Dreadlocks are a unique hairstyle formed by twisting and locking strands of hair together. While dreadlocks can take many months or years to form naturally, there are methods you can use at home to encourage and expedite the locking process. With some planning and patience, you can achieve beautiful dreadlocks without having to visit a professional.
What are dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks (often called “dreads”) are formed when sections of hair are twisted and encouraged to mat and mesh together. Over time, the strands tangle and bond to create thick, rope-like locks. Dreadlocks can be formed on all hair types, but are most commonly associated with Black hair textures which naturally tend to lock.
There are a few theories about the origins of dreadlocks:
- In Hinduism, dreadlocks are associated with religious priests and signify spiritual growth or a detachment from materialism.
- In Africa, dreadlocks have been worn by various ethnic groups and were sometimes seen as a symbolic expression of power or resistance.
- For Rastafarians, letting hair “lock” into dreadlocks is linked to spiritual beliefs and rejecting conformity or oppression.
Today, dreadlocks remain deeply meaningful in many cultures, while also gaining popularity as an alternative fashion and lifestyle statement.
Why make your own dreadlocks?
There are a few key reasons you may want to try making your own dreadlocks at home:
- Cost – Creating your own locks over time can save money compared to paying for repeated professional locking services.
- Convenience – You can work on forming dreadlocks gradually at your own pace instead of sitting for hours in a salon.
- Control – Doing it yourself allows you to control exactly how and where your dreadlocks are formed.
- Natural process – Letting your hair naturally knot and coil can produce an organic, low-manipulation result.
However, it does require diligence and patience. Making dreadlocks can take anywhere from 2 months to 2 years depending on your hair type, so be prepared to put in time and effort.
What you’ll need to make dreadlocks at home
Gather these supplies before starting the dreadlocking process:
- Rat-tail comb or dread comb
- Clips or rubber bands
- Mirror
- Dreadlock wax or gel (optional)
- Salt spray (optional)
- Dreadlock shampoo
- Towels
How to start dreadlocks yourself
Follow these steps to begin forming dreadlocks at home:
- Wash and thoroughly dry your hair. Dreadlocks form best on clean hair free of leave-in conditioners or styling products.
- Part your hair into sections. Sectioning helps organize where locks will be placed. Partings can be squares, triangles, diamonds, or organic shapes depending on your preference.
- Backcomb the sections. Use a tail comb in short strokes moving away from the scalp to knot and tangle the hair.
- Roll or twist the sections. Roll longer sections between your palms. For shorter hair, twist strands tightly between your fingers to encourage twisting.
- Secure the forming locks. Use clips or rubber bands to keep sections from unravelling as they begin locking.
- Tip: For extra texture, spritz sections with salt spray before backcombing. Let hair dry overnight before removing clips.
Maintenance and care
Once sections are initially knotted and secured, you’ll need to perform maintenance to allow locks to tighten and mature:
- Palm roll: Rub sections between your palms to twist and encourage matting.
- Separate: Gently pull apart any sections sticking together.
- Backcomb: Use a tail comb to tease and re-tangle the roots as needed.
- Crochet: For stubborn sections, use a dread crochet hook tool to draw hair through forming locks.
During the first months, repeat rolling, separating and backcombing 1-2 times per week. As dreadlocks form, maintenance can be reduced. An initial “ugly stage” with loose, frizzy sections is normal before they mature and tighten.
Washing dreadlocked hair
Washing dreadlocks requires some adjustments from your regular hair washing routine:
- Use a residue-free dreadlock shampoo, avoiding heavy conditioners.
- Dilute shampoo with water and wash in sections to prevent tangling.
- Rinse thoroughly. Dreadlocks take longer to dry so minimize water retention.
- Dry gently with a microfiber towel. Air drying is best to minimize frizz.
- Separate sections carefully while damp. Allow to fully dry before re-securing.
Wash dreadlocks once every 2 to 4 weeks as needed. Over-washing can lead to excess frizz and loosening of the locks.
Common questions
How long does it take to dreadlock hair?
On average, expect the process to take:
- Type 1 straight hair: 6 months to 1 year
- Type 2 wavy hair: 4 to 8 months
- Type 3 curly hair: 3 to 6 months
- Type 4 coily hair: 2 to 4 months
Do dreadlocks damage your hair?
When done correctly, dreadlocks do not damage hair. But harsh backcombing, over-twisting, or improper maintenance can cause:
- Traction alopecia – breakage from pulling on the roots
- Buildup – from not washing regularly enough
- Dryness – if hair isn’t conditioned sufficiently
Handle sections gently, maintain cleanliness, and moisturize to prevent damage and hair loss.
Can you undo dreadlocks?
Yes, but it takes time and care to gently loosen and detangle mature locks. Options include:
- Professional de-locking services
- Using a de-tangling tool or crochet hook
- Slowly teasing apart sections
- Cutting off dreadlocks
Attempting to rip apart locked hair quickly can cause trauma to the hair and scalp.
| Hair Type | Time to Form Locks | Maintenance Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Straight | 6-12 Months | Every 2 Weeks |
| Type 2 Wavy | 4-8 Months | Every 10 Days |
| Type 3 Curly | 3-6 Months | Every 1-2 Weeks |
| Type 4 Coily | 2-4 Months | Every 5-7 Days |
Conclusion
Creating your own dreadlocks at home requires patience, gentleness, and regular upkeep as you allow strands to naturally knot and bond together. Set aside at least 2-6 months depending on your hair type before expecting fully-formed locks. With the right techniques and maintenance, you can achieve beautiful natural dreadlocks on your own time and terms.