How to do it

Things you should know before you start.....

Dreads take time. That's right, dreads are not an instant hairstyle, dreads take time before they look awesome. They will look like dreads but they won't really be dreads until they mature and tighten. They will just be very knotted hair. These newb dreadlocks will be pretty delicate and need to be palmrolled to keep them tight.

What you'll need....

1. Metal Comb

Make sure you get a metal one, because the plastic bristles break off when you are backcombing.

2. Rubberbands

To hold the knots in your dreads

3. Hair Clips

Any kind will do you can pick some up at the dollar tree

4. A friend to help you backcomb

It's really hard to backcomb the back by yourself.

5. Wax

I recommend DreadHead wax, I've tried other waxes and I can't find anything that works as well.

6. A soap that doesn't leave residue behind

This is really important, if you use a soap that leaves residue behind, residue will build up on the dreads and make the knots loosen. I recommend DreadHead soap.

How to dread

1. Section the hair

section the hair into 1 inch square sections

2. Backcombing

backcomb in small sections, about an inch at a time. if you notice the dread is really fluffy and just looks like a bird's nest, then you are backcombing to much hair at a time

When you backcomb, backcomb small sections at a time, so you don't get as many loops.

3. Put a rubberband on the tip

4. Time to wax

Now its time for the wax! With your thumb press into it and scoop out a lil bit, about the size of a chicklet or an M&M. Start at the roots (where it connects to your head). I'm guessing you probably know what roots are. and rub the wax in with your thumb and forefinger. Rub the wax smooth between your fingers before applying it, this will help it melt in evenly. Use a hair dryer to heat the dreads and melt the wax inside as you go if possible. You'll know when the wax is fully melted and worked into where it's supposed to be when it disapears The hair dryer isn't necessary but if you try it I promise you'll like it. Work your way up to the tip. Add more wax slowly as you need it. The amount you need to use for each dread will vary with the size of the dread. Unless your dreads are really long you shouldn't need more than like 2 or 3 M&M's worth. Don't over do it. They should have enough wax that you can feel it, but not so much that you can see it. You're not makin candles here.

For more information on dreadlocking click here