Dreadlocks are a popular hairstyle for people of all cultures. They can be worn in many different ways and can add a unique flair to your look. If you’re interested in starting dreads but have short hair, don’t worry – it’s possible! In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to start dreads with short hair.
What are dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks are a type of hairstyle that involves twisting and matting your hair into strands. The longer the dreads grow, the more they will tighten over time to form one larger lock or multiple locks depending on how many you have in total. You can start with short hair if needed but it’s best if it’s at least two inches long so there is enough length for them when they get started later down the line (and this way they’ll stay put better too).
Why do people want dreads?
People want dreads because they’re unique and different from other hairstyles which might not be as eye-catching or stand out as much. Dreadlocks also tend to last longer than other types of hairdos because they’re so tightly coiled up and don’t require much maintenance to look good on any given day – just wash them every now then with dreadlock shampoo which will help keep those pesky little flyaways at bay!
Do you have a preference between synthetic or natural?
Many different types of hair can be made into dreads, but there’s no one right way to do it. Some people prefer synthetic material while others like real human hair are better because they feel more authentic looking than an artificial version would be. If this is something that matters for you then go ahead and choose whichever route feels most comfortable since either option will work just fine when making these locks yourself from scratch (or even if purchasing pre-made dreads).
What type of hair do I need to start dreadlocks?
You’ll want to have at least two inches of hair on your head to make dreadlocks. This is because they will be starting from the roots and working their way up so there must be enough length for them to latch onto and form together as they grow. If you’re cutting your hair specifically for this process then go ahead and cut it a little bit longer than normal – two or three inches should suffice (or more if you want long locks).
How To Start Dreadlocks With Short Hair: The Steps
Now that you know a little bit more about dreadlocks, it’s time to learn how to start them yourself even if you have shorter hair! The following steps will guide you through the process.
Step One: Shampooing the Hair
The first step in starting dreadlocks is to wash your hair with a shampoo that’s specifically made for this purpose. You’ll want one without any conditioner or other product because those can make it harder for them to grip onto each other when you’re trying to knot them up later on down the line (and they won’t stay as tight either). Remember not over-shampoo too much though so don’t go overboard here – just enough so there aren’t any loose strands sticking out all over the place will do fine!
Step Two: Combing Out All Tangles and Knots in Your Hair With a Fine Comb Or Brush
This may seem like an obvious thing, but we have to make sure that all of the hair is tangle-free and knot-free before we start twisting it up into dreadlocks. Use a fine-tooth comb or brush to do this (a wide one can make things worse) and take your time so that everything is nice and smooth before moving on.
Step Three: Sectioning Off Your Hair Into Equal Parts
Now that your locks are clean, tangle-free, and ready to go, it’s time to start sectioning them off into equal parts. This will help you keep track of where each lock begins and ends so there aren’t any weird surprises further down the line – plus it just makes the whole process easier in general. We recommend using either pins or clips to hold these sections together while you’re working on them.
Step Four: Take One Section of Hair and Begin Twisting It Up Tightly, Starting at the Roots
This step is pretty self-explanatory but important nonetheless! Make sure that each section is twisted up tightly starting right from where it meets your scalp down to the ends (or just above where they would be if there were any). This will ensure a good grip later when we start knotting things together for real.
Step Five: Continue Twisting Your Dreadlocks Until They’ve Taken Shape Of Their Own Accord And No Longer Require Any Further Manipulation From You To Stay In Place, Then Move Onto The Next Section Of Hair And Repeat Steps Three Through Five
Once you’ve gotten to this step, congratulations – your dreadlocks are now forming! All you have to do is leave them alone and let them grow (although you can still style them if that’s what you’re into). Try not to touch or fiddle with them too much from here on out so they can take their natural shape. If needed, use a little bit of water (or even some hair wax) to help keep things in place but don’t overdo it. And there you have it – how to start dreads with short hair!
How long does it take for dreadlocks to form?
While dreadlocks can take a long time to form, it depends on how you start them. If you use the twisting method, they’ll be ready in about four months or so from when first began this process. However, if using any other methods such as crocheting (which is what I recommend for those who have shorter hair), they expect you’re locs to take around eight months before being fully formed and tight enough that no more manipulation will be needed on them at all!
How do you get rid of dreadlocks?
There are many different ways how to remove dreadlocks but one of the best ones involves cutting them off completely – either with scissors or by shaving your head first and then using clippers afterward if desired! You can also try doing what we mentioned earlier about washing out all products before starting again from scratch with new ones.
Do I need to have my dreadlocks corrected?
If you’re not happy with the way your dreadlocks are formed or if they’ve become too loose over time, then there’s no shame in seeking help from a professional. Dreadlock correction is an art form all its own and can be pricey but it’s definitely worth it if you want you’re locs to look their best.
How long do dreadlocks last?
Dreadlocks can last indefinitely if taken care of properly! As long as you keep up with the necessary maintenance (washing and conditioning them every once in a while) and don’t let them get too matted down, they should look good as new for years to come.
Can I dye my dreadlocks?
Yes, you can dye your dreadlocks any color you want! Just make sure that the dye is meant for dreadlocks and that it won’t damage them in any way. I recommend using a semi-permanent dye to avoid any issues down the line.
What kind of products should I use on my dreadlocks?
There are a ton of different products out there that you can use on your dreadlocks – everything from waxes and pomades to shampoos and conditioners. It all depends on what kind of look you’re going for and what type of hair you have. I recommend experimenting until you find something that works best for you!
What kind of care do they require?
Maintenance is easy for this type of hairstyle since there aren’t many areas that need upkeep or styling. If you want to keep your dreadlocks looking their best, then all it takes is a quick wash and some conditioning once every two weeks which should be enough time between each session.
Dreadlocks require a different kind of maintenance than most other hairstyles. Here are a few tips on how to keep them looking their best:
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Avoid using too much product on them – this will make them heavy and greasy over time
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Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers instead of a brush when styling or detangling them (this prevents breakage)
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Wet dreads should never be combed – instead, use your fingers to work through any tangles
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When washing them, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner (or just baking soda and water) and rinse well
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Let them air dry whenever possible (using a blowdryer on low heat is okay)
- If you’re going to use hairspray or other products, do so sparingly
Final words on how to start dreadlocks with short hair
So there you go – our complete guide on how to start dreadlocks with short hair. If you follow these steps carefully then it should be pretty easy to get started on the process of getting your own locs formed within just a few days! And if it does take longer than expected don’t worry too much about it because dreadlocks typically take anywhere from four months up until a year before they’re fully formed.
Conclusion
Dreadlocks are a great alternative to other hairstyles for those who want something unique and different! They’re also low maintenance so you won’t have to worry about styling or detangling them every day as most people do with their hair. Whether it’s short dreads long locks, we hope this guide helped answer any questions that may have had on how these types of styles work as well as give some tips when starting at home yourself!
