How to Braid Thin Dreadlocks

If you have thin dreadlocks, consider braiding them for a chic new look.

Well-maintained natural dreadlocks can grow long and healthy. In fact, it's not unusual for men or women to have the tightly coiled ropes of hair swinging down to their waists. If the dreadlocks are slender, they can be fashioned into a variety of styles, including ponytails, braids, twists and cornrows. If you are looking for a way to keep your thin dreads off your neck and stay cool during hot weather, or are just looking for a dread style that's neat and chic, braiding is an effective option.

Things You'll Need

• Low-residue shampoo
• Natural hair conditioner
• Metal hair clips
• Elastic hair bands
• Jojoba oil
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 8-ounce spray bottle

Instructions

1. Shampoo your dreads using a low-residue shampoo. Follow with a natural conditioner that contains moisturizers such as aloe vera or olive oil. Air-dry or towel-dry until dreadlocks are slightly damp and pliable.

2. Using your fingers, separate your hair into sections of approximately 10 to 15 dreadlocks each. These sections will eventually become braids, so adjust the number of dreads if your hair is thicker or thinner. Section all of your hair, keeping each partition separate with a metal hair clip or elastic hair band.

3. Release one section and palm-roll each dread to neaten and tighten. To palm roll, add a drop of jojoba oil to the roots of each dreadlock and roll it between the palms of your hands in a single motion.

4. Divide the dreads in the section into three units -- right, left and center -- and begin braiding. To create English braids, cross the dreads in the right unit over the middle unit, so that the right unit becomes the new middle unit. Cross the left unit over the middle unit, and tighten by pulling all units away from each other. Continue down the length of the dreads until they are all braided together. Twist and bend the ends of the dreads into an elastic hair band. Begin another section and work until all are braided.

5. Combine 1 cup water, 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil and 5 drops lavender essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and spritz all over your braided dreadlocks. Lavender disinfects the scalp and keeps hair fragrant, and coconut oil will keep the dreads well moisturized.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull the braids into one or two ponytails and adorn with a fresh flower or hair embellishment.

• Try other braiding styles -- for example, French or Dutch braids -- for other elegant effects.

• When you unplait the braids, your dreadlocks will be curled in tendrils, creating another appealing style.

References

• Perfect Dreadlocks.com: Dread Braiding
• Loc Rocker: Braided Locs, Part II
• Lifeguides: How to Braid Hair
• Black Woman Beauty Central: The Palm Roll Method
• Live Curly Live Free: Home Remedies
• "Hairlocking: Everthing You Need To Know About African, Dread and Nubian Locks"; Nekhena Evans; 1992