Q&A for How to Retwist Dreads

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Question

Which way should I twist locks?

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.

Amber Rose

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Twist your dreadlocks to the right every time so they maintain their shape.

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Question

How do you treat dreadlocks at home?

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

You should palm roll them regularly and keep them moisturized. Wash them once a month and then retwist the roots.

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Question

Is honey good 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

Yes, you can mix honey with a little lemon juice and use it retwist your locks. Be aware that this mixture may cause your hair to lighten.

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Question

How often should I retwist my 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

Retwist once a month to keep your dreads looking neat. Doing it too often can cause damage.

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Question

What is the best product to use to retwist 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

Dreadlock wax is the best since it is specifically designed for this purpose. Hair gel can also work in a pinch.

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Question

Do you need to part your hair when you retwist your locs?

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 should use a rattail comb to clearly define each section before retwisting.

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Question

Can you change dreadlocks into baby 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

Unfortunately, the only way to do this would be to remove or cut off the dreads and start over.

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Question

How long does this process take?

Community Answer

It depends on how many dreads you have or want to have. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

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Question

Do you have to wash your hair first?

Community Answer

It's better to wash your hair before re-twisting to remove build-up and dirt.

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Question

Do you retwist each individual twist or do you untwist your whole head then retwist?

Community Answer

While retwisting, you should take each lock/rope of hair in the fashion described to tighten or add new hair growth to each dread. You should not have to untwist before retwisting.

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Question

How do I take out my dreads?

Community Answer

By saturating the dreadlocks with conditioner and water, then combing them out with a small-toothed comb.

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Question

Do I have to retwist my dreadlocks while they're wet or fully dried?

Community Answer

Always retwist when the hair is wet. Retwisting while dry, may cause breakage.

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Question

Is it better to retwist my dreads while they're wet or dry?

Community Answer

You should retwist your dreads while the hair is wet. Retwisting dry hair will cause breakage.

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Question

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

Community Answer

This depends on the texture of your hair. In general, the straighter your hair is, the longer it will take. Coarse hair can lock in a couple of weeks, while straight hair can take up to 2 years. In most cases, however, expect to wait 4 to 8 months.

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Question

When retwisting, which way do I twist the hair?

Community Answer

You want to gather the new growth or loose hair surrounding an individual loc and twist it in the direction the loc was previously twisted.

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Question

What are the pins called that are used to start dreadlocks?

Community Answer

Those are called double prong clips. They can be ordered online or found in hair stores.

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Question

Can you use rubber bands to start dreads?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. In fact, when you start dreads, you can put rubber bands on the roots and ends of your dreads to save some time. For more detail, check out How to Start Dreads .

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Question

What should I use to retwist my dreads?

Community Answer

Use dread lock gel or wax. For best results, look for a product that's specifically made for locking hair into dreads.

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Question

How do I add new growth that grows in between my locks?

Community Answer

Use a small latch hook, found at local beauty stores. Put the latch hook inside the lock, about an inch down, going up the lock and coming out where the loose hair is. Put the loose hair in the latch and pull it down into the lock.

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Question

Can I wash and re-twist my three-week-old locks?

Community Answer

You don't need to wash until it really begins to lock up. Continue to let them dread up.

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Question

How do I bond my dreadlocks if some are too small and can easily cut?

Community Answer

One way to do this is through 2-strand twists. This method can provide great results, especially if your hair isn't fully locked yet. Alternatively, you can get a crochet needle (0.5mm is best), do the same as before and crochet them. This method requires a little research so you know what you're doing, but will also provide great results.

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