Except for freeform, starting dreadlocks requires hair products, a stylist, or loctician. Due to years of processing and combing, hair has to be trained to develop dreadlocks.
Products such as beeswax, tightening gels, Shea butter, cocoa butter, or homemade creams helps to twist and hold hair strains together in sections to create temporary locs.
It’s essential you know the natural texture of your hair. Coarse, thick hair may require less application of wax or gel than thin hair. An experienced hair stylist or loctician can provide advice on which products are best for your particular hair texture.
The newly twisted locs, however, will begin to unravel as the wax or gel becomes weak due to:
- the hair is too short (one to two inches is recommended)
- sweating from exercising or working
- exposed to weather conditions such as rain and heat
- too much time between hair appointments
- sleeping in the various positions
- shampooing and moisturizing
Twisting each loc weekly keeps them tight and strong until the hair begins to intertwine naturally with minimum care. It could take two to six months before the locs mature into long ropes.
The different types of wax and gels have advantages and disadvantages. Some are thick and sticky such as beeswax while others are a soft greasy gel. A good product should be ninety-five percent pure and natural. And should not contain perfumes or additives but be rich in protein and Vitamin E.
Make sure you know and understand ingredients of any recommended homemade products. If you have concerns or can’t get a satisfactory answer, buy a similar product from a beauty hair store or a drug store.
Keep in mind everyone’s hair is unique and different. What works for others may or may not work for you. Training your hair to develop dreadlocks require patience, carefully experimenting with various methods, and testing products. Remember, know thy hair.