How to Use a Dreadball for Dreadlock Care

Dreadlocks are a hairstyle frequently associated with the Rastafarian movement, though people of all cultures and ethnicity wear "dreads" or "locks." The look is achieved by twisting the hair into locks that resemble a rope. It's forbidden to comb, brush or cut the hair. "Dreadballing" is one way to maintain dreadlocks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Shampoo and condition the hair. Rinse thoroughly to remove any product that remains in the hair. Inspect the hair right after washing for pieces that have come loose from the dreadlocks. Work with freshly washed hair that is free of oils and products.

2. Isolate wisps or loose strands of hair not incorporated in a dreadlock. Ball up the end of the strands into a tight ball.

3. Roll the balled up hair and continue rolling it for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Get the hair as tight as possible and very close to the scalp.

4. Enlist the help of a friend for an extra pair of hands. Locate the nearest dreadlock in which to incorporate the dreadball.

5. Slip the dreadball into the loose hair at the top of an existing dreadlock. Dab on some wax to hold it in place.

6. Thread some hairs into a needle and sew the dreadball in place. Weave the needle in and out of the hair to secure the dreadball.

7. Wax the dreadball everyday and palm roll it several times a day. Take care of any loose hairs or "wispies" in the same fashion.