How To Make Dreadlocks Like A Professional!
The Complete guide on how to make dreadlocks naturally. Learn how to do dreads at home or in a salon for any hair texture with our step by step process.
The Instant Locs Crochet Method is universal to Make Dreadlocks in any hair texture
Looking to create the perfect set of dreadlocks? Whether you have short or long hair, straight or afro-textured locs, this guide has got you covered. We specialize in the instant locs crochet method and believe it’s the best approach to making dreadlocks. We’ll walk you through the exact process we use to make dreadlocks in any hair type. Each step is accompanied by a detailed video course. So whether you’re looking to create dreadlocks at home or professionally, we’ve got you covered! Learn from the convenience of your own home how to make dreadlocks, get dreads, and do dreadlocks yourself with our comprehensive guide.
Afro Textures
Straight Textures
DISCLAIMER: There are many different methods on making dreads. What we’re explaining on this page is what we deem to be the most universal method that applies to making dreadlocks in all hair textures and situations. The content taught on this website is based on 10,000+ hours of experience, 3,000+ appointments, and nearly 10 years working with all hair textures.
01. Learn about Making Dreadlocks for each specific hair texture:
The first step in how to make dreadlocks is to understand the methods, products, and routines that you need for your specific hair texture. Most methods tend to be effective for one hair texture, but completely ineffective for another. For example, the twisting method only Makes Locs with Afro Hair, and the Backcombing method is most commonly used to make dreads in Straight Hair textures. This is why we love the Instant Locs Crochet Method, it’s the only method that is truly effective for making dreadlocks and also to maintain and repair locs no matter what your hair texture is.
Starting Locs in Afro Hair Textures
Afro Hair is the most cooperative to start locs with. There are many methods, such as Twisting, Interlocking, Comb Coils, Freeform, etc… However the Instant Locs method is by far our favorite. With this method there’s no use of product, you can wash or swim whenever you want, no dealing with the awkward phase while the locs mature, and you can create flawless and fully locked dreadlocks in a single day which you can’t really do with any other method. If you’re working with Afro Hair and you’re interested in Making Dreadlocks with this method you can click here to jump to that section.
How to get Dreads with Straight Hair
The Twisting Method absolutely does not work for Caucasian Dreadlocks. Period. The Interlocking Method creates more of a braid than a true dreadlock. And backcombing or Twist and Rip alone only gets you started. But the Crochet Method is by far the most ideal method if you want to make dreads with straight hair that are controlled and professional looking. That’s by far our best recommendation and it’s exactly what we teach on this website. Continue reading this page to learn more about how to get dreads with straight hair.
Starting Dreads in Hispanic Hair
Hispanic Hair can range in texture and thickness, however in many cases Hispanic Hair is very similar to Caucasian hair. Both hair textures have a wide range of textures, thicknesses, and densities. All Hispanic Hair can be made into dreadlocks with the right approach and that is what this page is all about. We recommend NOT Twisting or Interlocking Hispanic Dreadlocks because we’ve seen so many failed attempts and problems that we ended up fixing from other salons. Our top recommendation, as always, is the Instant Locs Crochet Method which you can learn more about by continuing reading this page.
How To Get Dreads in Asian Hair
Asian Hair is obviously one of the straightest hair textures you’ll work with to make dreads. With that being said, most dreadlock methods just won’t get the job done. However learning how to Crochet Asian Hair is the most effective method to get dreads in Asian Hair. Just like other straight hair types, to make dreadlocks with Asian hair you’ll first create the sections, backcomb each section, palm roll, and then finish up by Crocheting the Dreads to get dreadlocks with straight hair. We go into greater detail about this whole process on this page. Continue reading this page to learn the full process of how to get Dreads in Asian Hair.
How to make Dreads in Mixed Race Hair Textures
We’ve seen a lot of work done by salons for our clients with Afro Mixed Race hair textures and treat the hair the same as if it were 100% Afro Hair. Many of these clients come to us frustrated and seeking a better alternative. We’ve helped so many clients by properly making dreadlocks in mixed race hair where other salons failed, and we’ve done so with the same exact methods we teach on this website. The content on this page will guide you through the process of making dreadlocks in Mixed Race Hair Textures, no matter what your hair texture is.
02. Start by Creating Sections before Making Dreads
Once you have a decent understanding of the method you want to use based on your hair texture, the next step is to decide on your dreadlock sectioning pattern. There are so many different ways to part dreadlocks, and most of them are just a matter of preference. However, if you intend to style your dreadlocks in a braid you’ll probably want to be more specific and deliberate for your dreadlock sectioning pattern. In this section we’re giving you a crash course on various dreadlock sectioning options.
All Natural Sectioning
Some people strive for an all natural approach. If you’re one of those people you can simply use your fingers to randomly create your sections to make your dreadlocks. No need for perfect sections here. Just be sure to make the sections similar in size and avoid sharp points and you’re good to go! That’s it!
Brick Pattern Dreadlock Sectioning
The Brick Pattern is by far our most commonly used pattern. Most people are more than happy with this pattern, it allows for symmetry, and each dreadlock overlays the part underneath it. As a result, it’s clean and organized while also not looking too “boxy”. We most often use the Brick Pattern when making dreadlocks for new clients.
Fan / Fish Scale Pattern
The Fish Scale Pattern is interesting because it is exactly the same as the Brick Pattern with a slight variation. When making sections for the Fish Scale Pattern you simply “swoop” the top two corners and all of your squares will turn into a fish scale shape. It’s a variation that is easy to implement if you already understand the Brick Pattern.
Hexagon Dreadlock Sectioning
Similar to the Fish Scale Pattern, the Hexagon Pattern is also created with a slight modification to the Brick Pattern. With the Hexagon pattern, you’ll be using the Brick Pattern, and then angling the top to form a shape like the roof of a house. This allows all sections to turn into hexagons.
Diamond Pattern For Dreads
The Diamond Pattern is probably the most straight forward pattern. With this pattern you’ll want to make a large grid on the top of the head at a 45 degree angle. Think of a chess board turned at 45 degrees. The drawback of this pattern is that the edges get a bit tricky. The only time we really consider using this pattern is for Undercuts.
Triangle Sectioning for Dreadlocks
Triangle Sectioning is probably the most visually striking pattern for dreadlocks. There are two ways to start this pattern. Either start with horizontal rows or vertical columns as depicted in the photo above. Then you’ll make lines that cross diagonally across the head which will result in a pattern of triangles. The downside to this pattern is that it can be difficult to learn to do well while also being an easy way to result in pointy angles in your sections, which should be avoided.
Sectioning for Partial Dreads
There are a variety of ways to section dreadlocks for a partial installation. In most cases people just want to make a few dreadlocks underneath. If that’s the case you’ll want to start the Brick, Fish Scale, or Hexagon pattern, but only do the first two or three rows at the base of the head. You can then consider adding additional rows if more dreadlocks are desired. However, dreadlocks can be placed at any point in the head, but we would recommend keeping partial installations to the back of the head in most cases.
Sectioning for Braiding Patterns
Sectioning Dreadlocks for Braiding Patterns can get very intricate and detailed. Your approach for this type of a scenario will vary dramatically depending on the prefered braid, hair texture, and dreadlock diameter, etc. This is usually a much more advanced approach to sectioning dreadlocks, and not recommended for beginners.
My best advice for learning how to make braiding patterns is to sketch out the pattern you’d like to make and try to recreate that pattern with a mannequin head first, then braid the hair on the mannequin head to get the best idea of how your pattern will play out in a real world scenario. It will take practice, and a bit of trial and error, but it’s far better to practice on a mannequin head first rather than start dreadlocks and mess the whole thing up on a client’s head.
Dreadlock Parting & Sectioning Course
Get hands on video training for sectioning dreadlocks like a professional. Best of all, this course is free!
03. How to Make Dreadlocks starting with the Back Combing Method (straight hair)
Nash Backcombing Caucasian Hair to Make Dreadlocks with Straight Hair
Backcombing first, then using the Crochet Method is the best way to Make Dreads with Straight Hair
Backcombing to Make Dreadlocks is a crucial part of the process to get dreads with straight hair. The backcombing method encourages the hair to create many tiny loops which help the hair to change in texture to better resemble Afro Hair. This textures starts the process of creating knots which is necessary to dread straight hair.
Twist and Rip method as an Alternative to Backcombing
We use the Backcombing method, however the Twist and Rip method achieves a very similar result. This is an alternative method to Backcombing and either method will get the job done just fine. I’ve always prefered the Backcombing method because it seems to work faster, however the Twist and Rip method will give a very cylindrical result. A downside of the Twist and Rip method is that you can’t control thickness as easily as Backcombing.
Backcombing flaws which are address with the Instant Locs Crochet Method
The best case scenario is to do perfect backcombing to Make Dreadlocks with the most consistent knots and form a very cylindrical dreadlock. However, in the real world, that doesn’t happen very often. Any flaws that are formed in the backcombing process will be addressed by Crocheting those imperfection to smoothen out the dreadlock which we will be discussing later in this post.
Embracing imperfections and working with some loops and bumps
Perfectly stick straight dreadlocks just don’t look natural. Even most of the really clean, neat, and professional dreadlocks you see online have small imperfections that allow for a natural look. When Making Dreads, it’s perfectly fine to have some minor imperfections which will contribute to adding a bit of character to your dreadlocks.
Backcombing Dreadlocks for Straight Hair Course
Get training on how to make dreadlocks starting with the backcombing method with our step by step video course. Get access to free content from the pros!
04. Palm Rolling to Make Dreadlocks Cylindrical
The next step in making dreads with straight hair
Palm Rolling is quite simple. You take a dreadlock and press it between your palms and roll. However, I see a lot of people not applying enough pressure or worse, sliding along the dreadlock on an angle instead of actually rolling the dreadlock. These are simple corrections of habit that we discus in our free course for Palm Rolling.
Palm Rolling helps to shape and form the dreadlock
The benefits of Palm Rolling Dreadlocks is that it helps make dreadlocks into a cylindrical shape, it helps manage fuzz in some situations, and most importantly it helps to compress the knots and reduce crazy loops and bumps. However, some hair textures are far too stubborn for Palm Rolling to be effective, which is why we always resort to the Instant Locs Crochet Method for optimal control and shaping.
Palm Rolling Dreads Course
We cover all the basics about palm rolling dreads in our course for free! Take advantage of our free content.
05. Using the Instant Locs Crochet Method to Make Dreadlocks in any hair texture
In our opinion the Instant Locs Crochet Method is the most important part of making dreads for all hair textures. This is especially important to make dreadlocks with mixed and straight hair types. We will make the dreadlock by backcombing and palm rolling (if the hair is not Afro Texture) and then use the Instant Locs Crochet Method to instantly create, tighten and control the knots that are formed to create each dreadlock. This method is far superior to other methods for anyone wanting to control the formation when making dreadlocks.
Afro Hair Textures
Straight Hair Textures
HOW IT WORKS
The Instant Locs Crochet Method makes dreadlocks by creating countless tiny little knots that are dispersed evenly which interweave into each other to form a cylindrical mass of knots. This process is very simple in concept but takes quite a knack to get the mechanics of your hands working properly to facilitate this process. However, we teach you how to crochet dreadlocks here.
WHY USE IT
We use the Instant Locs Crochet Method to Make Dreadlocks because other methods just don’t compare… The twisting method only twists the hair but doesn’t form knots until weeks or months later. The interlocking method creates more of a braid than a true dreadlock. And the Backcombing and Twist and Rip methods start the knotting process but leave the dreadlock very loose and fluffy. The Instant Locs Crochet Method is the only method that creates dense knots that make a true dreadlock in one pass.
SHAPING BENEFIT
This method is also highly beneficial for dreadlock maintenance and loc repair. When I use this method I feel like I’m sculpting the dreadlock because it allows for so much control and precision of where each knot is formed. This is something that no other method can offer, and a huge part of the reason we’re so passionate about it.
Instant Locs Crochet Method Course
Learn how to Make Dreadlocks with the Instant Locs and Crochet Dreadlocks from the pros who have been doing it before it was even a trend.
SKIP THE AWKWARD PHASE
Starting Locs with other methods requires you to go through an awkward phase where the dreadlocks end up being messy and fuzzy and not fully locked up. With this method you literally get Instant Dreadlocks that are fully formed, tightened, and controlled. And even if you deal with a bit of fuzziness or loose hairs in the early stages, this method easily controls those problems as well. As a result you get to skip “the awkward phase” that most people complain about for the first 6-12 months of starting their dreadlock journey. You’ll instantly have dreadlocks that resemble 1 year old dreadlocks in a single session.
06. Making Dreadlocks with Extensions (optional)
Learning about Attachment Styles
You don’t need to add dreadlock extensions in order to make dreadlocks, but it may be ideal for some people with short hair. There are a few different dreadlock extension attachment styles that you should be aware of before trying to attach extensions. The biggest difference is permanent (or semi-permanent) and temporary dreadlock extension attachments.
Permanent Dreadlock Extensions
Our main focus when working with dreadlock extensions is attaching extensions permanently and “semi-permanently”. The reason we talk about extensions being “semi-permanent” is because synthetic extensions and various straight hair extensions tend to last for a handful of years, but likely won’t be fully permanent. Once again, we use the Instant Locs Crochet Method to make dreadlock extensions and to attach those extensions to the dreadlock on the client’s head as well.
Temporary Dreadlock Extensions
Temporary dreadlock extensions can be attached in existing dreadlocks or normal hair. Just keep in mind that most temporary dreadlock extension attachments are done at the base of the dreadlock near the scalp, and not extended at the end of the dreadlock. Temporary extensions are great for experimenting with crazy colors or for a trial run before committing to dreadlocks permanently. We have a free video on how to attach temporary extensions in our extension course here.
Permanent Straight Hair Extensions
Making Dreadlocks with Extensions in Straight Hair textures can be done semi-permanently to last 2-5 years giving you enough time for your dreadlocks to grow much longer before eventually removing the extensions. Each attachment is mostly seamless and natural, eliminating the ability to even notice that you have extensions in the first place.
Permanent Afro Loc Extensions
Making Locs with Extensions in Afro Hair textures are fully permanent with the method we teach as long as you follow all of our recommendations and guidelines. These attachments are fully permanent and seamless in a way no other method can achieve. We have clients that tell people they’ve had their dreadlocks for 10 years and they easily get away with it!
How to Attach Dreadlock Extensions Seamlessly and Permanently
By taking our courses you will also have the skills to make dreadlock extensions from scratch.
07. How to Make Dreadlocks with Blunted Tips
OPTIONAL
This final step in making dreadlocks is completely optional. Some people assume the dreadlocks will unravel if the ends are not locked up, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Some people also think their dreadlocks will dry faster if the ends are open, that may be true, but it’s such a small posibility that it’s irrelevant.
AMATURE WORK
We’ve seen instances of others making dreadlock tips blunted that end up getting fat and bulging outward, or the opposite, making a very narrow and tapered tip. These situations are often done by inexperienced amateurs. We always strive for a nice well rounded tip and we teach you exactly how to do that with our Blunting Dreadlock Ends Course here.
MAINTENANCE
Dreadlock tips sometimes unravel a bit with certain hair textures and lack of proper aftercare. To put things simply, if you want your ends to remain blunted you’ll want to avoid any slippery product including Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). If you want to use ACV simply hold the tips of your dreadlocks up so the ACV can’t run down to the tips of your locs.
Blunt Dreadlock Ends
We teach you how to effectively Make Dreadlocks with blunted dreadlock ends as a final step in the dreadlock creation process. Watch our free intro content for that course here.
Conclusion: How to do dreadlocks yourself
We hope this content was helpful for you to learn how to do dreadlocks yourself whether you’re a professional hair stylist or you just want to do dreadlocks yourself in the comfort of your own home. As you’re aware by now, we have multiple courses that teach you the process of how to make dreadlocks. We encourage you to explore our free content to determine if our courses are right for you. All of our courses are done with human hair, synthetic hair, extensions, and a mannequin so you can learn how to do dreadlocks yourself in the comfort of your own home at your own pace.
Additional Dreadlock Repair Content
Article coming soon! In the meantime you can explore our course for each of these topics!
