Locking Dreads Faster: Backcombing, Palm Rolling, & Maintenance Tips

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Simple ways to set and tighten up loose locs
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New dreads are awesome, but it takes time for them to completely "lock" and look their best. If you're at the beginning of your dread lock journey and looking for tips on how to speed up the locking process, look no further! In this article, we'll explain simple methods like backcombing and palm rolling that will help you lock and set your dreads faster. We'll also cover some basic maintenance tips that encourage dreads to lock. If you're ready to elevate your dreads, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Tease each dread at the root with a dread comb and twist it once a day to tighten up loose locs.
  • Alternatively, roll each dread back and forth between your palms for 30 seconds every day. Start at the root and work your way down to the tip.
  • Wash your hair every 2-3 days with a residue-free shampoo to maintain dread locks and help them set.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Backcombing

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    If you need to, clip the rest of your dreads up or out of the way so you can focus each lock individually. Hold the first dread taut away from your scalp so you can see the new growth at the roots. [1]
    • This technique works best about a month or so into your dread journey because you need new growth to work with.
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    Tease the dread lock at the roots with a dread comb . Use quick strokes to tease the hair towards your scalp in the opposite direction of the hair’s growth, starting at the roots. [2]
    • A metal comb is ideal, but a plastic comb will also get the job done.
    • In a pinch, you can use a crochet hook instead of a comb. Use the smallest crochet hook you have on hand. [3]
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    Focus on getting as close as you can to the roots before working your way to the tip of the dread. You'll notice the dread looking puffy and more voluminous immediately. [4]
    • If you're using a crochet hook, run the hook back and forth through your dread, starting at the roots and working your way to the tip.
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    Once you've backcombed your dreads from root to tip, use your fingers to carefully twist the backcombed hair together from the root to the tip. Twist the hair 1-2 rotations in a clockwise direction. [5]
    • You can backcomb and twist the same dread a few times to help it lock.
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    Get in the habit of backcombing and twisting your dreads while you're watching television, listening to music, or talking to friends. The more you do it, the faster your hair will lock.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Palm Rolling

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    Place the dread across your right palm at the root and hold it in place with your thumb. Then, put your left palm on top of the dread. [6]
    • Work on 1 dread at a time for the best results. If you need to, clip the rest of your hair out of the way so you can access the roots more easily.
    • Palm rolling is a bit more gentle on your hair than backcombing, making it a better long-term maintenance solution. If you start out backcombing, you can switch to palm rolling after a few months (once your locs start to set).
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    Start at the roots and roll the dreads with your palms moving upwards against the hair. Your dread should roll along your hand. [7]
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    Roll your dread once against your palm and then move about an inch down the dread. Adjust your thumb so it holds the dread in place. Roll the dread and move an inch or so down again. Continue until you reach the tip of the dread. [8]
    • If you notice any lumps or uneven parts on your dread, roll those spots more rapidly to smooth them out.
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    To help your dreads lock and stay locked, get in the habit of palm rolling them in the morning or at night before bed, 30 seconds per dread. [9]
    • You may need to ask someone to help you palm roll the dreads on the back of your head if you can't reach them on your own.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Dread Lock Maintenance

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    Wash your dreads every 2-3 days with a residue-free shampoo . Contrary to popular belief, keeping your scalp and dreads clean actually helps them lock faster and stay locked. Use a gentle residue-free shampoo so your hair doesn't get dry. [10]
    • Dirty, unmaintained dreads usually start looking fuzzy or uneven.
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    In the early stages, dreads tend to get loose if you wear your hair down a lot. After you do your daily backcombing, twisting, or rolling, pull your hair back out of your face and leave it that way.
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    Try to get in the habit of locking your dreads at least once a day so they don't get loose or fuzzy. You can backcomb, twist, or palm roll (or alternate using all of these approaches).
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    While dread wax can help to smooth out and set your dreads, it can also make them greasy and loose. Only use wax once a month before you palm roll (or after you backcomb) to speed up the interlocking process. Apply a small amount on the bottom two-thirds of your locs (so don't get wax near your roots or scalp). [11]
    • Look for hair wax that's formulated for dreadlocks for the best results.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long does it take for dreads to lock up?
    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
    After about a month, your dreads should be fairly set. They will continue to tighten and evolve until about the 6-month mark.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do you make your dreads lock faster?
    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
    If you rub and twist your locks frequently it will help them to lock. Wearing a scarf over them at night will help prevent loosening as you sleep.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
  • Question
    Do dreads make your hair grow faster?
    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
    No style influences the rate of your hair's growth. However, because dreads smooth your hair, it may appear longer once the dreads are completely locked.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=6&v=ycg9Oy1l5Ec&feature=youtu.be
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/aGnFUrWW4K4?t=68
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jufO3WtBrY&t=207s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=77&v=aGnFUrWW4K4&feature=youtu.be
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGnFUrWW4K4&t=86s
      6. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/palm-rolling-dreadlocks
      7. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/palm-rolling-dreadlocks
      8. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/palm-rolling-dreadlocks
      9. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/palm-rolling-dreadlocks
      1. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/washing-dreadlocks-is-more-important-than-you-think
      2. ↑ https://dreadheadhq.com/pages/maintenance-waxing

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can easily make your dreads lock faster by washing your hair every 2-3 days, backcombing them, and twisting them together. You might think washing your hair will damage your dreads, but doing so every few days will actually help them lock faster and stay in shape. To backcomb your hair, hold a dread taut, then run a metal comb from its tip to its root, which will make your hair frizzy. After you’ve backcombed it, hold the dread at the root between your fingers and twist it 1-2 times clockwise. Slowly move your fingers down the dread and keep twisting it until you reach the tip. Repeat this process with each of your dreads at least once a day to help them lock. For more tips, including how to palm roll your dreads to help them lock faster, read on!

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        Jan 14, 2021

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