Natural Dreads – Getting Started

If you’re ready for the commitment and have decided to start your natural dreadlocks here is a step by step on how to start and maintain your dreads. :)
There are a few different methods on how to get it started. I personally, and most will agree that the backing comb method is best. It’s a virtually all natural process, your dreads will look like dreads once you are done, and they take on better form because you have more control over the thickness and the way they are shaped. It’s a little rough on the scalp after a while but I’d say get a couple of friends to help to get it to go faster and help you with the back.

You’re going to start off by making 1-2inch square sections all over your head in the pattern you would like your dreads to fall. (Try your best to keep with the same general pattern your hair makes in its natural fall. Also, if something happens to your dreads or you don’t take care of them properly, you run the risk of at-the-root breakage because your hair is unhealthy on top of being pulled in a direction it wouldn’t normally lay.)
Once your head has been sectioned off with rubber bands, be sure to remove the rubber band when you start working on a section. Use a multiple teethed backcombing comb and start knottin it up! Stay somewhat fluid with it though if you’re trying to form smooth, sleek dreads. Twisting is not necessary although palm rolling isn’t a terrible idea once it’s close to fully knotted.

Secure the end with a bind of hemp or a rubber band, you can use dread wax to tame some of the fly-aways and help your dreads form a little better. Be sure to never use anything petroleum based or greasy. You do not want your hair to come untangled. I recommend Knotty Boy’s Dread Wax.

Once your dreads are fully backcombed do not wash it for as long as you can stand it (don’t wait more than 2 weeks), and feel free use any dread forming agents like Dread Head’s Locking Accelerator or their popular Lock Peppa Mega Tightener. This can help speed up the locking process and create smooth looking dreads, but if you’re not comfortable with it, don’t use it.