How To Make Dreadlocks

How To Make Dreadlocks (2)

Starting dreadlocks (locs) is a beautiful thing but it can also bring a lot of worries and confusion. When deciding to start dreadlocks, there are many methods to choose from and each has its pros and cons.

For some, dreadlocks are as simple as a hairstyle and so they may want a method that allows the beauty to be seen from the start, for others locs represent a more spiritual process and any form of cultivation to dreadlocks is frowned upon. Apart from that, important things to consider are:

  1. The length of your hair
  2. Your hair texture
  3. Your lifestyle

In this article, we will get into a brief overview of each method of starting locs then we will provide a few pros and cons of each method. With proper care (such as washing your dreadlocks), anyone can get beautiful healthy locs.

Methods for starting dreadlocks

There are 8 key way to start locs, the methods are:

  • Finger or comb coils
  • Two strand twists
  • Three strand plaits
  • Interlocking
  • Instant locs
  • Backcombing
  • Loc extensions
  • Freeforming

Comb Coils

Finger or comb coils is one of the most used methods of starting Locs, it is achieved by wrapping the hair in a spiral motion. This method is perfect for people with a tight curl pattern. If you have a looser curl pattern you will want to take extra caution. For those persons who live an active lifestyle, coils may come loose depending on hair texture but can be easily coiled back into place.

Pros

  • Best for starting locs on short hair.
  • The great spiral motion produces nice round locs.
  • The method is moderate to start and can be done at home with a comb or with your fingers

Cons

  • The coils are very Fragile and so they are easy to lose out, especially with an active lifestyle.
  • This method does not work well with really long hair as it will take longer to be formed into a loc.

Two Strand Twists

Two strand twists are a common hairstyle that many people with natural hair wear. If these twists are left for a long period of time, they will form into locs. This method is one of the simplest ways to start locs and can generally be done at home with no worries. The style is achieved by crossing two strands of hair.

Pros

  • This method is simple to do and can be done at home.
  • It is perfect for starting locs with long hair and can be done with as low as 2 inches of hair.

Cons

  • The twist pattern usually takes 6 months to 2 years to disappear.
  • Twist may unravel and split open causing ill-formed locs often called two-headed dragons.

Three Strand Plaits

This method is another common natural hairstyle which if left long enough will form into locs. It is easy to do and can be started at home with no trouble. The style is achieved by braiding your hair using 3 strands.

Pros

  • This method is easy to do and can be started at home.
  • Great for hair of any length, 2 inches and above.

Cons

  • The braid pattern takes at least a year to two years to disappear.
  • May produce flat shaped locs as opposed to a round look.

Interlocking

Interlocking is a popular method of starting sisterlocks and micro-locs. This method is often difficult to do and requires precision. It is done by using a crochet latch hook that allows you to pull your hair through itself, forming a knot.

Pros

  • Locs are usually on the smaller side, perfect for sisterlocks or micro locs.
  • Hair will not unravel even if you live an active lifestyle.

Cons

  • Need a tool (crochet latch hook) to maintain and start locs
  • This method does not work well for thicker locs
  • The stylist must ensure that proper steps are taken or your dreadlocks will split from root or center
  • Requires a few inches of hair

Instant Locs

Instant Locs is a modern way of starting locs. The style is achieved by starting with a tool called a crochet hook that Knotts hair, the hook is inserted then pushed and pulled until a knot is formed. Note: this type of hook is different from the crochet latch hook mentioned above.

Pros

  • With this method, you will get Loc’d hair appearance immediately.
  • It also allows you to skip what some describe as ‘ugly phase’ also called budding.

Cons

  • This method is hard to do, generally requires a professional.
  • Requires several inches of hair.
  • It can be costly to achieve as it requires a lot of time and skill.
  • With this method, you skip the process of seeing your locs transform, which for some is considered the best part.

Backcombing

Backcombing is a form of instant locs. It involves combing hair backward preferable with a metal comb. This method is mostly used by Caucasians or people with straight hair.

Pros

  • You will get a Loc’d appearance immediately
  • It allows you to skip what some describe as the “ugly phase”
  • It allows people with softer hair textures and little curl pattern to get locs.

Cons

  • This method is hard to do, generally requires a professional.
  • It requires several inches of hair.
  • It can be costly to achieve.

Loc Extensions

Loc Extensions is a modern way of starting locs. This style can be achieved in two ways. The first way is by using a crochet hook to make locs using human hair extensions. The premade locs are then attached to your natural hair using the instant loc method. The second way is to wrap your natural hair using the extensions.

Pros

  • Locs look like ‘Locs’ faster when done using this method
  • Hair can be styled immediately
  • Allows you to skip what some describe as the ‘ugly phase’ of locs
  • The hair extension can be dyed without applying any harsh chemicals to your natural hair
  • Can be started with short hair

Cons

  • This method is very expensive, it requires purchasing hair extensions and paying a loctician.
  • If doing it on your own, it is very time consuming and may be difficult.
  • The locs will not be your hair but hair extensions. You must get human hair in order to avoid damage.
  • With this method, you miss out on the mental aspect of the journey or process.

Freeforming

Freeforming is the oldest method of starting locs and is described as being the most spiritual. This style is achieved by simply leaving your natural hair in an afro until it locs on its own.

Pros

  • This is the cheapest method as no money is spent on salons or products
  • The wearer never has to worry about build up (residue from products) as you don’t need products to cultivate or shape locs

Cons

  • You never know how their locs will turn out.
  • This style generally produces thicker locs so styling may be difficult or not possible at all.

Summary

In this article, we discussed the 8 ways you can start dreadlocks. The following methods were discussed:

  • Finger or comb coils
  • Two strand twists
  • Three strand plaits
  • Interlocking
  • Instant locs
  • Backcombing
  • Loc extensions
  • Freeforming

In deciding which method is best for you, you must first consider the purpose of your locs (just a hairstyle or a spiritual symbol). You should also pay attention to, your lifestyle (active or non-active), the length of your hair and your hair texture. Never be afraid to seek professional advice or use a stylist if you must although starting on your own is perfectly fine with proper dreadlock research.

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