Q&A for How to Give Yourself Dreadlocks

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Question

Can you wet dreads?

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

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.

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Question

How long does it take to make a dread?

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

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.

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Question

Can you get dreads at a hair salon?

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

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.

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Question

How long does it take for your twist to lock?

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

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.

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Question

I'm Hispanic. Is it acceptable for me to have dreads?

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 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.

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Question

My hair is about 20-24 inches, and is naturally wavey, how long will my dreads be?

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

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.

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Question

Can I wear a bike helmet with dreadlocks?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I have short hair. Can I still have dreadlocks?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

When you have dreads, do you need to comb or brush it ever?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Do I need to shave my head to get them out?

Community Answer

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

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Question

How long can I keep them on?

Community Answer

As long as you want them.

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Question

How can I decide if I would look good with dreads?

Community Answer

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?

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Question

Will it be harder to do dreads with long, natural hair?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can I dye my dreads?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Will have dreadlocks affect my chances of getting a job?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Is it cultural appropriation if I'm white?

Jerry Hou

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Are dreads a good idea for thin hair?

Community Answer

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

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Question

My hair is thick at the root and straight on the end. How can I put dreadlocks in my hair?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Are dreads heavier than my normal hair? If so, will they hurt my neck?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Can I do this as a kid?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Will these methods work on my poodle?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

My hair is soft, and keeps coming loose at the back -- what can I do?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

How do I start to remove my dreads?

Community Answer

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!

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Question

Can I dread short hair?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

How do I take out my dreads with them being in for 4 years?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can a mixture of tooth paste and raw egg lock my hair?

AFertig

Community Answer

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.

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Question

How should I dry my deadlocks hair?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I have a lot of hair, and it's thick and straight. Do I need to do smaller sections?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can I dread your hair if I'm white?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can my dreads stink? How long does the dreads take to dry?

Community Answer

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.

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