing your dreadlocks, it is necessary to dry them completely. Air drying is one of the best ways to dry dreadlocks, however when you’re quick on time, you need to use a blow dryer on a low warmth setting. Be sure you maintain the blow dryer a minimum of 6 inches away out of your dreadlocks to keep away from harm.
Retwisting
Retwisting is a technique of tightening the dreadlocks and preserving them in place. Retwisting must be completed each 4-6 weeks, or extra typically in case your dreadlocks are free or frizzy. To retwist your dreadlocks, merely take a small part of hair on the base of the dreadlock and twist it tightly. Proceed twisting the dreadlock all the best way to the tip, after which safe it with a knot.
Moisturizing
Dreadlocks can grow to be dry and brittle if they are not moisturized recurrently. To moisturize your dreadlocks, you need to use a pure oil, akin to coconut oil or olive oil. Merely apply the oil to your dreadlocks and therapeutic massage it in. You may also use a business dreadlock moisturizer.
Crochet
Crochet is a software that can be utilized to tighten and neaten dreadlocks. Crochet can be utilized to restore free or frizzy dreadlocks, and it may also be used to create new dreadlocks. To crochet your dreadlocks, merely insert the crochet hook into the bottom of the dreadlock and pull the hair by the hook. Proceed crocheting the dreadlock all the best way to the tip, after which safe it with a knot.
Variations on Interlocking
Single Interlocking
That is probably the most primary and customary methodology of interlocking. It entails utilizing a crochet hook to loop one dread over the opposite.
Double Interlocking
This methodology is much like single interlocking, however entails looping the dread over itself twice as an alternative of as soon as. This creates a stronger and safer connection.
Triple Interlocking
That is probably the most time-consuming and sophisticated variation of interlocking, however it additionally creates the strongest and most sturdy connection. It entails looping the dread over itself thrice as an alternative of a few times.
Palm Rolling
This methodology makes use of the palms of the palms to roll the dreads collectively. It’s a much less exact methodology than utilizing a crochet hook, however it may be extra comfy and may create a extra pure look.
Intersection Interlocking
This methodology entails interlocking two dreads which are crossed over one another. This creates a extra advanced and attention-grabbing look.
Crochet Hook Interlocking
This methodology makes use of a crochet hook to loop the dreads collectively. It’s a extra exact methodology than palm rolling, however it may be extra time-consuming and may harm the dreads if not completed correctly.
Twisting
This methodology entails twisting the dreads collectively by hand. It’s a much less exact methodology than utilizing a crochet hook, however it may be extra comfy and may create a extra pure look.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Interlocking | Utilizing a crochet hook to loop one dread over the opposite. |
| Double Interlocking | Looping the dread over itself twice as an alternative of as soon as. |
| Triple Interlocking | Looping the dread over itself thrice as an alternative of a few times. |
| Palm Rolling | Rolling the dreads along with the palms of the palms. |
| Intersection Interlocking | Interlocking two dreads which are crossed over one another. |
| Crochet Hook Interlocking | Utilizing a crochet hook to loop the dreads collectively. |
| Twisting | Twisting the dreads collectively by hand. |
Troubleshooting Widespread Points
8. My dreads are unraveling.
Potential causes:
| Trigger | Answer | |
|---|---|---|
| New progress not being interlocked | Interlock new progress recurrently to forestall unraveling. | |
| Dreads not being interlocked tightly sufficient | Interlock dreads extra tightly to safe them. | |
| Over-moisturizing or utilizing harsh chemical compounds | Keep away from extreme moisturizing or utilizing harsh chemical compounds that may weaken the hair. | |
| Dreads not being maintained correctly | Observe correct dread upkeep methods, together with common washing, conditioning, and re-interlocking. | |
| Underlying hair harm | Search skilled session to handle any underlying hair harm which may be contributing to unraveling. |
| Variety of Dreadlocks | Time Required | Effort Degree |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 1-2 hours | Simple |
| 11-20 | 2-4 hours | Average |
| 21-30 | 4-6 hours | Onerous |
| 31+ | 6+ hours | Very Onerous |
Advantages of Interlocking Dreads
Interlocking dreads is a technique of sustaining dreadlocks by utilizing a crochet hook or interlocking software to twist and lock the strands collectively. It provides a number of advantages for dreadlock wearers, together with:
- Strengthening Dreads: Interlocking tightens the bonds between dreadlocks, making them much less susceptible to breakage and unraveling.
- Decreased Frizz: Interlocking smooths out the floor of dreads, decreasing frizz and flyaways.
- Elevated Quantity: The interlocking approach creates a extra compact and voluminous look.
- Enhanced Definition: Interlocking defines the person dreadlocks, giving them a extra polished and well-groomed look.
- Decreased Shrinkage: Interlocking prevents dreads from shrinking and permits them to take care of their desired size.
- Much less Upkeep: Interlocking requires much less frequent upkeep than different dreadlock strategies, because it retains them neat and tidy for longer.
- Versatile Styling: Interlocked dreads may be styled in varied methods, making them appropriate for a variety of seems to be.
- Improved Scalp Well being: Common interlocking helps distribute oils all through the dreadlocks and scalp, selling scalp well being.
- Strengthened Hair Roots: Interlocking applies mild pressure to the hair roots, stimulating progress and stopping hair loss.
- Decreased Tangles and Knots: Interlocking untangles and smooths out dreadlocks, decreasing the probability of tangles and knots.
How To Interlock Dreads
Interlocking is a loc upkeep approach that entails twisting two or extra locs collectively to create a safe maintain. This methodology is commonly used to restore damaged locs, in addition to to create new locs or add size to current ones. Interlocking may be completed on all hair sorts, though it’s mostly used on kinky or curly hair.
To interlock dreads, you will want a crochet hook or a pair of needle-nose pliers. You may also use your fingers, however this methodology shouldn’t be as efficient.
If you’re utilizing a crochet hook or needle-nose pliers, insert the software into the middle of one of many locs and pull it by to create a loop. Then, insert the software into the middle of the second loc and pull it by the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling on each ends of the locs.
If you’re utilizing your fingers, merely twist the 2 locs collectively till they’re safe. You’ll be able to then use a crochet hook or needle-nose pliers to tighten the knot if desired.
As soon as the locs are interlocked, you need to use a locking gel or wax to assist maintain them in place. You may also wrap the locs with yarn or thread so as to add shade or design.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Interlock Dreads
How typically ought to I interlock my dreads?
The frequency with which it is advisable interlock your dreads will rely upon how briskly your hair grows and the way properly you preserve your locs. Usually, you must interlock your dreads each 2-4 weeks.
What are the advantages of interlocking dreads?
Interlocking dreads can present a number of advantages, together with:
What are the dangers of interlocking dreads?
Interlocking dreads may also pose some dangers, together with:
