How To Grow Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have a number of different named depending upon the area of the world from where they are being referenced but all refer to the process of growing matted coils of hair to form “locks”. Dreadlocks are perhaps most commonly associated with Rastafarianism; however, they also have a variety of meanings to other cultures around the world as well. Regardless of the reason you desire to grow dreadlocks, one of the most commonly asked questions is “how to grow dreadlocks” and this article will provide a step by step process to help you in your dreadlock growing quest.

Method #1: Dread Perming Your Hair

Dread perming is a process performed by professional hair stylists, it is an expensive process that requires quite a lot of expensive upkeep. While this method involves applying chemicals to the hair to create the appearance of instant dreadlocks, it is an expensive and unhealthy process for you and your hair and you should consider other methods of how to grow dreadlocks.

Method #2: Twisting Your Hair

Twisting is a method of forming dreadlocks that is completely natural; however, this method of creating dreads does not generally work on hair that does not have the texture of African hair so it may not work for those of non-African descent. This all natural process involves sectioning the hair in to 2” squares and separating each square with an elastic band or hair tie. After sectioning off all of the hair, begin twisting each piece and apply a thick dread wax should be used to set the ends and prevent the twists from untwisting. This type of dreadlock formation requires hair to be twisted regularly and re-waxed in order for the hair to hold in place.

Method #3: Rubbing a Wool Hat On Your Hair

Wool hat rubbing is one of the most commonly utilized methods in people who are attempting to grow dreadlocks because it is free and natural; however, it is not generally a very good method to utilize and you should consider other methods of how to grow dreadlocks. This method does protect hair from the application of chemicals as used in dread perming; however, it is a painful process that can only be attempted on hair once and if it does not work to your liking your hair must be cut and regrown before you can attempt a second try. To begin forming dreadlocks using wool hat rubbing you want to take a wool hat (or any item made from wool) and rub it against your hair in a circular motion. As you rub your hair with the woolen item your hair will begin to knot and it is up to you to pull apart these knotted sections of hair and rub them again to form knotted dreads across your head. This is not a particularly healthy method of dread growth to utilize as it can severely damage the hair and it is rather painful.

Method #4: Neglecting Your Hair

Neglect is another commonly utilized method of growing dreadlocks since it is easy and free to do; however, it is the longest process for forming dreadlocks and forms rather un-uniformed looking dreadlocks when dreads do finally begin to form. On average you will not begin to see real dreadlocks begin to form until you have been neglecting your hair for around three years. In order to begin forming dreadlocks through this method all you have to do is neglect your hair. Neglect does not necessarily mean that you do not wash your hair, but it does mean that you do not comb it at all. After a while of neglecting your hair it will begin to knot naturally and after a long period of letting your hair knot and matte naturally you will pull apart sections of hair to create dreadlocks.

Method #5: Backcombing Your Hair

Backcombing hair is another natural method of growing dreadlocks and although it takes a little time to create the uniformed dreads that you are looking for, the time involved is hours and not years. To begin the backcombing process section out the hair in to 2” squares and use an elastic band to keep sections separated. After all of the hair has been sectioned in to 2” squares comb your hair backwards using a dread comb. As you comb your hair backwards you can roll the hair in your fingers, creating tight dreadlocks. After creating the dreadlock tie the end with an elastic band to keep it in place and apply a thick dread wax to the ends of the hair sections. When beginning the process of growing dreads in this method it is important to keep the elastic bands on the sections of hair until the hair begins to hold the shape of the dreads on its own.

Which Method of Growing Dreads Should You Use?

When it comes to choosing a method of how to grow dreadlocks, the method that you select is entirely up to you. For some people who want the appearance of dreads immediately dread perming or backcombing is the method of choice; however, for those who prefer “going natural” they may prefer to utilize the neglect method of creating their new look. Whichever method of growing this unique hairstyle you choose you should be aware of all of the disadvantages that exist in utilizing each method listed above before making your choice.