How to Create and Maintain Dreadlocks

How to Create and Maintain Dreadlocks

Have you ever wondered how dreadlocks are made?  In this article, I will explain how dreadlocks are made the natural way. Using these instructions you will be able to achieve the look of dreadlocks in no time depending on how fast your hair grows.

A natural looking dreadlocks that is achieved by surfers, hippies, and various types of travelers have a more instinctive look. They do not look contrived or forced. This more natural looking dreadlocks is highly sought after.

Dreadlocks are not only for Rastafarians. Though this is where the name is derived from, and is a popular hair style among Rastafarians. Dreadlocks have been worn for centuries. The Celtics, Vikings, and Ancient Egyptians are just a few of the cultures that have worn dreadlocks over the years. They are not a cultural style. They have been around longer than the comb and have been worn by many cultures.

You can achieve a natural looking dreadlock in two ways. One is completely natural, and the other requires a little help.

The completely natural approach requires that you do not brush your hair. As long as your hair has a little bit of a natural curl, it will easily dread right up. If your hair is straight it may take a while for the dreadlocks to form.

Once your hair has matted up you will need to divide it into dreadlock size portions. If you do not do this you will be left with one giant dreadlock of matted hair. The hair in the back of your head will have a tendency to stay into one large lump of matted hair. You will need to separate this hair with hair ties to keep it in the smaller dreadlocks forms. These bands will eventually fall out by themselves.

Since washing your hair during this period can cause the dreadlocks to fall out it might be required to not wash your hair during this period. If this is not an option, as it can take several months to form proper dreadlocks, you may want to opt for the second approach for straight hair.

The second method to forming dreads is less natural. You need to mess up your hair. You will be making an intentional matte.  Moving your hand in a circular motion against your scalp can help achieve this process.

Next you will want to tie knots into your hair. This is a rather long and time consuming process. So this is best done while enjoying your favorite shows or listening to music. Divide the hair into your preferred sized dreadlocks. Some hair will not want to be divided into these clumps. Let the hair naturally flow into the locks.

Once you have a section divided you can begin knotting. This is done by doing very bad braids. Passing the hair through each other until it is all knotted up. If you feel like you are making a mess of your hair, then the process is working.

Complete one section at a time until you are finished. This may take several days to complete as it will leave your hands aching after a few sections.

Some of your hair can be stubborn and not want to stay in the dreads. If this occurs just ignore them as they will soon dread up on their own.

After a few days or weeks your dreads will start looking like proper dreadlocks and once again you can leave your humble home.

Keeping your dreadlocks clean is a very important question that many people ask: To wash or not to wash? If you choose not to wash you will have to suffer through a few itchy weeks until your natural oils begin cleansing your hair. The hair will smell bad to others, but it should not bother you. If you choose to wash your dreads you may undo them as the shampoo has a tendency to make the dreads fall out. You can take the middle ground by only rinsing them with water. Avoid rubbing them to much while your dreads are still forming. Washing your dreads is a personal option. If they itch too much, then wash if not let them crust on up.

There are many products designed to clean your dreadlocks. But dreadlocks are a natural approach to hair care. It is designed to be a lazy hair style. Let those products go and stay on the natural look. You will have to trade your hats in for new ones, but you will save money on shampoos and conditioners.

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