How To Start Dreads With Loose Curly Hair A Step By Step Guide

If you've got loose curly hair and you're considering starting dreadlocks, you might be wondering where to start. Starting dreads with loose curly hair can be a bit more challenging than with other hair types, but it's not impossible. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of starting dreads with loose curly hair, from preparing your hair to maintaining your new dreads.

Table of Contents

1. Preparing Your Hair
2. Sectioning Your Hair
3. Backcombing Your Hair
4. Twist and Rip Method
5. Palm Rolling Your Dreads
6. Maintenance Tips for Your Dreads
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Hair Care for Dreads

Preparing Your Hair

Before you start the process of making dreads, it's important to properly prepare your hair. This will make the process easier and ensure that your dreads are healthy and strong. Here are some tips for preparing your hair:

• Stop using conditioners, hair oils, and any other products that can make your hair slippery.
• Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and residue.
• Let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer to dry it completely.
• Comb your hair to remove any tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.

Once you've prepared your hair, you're ready to start sectioning it.

Sectioning Your Hair

Sectioning your hair is an important step in starting dreads. It helps to ensure that your dreads are uniform in size and shape. Here's how to section your hair:

• Start by dividing your hair into four to six sections, depending on the thickness of your hair.
• Use hair elastics or clips to secure each section in place.
• Make sure the sections are even and uniform in size.

Once you've sectioned your hair, you're ready to start backcombing.

Backcombing Your Hair

Backcombing is a popular method for starting dreads. It involves teasing your hair to create knots and tangles that will eventually form into dreads. Here's how to backcomb your hair:

• Take a small section of hair and hold it with one hand.
• With the other hand, use a fine-toothed comb to backcomb the section of hair from the ends to the roots.
• Repeat this process until the entire section of hair is tangle and knotted.
• Use a rubber band or hair elastic to secure the end of the section of hair.
• Repeat this process for each section of hair.

Another method for starting dreads with loose curly hair is the twist and rip method.

Twist and Rip Method

The twist and rip method involves twisting and pulling sections of hair to create knots and tangles. Here's how to do it:

• Take a small section of hair and twist it until it starts to coil.
• Hold the twisted section of hair at the base and use your other hand to rip it apart.
• Repeat this process until the entire section of hair is knotted and tangled.
• Use a rubber band or hair elastic to secure the end of the section of hair.
• Repeat this process for each section of hair.

Once you've backcombed or used the twist and rip method to create knots and tangles in your hair, it's time to start palm rolling.

Palm Rolling Your Dreads

Palm rolling involves rolling your dreads between your palms to help them form and tighten. Here's how to palm roll your dreads:

• Take a section of hair and hold it at the base with one hand.
• With the other hand, use your palms to roll the section of hair back and forth.
• Repeat this process until the entire section of hair is rolled and tightened.
• Use a rubber band or hair elastic to secure the end of the section of hair.
• Repeat this process for each section of hair.

Now that you've started your dreads, it's important to take care of them properly.

Maintenance Tips for Your Dreads

Here are some tips for maintaining your dreads:

• Wash your dreads regularly with a residue-free shampoo.
• Avoid using heavy oils and hair products that can build up in your dreads.
• Use a crochet hook to tighten loose hairs and loops in your dreads.
• Re-twist or palm roll your dreads regularly to keep them tight and neat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about starting dreads with loose curly hair:

• How long does it take to start dreads with loose curly hair? It can take anywhere from six months to a year for your dreads to fully form.
• Can you start dreads with short curly hair? Yes, you can start dreads with short curly hair. However, you may need to wait until your hair grows longer before you can backcomb or twist and rip it.
• Can you wash your hair while starting dreads? Yes, you can and should wash your hair regularly while starting dreads. Use a residue-free shampoo and avoid using heavy oils and hair products.

Hair Care for Dreads

Here are some tips for taking care of your hair once you've started dreads:

• Wash your hair regularly with a residue-free shampoo.
• Avoid using heavy oils and hair products that can build up in your dreads.
• Use a crochet hook to tighten loose hairs and loops in your dreads.
• Re-twist or palm roll your dreads regularly to keep them tight and neat.

Starting dreads with loose curly hair can be a bit more challenging than with other hair types, but with the proper preparation and techniques, it's definitely possible. Follow these steps and tips to start your own beautiful set of dreads.