Post by Dreadlocktruth on Aug 22, 2017 19:59:15 GMT
Dreadlocks can be started by several methods, assuming you have a minimum of 4-6 inches of hair to work with. Let's outline them below.
Patience/Neglect/Free-form
The clue is in the name and it's called PATIENCE for a reason! This is by far the most challenging method for some and so it's recommended that you only begin this journey if you have the stomach for the long haul, for this is not for those who want an instant hairstyle. It is, however, the easiest for if all you do is never again pick up your comb, the likelihood is you'll have dreads within a couple of years. You do still need to keep your locks clean (see our answer on washing for more info) and the point will come where your hair will begin to become matted, which is when you'll need to begin separating to form the sections.
More helpful advice can be found in this LazyDreads video on the topic:
You can also get a more in-depth look at the kind of progress you can expect via the timeline of forum user james : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/144/8-years-comb
Backcombing
One of the more popular techniques, backcombing will give you the instant 'appearance' of dreadlocks. In reality, the sectioning is the important thing at this stage and so, to get off to the best possible start, you will need small rubber bands and a fine-toothed comb (metal flea combs work best).
Begin by using the bands to section the hair out (baring in mind that the size of the sections represent the largest size that your dreads can thicken to, usually slightly less). Some people opt for a brick-work pattern to alternate the layout of your locks, but you can also grab random sections yourself to section out as - unless you opt for heavily maintained dreads - most people's roots wind up covered in a spider-web of hair criss-crossing between, anyway. Next, take your fine-toothed comb and begin to tease the hair down towards the scalp from the top until the hair bunches near your scalp, then remove the rubber band when finished. These backcombed areas may feel a little fluffy or loose and they may sprout into stringy tips but this is fine at this early stage - the 'solid to the touch' feeling that you probably had in mind only comes with time. You may also find yourself baring a new resemblance to Sideshow Bob for a few weeks so having a hat to hand might be helpful!
Here's an example of a backcombed set via our Timelines forum courtesy of alethionaut : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/46/kezis-month-crazy-colours-timeline
Twist and Rip
Another popular method for those wishing to have a more instantly identifiable set of dreadlocks, twist and rip shares a lot in common with the backcombing method. First of all, you'll need small rubber bands for the sectioning which should follow the same basic principles as stated above. Instead of using a fine-toothed comb, you will use your hands to create your baby dreads by 'twisting' and then 'ripping' your hair (although not literally ripping, of course! This refers more to the familiar action of your hands than the outcome). First, grab the sectioned hair and twist it between your fingers to create one tight strand. Once you get to the end, use your finger and thumb of each hand to separate the tip into two strands and then pull them in opposite directions. The friction of this action will cause knots and tangles to form, which you will build upon by re-twisting and then repeating the ripping motion, each time pulling the strands apart and pushing the part of your hair that is beginning to form into a mass down towards your scalp until you have the body of your dread formed. You can also use this technique to tighten up loose tips as your dreads mature.
For an example of TnR'd (as the cool kids say) dreads, check out this timeline courtest of evedreadss : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/489/evedreadss-eveline-twist-rip-years
Twist and Rip vs Backcombing?
You may notice that the backcombing and twist and rip methods are not too dissimilar and, for as many people as you find having success with one, you'll find as many who were better-suited to the other, so which should you go for? Here's another video from LazyDreads comparing the two methods to help you decide:
So, in terms of dreadlock starter techniques that you can do yourself, those are 'the big three'. You may find salons offering different methods such as interlocking/flipping (passing the dread through it's own root) but this method is known to cause discomfort due to over-tightness and pose a potential weak spot risk so we recommend you consider the techniques offered by any professional you visit, including the use of wax (see 'What Products Do I Need?' for more info), before making a decision. These methods will work on most hair types (though if you have Afro-textured hair, you can also consider the two-twist method which involves sectioning the hair as above, separating into two strands and wrapping them around each other along the entire length although this will not work on Caucasian hair), including those whose hair may be thinning.
Patience/Neglect/Free-form
The clue is in the name and it's called PATIENCE for a reason! This is by far the most challenging method for some and so it's recommended that you only begin this journey if you have the stomach for the long haul, for this is not for those who want an instant hairstyle. It is, however, the easiest for if all you do is never again pick up your comb, the likelihood is you'll have dreads within a couple of years. You do still need to keep your locks clean (see our answer on washing for more info) and the point will come where your hair will begin to become matted, which is when you'll need to begin separating to form the sections.
More helpful advice can be found in this LazyDreads video on the topic:
You can also get a more in-depth look at the kind of progress you can expect via the timeline of forum user james : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/144/8-years-comb
Backcombing
One of the more popular techniques, backcombing will give you the instant 'appearance' of dreadlocks. In reality, the sectioning is the important thing at this stage and so, to get off to the best possible start, you will need small rubber bands and a fine-toothed comb (metal flea combs work best).
Begin by using the bands to section the hair out (baring in mind that the size of the sections represent the largest size that your dreads can thicken to, usually slightly less). Some people opt for a brick-work pattern to alternate the layout of your locks, but you can also grab random sections yourself to section out as - unless you opt for heavily maintained dreads - most people's roots wind up covered in a spider-web of hair criss-crossing between, anyway. Next, take your fine-toothed comb and begin to tease the hair down towards the scalp from the top until the hair bunches near your scalp, then remove the rubber band when finished. These backcombed areas may feel a little fluffy or loose and they may sprout into stringy tips but this is fine at this early stage - the 'solid to the touch' feeling that you probably had in mind only comes with time. You may also find yourself baring a new resemblance to Sideshow Bob for a few weeks so having a hat to hand might be helpful!
Here's an example of a backcombed set via our Timelines forum courtesy of alethionaut : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/46/kezis-month-crazy-colours-timeline
Twist and Rip
Another popular method for those wishing to have a more instantly identifiable set of dreadlocks, twist and rip shares a lot in common with the backcombing method. First of all, you'll need small rubber bands for the sectioning which should follow the same basic principles as stated above. Instead of using a fine-toothed comb, you will use your hands to create your baby dreads by 'twisting' and then 'ripping' your hair (although not literally ripping, of course! This refers more to the familiar action of your hands than the outcome). First, grab the sectioned hair and twist it between your fingers to create one tight strand. Once you get to the end, use your finger and thumb of each hand to separate the tip into two strands and then pull them in opposite directions. The friction of this action will cause knots and tangles to form, which you will build upon by re-twisting and then repeating the ripping motion, each time pulling the strands apart and pushing the part of your hair that is beginning to form into a mass down towards your scalp until you have the body of your dread formed. You can also use this technique to tighten up loose tips as your dreads mature.
For an example of TnR'd (as the cool kids say) dreads, check out this timeline courtest of evedreadss : dreadlocktruth.com/thread/489/evedreadss-eveline-twist-rip-years
Twist and Rip vs Backcombing?
You may notice that the backcombing and twist and rip methods are not too dissimilar and, for as many people as you find having success with one, you'll find as many who were better-suited to the other, so which should you go for? Here's another video from LazyDreads comparing the two methods to help you decide:
So, in terms of dreadlock starter techniques that you can do yourself, those are 'the big three'. You may find salons offering different methods such as interlocking/flipping (passing the dread through it's own root) but this method is known to cause discomfort due to over-tightness and pose a potential weak spot risk so we recommend you consider the techniques offered by any professional you visit, including the use of wax (see 'What Products Do I Need?' for more info), before making a decision. These methods will work on most hair types (though if you have Afro-textured hair, you can also consider the two-twist method which involves sectioning the hair as above, separating into two strands and wrapping them around each other along the entire length although this will not work on Caucasian hair), including those whose hair may be thinning.
