In relation to hairstyles, dreadlocks are a singular and attention-grabbing alternative. Whereas they’re usually related to pure afro-textured hair, it’s potential to attain dreadlocks on straight hair as nicely. Nevertheless, the method differs from the strategies used for curly or coily hair. If in case you have straight hair and also you’re contemplating getting dreadlocks, understanding the methods and the extent of dedication concerned is important.
One of many key variations between creating dreadlocks on straight hair and textured hair is the place to begin. With textured hair, the pure curl sample helps kind the locs. In distinction, straight hair lacks this texture, so you may must create the locs manually. There are a number of strategies for doing this, such because the backcombing approach or the crochet methodology. These methods contain creating small sections of hair and manipulating them to kind tight coils that can ultimately dread up. The backcombing methodology includes brushing the hair in opposition to the grain, whereas the crochet methodology makes use of a crochet hook to create the locs.
The journey to dreadlocks on straight hair requires endurance, dedication, and correct upkeep. The preliminary locking course of can take a number of hours, relying on the size and thickness of your hair. As soon as the dreadlocks are shaped, they have to be cared for repeatedly to stop unraveling and maintain them wholesome. This contains common washing, conditioning, and retwisting. Retwisting is the method of tightening the roots of the dreadlocks to stop new hair progress from creating free hairs that would weaken the locs. The frequency of retwisting will differ relying on the specified tightness of the locs and the speed of hair progress. With the proper care and a focus, dreadlocks can turn into a stupendous and long-lasting coiffure that provides character and magnificence to your look.
Understanding the Totally different Forms of Dreads
Dreads, often known as locs or dreadlocks, are a singular coiffure shaped by the matting and locking of hair strands. Whereas dreads are sometimes related to reggae tradition, they’ve a wealthy historical past throughout numerous cultures and have gained reputation as a trendy and expressive coiffure. Understanding the various kinds of dreads is important earlier than embarking on the journey of getting them finished.
Conventional Dreads
- Pure Dreads: Created by washing the hair sometimes and permitting it to lock naturally by friction and the buildup of pure oils. This course of can take a number of months to years and requires appreciable endurance and dedication.
- Backcombing: Includes utilizing a brush to tease the hair whereas holding it taut, creating tiny knots that ultimately kind dreads. This methodology will be finished at house however requires a big quantity of effort and time.
- Twist and Rip Dreads: Created by twisting two strands of hair collectively after which separating or "ripping" them aside. This method leads to dreads with a much less uniform look however will be sooner than backcombing.
- Crochet Dreads: An expert methodology that makes use of a crochet hook to tug the hair by the scalp and create dreads instantly on the roots. This method presents exact management over the dimensions and form of the dreads however will be time-consuming and costly.
| Kind of Dread | Technique | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Pure | Washing sometimes, permitting pure locking | Natural, irregular form |
| Backcombing | Teasing hair taut and brushing | Knotty, cylindrical form |
| Twist and Rip | Twisting, then separating strands | Free, uneven form |
| Crochet | Utilizing a hook to tug hair by scalp | Exact, uniform form |
Getting ready Straight Hair for Dreading
Getting ready straight hair for dreading is important to make sure profitable, wholesome dreadlocks. Comply with these steps to transition your straight hair easily:
1. Deep Clear and Detoxify
Totally cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup and impurities. This may create a clear canvas for dread formation.
2. Create Friction and Texture
To encourage tangling, create friction and texture in your hair. Use the next methods:
- Backcombing: Gently brush your hair backward in opposition to its pure progress path to create knots and snags.
- Sectioning and Twisting: Divide your hair into small sections and twist them tightly within the desired path of the dreadlocks.
- Teasing: Use a fine-toothed comb to tease the hair and create small, free tangles.
- Braiding: Braid your hair tightly and depart it in for a number of hours or days to encourage dread formation.
3. Use Dreadlock Merchandise
Apply dreadlock-specific merchandise to assist mat and maintain the hair collectively. These merchandise usually include beeswax, lanolin, or sea salt, which create friction and encourage the formation of dreadlocks.
4. Upkeep and Separation
Upon getting created dreadlocks, it’s important to separate them repeatedly to stop them from merging. Use a dreadlock separator device or your fingers to softly separate the dreadlocks on the roots.
5. Endurance and Time
It takes time for dreadlocks to mature and totally mature. Be affected person and keep away from extreme manipulation or touching, as this may weaken or harm the dreadlocks.
Backcombing and Sectioning
Earlier than you start, shampoo your hair and towel dry. Don’t situation or use any merchandise.
Subsequent, divide your hair into small sections utilizing a comb or rattail. The scale of the sections will decide the dimensions of your dreads. If you’d like massive dreads, make bigger sections. If you’d like small dreads, make smaller sections.
Upon getting divided your hair into sections, begin backcombing every part. This implies brushing the hair in opposition to the grain, in the direction of the foundation. Backcombing will create knots and tangles, which is able to ultimately kind the dreads.
Backcomb every part for a number of minutes, till it’s utterly tangled.
Instance of detailed rationalization of Backcombing and Sectioning
To create natural-looking dreads on straight hair, backcombing and sectioning are essential steps. Here is an in depth information to those methods:
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into evenly sized sections utilizing a rattail comb. The scale of the sections will decide the thickness of your dreads. For bigger dreads, make bigger sections, and vice versa.
- Backcombing: Maintain a piece of hair taut on the roots and brush it downwards with a fine-toothed comb. This may create small knots and tangles that kind the inspiration of dreadlocks. Proceed backcombing for a number of minutes, working from the roots all the way down to the information of the hair.
- Desk illustrating Backcombing and Sectioning:
Backcombing Sectioning – Brush hair downwards in opposition to the grain – Divide hair into even sections – Create knots and tangles – Measurement of part determines dreadlock thickness – Proceed for a number of minutes – Rattail comb is often used Palm Rolling and Knitting for Frizz-Free Roots
Palm rolling and knitting are methods used to create dreadlocks that decrease frizz and unevenness. Here is an in depth step-by-step information:
Palm Rolling
- Divide your hair into small sections.
- Roll a piece of hair between your palms, utilizing a downward movement in the direction of the scalp.
- Apply mild stress and roll for a number of minutes till the part turns into tighter and begins to kind a dreadlock.
- Repeat for all sections of hair.
Knitting
- As soon as the sections are palm rolled, divide every part into two smaller sections.
- Hook one part over the opposite utilizing a crochet hook.
- Pull the hooked part by the loop of the opposite part to create a knot.
- Repeat this course of a number of instances, transferring upward in the direction of the scalp.
- Safe the knot with a small rubber band or thread.
- Repeat for all sections of hair.
Advantages of Palm Rolling and Knitting Outcomes Reduces frizz and unevenness Easy, well-defined dreadlocks Strengthens the dreadlock connections Lengthy-lasting, safe dreadlocks Improves the general look of dreadlocks Wholesome, professional-looking locs Be aware: It is essential to be constant along with your palm rolling and knitting routine to attain optimum outcomes. Common upkeep and retwisting will assist to maintain your dreadlocks neat and freed from frizz.
Utilizing Dread Wax for Lengthy-Lasting Maintain
Dread wax is a styling product specifically formulated for dreadlocks. It gives a robust maintain that helps to maintain your dreads in place, stopping them from unraveling. Here is a step-by-step information on use dread wax for long-lasting maintain:
Step 1: Put together Your Hair
Earlier than making use of dread wax, it is essential to wash your hair and take away any product buildup. Use a clarifying shampoo and a deep conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair.Step 2: Part Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections to make it simpler to use the wax. Begin with the again of your head and work your method as much as the highest and sides.Step 3: Apply the Dread Wax
Take a small quantity of dread wax and rub it between your palms to melt it. Apply the wax to the roots of a piece of hair, beginning about an inch from the scalp. Use your fingers to unfold the wax evenly and work it into the hair shaft.Step 4: Twist and Palm Roll
Twist the part of hair and roll it between your palms to create the dreadlock form. Repeat this course of for all of the sections of hair.Step 5: Superior Methods for Lengthy-Lasting Maintain
For even stronger maintain, take into account these superior methods:
Approach Description Backcombing Use a comb to tease the hair roots to create texture and quantity, which helps the wax maintain higher. Interlocking Use a crochet hook or dreadlock needle to attach two dreadlocks collectively, making a safer bond. Crocheting Use a crochet hook to tighten the dreadlocks and create a extra outlined form. Step 6: Let the Wax Set
Enable the dread wax to dry utterly earlier than touching or manipulating your dreadlocks. This could take a number of hours or in a single day.Crocheting for Tighter Dreads
Crocheting is a method used to create tight, uniform dreadlocks. It includes utilizing a crochet hook to tug the hair by a piece of dreadlock, making a loop. The loop is then tightened, drawing the hair nearer collectively and securing the dreadlock. Crocheting will be finished on each dry and moist hair, however it’s typically simpler to work with moist hair as it’s extra pliable.
Supplies
- Crochet hook with a 0.5-1mm hook dimension
- Water (if crocheting on dry hair)
Directions
- Put together the hair. Half the hair into small sections, every concerning the dimension of a pencil. dampen the hair with water if obligatory.
- Insert the hook. Insert the crochet hook into the middle of the part of hair, about 1-2 inches from the foundation.
- Seize the hair. Hook the tip of the crochet hook round a small part of hair on the backside of the part.
- Pull the hair by. Pull the hooked hair by the part, making a loop.
- Tighten the loop. Use the crochet hook to tighten the loop, drawing the hair nearer collectively and securing the dreadlock.
- Repeat. Proceed crocheting the whole part of hair, working in small loops. Be affected person and take your time to make sure that the dreadlock is tight and safe.
Hair Kind Crocheting Approach Free, Superb Hair Use a small hook dimension (0.5-0.75mm) and work in tight, even loops. Thick, Coarse Hair Use a bigger hook dimension (0.75-1mm) and work in barely looser loops. Dry Hair Dampen hair with water earlier than crocheting to make it extra pliable. Moist Hair Simpler to work with as it’s extra pliable. Getting ready Straight Hair
Part off damp hair into desired dread form and dimension. Apply a small quantity of dread wax to the roots of every part. Backcomb the hair in the direction of the roots utilizing a fine-toothed comb.
Introducing Warmth
Use a hair dryer on a low warmth setting to dry the backcombed hair. This may assist set the dreads in place. Watch out to not overheat the hair, as this may harm it.
Rolling and Palming
Roll every dread between your palms in a downward movement. This may assist to tighten and form the dreads. Proceed rolling till the dreads are agency and safe.
Crocheting
Use a crochet hook to tug free hair into the dread. This may assist to tighten the dreads and stop them from turning into free. Watch out to not over-crochet the dreads, as this may harm them.
Pure Tightening
Because the dreads mature, they are going to naturally tighten over time. Washing the dreads too usually can loosen them, so it is suggested to scrub them solely as soon as every week or much less.
Tightening and Sustaining Dreads
Washing
When washing your dreads, use a light shampoo and conditioner. Keep away from utilizing scorching water, as this may loosen the dreads. Rinse your dreads completely to take away all residue.
Drying
After washing, towel dry your dreads as a lot as potential. Then, use a hair dryer on a low warmth setting to dry them utterly. This may assist to stop mildew and micro organism from forming.
Palm Rolling
Palm rolling is a straightforward however efficient approach to tighten dreads with out utilizing any instruments. To palm roll, merely place your dread between your palms and roll it in a downward movement. Proceed rolling till the dread is tight and safe.
Crocheting
Crocheting is one other efficient approach to tighten dreads. To crochet, merely use a crochet hook to tug free hair into the dread. Watch out to not over-crochet the dread, as this may harm it.
Waxing
Making use of dread wax to your dreads will help to tighten them and make them extra sturdy. Dread wax is obtainable in a wide range of formulation, so remember to select one that’s acceptable on your hair sort. Apply the wax sparingly and work it into the dreads utilizing your fingers.
Desk of Dread Upkeep Ideas
Upkeep Tip Frequency Washing As soon as every week or much less Drying Utterly Palm Rolling As wanted Crocheting As wanted Waxing Month-to-month or much less Stopping Hair Breakage In the course of the Dreading Course of
Dreadlocks, a singular and individualized coiffure, are achieved by tightly twisting or matting strands of hair collectively. Whereas the dreading course of can improve the pure texture and add character, it will probably additionally pressure and weaken the hair, probably resulting in breakage. To mitigate this threat, a number of precautions ought to be taken through the dreading course of, guaranteeing that the hair stays wholesome and intact.
1. Begin with Wholesome Hair
Robust, wholesome hair is much less vulnerable to breakage. Previous to beginning the dreading course of, it is essential to nourish the hair with deep conditioning therapies, common trims to take away break up ends, and a balanced weight loss program wealthy in vitamins that assist hair progress.
2. Use Pressure-Decreasing Methods
Extreme rigidity utilized whereas twisting or matting the hair can result in breakage. To reduce rigidity, use delicate backcombing or finger-coiling methods, avoiding vigorous pulling or tugging on the hair.
3. Keep away from Chemical Remedies
Hair that has been chemically handled (bleached, dyed, relaxed, and so forth.) is extra fragile and prone to breakage. It is advisable to permit enough time for the hair to get well from any prior chemical therapies earlier than beginning the dreading course of.
4. Maintain Hair Moisturized
Moisturized hair is extra pliable and fewer more likely to break. Use leave-in conditioners, hair oils, or pure moisturizing merchandise to maintain the hair hydrated all through the dreading course of.
5. Part Hair into Smaller Items
Dreadlocks created from bigger sections of hair usually tend to turn into heavy and trigger breakage. As a substitute, divide the hair into smaller sections, selling even distribution of weight and decreasing pressure on particular person strands.
6. Progressively Tighten Dreads
Keep away from tightening dreadlocks an excessive amount of too quickly. Begin with free twists or mats and steadily tighten them over time because the hair naturally locks collectively. This enables the hair to adapt and minimizes stress.
7. Use Protecting Kinds
Whereas dreadlocks are forming, it is helpful to put on protecting types like buns or braids to stop tangles, snags, and extreme friction that would result in breakage.
8. Keep away from Styling Chemical compounds and Warmth
Chemical styling merchandise, similar to hair gels, mousses, and pomades, can overwhelm the hair, promote tangles, and improve the chance of breakage. Equally, keep away from utilizing warmth styling instruments like blow dryers and flat irons, as warmth can harm and weaken the hair.
Further Ideas for Relaxed Hair
Tip
Rationalization
Moisturize hair repeatedly
Use leave-in conditioners, hair oils, or pure moisturizing merchandise to stop dryness and cut back tangles.
Keep away from extreme brushing
Brushing relaxed hair too usually can result in breakage. As a substitute, detangle hair gently utilizing a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.
Use satin or silk pillowcases
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can create friction and harm hair. Satin or silk pillowcases are gentler on hair, decreasing breakage.
Troubleshooting Frequent Issues
9. Dreads Are Too Tight
Causes:
- Locs had been sectioned too small.
- Locs had been pulled too tightly when forming.
- Locs had been wrapped too tightly in towels.
- Locs had been dried with an excessive amount of warmth.
Options:
Severity Answer Gentle Moisturize locs with a heavy oil, similar to coconut or olive oil. Gently pull aside the locs along with your fingers. Average Use a loc loosening device or a crochet hook to rigorously separate the locs. Apply a scalp moisturizer to stop dryness. Extreme Go to knowledgeable loctician. They will use specialised strategies to loosen the locs with out damaging them. Interlocking or Crocheting
These strategies contain utilizing a particular device to tightly interlock or crochet the dreads collectively, making a extra compact and unified look. Interlocking is often used for dreads which might be well-established, whereas crocheting is extra appropriate for newer dreads.
Palm Rolling
This method includes utilizing the palms of your palms to roll the dreads forwards and backwards, serving to to mat the hair and create a extra outlined form. Palm rolling will be finished repeatedly to take care of the form and texture of the dreads.
Backcombing
Backcombing is a method used to create dreads by brushing the hair in opposition to the grain, inflicting the hair to tangle and kind knots. This methodology can be utilized to begin new dreads or to restore sections of present dreads.
Twisting
Twisting includes separating sections of hair and twisting them collectively, making a spiral form. Over time, the twists will tighten and kind dreads. Twisting will be finished with or with out using merchandise.
Wicking
Wicking is a technique that makes use of a particular wicking device to create dreads. The device is inserted into the hair and pulled out, creating a skinny, rope-like dread that’s usually very tight and outlined.
Aftercare Ideas for Wholesome, Vibrant Dreads
Wash Usually
Dreadlocks ought to be washed repeatedly to stop buildup of filth, oil, and product. Use a pure shampoo and keep away from harsh chemical substances or detergents that may strip the hair of its pure oils.
Moisturize
Dreadlocks have to be moisturized to maintain them wholesome and stop breakage. Use a pure hair butter or oil to hydrate the hair and seal in moisture.
Retwist Usually
Retwisting helps to take care of the form and tightness of the dreadlocks. The frequency of retwisting will differ relying on the person and the specified look.
Shield from Warmth
Warmth can harm dreadlocks, so it is essential to guard them from warmth sources similar to blow dryers and curling irons. Use a warmth protectant spray or wrap the dreadlocks in a shawl or bandana when uncovered to warmth.
Keep away from Chemical compounds
Harsh chemical substances, similar to bleach or hair dyes, can harm dreadlocks and trigger them to interrupt. It is best to keep away from utilizing chemical substances on dreadlocks except completely obligatory.
Use Dreadlock-Particular Merchandise
There are a selection of dreadlock-specific merchandise accessible, similar to shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids. These merchandise are formulated to satisfy the distinctive wants of dreadlocks and assist to maintain them wholesome and looking out their finest.
Be Affected person
Rising and sustaining dreadlocks takes time and endurance. Do not get discouraged if they do not look good instantly. With correct care and a focus, your dreadlocks will develop a stupendous, distinctive character over time.
Methods to Do Dreads on Straight Hair
Creating dreadlocks on straight hair is a posh course of that requires endurance and dedication. Whereas pure dreadlocks kind over time as a result of neglect and lack of brushing, creating dreads on straight hair includes actively manipulating the hair to imitate this pure course of.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How lengthy does it take to get dreads on straight hair?
The time it takes to get dreads on straight hair can differ relying on numerous elements, similar to hair size, thickness, and the tactic used. Sometimes, it will probably take wherever from a couple of months to a yr or extra to attain totally mature dreadlocks.
Can you sweep out dreads?
As soon as dreadlocks have totally matured, brushing them out just isn’t advisable as it will probably trigger harm and breakage to the hair. If you wish to take away dreadlocks, it is best to seek the advice of with knowledgeable hairstylist who makes a speciality of loc upkeep.
Methods to preserve dreads on straight hair?
Sustaining dreadlocks on straight hair requires a distinct method than pure dreads. Common upkeep contains separating and tightening new progress, utilizing palm rolling methods to encourage locking, and washing and conditioning the hair much less ceaselessly to keep away from loosening the dreads.
