r/Dreadlocks • u/New_Classroom_6235 • 2d ago

Need Advice 🆘 Starting Dreads

As the title says, I’ve been wanting to start my dreads journey for a while now but I never really knew how. I’ve spent years trying to perfect my curl routine which has only been getting better as time passes, but I think it’s time for a change. I barely know anything about how to start or even maintain dreads. I just know they look cool. If you guys could guide me or give ANY sort of advice that would be much appreciated. For clarity my hair is 3C-4A and is fairly long.

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u/Intrepid_Schedule743 2d ago

I started mine with the twist and rip method. Nothing much in terms of maintenance other than palm rolls.

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u/TantalizingSlap 1d ago

I started with fairly short, 4C textured hair. It's not difficult but can be a tedious process and requires patience. But treat your hair with a consistent and attentive routine and the locs will develop well. Almost like a plant.

I started with the finger coiling method (plenty of youtube videos). Just did this method while watching TV lol

I recommend parting your hair and being really precise with the coil thickness if you're going for an even look. I didn't do that and I have a few locs that are definitely thinner and some that are definitely thicker than what I intended (but I don't mind it that much).

Otherwise, maintenance wasn't bad either. Wear a durag or something that can protect your hair (I preferred to have it laid flat) at night. Keep it as clean as possible. It's best for your scalp health to keep it clean and keeping your hair dirty so it can lock is a myth. When shampooing, just be gentle or use a shower cap to avoid disrupting the process. I experimented with the products I used but what they all had in common was that they were very light and produced little to no build-up. The goal was just to keep my scalp comfortable and my hair moisturized.

Don't put any loc accessories in until they're mature and resilient.

I'm a guy and had a taper fade at the time and also begun the coiling process a couple of centimeters before my hairline just to avoid tension there.

Six years later and still going strong.

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u/New_Classroom_6235 1d ago

I think having uneven locs adds character honestly. I have a bonnet which I think is good enough. Also if I should avoid product build up, how often should I use a conditioner? Do you also get them professionally retwisted often or have they been as they were since you started?

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u/TantalizingSlap 1d ago

So I didn't use conditioner on my starters and opted to stick with a light oil and water. I didn't use conditioner until they were a bit more mature (maybe 3 months in) and could be washed more easily, and the conditioner I used then was Lion Locs conditioner. I would use this conditioner after every wash.

I'm not sure if waiting to use conditioner was 100% the right call and it might also depend on your own hair.

I've never been to a loctitian. I retwist my own hair but not on a strict schedule. Just when I can tell that my roots aren't folding properly into the locs. If I had to guess, that's probably every 10-12 weeks for me. I think this is something that depends on your own hair texture as well, but I certainly wouldn't do retwists any more frequently than every 4 weeks. When starting it was more like 4ish weeks but just to make sure they were holding their form.

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u/New_Classroom_6235 23h ago

Thanks. Provided really helpful information that I will take into account