How to Maintain the Dreadlock in Crochet

Tighten the roots of your dreadlocks with a small crochet hook.

Dreadlocks require regular root maintenance to help keep them looking their best. Caucasian and Asian dreadlocks are particularly prone to having an inch or two of undreaded hair at the roots, but you can encourage your roots to dread by stabbing them with a crochet hook. Using a crochet hook to dread your roots is a similar process to needle felting wool. The hook breaks and tangles the hair as you pull it in and out of the dreadlock.

Things You'll Need

• Size 7 crochet hook

Instructions

1. Pull one dreadlock outward from your head, holding it tight to maintain tension in the root.

2. Hold the crochet hook straight up and down, with the hooked end pointing toward the tip of your thumb. Lay your thumb on the flat segment of the hook.

3. Insert the hook through your dreadlock at the root, 1/8-inch away from your head. Push the hooked end all the way through the dread.

4. Pull the hook back through the dread, then continue to stab it in and out of the undreaded root. You will feel the root tighten as you go. Continue stabbing for approximately 30 seconds.

5. Lay your palms on either side of the root and roll your hands back and forth vigorously for 30 seconds. Repeat the process as many times as necessary until the root is tight, then move on to the next dreadlock.

References

• Dreadhead HQ: Crocheting Dreadlocks
• The Dread Queen: Crochet
• Dreadlocks Site: Crocheting Method

Resources

• My Crochet Tips: How to Crochet Hook Your Dreadlocks; March 2010