Q&A for How to Start Dreads

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Question

How long does it take to make a dread?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Depending on hair texture, dexterity, and skill a single dread takes anywhere from 1-5 minutes to produce.

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Question

Can a person with straight hair get dreadlocks?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, but they are more likely to slip out in the early stages. Getting a perm before dreading the hair can help create more stable locks.

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Question

Can you recommend creative styles for dreads?

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

You can curl your dreads in the same way that you curl your braids. You can also use rollers to make them wavy. You can even use jewelry to cornrow it in different designs. And if you have long dreads, you can even do a ponytail style.

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Question

Can I start dreads with short 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

You'll need to give your hair some time to grow. It also depends on your hair type; starting dreads is usually difficult if you have smooth or soft hair. You can start by braiding your short hair with an elastic band, allowing it to grow, and then continuing until you have enough length for a dreads.

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Question

How do I combine 9 cm long dreadlocks?

Community Answer

The first thing you want to do is get a rat tail comb, any conditioner that you prefer and a spray bottle with water in it. Spray some water on the lock, then put conditioner and start from the bottom of the lock and use the end of the comb and start combing them out.

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