Locs, also known as dreadlocks or just dreads, are a hairstyle formed by entangling natural hair with wax or synthetic strands added. It is also possible to wear completely synthetic dreads, attached to a few inches of natural hair. However, before visiting Dreadlocks service Sunshine Coast, it’s essential to understand that maintaining them is a commitment to your hair that requires consistent attention and special care. That’s why the hairstyle experts have brought you everything you need to know about Dreadlocks. Understand what they are, what the benefits are, and how you can take care of your dreads, whether dyed or not.
What are Dreadlocks and how do they differ from other styles?
Dreadlocks are a hairstyle that originated in Africa and was popularised by Rastafarian culture. They are created by tangling natural hair, creating the traditional locks. Unlike other hairstyles, locs are quite durable and cannot be easily undone without going through a somewhat time-consuming detangling process. They also require special care in washing, proper hydration, and root maintenance to keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Plus, locs are also a natural hairstyle that doesn’t require harsh chemicals to maintain, avoiding the potential damage that chemicals can cause. Plus, adding dreadlocks to your hair can help you grow your hair out, if that’s your goal.
Importance of making dreadlocks
In addition to being versatile, natural and durable, dreadlocks are a cultural and personal expression. As a natural hairstyle, dreadlocks do not cause damage to the health of the hair and scalp, as many chemicals used in hair treatments can damage and cause problems to the hair and scalp.
Another advantage is that, with proper care, dreadlocks can last up to 3 months. Overall, they are a low-maintenance style that can be done every 2 to 3 months once applied. Finally, dreadlocks also have a strong cultural and historical significance, being an expression of African and Asian cultural heritage.
How to take care of your dreadlocks daily?
To take care of your locks daily, make sure to wash them with a mild shampoo, without rubbing them and massaging the scalp well, use a natural oil to moisturise the scalp, and avoid using conditioner so as not to build up in the strands and always dry them after washing them properly.
While dreadlocks don’t need to be washed as often as other hairstyles, it’s still important to keep them clean to prevent dirt and oil buildup. To do this, use a gentle, residue-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove all products.
With your locks in place, you may notice that your scalp tends to dry out more easily. To avoid this dryness, it is essential to keep it hydrated with natural oil, such as coconut oil, and always avoid excess oil to avoid leaving your locks overloaded and oily.
Additionally, regular root maintenance, which can be done when you notice it is necessary or every 2 months, is essential to keep your dreads looking beautiful. Finally, to protect your locks at night, you can wear a satin or silk bonnet to sleep to minimize friction between your Locs and your pillow.
What is the ideal wash routine for dreadlocks?
With a suitable shampoo that doesn’t dry out your hair too much, you can wash your locks once or twice a week, always drying them properly afterwards. When applying the shampoo, gently massage it into your scalp, avoiding rubbing or twisting your dreadlocks, to avoid damaging them.
After washing, it is also crucial to dry your dreadlocks completely to avoid moulding the locks. You can gently squeeze your locks with a towel to remove excess water, again without rubbing, and then allow them to air dry or use a hair dryer on a low setting.
5 methods to create dreadlocks:-
Here are 5 main methods for creating dreadlocks:
[1] The backcombing method
This is one of the most commonly used methods, especially for straight or wavy hair. It involves backcombing each strand against the grain using a fine-toothed comb. Then, the strand is twisted in the same direction to compact it. This technique results in thick, uneven dreadlocks at first, but they become thinner over time. The look becomes more natural over time.
[2] The twist method
Suitable for kinky hair, this method uses the natural texture to create locks. Simply take each strand and twist it in one direction, regularly. Some use a setting gel to maintain the shape. With regular maintenance, the twisted strands begin to solidify, and then transform into mature locks.
[3] The crochet method
The crochet hook is a very thin metal tool. It allows you to insert the loose hairs inside the dreadlocks by pulling them. This will then reinforce the compaction. This method is often used to finalise the locks, particularly to smooth the appearance or tighten the roots. It is also the preferred method for creating dreadlocks instantly. However, it requires a lot of precision and experience, as it can also damage the hair if done incorrectly.
[4] The natural method or neglect
Some people choose to do nothing at all. They stop styling their hair, stop brushing it, and let nature take its course. Over time, the hair becomes tangled, splits, and forms spontaneous dreadlocks. This method requires a lot of patience, sometimes several years, and minimal intervention. It gives a very organic, often irregular, but authentic result.
[5] The twist-and-rip method
It combines twisting and tearing the strand. To do this, you take a section, twist it, and then gently pull it upwards to create knots. This process creates more structured locks than neglect, but less compact than backcombing. It is popular among people with fine hair.
Can you do dreadlocks on your own?
Yes, it’s possible, but to do the whole process properly, you need an ample amount of time, good practice, and should have the right equipment. Moreover, some specific dreadlock methods require practice.
For this reason, it is good to trust professionals to do this task. Hairstyle specialist, from Kayisi African Hair Boutique, has proper knowledge of how to do dreadlocks to not cause any harm in your hair growth. It will be surprising that if your dreadlocks are too tight, it can cause tension on your scalp and potentially lead to hair loss, a condition known as traction alopecia. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your dreadlocks are done and maintained properly to avoid damaging your hair and scalp. For this reason, along with dreadlocks, if you want to do wefts extensions Sunshine Coast, get in touch with us!