5+ Proven Techniques for Starting Dreads on Short Hair


5+ Proven Techniques for Starting Dreads on Short Hair

Dreadlocks, also called locs or dreads, are a coiffure characterised by matted, twisted strands of hair. They are often shaped naturally or deliberately created by varied strategies. Whereas dreadlocks are sometimes related to Rastafarian tradition, they’ve been worn by folks of varied cultures and backgrounds all through historical past. Beginning dreads with brief hair could seem difficult, however a number of strategies might be employed to realize the specified look.

Creating dreadlocks with brief hair requires persistence and dedication. The method sometimes includes separating the hair into small sections and utilizing a crochet hook or comparable software to create friction and encourage the hair to tangle and mat collectively. Common upkeep, corresponding to palm rolling and crocheting, is crucial to maintain the dreadlocks wholesome and stop unraveling.

Relying on hair kind, texture, and desired dreadlock measurement, the time it takes for brief hair to loc up can fluctuate considerably. It could actually take wherever from just a few months to a yr or extra for the dreads to completely mature and take form. Nevertheless, the journey of rising dreadlocks generally is a rewarding expertise, providing a singular and expressive solution to put on one’s hair.

1. Sectioning

When beginning dreadlocks with brief hair, sectioning is an important step that lays the muse for profitable dread formation. Dividing the hair into small, square-shaped sections permits for even distribution of hair and prevents uneven or misshapen dreadlocks.

The scale of the sections will decide the thickness of the dreadlocks. Smaller sections end in thinner dreadlocks, whereas bigger sections create thicker dreadlocks. It is very important select a bit measurement that’s acceptable for the specified look and hair kind.

As soon as the hair is sectioned, every part might be individually labored on to create a dreadlock. This includes backcombing, twisting, and crocheting the hair to encourage tangling and matting. By beginning with small, square-shaped sections, the dreadlocks could have a extra uniform and outlined look.

Moreover, correct sectioning helps forestall weak spots or gaps within the dreadlocks, which might result in unraveling or breakage. By dividing the hair evenly and dealing on every part individually, you may create a robust basis for wholesome, long-lasting dreadlocks.

2. Backcombing

Backcombing is a method generally utilized in hair styling to create quantity and texture. Within the context of beginning dreadlocks with brief hair, backcombing performs an important function in encouraging the hair to tangle and mat collectively, which is crucial for dreadlock formation.

  • Exposes Hair Cuticles: Backcombing makes use of a fine-toothed comb to brush the hair in opposition to its pure progress path. This motion lifts the hair cuticles, creating friction and exposing the inside layers of the hair shaft. The raised cuticles make the hair extra susceptible to tangling and interlocking with neighboring hair strands.
  • Creates Friction: The repetitive movement of backcombing generates friction between the hair strands. This friction causes the hair fibers to rub in opposition to one another, breaking down the hair’s pure protecting layer and selling entanglement. Because the hair tangles, it begins to type small knots that function the muse for dreadlocks.
  • Removes Free Hair: Backcombing helps take away free hair and particles from the hair shaft. By brushing in opposition to the hair’s pure progress path, backcombing dislodges any free hair strands or tangles which will hinder the dreadlock formation course of. Eradicating free hair permits the remaining hair to return nearer collectively and extra simply intertwine.
  • Prepares Hair for Twisting: As soon as the hair has been backcombed, it turns into extra pliable and manageable, making it simpler to twist into dreadlocks. Backcombing creates a roughened floor on the hair strands, which supplies a greater grip for twisting and helps maintain the dreadlocks safe.

In abstract, backcombing is an important step in beginning dreadlocks with brief hair because it exposes hair cuticles, creates friction, removes free hair, and prepares the hair for twisting. By understanding the function of backcombing on this course of, you may successfully encourage hair tangling and lay the muse for wholesome, well-formed dreadlocks.

3. Twisting

Twisting is a basic method within the technique of beginning dreadlocks with brief hair. It includes tightly twisting every part of hair from the foundation to the tip, which performs an important function within the formation and upkeep of dreadlocks.

  • Encourages Interlocking: Twisting creates friction between the hair strands, encouraging them to tangle and interlock with one another. Because the hair is twisted repeatedly, the strands wrap round one another, forming the core of the dreadlock.
  • Shapes the Dreadlock: Twisting helps form and outline the dreadlocks. By twisting in a constant path and with even pressure, you may create uniform, cylindrical dreadlocks. The tightness of the twists additionally impacts the thickness and density of the dreadlocks.
  • Prevents Unraveling: Common twisting is crucial for sustaining the integrity of dreadlocks, particularly with brief hair. Twisting helps maintain the hair strands tightly sure collectively, stopping them from unraveling or breaking up.
  • Promotes Tightening: Over time, the twisting movement mixed with the pure shrinkage of the hair causes the dreadlocks to tighten and mature. This course of helps create a extra compact and outlined dreadlock construction.

In abstract, twisting every part of hair tightly from root to tip is an important step in beginning and sustaining dreadlocks with brief hair. It encourages interlocking, shapes the dreadlocks, prevents unraveling, and promotes tightening, all contributing to the formation of wholesome, well-defined dreadlocks.

4. Crocheting

Crocheting is a method that includes utilizing a crochet hook to additional tighten and safe the dreadlocks, taking part in an important function within the technique of beginning dreadlocks with brief hair. It enhances the twisting methodology and enhances the general formation and upkeep of dreadlocks.

Crocheting helps to:

  • Tighten the Dreadlocks: By inserting the crochet hook into the dreadlock and hooking the hair strands, crocheting pulls the hair nearer collectively, tightening the dreadlock construction. That is particularly useful for brief hair, because it helps to create a extra compact and outlined look.
  • Safe Free Hair: Crocheting may help to safe any free hair or flyaways which will happen, particularly through the early phases of dreadlock formation. By catching and incorporating these free strands into the dreadlock, crocheting prevents them from unraveling or breaking off.
  • Form and Outline the Dreadlocks: Crocheting permits for extra management over the form and definition of the dreadlocks. By crocheting in a particular path or sample, you may create uniform, cylindrical dreadlocks or dreadlocks with a desired form or design.
  • Promote Maturing: Common crocheting helps to speed up the maturing technique of dreadlocks. By persistently tightening and securing the hair strands, crocheting encourages the dreadlocks to change into extra compact and steady, lowering the chance of unraveling or breakage.

In abstract, crocheting is a vital part of beginning dreadlocks with brief hair, because it supplies a method to additional tighten, safe, form, and promote the maturing of the dreadlocks. By incorporating crocheting into your dreadlock upkeep routine, you may improve the general look, longevity, and well being of your dreadlocks.

5. Upkeep

Common upkeep is essential for the well being and longevity of dreadlocks, significantly when beginning with brief hair. Palm rolling and retwisting are two important upkeep strategies that assist to maintain dreadlocks tight, forestall unraveling, and promote total well-being.


Palm Rolling: Palm rolling includes utilizing the palms of your arms to roll and form the dreadlocks. This method helps to tighten the hair strands inside the dreadlock, making a extra compact and outlined construction. Palm rolling additionally encourages the pure oils from the scalp to distribute alongside the hair shafts, offering nourishment and stopping dryness.


Retwisting: Retwisting is much like palm rolling however includes utilizing a crochet hook or your fingers to additional tighten and safe the dreadlocks. This method helps to stop free hair or flyaways from breaking off and retains the dreadlocks trying neat and tidy. Retwisting must be executed each few weeks or as wanted, relying on the specified stage of tightness and the expansion fee of your hair.

Beginning dreadlocks with brief hair requires additional care and a focus to element. Common palm rolling and retwisting assist to determine a robust basis for the dreadlocks, guaranteeing they mature correctly and final for a very long time. Neglecting correct upkeep can result in weak, unraveling dreadlocks which are extra susceptible to breakage and injury.

By incorporating common palm rolling and retwisting into your dreadlock care routine, you may preserve wholesome, well-defined dreadlocks that showcase the distinctive fashion and expression of this distinctive coiffure.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Beginning Dreads with Quick Hair

Beginning and sustaining dreadlocks with brief hair requires particular strategies and data. Listed below are solutions to often requested questions to offer steering and dispel frequent misconceptions:

Query 1: Is it doable to begin dreadlocks with brief hair?

Sure, it’s doable to begin dreadlocks with brief hair. Nevertheless, it might require extra persistence and upkeep in comparison with beginning with longer hair. By following the suitable strategies, corresponding to sectioning, backcombing, twisting, and crocheting, you may efficiently provoke dreadlock formation even with brief hair.

Query 2: How lengthy does it take for brief hair dreadlocks to type?

The time it takes for brief hair dreadlocks to type varies relying on hair kind, texture, and upkeep routine. Typically, it might probably take a number of months to a yr or extra for dreadlocks to completely mature and take form. Common palm rolling, retwisting, and correct care can speed up the method.

Query 3: Can I wash my dreadlocks whereas they’re forming?

Sure, it is very important wash your dreadlocks often, even through the formation stage. Use a residue-free shampoo and keep away from harsh chemical substances or detergents. Gently therapeutic massage the scalp and dreadlocks, taking care to not unravel them. Common washing helps take away dust, buildup, and promotes wholesome dreadlock improvement.

Query 4: How typically ought to I retwist my brief dreadlocks?

The frequency of retwisting is dependent upon the specified stage of tightness and the expansion fee of your hair. Initially, extra frequent retwisting could also be needed, corresponding to each 2-4 weeks. Because the dreadlocks mature and tighten, retwisting might be executed much less typically, sometimes each 4-8 weeks or as wanted.

Query 5: Can I take advantage of merchandise on my brief dreadlocks?

Use merchandise sparingly and keep away from heavy oils or waxes that may overwhelm or clog the dreadlocks. Pure oils from the scalp are sometimes adequate to maintain dreadlocks moisturized. If wanted, use light-weight merchandise particularly designed for dreadlocks or go for pure options like coconut oil or shea butter.

Query 6: What are some suggestions for sustaining brief dreadlocks?

Common upkeep is essential for wholesome brief dreadlocks. Palm rolling and retwisting assist tighten and safe the dreadlocks. Keep away from extreme brushing or combing, as this may trigger breakage. Shield your dreadlocks from harsh climate situations and put on a satin bonnet or scarf at evening to scale back friction.

By following these tips and sustaining a constant care routine, you may efficiently begin and preserve wholesome, vibrant dreadlocks with brief hair.

Transition to the subsequent article part:

Suggestions for Beginning Dreads with Quick Hair

Embarking on the journey of beginning dreadlocks with brief hair requires persistence, dedication, and the suitable strategies. Listed below are some useful tricks to information you thru the method:

Tip 1: Part and Put together the Hair

Divide your hair into small, square-shaped sections utilizing a rat-tail comb or your fingers. This supplies a basis for even dreadlock formation and prevents unevenness or weak spots.

Tip 2: Backcomb for Texture

Use a fine-toothed comb to softly backcomb every part of hair. This method creates friction, exposing the hair cuticles and inspiring tangling, which is crucial for dreadlock improvement.

Tip 3: Twist and Safe

Tightly twist every part of hair from root to tip. Use a crochet hook or your fingers to additional safe the twists and stop unraveling. Common twisting helps outline the form and construction of the dreadlocks.

Tip 4: Palm Roll for Tightness

As soon as the dreadlocks are shaped, palm rolling helps to tighten and compact them. Roll the dreadlocks between your palms, making use of light stress to encourage the hair strands to intertwine and lock collectively.

Tip 5: Retwist for Upkeep

Common retwisting is essential for sustaining the integrity of the dreadlocks. Use a crochet hook or your fingers to tighten any free hair or flyaways. Retwisting each few weeks or as wanted retains the dreadlocks safe and prevents breakage.

Tip 6: Use Pure Merchandise

Keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or heavy merchandise in your dreadlocks. Go for pure oils like coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize and defend the hair with out clogging or weighing it down.

Tip 7: Shield from the Parts

Publicity to excessive climate situations can weaken or injury dreadlocks. Put on a hat or scarf to guard them from the solar, wind, or rain. Moreover, keep away from swimming in chlorinated swimming pools or saltwater, as these parts can dry out and injury the hair.

Tip 8: Be Affected person and Constant

Beginning dreadlocks with brief hair is a gradual course of that requires persistence and consistency. Common upkeep, together with palm rolling, retwisting, and correct care, is crucial for the profitable formation and longevity of your dreadlocks.

By following the following pointers and sustaining a devoted care routine, you may obtain wholesome, vibrant dreadlocks, even with brief hair.

Transition to the conclusion:

Conclusion

Beginning dreadlocks with brief hair is a singular and rewarding endeavor that requires persistence, dedication, and the suitable strategies. By following the rules outlined on this article, you may efficiently embark on this journey and obtain wholesome, vibrant dreadlocks, even with shorter hair.

Keep in mind, the formation and upkeep of dreadlocks is an ongoing course of that requires constant care and a focus. Common palm rolling, retwisting, and the usage of pure merchandise will assist your dreadlocks mature and flourish. Embrace the journey and benefit from the transformation as your brief hair evolves into a particular and expressive fashion.