Dreadlocks or locks are composed of heavy matted group of hair that are fused together and is a famous practice of the Rastafarian movement.
Dreadlocks can form naturally if you let your hair grow without washing or combing it for the longest time. It is also possible to deliberately design your hair into dreadlocks with the use of many dreadlocks techniques and hair products.
It takes time and skill to get a dreadlocks right. Certain types of hair such as compactly curled and kinky hairs are most suitable for dreadlocks. It is very important that you keep your hair free from chemicals before starting to form your locks.
Dreading your hair
1. It is important that you grow your hair long enough for the locks. Your hair should at least be 3 inch long.
2. Get someone to help you dread your hair. If you have a very long hair you might need at least two people to assist you.
3. Start by washing your hair with clean water. Do not use shampoo, conditioner or any hair products. Dry your hair.
4. Comb your hair. Grouping your hair without tangles and hair knots would be easier.
5. Starting from the underside, group your hair into separate sections. Decide how thick or thin you want to form your locks. Tie a rubber band around each section.
6. Once you’re done tying each section. You may start teasing. Pick a section of your hair, untie it, and then start teasing from the root until you finish the entire section. A metal lice comb would make a durable comb for this process.
7. Keep teasing through all the sections. Do not stop teasing every section until they are tight enough to hold together.
8. Rub some ash from a burnt wood on your hair or wet it with ocean water to make the dreads more intact after the entire process.
Tips for your dreadlocks
· Tighten your dreadlocks at least once every one to two months. It takes time to fully lock your dreads that is why you have to patiently tend to it while it is still new.
· Use a beanie to prevent your locks from untangling specially when sleeping. After sometime your dreadlocks will be thicker and less vulnerable to untangling.
· Get a shampoo designed for dreadlocks to refresh your scalp without compensating your lock’s quality. Dry your hair thoroughly every after washing them.
· Tie a cloth on loose dreads to reinforce its bond. After sometime the wrapped lock will get thicker and rounder creating a more bonded dread.
· Apply wax on your dreads this would give your locks better shape and will strengthen your locks bond. Do not wash your hair with hot water if your dreads are waxed. It will melt the wax and loose its effect.
· Unlike what most people know, dreadlocks can be removed without having to shave your head. Many dread removal remedies are now available (check the internet for details). These kits condition your hair to rid of the locks without taking your hair off your scalp.
Dreadlocks have a very significant meaning to some spiritual beliefs in many different countries. It is not just an ordinary fashion statement and is more of a representation of ones belief.Darry Wilson is a freelance writer who is the author of articles such as How to Cut Hair, How to remove Hair, and How to Braid Hair Visit Hair DreadLocks.
