How to Use Beeswax for Preparation of Dreadlocks

Use a residue-free shampoo in the days before doing your dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks have been worn for cultural and political reasons for several generations. However, this practice has successfully crossed over into mainstream culture, and wearing dreadlocks has become a fashion statement for many young people. You can put in your own dreadlocks, but it is far easier to do it with the help of a friend, particularly if this is your first attempt. It is easier to make successful dreadlocks on thick, curly hair, but possible to do with most other hair types.

Things You'll Need

• Residue-free shampoo
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a quart of water
• Packet of 100 rubber bands
• Metal back-comb
• Hair grips

Instructions

Preparation of the Hair

1. Stop using a conditioner a week before doing your dreadlocks. Use a residue-free shampoo in the days before. Rinse your hair with the vinegar water to remove any traces of product.

2. Part the hair into sections of 1 or 2 square inches. Secure the areas you are not working on, out of the way, with clips. Fix a rubber band at the root and work out, either twisting or back-combing. To back-comb, insert a comb 1 inch from the root and slide toward the scalp, packing hair back toward the roots, and rolling it as you go. Use the back-combing method for longer hair.

3. Apply a thin coating of beeswax. Continue twisting until the wax takes hold. If it is slow to take hold, apply another rubber band at the tip of the section of hair.

4. As each section is packed and rolled, apply another rubber band and repeat the process on the next section. Use a warm hair-dryer to soften the wax. Allow it to cool slowly, become firm and strengthen.

5. Check frequently to see if the dreadlocks have taken hold. Remove the rubber bands, gradually, when you are sure that the dreadlocks are staying in place. This can take weeks or even months.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to wash and condition dreadlocks carefully, though you might prefer to have it done professionally.

References

• Dreadies.com
• Dreadlocks Using Beeswax