How to Dread Hair With a Flat Iron

Once you dread your hair, the only way to remove the dreads is to trim your hair. However, there's a less permanent alternative. Create temporary dreadlocks that you can remove without a haircut.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Elastic bands
• Gel, hairspray or wax
• Flat iron
• Comb

1. Shampoo and condition your hair, then dry it.

2. Divide your hair into sections with a rat-tail comb. Each section should be at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Section your hair in a grid--or more randomly, if you're adventurous. Secure each section with an elastic band.

3. Apply a generous amount of gel, hair wax or other water-soluble binder to a section of hair.

4. Twist the section around your finger to create a thick strand. Start from the back sections, moving forward. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on all of your hair.

5. Lock your temporary dreads in place. Tie the ends loosely with an elastic band, or set them with a blow dryer.

6. Use a flat iron to help set the dreads. Run the flat iron along the dreads, pausing at every step for a few seconds to apply heat onto the area as you move down.

7. Lock your temporary dreads in place by tying the ends loosely with an elastic band. You can also leave them as is once they have been set by the blow dryer and flat iron.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want more permanent dreadlocks, use beeswax for binder. This will keep the dreads in place even after washing them. Consider adding beads to your dreads. To remove your dreads, simply wet your hair and carefully loosen the twists.

Resources

• More Information on Creating Dreadlocks
• Caring for Dreadlocks