Twist & Rip (A.K.A. “Rip & Twist”, “Twist & Pull”)
The Twist & Rip method of creating dreadlocks allows for much more control over the quantity and size of the dreads-to-be. It involves first sectioning the hair according to the size and quantity …
Dreadlock Education
Natural (A.K.A. “Neglect”, “Freeform”, or “Organic”)
Okay, everyone. We have a secret to tell you. To dread heads worldwide it is a source of great celebration. Are you ready? Here it is: clean, dry hair will dread ALL BY …
Triangle Pattern
THE TRIANGLE PATTERN The triangle pattern generally gives better scalp coverage than the grid pattern and the brick-lay pattern, but a bit less coverage than the fan pattern. The long/bottom edge of each …
Fan Pattern
FAN PATTERN The fan pattern is, in our opinion, the best in that it allows for the least operator error. Due to the way each subsequent row falls between the one beneath it …
Brick Lay Pattern
BRICK-LAY PATTERN The brick-lay pattern, as far scalp coverage is concern, takes a huge leap ahead of the grid pattern. In this pattern the square sections are staggered, like the bricks in a …
Grid Pattern*
GRID PATTERN* Grid sectioning, despite being the pattern shown on one of the more popular dreadlock sites on the web, is generally speaking NOT the best choice. Although this method does allow for …
Dreadlocks Removal
One of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks is that once you get them the only possible way to remove them is to entirely shave your head. Although shaving one’s head certainly is ONE option combing out dreadlocks is always possible as well.
Needle & Thread
Using a needle and thread to maintain your dreadlocks is very similar in theory to the way a latch hook is used to maintain dreadlocks. However, unlike the latch hook where you are …
Threading*
Cotton, being an organic material, WILL rot over time and can cause mold growth. However, when a string is tied tightly around the dreadlock, it can cause weak spots in the dreadlock from holding the lock too tightly. Additionally, the string often “chokes” the dreadlocks causing the dreadlock above the string the hold excess moisture where it cannot as easily wick down the lock and out the end to dry properly after washing/getting wet. (See photo below for example.) For these reasons, we do NOT recommend threading and far prefer rubber bands in a situation where a client wants something placed at their roots to encourage locking.
Clock-wise Rubbing
Clockwise rubbing is a maintenance method often used to tigthen up new hair growth at the roots. There is some slight controversy in the dreadlock community because it is not really 100% necessary …
