Starting Dreadlocks

Before I start writing up this post, I want to say that everyone has their own way for doing dreadlocks. This is merely the way that we've found works best for our hair. There's also a huge debate on whether its good to use a crochet hook this early on in the process. Again this is different for everyone and this is the way we do it, so I'd appreciate if you don't agree with this method, that you not post comments to that effect. This is just me telling you how I do dreadlocks.

I'd say it was best to have a metal comb with teeth that are really close together (like a flea or lice comb) but unfortuantely all we could find in our entire town was plastic. I've used plastic combs before and usually the teeth break terribly during the backcombing process. We were lucky this time.

I start by sectioning the hair into inch by inch sections and braiding it so i know where i'm going. I work line after line, braiding and then working through that line of braids dreadlocking. If you're doing them on yourself I would recomend sectioning and braiding your entire head before you start. It makes it easier.

To make the actual dreadlocks I take the section of hair and gently backcomb the entire thing. You want to make sure the knots start close to the scalp and are packed tightly together. This may take a few passes through the section. I find if you backcomb it in small sections rather than pulling the comb through the entire length (work through bit by bit - I hope this is making sense) you avoid giant loops in the backcombed mess. (not that this matters truthfully if you plan on crocheting you can pull these in)

Once you have the entire section backcombed, take the crochet hook (I use a 0.75mm as the hook is small enough that it wont leave holes in the dreads and can still grab the hairs) and hold the dreadlock tightly. Starting at the root you want to put the crochet hook all the way through the dreadlock until the hook is out the other side and then pull it into the middle of the dreadlock. As you pull it into the middle of the dreadlock, the hook will pull hairs with it. Continue this motion and you should feel the dreadlock tighting in your grip. Move down the dreadlock to tighten the whole thing.

Repeat this process with every section of hair you want to dreadlock. As i've mentioned it's a long process so if you plan on doing this, take at least an entire day off to do so. I usually like to work over a weekend as I can stop for breaks and spread the work over the days I have. It will save your faingers from the dreaded crochet hook. That thing really will hurt if you stab yourself. Be careful.

If any one tries this please please please send me pictures. I love to see them. You can send them to my tumblr my e-mail or tweet me pictures here:

amandaalis.tumblr.com

amandaalis@live.co.uk

@amanda_alis