How to Latch Hook Dreads

Use a latch hook to create dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks must be maintained through a process of re-dreading the new growth. New growth is the hair that has grown since the dreads were last maintained. The new growth must be managed or it will start to dread itself, turning into a mess of matted hair. Using a latch hook is an easy way to re-dread the new growth or to start a completely new dreadlock.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-tooth comb
• Latch hook
• Hair clips, ties or pins

Instructions

Starting a Dreadlock

1. Section off a chunk of hair, depending on how thick you'd like your dreadlocks to be. Pin, tie or clip all of the remaining hair.

2. Back-comb the section of hair, using a fine-tooth comb. To back-comb a section of hair, comb underneath the hair from the ends to the scalp. This creates a knot in the hair.

3. Keep back-combing until a knot forms at the end of the hair section.

4. Insert the latch hook into the middle of the section and run it down the center of the hair until it stops at the knotted end.

5. Grab the knot end with the latch hook and loop it through the center of the hair.

6. Repeat this process until the hair is knotted all the way to the scalp.

To Tighten a Dreadlock

1. Gather all of your hair into a ponytail at the crown of the head and secure.

2. Remove one dreadlock from one of the outside corners of base of the scalp.

3. Twist any loose hairs around the new growth near the scalp.

4. Grab the end of the dreadlock with the latch hook.

5. Pull the end of the dreadlock through the center of the new growth. Repeat this process of knotting until the dreadlock reaches the scalp.

Tips & Warnings

• The latch-hook method of making and maintaining dreadlocks can be used with dry or wet hair.

References

• Black Woman Beauty Central: Latch Hook Method