How to Start Dreadlocks With Braids
Dreadlocks are a hairstyle that dates back to ancient times. There are many ways to lock your hair. One way to do it is with braids. The best type of hair to lock is hair that is totally natural, with no chemical enhancements. It is possible to lock hair that has been chemically enhanced, but it takes longer and eventually the hair that has chemicals in it will have to be cut off. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Two to four hour gap of time, depending on the length of your hair
- A spray bottle with water in it
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash and condition your hair. Try not to over condition it and make it too soft because it will need to be able to hold the braids. Prepare your hair station and find something to watch on television. You will be sitting in one spot for a few hours. Make sure you eat something, too.
-
2
Determine how you would like your braids to fall. If your hair is long, you may just braid your hair the way you wear it down. However if your hair is short, you may want to direct your braids to the back. This is an important step because it determines how your braids will fall when you're done.
-
-
3
Determine the size you wish to make your locks. The smaller your make your braids, the smaller your locks will be. However, your locks will expand slightly once your hair completely dries.
-
4
Start braiding. Make sure you create braids that you want to keep because those braids will turn into your dreadlocks. If you need to put any type of oil in your hair, do so sparingly.
-
5
Take a moment to admire your work. Then you must decide how you will maintain your new hair. It takes time for hair to lock and the length of time depends on the type of hair. Things like softness, length and straightness affect how quickly your hair will lock. Typically is takes at least a year before you start to notice consistent locking throughout but it can take longer for all of your hair to completely lock. In the meantime, you will have to maintain your locks. You can do this by simply twisting your hair or by using a latch hook. Whichever method you choose, make sure not to over manipulate your hair because it can cause your locks to weaken.
-
6
Know that daily maintenance is important, however you must keep the use of hair products down to the bare minimum. When locks are brand new, too much hair product and manipulation can slow down the locking process. Water isn't bad for your locks but you shouldn't douse your hair in water every day. Use the spray bottle to lightly mist your hair and rub a small amount of oil in it to keep it from getting dry.
-
7
Be patient. Locking your hair isn't something that can be done overnight. It takes time and is a journey that you will share with your hair. Enjoy the journey.
-
1
