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What Are the Best Tips for Starting Dreadlocks?

By Tiffany Manley
Updated May 17, 2024
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A number of methods are available when starting dreadlocks. The main difference between the various methods is the use of chemicals and products or all natural methods. When starting dreadlocks, an individual might want to follow a few tips for the best dreadlock experience. Knowing the size and style of the desired dreadlocks, utilizing the services of a loctitian, knowing the correct products to use and knowing how to care for dreadlocks in between visits to a loctitian are among the best tips for starting dreadlocks.

When starting dreadlocks, an individual should know the size and style of dreadlocks he or she wants. Dreadlocks range from very thin to very fat and might be varying sizes mixed together. In addition to the size of the dreadlocks, an individual should decide whether he or she wants short or long dreadlocks. Another component of deciding the size and style of dreadlocks is the amount of maintenance required for the selected style. Some styles require more maintenance than others do, so an individual looking for minimum maintenance will want to choose dreadlock styles that do not take a great deal of time to maintain.

Many individuals choose a do-it-yourself approach to starting dreadlocks, but experts often recommend using the services of a loctitian. Loctitians are individuals skilled in the art of starting dreadlocks. A loctitian can assist with the creation of dreadlocks with as little damage to the hair as possible. In addition, loctitians might assist customers by teaching them the proper way to maintain their dreadlocks and the correct products to use for their hair type and dreadlock type.

Knowing the correct products to use when starting dreadlocks is important if individuals want to maintain healthy, clean hair while still maintaining their dreadlocks. Using the wrong products might leave an individual with dirty or damaged hair. In addition, some products leave residue on dreadlocked hair, which might cause heavy or dull hair. A loctitian might recommend products created specifically for people who have dreadlocks or products that might be bought at grocery stores, discount stores or drug stores.

Dreadlocks do need care, especially when an individual is first starting them. The Internet, books, magazines and loctitians are all good sources of information on dreadlock care and maintenance. Consulting a loctitian might be a good choice if an individual has specific questions about his or her hair or if he or she has a hair type that makes dreadlocking more difficult.

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Discussion Comments

By irontoenail — On Jul 10, 2011

People think that dreadlocks are automatically dirty, or that you need to have dirty hair to start dreadlocks.

In fact the opposite is true. My friends who have had dreadlocks tell me they wash their hair just as often, and kind of squeeze the water and soap out of the hair as though it was a sponge.

That always makes me wonder if they get all the soap out, but then that would make the hair smell nicer!

Although they tell me that you have to be extra careful to get all the soap out at first, because it does help to prevent hair from dreading.

The residue from traditional soaps and shampoos can make hair slippery, so it doesn't stick together well.

Or, you could do what a friend of mine did and get your hair braided, then just let the braids fall into disrepair until they look like dreads!

By croydon — On Jul 10, 2011

I don't think I could ever have dreadlocks, mostly because I don't think I could make the commitment to them. Dreadlocks are only ever cut off your head, you can't really brush them out. And they seem to take quite a lot to maintain properly, although at university I remember a few people who didn't bother and ended up with greasy, flaking scalps.

I like the look of dreadlocks and I understand that some people keep them as a cultural or religious statement.

But I just don't think I could commit to a style that was that rigid and unversatile, and that had to be cut off eventually.

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