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A single-twist dreadlock requires tightly twisting each section of hair in one fluid movement and in one direction around your finger or the tooth of a comb. Twisting is a common method of creating dreadlocks and provides a permanent style. Use wax-based dreadlock products, palm-rubbing techniques and heat to lock twists into dreads. These methods will strengthen your dreads and allow them to lock into shape more quickly.

Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo to prevent itching and to increase the thickness and locking potential of your dreads. Avoid shampoos and conditioners that leave behind residues. These leave the hair oily, which prevent twists from locking at the scalp and throughout the strand of hair.

Section your hair into two-inch or larger squares, depending on the thickness of the dreads you desire, with the pointy end of a rattail comb. Place each section in a rubber band or clip to keep the hair out of your way while twisting each section. This allows you to create tighter twists, which increases the ability for the hair to lock into place.

Take one section of hair in the back of your head, near the nape of your neck, out of its rubber band. Place wax on the length of the piece of hair from the root to the ends to coat the hair. This wax acts as an adhesive, making the hair within the twist stick together and locks the shape of the dread more quickly.

Twist the hair clockwise or counterclockwise from the root to the ends of your hair to lock the twist from the scalp to your ends. Roll the twisted hair in your palms to add friction and to work the wax in. This prevents the hair from separating out of the twist. Tie the ends of the twist with a rubber band to separate the dreads while they begin to take form.

Repeat the twisting and palm-rubbing process until all sections of your hair are twisted. Twist each section in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) as the first.

Add heat to each single-twist dread with a hair dryer. The heat softens the wax into your hair, creating a bond that locks the dread more quickly.

Retwist your dreadlocks in the same direction daily for one month to keep the shape until they begin to develop and grow on their own. Continue palm-rubbing your dreads with wax. The more you palm-rub your dreads, the tighter and faster they will lock into shape and into place on your head.

Tip

Single twists work best for thick textures of hair.