Crocheting is one of the best maintenance methods to pull loose hair into dreadlocks. This technique is best used in moderation to make dreads tighter and neater.
The crochet method can be used in conjunction with back combing to create dreadlocks from scratch or for maintenance on mature dreads.
Irrespective of whether you are using this technique for maintenance or to create new dreads, the method is the same:
1. Hold the section of dreads in one hand using your thumb and forefinger. With the other hand, push the hook through to the other side of the dread.
2. Secure a strand or two of hair and pull it back into the dreadlock.
3. Give the hook a little twist inside the dreadlock to help release the hair and encourage the locking and knotting to happen on the inside.
4. Push the hook back out to the other side, secure a few more strands of hair and repeat the crocheting process.
5. As you continue with the above steps, start rolling your dread to cover all sides.
Make sure that the hook you use to crochet is 1mm in size or smaller. The smaller the size of the hook, the better. Most professionals would use hooks between 0.3mm – 0.6mm. It can be difficult to find a hook that size in an ordinary craft store, so it’s better to start with a 1mm hook if you are practicing this technique at home.
Using this technique too often on existing dreadlocks can interrupt the natural knots that will form if your hair is left alone. No matter how careful you are, there is a risk of breaking hair by using this technique. It is always advisable to visit a loctician to crochet your dreadlocks.