How to Start Dreadlocks Using the Latch Hook

Dreadlocks are a hair style that dates back to ancient times. It can be performed on all types of hair, however dreads hold better in coarser/thicker hair types. The process of dreadlocking can take up to a year, however locks can be started in a day, although it is rather time consuming. Locks need to be maintained by regular interlocking to retain a tight-locked appearance

Things You'll Need

• Latch hook
• Metal clips
• Rubber bands
• Comb
• Locking accelerator (optional)
• Dread wax (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash and condition your hair before you begin the locking process. You may choose to use a locking accelerator, available at most beauty stores, but it is not necessary. If you decide to use a locking accelerator lightly mist your hair with the product.

2. Take one section of hair about the thickness of a pencil and separate it from the rest of your hair. You can use a hair tie or metal clip to pull the hair you are not working with back and out of the way.

3. Back comb the hair to create a knot at the end of the hair. Take the unlocked hair and move it up, looping it through the loop created by back combing.

4. Create another loop within the original loop and continue the process up to the scalp using a four-point rotation. This creates a light lock.

5. Use a latch hook to pull the base of the hair through the hair at the scalp to tighten the lock. To do this, take the latch hook with the latch open and push it through a hole at the root of the dreadlock.

6. Take hair from the bottom of the lock and place it in the latch hook, closing the latch. Weave the hook back through the root of the lock and continue the process using a different "hole" in a four-point rotation until the dreadlock is as tight as possible.

7. Continue the process with each section of hair. You can maintain your locks in the same way. Using the latch hook place the latch through the root of the dreadlocks and latch it around any stray hairs. Simply pull the hairs through the dreadlocks until they are incorporated into the lock.

8. Add dread wax to the finished product, if you would like, and place a small rubber band around the bottom of the lock to hold it in place while it sets. Dread wax is not necessary but can help to keep the lock in place and protect the hair from breakage.