When you first get dreadlocks, it is common for some of the dreads to fall apart. Fixing baby dreadlocks that are falling apart is not too difficult.
However, it is unlikely that every single dread will lock up as your dreads mature. Some (if not all), will succumb to the stress of going back to their original loose shape.
Follow these steps to ensure that your dreads stay tight and in place:
Locking Up Loose Hair In The Middle Of Dreads
The clockwise rubbing method allows you to create tight knots at the exact place they are needed and keeps loose hair to a minimum.
When done properly, this method requires very little pressure and the rubbing only lasts for a couple of minutes. The subtlety of this technique ensures that your dreads are locked back in place without causing further breakage to the rest of your locs.
Re-backcomb And Wax Your Dreads
Dreads that require backcombing are easy to spread apart using your fingers. The hair looks like straight hair rather than the tangled knots expected in your dreads. Remove residue from your dreads with a hot rinse before re-backcombing them. Ensure that your dreads are dry and follow up the backcombing with some dread wax to help tighten and compress the new knots.
Palm-roll the re-backcombed dreads every day to help them take firmer shape after the extra washing.
Avoid re-backcombing your dreads frequently as it prevents them from locking. Use this technique only when your dreads are completely falling apart or your locs will never have a chance to mature into attractive looking dreadlocks.