How to Start Dreadlocks by Braiding & Twisting Hair

There are natural ways to create dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks are usually associated with the Rastafarian movement, originating in Jamaica. In the past, dreadlocks were unintentionally formed, but today many individuals choose to use different methods in order to create them. Braiding and twisting hair are just two of the many ways to form dreadlocks. There are many more but these two methods are all natural.

Things You'll Need

• Dread wax
• Rubber bands
• Residue-free shampoo

Instructions

Twisting

1. Wash hair with a residue-free shampoo and let it dry naturally.

2. Divide hair into sections that are approximately 1-inch diameter. Secure these sections of hair with rubber bands to make them more manageable and evenly distributed. Continue until all hair is sectioned off.

3. Taking one section at a time, start to twist the hair back and forth, rolling it between your fingers.

4. Add a pea-sized amount of dread wax to the hair and continue to twist. Carry on twisting back and forth until the "dread" holds on its own. Continue this action throughout the whole head of hair.

Braiding

1. Wash hair with a residue-free shampoo and let it dry naturally.

2. Divide hair into sections equal to the thickness you wish the braids to be. For example, if the braids are made from 1 inch of hair, they will be quite small, so if you want bigger braids, you will need to increase the amount of hair you use. Secure these sections of hair with rubber bands to make them more manageable and evenly distributed. Continue until all hair is sectioned off.

3. Take a section and braid or plait it, then secure with a rubber band.

4. Cover the braid or plait in a pea-sized amount of dread wax or until the braid is covered. Continue this action throughout the whole head of hair.

5. You will need to keep the braided dreadlocks in for at least a year before they will bond naturally, so choose a style you won't get tired of. In the meantime, you will have to keep maintaining the braids with dread wax.

References

• Global Exchange: Rastafarian Movement

Resources

• Dread Wax