How to Start Dreads with Long Hair: An In-Depth Guide

Introduction

Dreadlocks have been around for centuries, but they’ve recently become a popular style again in recent years. They’re a great way to express yourself and your individual style, and they look great on both men and women. But if you have long hair, starting dreadlocks can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are several different methods you can use to create dreadlocks in long hair. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods you can use to start dreadlocks in long hair, as well as the benefits and tips for success of each method.

Braid Method

The braid method is one of the most popular ways to form dreadlocks in long hair. This method involves braiding your hair into small sections, then leaving the braids alone to form knots and dreadlocks over time. Here are the steps involved in forming dreads using the braid method:

• 1. Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner.
• 2. Separate your hair into small sections, no larger than 1 inch wide.
• 3. Braid each section tightly and secure the ends with a rubber band or clip.
• 4. Allow the braids to remain in place for at least four weeks, or until the dreadlocks have formed.

The benefits of the braid method are that it’s fairly easy to do and it doesn’t require any special products or tools. It also allows you to control how tight the dreadlocks will be, and it helps keep the dreads neat and tidy. Here are some tips for success when using the braid method:

• Wash your hair every two weeks to prevent product buildup.
• Use a residue-free shampoo and conditioner to help the dreadlocks form faster.
• Be sure to braid your hair tightly, as loose braids won’t form dreadlocks.
• Don’t pull your hair too tightly, as this can cause breakage.

Twist and Rip Method

The twist and rip method is another popular way to form dreadlocks in long hair. This method involves twisting small sections of hair together and then ripping them apart, which creates the knots and locks needed for dreadlocks. Here are the steps involved in forming dreads using the twist and rip method:

• 1. Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner.
• 2. Separate your hair into small sections, no larger than 1 inch wide.
• 3. Twist each section tightly and rip it apart to form knots and locks.
• 4. Allow the dreadlocks to remain in place for at least four weeks, or until the dreadlocks have formed.

The benefits of the twist and rip method are that it’s quick and easy to do, and it doesn’t require any special products or tools. It’s also great for creating thick, chunky dreadlocks. Here are some tips for success when using the twist and rip method:

• Wash your hair every two weeks to prevent product buildup.
• Use a residue-free shampoo and conditioner to help the dreadlocks form faster.
• Be sure to twist your hair tightly, as loose twists won’t form dreadlocks.
• Don’t pull your hair too tightly when ripping it apart, as this can cause breakage.

Backcombing Method

The backcombing method is another great way to form dreadlocks in long hair. This method involves backcombing small sections of your hair with a comb to create knots and locks. Here are the steps involved in forming dreads using the backcombing method:

• 1. Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner.
• 2. Separate your hair into small sections, no larger than 1 inch wide.
• 3. Using a metal comb, backcomb each section from the root to the end.
• 4. Secure the ends of the section with a rubber band or clip.
• 5. Allow the dreadlocks to remain in place for at least four weeks, or until the dreadlocks have formed.

The benefits of the backcombing method are that it’s fairly easy to do and it doesn’t require any special products or tools. It’s also great for creating thicker, more voluminous dreadlocks. Here are some tips for success when using the backcombing method:

• Wash your hair every two weeks to prevent product buildup.
• Use a residue-free shampoo and conditioner to help the dreadlocks form faster.
• Be sure to backcomb your hair tightly, as loose backcombing won’t form dreadlocks.
• Don’t pull your hair too tightly when backcombing, as this can cause breakage.

Waxing Method

The waxing method is a less common way to form dreadlocks in long hair, but it can be a great option if you want tighter, smoother dreadlocks. This method involves coating small sections of your hair with a beeswax-based dreadlock wax to form knots and locks. Here are the steps involved in forming dreads using the waxing method:

• 1. Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner.
• 2. Separate your hair into small sections, no larger than 1 inch wide.
• 3. Coat each section with a beeswax-based dreadlock wax.
• 4. Twirl each section between your fingers to form knots and locks.
• 5. Allow the dreadlocks to remain in place for at least four weeks, or until the dreadlocks have formed.

The benefits of the waxing method are that it helps create tighter, smoother dreadlocks and it doesn’t require any special tools. Here are some tips for success when using the waxing method:

• Wash your hair every two weeks to prevent product buildup.
• Use a residue-free shampoo and conditioner to help the dreadlocks form faster.
• Be sure to apply the wax evenly, as uneven application won’t form dreadlocks.
• Don’t pull your hair too tightly when twirling it, as this can cause breakage.

Dread Perm Method

The dread perm method is a chemical process that uses perm rods and chemicals to form dreadlocks in long hair. This method is not recommended for those who are new to dreadlocks, as it requires a lot of time and effort. Here are the steps involved in forming dreads using the dread perm method:

• 1. Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner.
• 2. Separate your hair into small sections, no larger than 1 inch wide.
• 3. Wrap each section around a perm rod and secure with clips.
• 4. Apply a chemical solution to the hair, then rinse thoroughly.
• 5. Allow the dreadlocks to remain in place for at least four weeks, or until the dreadlocks have formed.

The benefits of the dread perm method are that it’s great for creating tight, uniform dreadlocks. However, it’s important to note that this method should only be used by experienced stylists, as it can cause damage to your hair if done incorrectly. Here are some tips for success when using the dread perm method:

• Wash your hair every two weeks to prevent product buildup.
• Use a residue-free shampoo and conditioner to help the dreadlocks form faster.
• Be sure to wrap your hair tightly around the perm rods, as loose wraps won’t form dreadlocks.
• Don’t leave the chemical solution in your hair for too long, as this can cause damage.

Conclusion

Starting dreadlocks in long hair can seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique and knowledge, it can be done relatively easily. There are several different methods you can use to form dreadlocks in long hair, including the braid method, twist and rip method, backcombing method, waxing method, and dread perm method. Each method has its own benefits and tips for success, so it’s important to research each method before deciding which one is best for you.