Want to change your look with dreadlocks, but don’t want to spend a lot of money at the hairdresser? To get dreadlocks, you don’t need much more than the right products and a bit of patience 😉

In this post, we tell you how to make dreadlocks, step by step.

What you need to know about dreadlocks before anything else

If you have fine or straight hair, section your hair and then comb it back while twisting it to create the dreadlocks. Apply dread wax to keep them in place.

If you have thick or curly hair, use a comb to roll each dreadlock. Keep your hair moisturized with hair oil before you begin.

Maintain your dreadlocks by hand-rolling them once a day. Wash your dreadlocks 2-4 times a week, and make sure they are completely dry before you go to bed.

How to do natural dreadlocks step by step

1. Backcombing

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo that leaves no residue. Do not add conditioner or any other hair product after shampooing, and let it air dry or blow dry. Next, brush your hair to get rid of knots and tangles.

• Starting with dry hair ensures that the dreadlocks form properly and stay tight.
• Set aside 4 to 8 hours to do the dreadlocks. Yes, patience is key in this hairstyle 😉

2. Use a fine-tooth comb to divide the hair into small sections.

Each small section, or square, of hair, will become a dreadlock. Make 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm squares for standard medium dreadlocks or 1⁄2 cm squares for small dreadlocks.

– To make the overall look neater, think about making each dreadlock the same size.

– The sections and rows between the squares may be visible in the finished dreadlocks. To avoid a patterned look, form the squares in a zig-zag or alternating format for a more natural finished look.

3. Comb the hair in sections

To start with the dreadlocks, hold a section of hair straight from the scalp.

Starting about an inch from the scalp, comb through it. Repeat several times until the hair begins to swell and collect at the roots.

Continue backcombing the same strands of hair in 1-inch (2.5 cm) increments until you reach the end of the hair.

While backcombing with one hand, use the other hand to gently twist the section you are working on. This holds the shape and helps the backcombing process. Be equally patient and careful with each style. If you rush the last part of your hair, you’ll end up with uneven-looking dreadlocks!

4. Reinforce the dreadlock with a crochet hook

If you have straight or fine hair, you’ll probably find that your tresses are still limp and loose, even after you’ve combed them back. To fix this, use a crochet needle and gently stick the hook into the dreadlock, poking and pulling the hair as you go. Work through the hair to fluff and strengthen it.

If you have thick or curly hair, you can skip this step.

5. Apply dreadlocks wax to set your dreads

Use a natural dreadlocks wax, or beeswax molding paste, or hold gel to prevent your dreads from unraveling or frizzing. Apply the wax or gel to the entire length of the dreadlocks, taking care to cover the entire lock of hair.

Many people with dreadlocks don’t use dreadlocks wax or gel because they believe it obstructs the dreadlocking process. However, if you have very fine or straight hair, your dreadlocks probably won’t hold unless you use wax!

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Dreadlocks maintenance tips

Run your dreadlocks between the palms of your hands once a day.

To maintain your dreadlocks, start at the scalp and work your way down. Make the ends look rounded by flattening them against the palm of your hand to encourage the hairs to curl into the dreadlocks.

Don’t overdo the winding, as the dreadlocks are more likely to unravel. Dreadlocks usually lock entirely after 3 to 6 months (but could take longer, depending on your hair type and thickness). Until then, it’s a good idea to palm roll them daily, so they keep their shape 😉

Moisturize your dreadlocks daily to prevent breakage.

Mix 3 parts aloe vera juice with 1 part natural oil (such as coconut or sweet almond oil). Add up to 5 drops of essential oil, such as tea tree or lavender, if you want a scent. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your dreadlocks every day.

Try spraying your dreadlocks in the morning to help moisturize them after your sleep.
Use a spray conditioner if you don’t want to make your own spray.

Shampoo your hair every 2 to 4 days.

Contrary to what many people think, it is important to shampoo your hair. To wash your hair, rinse your scalp and wet it. When you rinse your hair, the water will run through the dreadlocks and clean them without unraveling!

Use a dreadlocks bar or a residue-free shampoo that doesn’t contain perfumes or conditioners, which can make dreadlocks smell. Wash your hair in the morning to give your dreads time to dry. If you go to bed with wet hair, it can grow mildew ⚠️

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Comb your dreadlocks gently when you go to take them out.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to cut off all your hair to remove your dreadlocks. If you can no longer feel your dreadlocks, saturate the ends with water and apply conditioner to them. Use a comb to slowly and carefully separate the dreadlocks one at a time.

Removing dreadlocks is time-consuming, and hair breakage is possible. Take your time and go slowly, and don’t be afraid to cut your hair afterward.