Dreadlocks are a very conspicuous but cool-looking hairstyle. This type of hairstyle has its origins in the Caribbean, with Jamaica being the Caribbean country most associated with this hairstyle. Rastafarians, people who follow Ras Tafari, are probably the most common wearers of this hairstyle. One of the most famous people who wore dreadlocks was the late Bob Marley, who is also a Rastafarian. Read more to find out how to get the look.
Any person can sport a dreadlock hairstyle, even though it is easier to do with the hair of people with African descent because their hair texture and the thickness and curliness of their hair makes making dreadlocks easier for them. Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) taught of simplicity and self-expression, so if you want to get dreadlocks and follow the philosophy behind it, you’ll have to do it yourself and not go to a salon. Making dreadlocks can actually be done at home.
First, you’ll need to massage in some baby oil or hair mousse on to your hair down to the scalp area. Doing this will make the process of making dreadlocks easier. It also has protective effect on your hair while it is undergoing the dreadlock-making process.
With a fine-toothed comb, section your hair into small one-inch squares. For those with thicker hair, smaller squares should be made.
After you’ve sectioned your hair, grab the lock of hair that has been separated with one of your hands and stretch the hair to its full length. Using a fine-toothed comb start teasing your hair, this is a process in which a comb is inserted into the hair but instead of combing it out from the root to the tip of the hair, the reverse is done, the comb is moved from the tip down to the scalp. As you tease your hair, twist the whole lock of hair. Tease each section several times to make sure that it is done properly. You could alternate twisting and teasing each section of hair for a more effective dreadlock. Doing this process repeatedly will slowly create the distinctive dreadlock. Perform the same process for each section of hair you make. The whole process can be made easier if you ask another person to help you, especially when doing the back part of your head.
If you think you’ve put too much oil and your hair has gotten too slippery for teasing, you can remove some of the excess oil by blotting it out with some tissue or paper towels.
Remember that you can’t completely wash your hair if you have dreadlocks. You can only rinse it. But you can go swimming with this kind of hairstyle.
If you want to remove your dreadlocks, wash your hair with warm water and put in conditioner. (Read our tips on how to naturally condition your hair.) While the hair is still wet gently comb out the dreadlocks. It should be noted though that with tightly made dreadlocks you’ll have no choice but to cut it.
Photo from buildablebeauty.com