Q&A for How to Start Dreads with Short Hair

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Question

How long does it take for your hair to lock up?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

It usually takes three months for locks to feel secure. It takes closer to six months for them to feel smooth and settled.

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Question

How many inches of hair do you need for dreadlocks?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Six inches is ideal. You may be able to dread hair with as little as three inches, but it will take longer for them to settle.

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Question

How can I do a fake dread style on my hair?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

For a simple approach, you can start by pulling the bottom of your hair and then connecting the tip of the dread to another one. Alternatively, you could opt for braiding, incorporating Afro bulk hair that resembles the dread, and integrating the two. This method involves a braiding technique. Additionally, you could directly attach your own hair to the dread for a more natural look.

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Question

I use Mouldin gel wax with tea tree oil. When I wash my hair it turns back to normal. It takes time to hold. What advice to you have for me?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You need to wait several weeks, possibly a few months before washing your hair. Otherwise your dreadlocks will unravel.

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Question

Is it possible to get dreads if you have afro type hair?

Community Answer

Yes. It is actually easier, the tighter/kinkier your hair is to begin with.

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Question

Can I dye my hair while wearing dreadlocks?

Community Answer

Yes, but you should wait a couple of months after you get them to attempt this; dye can damage your dreads and even potentially unravel them.

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Question

What kind of hair is needed for dreads?

Micromashington

Community Answer

Any type of hair can become dreads as long as you follow the suggested guidelines for each type of hair. Some types of hair just take more work and patience.

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Question

Will this process work for curly hair?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you follow the tutorial and wait for your hair to dry, you will be okay.

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Question

Can I get dreads with an Afro and the sponge method?

Community Answer

Yes , you can use the sponge method to get dreads on Afro hair. Basically, the same way you can get dreads with short hair.

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Question

How long do I have to grow my hair out before I can start to dread it?

Jay Mars

Community Answer

At least 3 inches or more depending on the method. Braidlocs or two strand twist are difficult on shorter hair.

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Question

Will it work if I have short, straight hair?

Community Answer

Yes. If you apply wax to it and follow the guidelines above strictly, it will work out.

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Question

How do I dread my hair if it's soft?

Community Answer

You can still dread your hair following the advice above, though you may need to be a little bit more patient.

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Question

How long will the dread last?

Community Answer

Forever. You have to cut them to take them out unless you're still in the early stages.

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Question

Can I use oil instead of wax?

Community Answer

It is not a good idea. Wax is very heavy on the hair and can be very clogging to the scalp. Oil wouldn't be good for twisting, because it isn't thick enough.

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Question

How do I do my dreads like Harry Samba?

Community Answer

His dreads are either semi freeform or pure freeform but I would do semi. Semi is when you do things to your dreads like twisting with a towel to maintain them and pure freeform is letting them grow how they want. Doing semi freeform is better and that's what he has. His is also a high-top fade but its slanted or pushed to the side so you might want to wear a durag so it slants. It might need to be pushed over a little like his if you want them exactly like his but sleeping on the hair will push it to grow how he has his.

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Question

Can I braid short dreads?

Community Answer

You can, but if you leave them in too long they may become a bigger dread. Make sure that the dreads are secure. Then you can braid them.

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Question

How long does it take for short hair dreads to grow longer?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of hair that you have. It may take a few months just for a few inches to grow.

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Question

Can I unravel my dreads again after a year of dreads?

Community Answer

You can unravel them, but it will take a lot of patience and a strong comb.

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Question

How do I get a specific type of dreads called twists?

Community Answer

Use the two-strand twist method and keep it in long enough to call them dreads.

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Question

I started my dreads about 2 months ago, but I'm not seeing any real change. How long will it take for them to begin to look like nice dreads?

Community Answer

After 6 months is when you will see changes that you really like. With dreads, you have to be patient.

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Question

How do I go to sleep when I start getting dreads?

Community Answer

Wear a cap until they are fully dry or a durag, so you don't damage your hair.

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Question

Do I have to use wax with dreads?

Community Answer

No, but it helps your dreads loc faster and you can use cold water. However, beeswax is faster.

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Question

Can a very soft hair also be dreaded?

Community Answer

Any type of hair ca be dreaded. Just follow the steps precisely and it should work out.

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Question

Is it hard to take care of dreads?

Community Answer

No, not at all! Just make sure to put oil on them every week. Get them washed and re-twisted every 4 weeks. That's it! It will be harder to manage in the "ugly stage," which is when your hair is too short and it's in every direction! But other than that, it's pretty easy.

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