Q&A for How to Give Yourself Dreadlocks

Yes, you can wet and shampoo your dreads, and you should. However, on new dreads, you should try to wait at least a week before you shampoo.

The twists that eventually form dreads can usually be done in a few hours. With proper maintenance, you'll have dreads in a few months.

Some salons dread hair but not all of them. You should call ahead to the place you want to go to see if they are offered.

Completely locked dreads can take up to a year. You'll notice a good start at 6 weeks, and a much smoother, tighter look after about 3 months.

You have the freedom to wear your hair in anyway that you want, as long as you accept it and are comfortable wearing it. Don't let the opinions of others affect your desire to wear dreadlocks.

Taking into consideration that your hair is wavy and you're likely planning to use the backcombing method, your dreadlocks should be 18-22 inches long. Backcombing will reduce a little bit off of your current length.

Yes, you can. When you first get them it can be a little bit of a challenge, but I have a motorbike and have no problems.

Yes, but it will look strained at first. The longer you let your hair grow, the longer your dreadlocks will become, so work toward that.

No, never. That's the appeal. You can devote your time to more important tasks.

No, you can use a comb to brush them out. This is extremely time consuming though.

As long as you want them.

Look around and do a lot of d research. Use a digital program to put them on your face and see what you think of yourself peering back out from under dreads. Bet you look cool, huh?

Not really. It is actually advised that you do dreadlocks with natural hair, so your hair is probably perfect for locks.

Yes, but it is a little harder than coloring regular hair. You'll have to make sure you rinse the color out very thoroughly from your dreads.

Only if your employer isn't okay with them. However, most employers won't really care, especially if your resume is solid and you otherwise look and dress professionally.

That is a question related to politics; as such, different people will have different answers. Whether or not dreadlocks will be considered acceptable by others depends on why you're doing the dreadlocks, who you're with, and so on.

Once you take them out, your hair will have a lot of breakage and it will be very damaging for your hair.

The same way, it will not change anything to the way you are making your dreads.

In my experience they will be heavier than you're used to, but they've never hurt my neck so I wouldn't worry about that.

You can, but you would need to ask a parent or guardian before starting the process.

Essentially yes, but the weight of keeping the fur attached to your dog instead of allowing for natural shedding is very harmful to their back and joints, plus it can be easier for fleas/ticks to hide in, and for their waste products to get stuck. It would not be a good idea at all, and anyone with a heart that sees it will report you as an animal abuser.

Use wraps and rubber band, as these really tend to hold them tightly. You could always add a rubber band by your scalp. Or, get your whole head dreaded with a crochet hook. If you can learn how to use one, they are great for tightening up loops, or tightening up the root.

Start at the very ends first, and when you get it all straight, you can slowly move up the dreadlock. Starting anywhere above the very tip will just make it worse and not do anything. It takes a long time and you'll pull out a little hair, but it works!

Backcombing or tear and ripping isn't recommended for hair that is shorter than about 6 inches. However, freeform dreads can be made in any hair type and length, the method is to simply stop brushing the hair and keeping the scalp clean, this method can take 6 months to 1 year (it depends on your hair type), for it to start looking like dreadlocks.

Just keep on combing, it might take about 20 minutes of combing to lose your dreads.

Be careful using home remedies to lock your hair. These can make your dreads smell or turn rancid. If you want to use something to help your hair lock, use a dread wax. If you don't want to use a dread wax, roll your hair daily between your palms.

Let them air/drip dry, which can take an hour or two. If you use a hair dryer, it may make them frizzy and dry. You could also try palm rolling with a towel.

Dreadlocks can be done regardless of hair type. Smaller sections do add grace. Straight hair just need to be twisted tightly.

Of course! Dreads are quickly becoming fashionable among all races.

Dreads don't stink unless you go into a pool of sewage or something like that. If you use a hair dryer for your dreads, it will probably take about 10 minutes for them to dry, but if you don't, it can possibly take up to 20-30 minutes.