Dreadlocks, also referred to as locs, are a singular and placing coiffure that has been round for hundreds of years. They’re shaped by twisting or matting the hair, which then types into tight coils. Dreadlocks could be worn by folks of all hair varieties, however they’re mostly related to African and Caribbean cultures.
In case you’re questioning methods to begin a dread, there are a number of completely different strategies you need to use. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know that dreadlocks are a lifelong dedication. When you begin them, they can’t be brushed out with out damaging the hair.
One methodology of beginning dreads is to make use of the backcombing method. This includes brushing your hair backwards with a fine-toothed comb, which is able to create small knots and tangles. It’s also possible to use a crochet hook to create tighter dreads. After getting created sufficient knots, you have to begin twisting the hair into dreadlocks. You are able to do this by hand or you need to use a dreadlock instrument.
The Origins of Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks, also referred to as locs or jata, are a particular coiffure characterised by tightly coiled, rope-like strands of hair. Their origins could be traced again to historic cultures worldwide, every with its distinctive beliefs and practices surrounding them.
Historic Egypt
A number of the earliest proof of dreadlocks could be present in historic Egypt, the place they had been worn by each women and men. Depictions in hieroglyphics and sculptures present people with tightly coiled hair that resembles dreadlocks. In Egyptian tradition, dreadlocks had been usually related to holiness and spirituality, and had been worn by clergymen and priestesses. They had been additionally an emblem of energy and energy, and had been usually adopted by pharaohs and different rulers.
Notable Figures
Some of the well-known examples of an historic Egyptian with dreadlocks is the mummified priestess Nesyamun, whose hair was discovered to be tightly coiled and preserved in its authentic state. Different notable figures who’re believed to have worn dreadlocks embody the pharaohs Ramses II and Hatshepsut.
| Determine | Description |
|---|---|
| Nesyamun | Mummified priestess with well-preserved dreadlocks |
| Ramses II | Pharaoh believed to have worn dreadlocks |
| Hatshepsut | Feminine pharaoh who could have worn dreadlocks |
Advantages of Dreadlocks
– **The connection of heritage**
Dreadlock has been a way of life since historic occasions. Dreadlocks have been worn by many for hundreds of years. Egyptians have been recognized to create advanced types, such because the Nubian Knots. Celts wore dreadlocks as an emblem of energy, and the Vikings wore them for cover and id.
– ** Religious progress and private empowerment**
The method of rising dreadlocks generally is a bodily and non secular journey. Some folks discover that the method of letting go of management and letting their pure hair do its personal factor could be liberating.
– **Simple to handle**
Dreadlocks are very straightforward to keep up. As soon as they’re mature, they solely must be washed and conditioned as soon as per week or so. They are often left to air dry or dried with a blow dryer on a low setting.
Selecting the Proper Hair Kind for Dreads
Dreads are a singular coiffure created by matting or twisting sections of hair collectively. Whereas dreads could be created on any hair sort, sure hair textures are extra appropriate than others.
Hair Kind for Dreads
| Hair Kind | Suitability for Dreads |
|---|---|
| Straight | Much less appropriate; liable to frizziness and breakage |
| Wavy | Reasonably appropriate; requires extra upkeep and care |
| Curly | Best suited; naturally tends to dread and requires minimal upkeep |
| Coily | Extremely appropriate; types compact and well-defined dreads |
Curly and Coily Hair
Curly and coily hair textures are perfect for dreads as a result of their pure tendency to mat and lock collectively. These hair varieties have a decent curl sample that enables the strands to intertwine and create compact, well-defined dreads. Curly and coily hair additionally requires minimal upkeep in comparison with different hair textures, because the pure oils and moisture assist to maintain the dreads hydrated and stop breakage.
Listed here are some extra advantages of curly and coily hair for dreads:
- Varieties compact and well-defined dreads
- Requires minimal upkeep in comparison with different hair textures
- Pure oils and moisture assist hold dreads hydrated
- Much less liable to breakage and frizz
The Locking Course of: Pure vs. Assisted Strategies
As soon as your dreadlocks have begun to type, you will want to “lock” them to keep up their form and stop them from unraveling. There are two major strategies of locking dreadlocks: pure and assisted.
Pure Locking
Pure locking is the method of permitting your dreadlocks to lock on their very own with none exterior help. This methodology can take a number of months and even years to finish, however it’s the least damaging to your hair.
Assisted Locking
Assisted locking includes utilizing a instrument or method to assist your dreadlocks lock quicker. This methodology could be extra damaging to your hair, but it surely can be simpler in creating tight, uniform dreadlocks.
4. Towel Rubbing
This methodology includes rubbing a towel vigorously over your dreadlocks in a round movement. This creates friction that helps to matt the hair collectively and type dreadlocks. Towel rubbing could be efficient in creating small, tight dreadlocks, but it surely can be damaging to your hair if executed excessively.
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quicker locking | Can harm hair |
| Can create tight, uniform dreadlocks | Time-consuming |
Finally, the choice of whether or not to make use of pure or assisted locking is a private one. Think about your hair sort, desired outcomes, and finances when making your determination.
Upkeep and Care of Dreads
Sustaining dreadlocks requires a constant routine of correct care and upkeep. Listed here are some key features to contemplate:
1. Common Washing
Dreadlocks must be washed much less ceaselessly than common hair, as over-washing can take away the pure oils that assist to carry them collectively. Use a delicate shampoo designed for dreadlocks and keep away from harsh detergents.
2. Partial Drying
After washing your dreadlocks, towel dry them gently to take away extra moisture. Keep away from utilizing a hairdryer, as the warmth can harm them.
3. Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is an important method for sustaining the form and tightness of your dreadlocks. Use your palms to softly rub and twist the roots of the dreads to encourage them to lock.
4. Retwisting
Retwisting is a extra superior method used to tighten and form the dreadlocks. It includes dividing the roots of the dreads into sections and individually twisting them collectively.
5. Extra Care Suggestions
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | Apply a dreadlock cream or moisturizer to maintain the dreadlocks hydrated and stop breakage. |
| Protecting at Night time | Cowl your dreadlocks with a satin or silk scarf at evening to guard them from friction. |
| Keep away from Chemical compounds | Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances akin to chlorine or bleach in your dreadlocks, as they will harm them. |
Styling and Adorning Dreadlocks
As soon as your dreadlocks have matured, you’ll be able to start to experiment with completely different styling choices. You’ll be able to wrap, braid, or twist them into distinctive shapes and designs, or adorn them with beads, ribbons, or different equipment.
Wrapping Dreadlocks
To wrap your dreadlocks, begin by sectioning them off into small strands. Then, take a size of yarn, twine, or cloth and wrap it across the base of every strand, working your means up in direction of the tip. Safe the wrap with a knot or a bobby pin.
Braiding Dreadlocks
To braid your dreadlocks, divide them into three strands. Cross the left strand over the center strand, then cross the fitting strand over the brand new center strand. Proceed braiding till you attain the tip of the dreadlocks, then safe the braid with a hair tie.
Twisting Dreadlocks
To twist your dreadlocks, take two strands and twist them collectively in a clockwise or counter-clockwise course. Proceed twisting till you attain the tip of the dreadlocks, then safe the twist with a bobby pin.
Adorning Dreadlocks
There are countless methods to adorn your dreadlocks with beads, ribbons, and different equipment. You should use beads to create patterns or designs, or just add a pop of coloration. It’s also possible to use ribbons to tie off the ends of your dreadlocks or to create a scarf.
Beads
Beads are a well-liked strategy to adorn dreadlocks. They arrive in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, so you will discover beads that match your private type. You should use beads to create patterns or designs, or just add a pop of coloration.
Ribbons
Ribbons are one other well-liked strategy to adorn dreadlocks. You should use ribbons to tie off the ends of your dreadlocks, to create a scarf, or to wrap round your dreadlocks in an ornamental means.
Different Equipment
There are various different equipment that you need to use to adorn your dreadlocks, akin to feathers, shells, and jewellery. Be inventive and experiment with completely different equipment to search out what works finest for you.
Desk of Really helpful Dreads Adornments:
| Merchandise | Description |
|---|---|
| Beads | Can be utilized to create patterns or designs, or just add a pop of coloration. |
| Ribbons | Can be utilized to tie off the ends of dreadlocks, create a scarf, or wrap round dreadlocks in an ornamental means. |
| Feathers | Add a pure and bohemian contact to dreadlocks. |
| Shells | Can be utilized to create a beachy or island-inspired look. |
| Jewellery | Can be utilized so as to add a contact of glamour to dreadlocks. |
Suggestions for Beginning Dreads Safely
Beginning dreadlocks is an thrilling journey, but it surely’s important to do it safely and successfully. Listed here are some ideas that will help you get began on the fitting foot:
1. Select a Technique That Fits You
There are a number of methods to begin dreads, together with the backcombing, twisting, or crochet methodology. Select the one which finest aligns together with your hair sort and texture.
2. Get Your Hair Prepared
Earlier than you begin, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any grime or product buildup. Enable your hair to dry utterly earlier than dreading.
3. Defend Your Arms
Use gloves to guard your palms from friction and potential cuts. Backcombing or twisting can put a number of pressure in your palms.
4. Part Your Hair
Divide your hair into sections to make the dreading course of extra manageable. Begin with small sections, particularly you probably have thick or lengthy hair.
5. Use the Proper Instruments
For the backcombing methodology, use a fine-toothed comb. For the twisting methodology, use a crochet hook or a dreadlock instrument. Select instruments which might be particularly designed for dreadlocks.
6. Begin on the Roots
When creating dreads, at all times begin on the roots and work your means down. This can guarantee a safe and long-lasting bond.
7. Be Affected person and Constant
Creating dreadlocks takes time and endurance. Dread them constantly over a number of weeks and even months. Keep away from over-manipulating your hair throughout the course of.
8. Preserve Your Dreads
As soon as your dreads are shaped, it is essential to keep up them correctly. Wash them recurrently utilizing a dreadlock shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or heated styling instruments. Common upkeep will hold your dreads wholesome and looking out their finest.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Backcombing | Utilizing a fine-toothed comb to create small knots on the roots |
| Twisting | Separating hair into strands and twisting them collectively |
| Crochet | Utilizing a crochet hook to tug hair via the bottom of the dreadlock |
Widespread Challenges and Options for Dreadlocks
Fuzziness
Fuzziness can happen when free hairs poke out from the dreadlocks. To handle this, take into account crocheting or interlocking the dreadlocks to safe the free hairs. It’s also possible to palm roll or use beeswax to clean the hair and scale back frizz.
Uneven Size
Uneven size can come up as a result of various progress charges or improper sectioning. To resolve this, use a crochet hook to redistribute the size by pulling shorter hairs from the bottom of the dreadlocks to the ends.
Cut up Ends
Cut up ends can weaken the dreadlocks and make them liable to breakage. Common trimming is crucial to take away cut up ends and keep the well being of the locs. It’s also possible to use a dreadlock wax or serum to strengthen and defend the ends.
Dandruff
Dandruff can happen when the scalp turns into dry or irritated. To fight this, use a delicate shampoo and conditioner particularly designed for dreadlocks. Common oiling with pure oils, akin to jojoba or coconut oil, also can assist soothe the scalp and scale back dandruff.
Itching
Itching generally is a frequent downside with dreadlocks. To alleviate this, use a sprig bottle full of water and some drops of tea tree oil to mist the scalp. It’s also possible to strive massaging the scalp with a gentle material or brush.
Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew can develop in dreadlocks that aren’t correctly dried after washing. To forestall this, wash dreadlocks much less ceaselessly and guarantee they’re utterly dry after every wash. It’s also possible to use a blow dryer on a low warmth setting to dry the locs.
Free Roots
Free roots can happen when the dreadlocks will not be maintained correctly. To handle this, use a crochet hook to tighten the roots and safe the free hairs. It’s also possible to apply a dreadlock gel or wax to assist maintain the roots in place.
Thinning Dreadlocks
Thinning dreadlocks generally is a results of breakage or improper upkeep. To forestall this, keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or warmth styling instruments on dreadlocks. You must also get common retwists or interlocking to keep up the thickness of the locs.
Hair Loss
Hair loss can happen with dreadlocks as a result of rigidity or improper care. To reduce hair loss, use mild merchandise and strategies when sustaining dreadlocks. Common oiling also can assist nourish the hair and stop breakage.
The Significance of Endurance and Consistency
Endurance
Dreadlocks take time and consistency to type. It may well take a number of months to a 12 months or longer on your hair to begin dreading. Be affected person with the method and do not get discouraged when you do not see outcomes instantly.
Consistency
It is very important be constant together with your dread care routine. This implies washing your hair recurrently, separating your dreads, and retwisting them as wanted. Consistency will assist your dreads type quicker and keep their form.
10 Methods to Promote Dread Formation
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Palm rolling | Use your palms to softly roll your hair between your fingers. This helps to separate and form the dreads. |
| Sponge rubbing | Rub a sponge over your hair in small round motions. This creates friction that helps to create dreads. |
| Backcombing | Use a teasing comb to softly tease your hair upwards. This creates knots that may ultimately flip into dreads. |
| Interlocking | Use a crochet hook to hook two dreads collectively. This helps to tighten them and stop them from separating. |
| Twist and rip | Twist two sections of hair collectively after which pull them aside. This creates small knots that may ultimately flip into dreads. |
| Freeform | Let your hair dread naturally with out utilizing any explicit methodology. This may take longer than different strategies, however it could actually create distinctive and attention-grabbing dreads. |
| Brotherhood | Ask a buddy or member of the family that will help you begin your dreads. They’ll use their fingers or a crochet hook to create the preliminary knots. |
| Thinning hair | When you have skinny hair, it could be useful to create small sections of hair to dread. This can assist to stop the dreads from turning into too heavy and falling out. |
| Pure merchandise | Use pure merchandise, akin to shea butter or coconut oil, to moisturize your dreads. This can assist to maintain them wholesome and stop them from drying out. |
| Defend your dreads | Put on a hat or scarf to guard your dreads from the weather. This can assist to stop them from turning into frizzy or broken. |
How To Begin A Dread
Beginning dreadlocks generally is a enjoyable and rewarding expertise, but it surely’s essential to do it proper. In case you don’t comply with the right steps, your dreads might find yourself trying frizzy and unkempt. Right here’s a step-by-step information on methods to begin a dread:
1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This can take away any grime or product buildup that would stop your dreads from forming correctly.
2. Part your hair into small squares. The dimensions of the squares will decide the dimensions of your dreads. Smaller squares will create tighter dreads, whereas bigger squares will create looser dreads.
3. Backcomb every part of hair. This can create small knots that can ultimately type the dreads.
4. Palm roll every part of hair. This can assist to tighten the knots and begin the dreadlock formation course of.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 till your entire hair is dreaded.
6. Preserve your dreads by washing them with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner. You must also keep away from utilizing any merchandise that comprise alcohol or sulfates, as these can harm your dreads.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Begin A Dread
Can I begin dreadlocks with curly hair?
Sure, you can begin dreadlocks with curly hair. Nonetheless, it could take longer on your dreads to type than you probably have straight hair.
How lengthy does it take for dreadlocks to type?
It may well take wherever from 3 months to 2 years for dreadlocks to type absolutely. The time-frame will differ relying on the kind of hair you’ve, the tactic you utilize to begin your dreads, and the way nicely you keep them.
Do dreadlocks scent?
Dreadlocks can scent if they don’t seem to be correctly maintained. It is very important wash your dreads recurrently with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner. You must also keep away from utilizing any merchandise that comprise alcohol or sulfates, as these can harm your dreads.
