How to Start Your Own Locs (Dreadlocks)

I used this method to start my locs!

Locs, also referred to as dreads or dreadlocks, are sectioned pieces of hair where individual strands have merged together. Locs may vary a bit in thickness and even the amount of time they take to bind; however, the result can be an appealing alternative to relaxed, texturized or other natural hairstyles.
These steps teach you how to begin your locs using the double-strand twist method.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Comb
• Beeswax or Gel
• Hair Clips or Ponytail holders

Instructions

1. What works for you?
   Based on your hair type, determine what hair products work for you. Find something that will assist in holding strands of hair together long enough for it to fuse during the beginning stages of the loc(k)ing process. Some like beeswax, others gel; both are effective.
   Note that beeswax can cause build-up and gel should be alcohol-free due to possible over drying.

2. Get ready.
   Start with a healthy scalp and clean hair, preferably at least 2 inches in length. Since you're doing it yourself, working with hair that is too short may be difficult; just as excessively lengthy hair can be a nuisance.

3. Set.
   Comb through those tresses; hopefully this will be the last time you'll find yourself doing so. Separate your hair into four large sections by parting the hair at the roots with a comb. Using ponytail holders, hair clips or some other hair care tool to effectively hold the sections in place allows you to focus on one area at a time.

4. Go.
   Take a section at a time and within that section, use your comb to separate your hair into a smaller part, roughly a 1/2 inch square. You can choose to make smaller or larger squares; it all depends on what size locs you desire. (Locs are so flexible you can down-size or enlarge them down the line if you are not pleased!)
   This step is done one at a time while applying the product you chose for your hair type; so after you've made your first 1/2 inch square, jump right into Steps 5 and 6.

5. Take hold of it.
   For each 1/2 inch square, you will divide one last time into two product covered segments. If you're familiar with fractions, you'll probably end up with two tiny areas of roughly 1/4 by 1/4 inch that are grasped between your index finger and thumb of each hand.

6. Get twisting.
   Tightly wrap the tiny areas of hair one around the other from root to tip. You have intertwined the 1/4 by 1/4 inch sections, making them into a double-strand twist within a 1/2 inch square.
   Keep in mind that each section will result in a loc a bit larger than the double-strand twist appears initially.
   Repeat Steps 4 through 6 until your entire head is full with double-strand twists.

7. Leave it alone.
   The fastest way for the strands to bind is to do as little to your hair as possible. Try to give it some time before you wash it. Keeping a healthy scalp is important for successful hair growth and the avoidance of hygienic problems, so focus on cleansing your scalp with witch hazel or gentling rubbing it clean with a washcloth with warm water only.
   If you just can't stand not washing your hair. Wash it, but use no de-tanglers or deep conditioners because they will work against the process. Try leaving it alone again for a while. The "letting it be" stage is a crucial aspect of the process if you are serious about loc(k)ing your hair.

8. 

   Love your locs.
   After the awkwardness of the transitions your hair goes through during the loc(k)ing process, you'll want to keep your hair clean, moisturized, and well conditioned. Once it grows a bit longer, experiment with styles from curls, coils, waves, buns, ponytails- you name it. Remember, your locs are still hair just packaged a little differently and should be treated with care in order to support healthy growth.

Resources

• Wrap a Loc Hair Styling Tool