If you have curly hair and have been considering growing dreadlocks, you might be wondering if it's even possible. The good news is that it is! In fact, curly hair is great for growing dreads because it has the natural texture and thickness that is required to create and maintain dreadlocks. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to grow dreads with curly hair.
Table of Contents
- How to Grow Dreads with Curly Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Growing Dreads with Curly Hair
- FAQs
- Hair Care for Dreadlocks
How to Grow Dreads with Curly Hair
Before we get started, it's important to understand that growing dreadlocks is a process that takes time and dedication. It's not something that happens overnight, and it requires a lot of patience and care. With that being said, here are the steps you need to follow to grow dreads with curly hair:
Step 1: Decide on Your Dreadlock Style
There are different styles of dreadlocks, including freeform, traditional, and interlocked. It's important to decide on the style you want before you start the process of growing your dreads. Each style requires a different technique, so make sure you do your research and choose the one that's best for you.
Step 2: Start with Clean, Detangled Hair
Before you start the process of growing your dreads, you need to make sure your hair is clean and tangle-free. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
The next step is to section your hair. Use a rat-tail comb to divide your hair into small, equal sections. The size of the sections will depend on the style of dreadlocks you want. For freeform dreads, the sections can be bigger, while traditional and interlocked dreads require smaller sections.
Step 4: Backcomb Your Hair
Once you have your hair sectioned, it's time to start the process of creating your dreads. The most common technique for growing dreadlocks is backcombing. Use a fine-tooth comb to backcomb each section of hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This will create the knotted texture that is characteristic of dreadlocks.
Step 5: Palm Roll Your Hair
After backcombing, it's important to palm roll your hair to help the knots form and tighten. Use your palms to roll each section of hair back and forth until it starts to form a cylindrical shape.
Step 6: Maintain Your Dreads
Once you've created your dreadlocks, it's important to maintain them. This means regularly washing and conditioning your hair, and palm rolling it to keep the knots tight. You can also use a dreadlock wax or gel to help hold the shape and texture of your dreads.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a more detailed step-by-step guide on how to grow dreads with curly hair:
- Start with clean, detangled hair
- Section your hair
- Backcomb each section of hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots
- Palm roll each section of hair to help the knots form and tighten
- Maintain your dreads by washing and conditioning your hair regularly, and palm rolling it to keep the knots tight
Tips for Growing Dreads with Curly Hair
Here are some tips that can help you grow and maintain your dreadlocks:
- Be patient - growing dreads takes time
- Avoid using heavy products or oils that can weigh down your hair
- Protect your hair while you sleep by wearing a silk or satin bonnet or using a silk or satin pillowcase
- Consider using a crochet hook to help tighten and shape your dreads
- Avoid using heat styling tools that can damage your hair
FAQs
Can you grow dreads with curly hair?
Yes, you can grow dreads with curly hair. In fact, curly hair is great for growing dreads because it has the natural texture and thickness that is required to create and maintain dreadlocks.
How long does it take to grow dreads with curly hair?
The time it takes to grow dreads with curly hair can vary, but it typically takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months for the dreads to fully mature.
Do you have to cut your hair to start growing dreads?
No, you don't have to cut your hair to start growing dreads. In fact, it's better to start with long hair because it gives you more options for styling and shaping your dreads.
Hair Care for Dreadlocks
Here are some tips for taking care of your hair once you have dreadlocks:
- Wash your hair regularly with a residue-free shampoo
- Condition your hair with a leave-in conditioner or oil
- Use a dreadlock wax or gel to help hold the shape and texture of your dreads
- Avoid using heavy products or oils that can weigh down your hair
- Protect your hair while you sleep by wearing a silk or satin bonnet or using a silk or satin pillowcase
With these tips and techniques, you can successfully grow dreads with curly hair. Remember to be patient and take good care of your hair, and you'll have beautiful, healthy dreadlocks in no time!
