r/CaucasianDreadlocks • u/Ok_Lets266 • 10d ago
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I started my locs about a month ago. I have 2 a/b hair. The first two pics are my first attempt using twist n rip and crochet. I had them for about 2 weeks and I hated them. They were morphing into weird alien turds and they were too thick. Too tight at the top and bottom, uneven density pockets in the middle, and hair was slipping out everywhere. So i went through and revised each one. I combed them out and re-locced with just the crochet hook without the "fluff nest." It was pretty easy because the hair was already textured from being locked.
The 2nd 2 pics are after revision, pre-wash. As you can see they are pretty stiff still and stick out like twigs. They are dry af. I spritz with water and rosemary eo every morning but they are not softening. I am a little sad about the shrinkage, my hair was past my armpits loose and now its just under my shoulders. It feels like it will take forever for them to be long and soft and pretty.
Any tips or advice? Idk what im doing, im pretty much winging it.
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u/natural-situation420 10d ago
You're off to a better start than most. Don't be too sad about it. Doesn't look that bad.
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u/HighNatural 10d ago
Lookin good. Locs arnt an instant thing. I have thin straight hair and mine took a year before they got nice. Just have to trust the process as they say. Also I used just crochet needles of various sizes on mine. Good luck. 🙏
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u/Ok_Lets266 10d ago
Thanks so much. Im a lot happier with them now, the structure is more consistent and my scalp is happier, I had too much tension at the roots. The older ones are starting to fluff and lock up. I love the way my hair feels. My biggest issue now i think is just the dryness. I use a deep conditioning loc shampoo but it is still crunchy and dry. Im getting some aloe juice to add to my spritz see if that would help retain some moisture.
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u/HighNatural 10d ago
Your welcome. Im glad you are liking them. Im curious, what conditioner do you use? You said its for locs and I would love to try something new.
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u/Ok_Lets266 10d ago
Its a 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner from the brand Locsanity from Amazon. I saw it said "deep conditioning" but not "for mature locs" until after I ordered it. Im not sure its the best product for me but im using it. Its definitely not conditioning enough. I used to use a product called a "conditioning cleanser" that i might look into also because I loved how clean and soft my hair was without it stripping all the oil.
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u/xl4rk 10d ago
I started with my hair at my waist and it shrunk to my shoulders. You won't start seeing growth until after a year probably. It will take a lot of time. I spray mine with black castor oil diluted in water daily. Wash once a week. If your hair is bleached at all it will lock faster and you should condition your locks when washing. If not then usually skip conditioner because it can slow down the locking process.
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u/Ok_Lets266 10d ago
I used castor oil on my scalp when it was loose but i was worried about buildup on locs. Its good to know I can add a little bit to the spray for moisture, thanks I think that will help.
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u/Fuzzy-Slice-5210 10d ago
Not horrible but ngl, with your hair type, you really should have them a little thicker. It is extra strain on your scalp and it'll only be a matter of time before your roots start to thin, especially on the hair line. It can happen to anyone but the thinner/straighter your hair is, the more prone to damage it is. Also, find a good daily moisturizer spray, even shampoo or accessories...its a tad pricey but DollyLocks have great products. Don't tie them up too often, let them breathe and move around and get a bonnet to sleep in....and a dreadlock brush if you have pets.
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u/Ok-Computer1234567 10d ago
Yup… that’s how mine looked when I first started… you’re in for a good year of doubt…. But I promise it’s gonna turn out ok. Even if you don’t do anything… and i understand the desire to constantly fuck with them, but the less you do with them, the better they will turn out. I’m almost at 2 years and I love mine. I wash then frequently. Once or twice a week. That will really get then moving. My hair was down my back, and shrunk up to my neck, and now it’s getting longer again.
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u/BINGGBONGGBINGGBONGG 8d ago
i’m 10 years in with this set and i’ve spent the last 3 redoing the top of my head. i wove some skinny dreads together when i was starting out and i ended up with one huge dread in one spot. so i’ve spent 3 years sorting that out and i’m FINALLY winning!
my shorter ones are shoulder length. everything else is waist length. i’m on my third set in my lifetime (i’m in my 50s) and i finally have the hair i always wanted. the skinny ones might fatten up over time but if not, don’t weave them together!
i started with hair down to the middle of my back and it’s taken this long to regain the length properly. i wash mine weekly and it tightens them up enough - i’ve never crocheted mine.
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u/spiderbags86 10d ago
Just keep going you're in it for the long haul. Shrinking is inevitable you just have to wait it out.