How to Thicken Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks do need some maintenance after they are formed.

Dreadlocks were popularized by reggae singer and Rastafarian Bob Marley. Unlike Jamaican Rastafarians who let their hair mat naturally, today's dreadlocks can be formed into locks with the use of oils and styling at the hair salon, according to "The New York Times." However you can easily save money by creating your dreadlocks at home with the use of a dreadlock kit. Once you have your locks formed and need to thicken your dreadlocks, use a crochet hook.

Things You'll Need

• .65mm crochet hook

Instructions

1. Examine your dreadlocks for areas that are thin. It takes a few months to thicken the dreads naturally after they are formed. However if you find there are patches along a lock that are thin, you need to thicken them with a .65mm crochet hook.

2. Hold the .65mm crochet hook with your right hand at a 45-degree angle to the lock, while holding the lock with your left hand.

3. Push the crochet hook into the dread diagonally and then pull the hair back through towards the base of the dreadlock. The dread should scrunch up towards the base. Be sure the crochet hook stays inside the dreadlock itself. Twist the dread also with your left hand as you use the crochet hook.

4. Push the crochet hook again throughout the entire area where the dread is thin. Continue pushing and pulling the hair in the thinned area. Be sure to grab the loose hairs with the crochet hook and pull it into the thicker areas of the dread.

5. Examine the thin area again. It should start to thicken towards the base. If there are still thin areas, repeat the pushing in with the crochet hook and pulling the thin area towards the base.

Tips & Warnings

• Twist the dread with your fingers as you use the crochet hook to thicken the dreads properly.

• Curve the crochet hook out when releasing from the dread to prevent making more loose hairs.

• Always check the dread to be sure your work is even.

• Be sure to pull the thin area towards the base of your hair.

References

• "NY Times"; Just Locks, Anita M. Samuels, January 1994
• You Tube: Thickening Dreads with Crochet Hook

Resources

• "The Knotty Truth: Creating Beautiful Locks on a Dime!"; M. Michele George, 2011