Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks, sometimes called simply dreads, are twisted ropes of hair which will form by themselves if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without the use of brushes, combs, razors or scissors for a long period of time and knots and mats into distinctive locks. Dreadlocks are a universal phenomenon and through the ages, people of various cultures have worn dreadlocks. It may be said to be one of the oldest hairstyles, as dreads develop naturally over time.

How to create dreadlocks

Sometimes the hair naturally dreads in locks of relatively uniform size and shape. Often, however, this laissez faire approach results in irregular dreads. Locks that tend to grow together over time may be "ripped" or pulled apart. The coarser the hair, the more difficult this process may be. Because naturally kinky hair has a tighter curl and can be difficult to manage, once dreads have reached this point, it may be easier simply to cut them off and start afresh.

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There is, however, a more systematic and reliable means of obtaining neat, uniform dreads. For locks of fairly uniform size and shape, those with tightly curled hair may begin the process by sectioning and fashioning it into small braids or tightly twisted tufts. As the hair grows, wayward strands will appear around the sections, which must be twisted regularly to incorporate the new growth into the tufts, which become dreads as they lengthen. With many people of indigenous African descent, this process of acquiring dreadlocks, sometimes called letting the hair "lock", refers to the tightly coiled hair (known as "nappy" hair in American English) naturally turning in on and spiraling around itself.

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People with straight, fine, or oily hair, first may have to backcomb, tease, or "rat" their hair. In order to help consolidate the hair into locks, wax is often used. Other means are also employed to more closely approximate the volume, appearance and texture of black dreadlocks. Sometimes wisps of hair are actually sewn in, using thread or wool to wrap the locks, sealing in the shorter hairs. A crochet hook also can be a very useful tool in the creation and tidying up of dreadlocks, twisting sections of hair between the fingers, then hooking and pulling them through the dreadlock. With straight hair, this technique also can be used at the ends of dreadlocks to make them more rounded and prevent them from unraveling. Both curly hair and straight hair can mat and twist into dreadlocks without backcombing or the use of products.

Related Topics:
Wax - Wool - Crochet

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