How to Start a Dreadlocks Journey? Everything You Need to Know!

Dreadlocks, also commonly known as “locs” or “dreads,” are thin rope-like strands that are formed by a number of techniques. It is a protective hairstyle that has been gaining popularity for the last few years. In addition, this hairstyle allows the hair to mat naturally and form thin braid-like structures. 

Locs are easy to achieve with natural hair-locking techniques or using some professional methods, which involve palm rolling, braiding, backcombing two-strand twists, and others. In this blog, we will explore what are dreadlock hairstyles, how to grow locs, dreadlock maintenance tips, and much more. 

In addition, Dreadlock Wig offers vast knowledge about the dreadlock journey. If you are a beginner and looking for a thorough guide, explore our blog. You will be able to learn everything related to each step of the loss journey. Now, let’s see where dreadlocks originated first.

History and Origin of Dreadlocks:

Dreadlocks track back to the ancient culture of 2,500 and 1500 BC. Earliest, the dreadlocks were described as the “knots of tangled hair,” and the people were known as “jaTaa” by the God Shiva and his believers. 

In addition, the dreads were considered a sign of spiritual connection, fear, and belief among the ancient communities of India, Egypt, and New Zealand. Later on, dreads became popular among the Celtic and Viking people, and others started embracing them.

Additionally, the Rastafari movement originated in the 1930s and was associated with dreadlocks. For them, this was more than a hairstyle and was considered a symbol of devotion to nature. Moving on, Afro-Americans were quite impressed by this hairstyle, and they adopted it as well. 

Lately, the influence of Bob Marley and Reggae added to the popularity of dreads. The younger generation captured the essence of this hairstyle and started adopting it as a protective hairstyle, and now it’s one of the trending looks that everyone wants. 

Types of Dreadlocks:

Locs come in different sizes and shapes depending upon the type of technique used in their making. They vary in their diameter. For instance, micro locs are thin locs as compared to traditional locs. Likewise, sister locs are the thinnest locs as compared to all other types. Let’s discover what the different types of locks are:

1: Traditional Locs

Traditional locs are standard-size locks that are generally equal to the size of box braids. Palm rolling, backcombing, and braiding are common techniques for getting these locs.

In addition, these locs are easy to maintain without following any specific instructions. This is the reason that these locs are everyone’s favorite. 

2: Freeform locs

The free find of locs refers to free-form locs. In this method, the locs are free to grow on their own and usually take more time as compared to all other techniques. 

For instance, hair takes more than two years to develop proper locs. 

3:Sister locs

Tiny, smaller in diameter, and the ones that fall in the category of micro locs are the sister locs. As their diameter is minimal, they consume a lot of time to install. 

Moreover, the locs are not easy to start at home, and you will need to hire a professional who will be able to put a lot of effort into making thinner locs on your head. Usually, it takes almost 12-18 hours to start sister locs. Further, this type of locs requires retightening every four weeks. 

4: Two strand twists

This type of loss is possible with the technique itself, known as the two twist strands. In this technique, the professionals start the locs by sectioning the hair into two thin strands and then twisting them. 

5: Interlocking locs

These locs are more of the technique used for forming the locs. In this technique, an interlocking tool or needle pulls through the ends till the roots, along with north-to-south and west-to-east pulling. At the end, a knot secures the ends, protecting the hair. 

Remember that different types of locs have various shapes and sizes. In addition, they have different sections of hair that determine the size of locs. 

Stages of Locs:

Now, let’s have a look at the whole journey of locs. That is quite a long process. It takes almost six months to eighteen months to develop and grow the locs. The process involves stages from the installation of locs to the growth of locs. For example:

1: Starter stage

The first stage of the locs journey is the starter stage.. In the starter stage, the locs just started using any of the techniques such as palm rolling, double strand twists, or interlocking. 

From this stage, you ignite the method and leave the hair on its own. The hair starts to tangle and mat, resulting in coils that wrap around each other, forming a loc. In addition, it stays from day one of installation till the next six months of your locs journey. 

2: Budding stage

The second stage is famous as the budding stage, where the hair begins to become matted and starts growing. The first stage of the process seems really slow as the hair strands show no signs and symptoms of locking. 

In this stage, you can feel the matting and buds in your hair. Further, it is a little frustrating six months of the whole journey as your hair becomes too frizzy. To keep hair in good condition at this step, make sure that you are using an excellent shampoo and retwisting the hair regularly. 

3: Teenage locs

The third stage of the locs journey shows less unraveling, and you may see some intended growth that is quite normal. In this stage, the hair follicles grow and show actual signs of growth. Furthermore, it stays from 12 months to 15 months until your hair enters the next phase, which is maturing.

4: Mature stage

The fourth stage of the locs is where the locs are pretty mature enough that you can handle them efficiently and understand how to keep them clean. At this stage, the locs are long enough to manage any hairstyle of your own choice. This stage lasts for the next three months until your hair enters the next stage and the last stage. 

5: Rooted locs 

This is the last stage of the whole process, during which you are pretty comfortable managing the locs on your head. In addition, at this stage, the locs are 100% mature and are easy to dye or curl. 

How to Install Locs?

Locs installation is quite a task as there are different methods by which you can start the locs. From the most straightforward, such as backcombing, to the ones with using hair tools, you can choose whatever suits you. 

Different Locs Installing Methods:

Now, let’s have a look at the quick methods with which you can easily install locs. For beginners, it seems pretty challenging to choose the proper method for locs installation. The best way is to consult with a loctition and let them help you in deciding about what method will suit your hair. 

Furthermore, here are a few methods for installing proper locs. You can research on your own and can choose anyone according to your requirements:

1: Free form

One of the simplest locs installation methods is freeform. In this technique, the locs are started without sectioning or parting the hair. Freeform is not only a technique but also one of the dreadlocks hairstyles. 

Many people get the locs freeform by accident when the curls start matting together. Matting leads to budding, where hair strands eventually form locs. An advantage of starting locs with this technique is that you don’t need any external help. You may need to experience the authentic feel of locs or get the correct type of locs according to your hair type. 

2: Backcombing

Back combing is another technique which works by simply tangling and creating the knots. The knots develop into locs. This is the best type of method to choose for individuals with straight and curly hair. 

The locs started with this technique, resulting in a uniform look. Moreover, locs develop into traditional or semi-free locs depending on the texture and density of the hair. 

3: Palm rolling

Palm rolling is a technique that is quite popular among professionals to start the locs without the use of any hair tool. This technique starts by sectioning the hair into equal sections and then using the palms to roll the small hair strands. As long as you rub hair in your palms, it develops rolling on the hair, and it is finished by securing a knot at the end. 

Professionals start after analyzing your hair texture and hair strength. In addition, it takes almost 12-18 months to complete the early stages and develop proper locs. 

The pros of using this technique to start the loc are that it is a bit time-consuming and easy to begin with. Moreover, it results in frizz-free and well-maintained locs. 

4: Two strand twists

The fourth standard method of starting locs is two-strand twists, where loose hair is first partitioned into equal sections. The sections are then divided into two strands, and both strands are twisted, securing them to the mat. 

Two-strand twists give a uniform appearance, and the pattern is visible from a distance. An advantage of starting locs with this method is that you don’t need to worry about styling your hair in your daily routine as you have already had a hairstyle for quite some time. Two-strand twists make the best hairstyle, along with the locs. Further, the result is either the traditional locs, or semi-free-form locs.

5: Interlocking

Last but not least, interlocking is one of the popular locking techniques, which contains pulling the hair using an interlocking needle. In this method, the hair is partitioned well into sections and is more focused on tightening the roots. 

How to Maintain dreadlocks?

Dreadlock is the type of hairstyle that needs extra attention to keep them in their excellent form. In addition, being the most extended process in the history of hairstyles, it involves some in-process maintenance, such as retwisting and retightening, to prevent locs from unraveling. Here we share a few dreadlock maintenance tips that are quite beneficial for beginners:

• Keep your locs clean by detoxifying them every two months. 
• Do not wash your dreads frequently, as it strips off the natural hair oils and leaves brittle strands.
• Make sure to use the right shampoo for washing your locs that keep the balance of scalp pH.
• Do not use heating equipment and tools for drying locs. Let them dry naturally. 
• Make sure to add natural human hair dreadlock extensions if needed. 
• Keep locs well moisturized to prevent frizziness. 
• Use the correct type of pillow clothing while sleeping to prevent friction against your hair. 
• Take regular hair tightening procedures to secure your time and money investment on locs journey. 

The bottom line:

To sum up, starting a locs journey can be really concluding for the people who are looking for this transition. Dreadlocks are equally famous among men and women, so make your decision early. Make sure to consult a loctition or hair professional first to understand your hair type and discuss other matters as well. 

Once you start the locs journey, keep it up with the proper maintenance tips. For more tips and expert advice, visit our blog and get answers to all your questions on the same page. 

FAQs

What is the purpose of dreadlocks?

Dreadlocks are a protective hairstyle that aims to protect the hair and secure it for a long time. Additionally, the purpose is to transform the hair look. Moreover, it also reveals cultural and religious roots such as Hinduism, Rastafaris, and African cultures. 

Why are dreadlocks bad?

Dreadlocks appear bad as they make it a long and time-consuming process to get the final result. In addition, it is one of the most challenging journeys that tests your patience throughout the period.

What are the best dreadlocks styles for ladies?

For ladies with dreadlocks, the best hairstyles are braiding, Mohawk, dyed locs, and curly locks. Moreover, depending on the occasion, ladies can transform their look using hair accessories in their locs.