I want to get a few dreads!

Hi everyone!

I recently developed an urge to get dreads, after seeing about 3 people with scrumptious dreads, all on the same day (rare around these parts)! I've been pondering what to do with my hair, and I think putting a few dreads in it is what I want.

So, I only want a FEW dreads. I don't want a full head of dreads. I want them in the back, or perhaps halfway up my scalp. I'm not sure - that's why I came here. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Should I place them randomly, symmetrically, what? And how many do you think would be just right? I want them in slightly varying widths, but they should be quite thin, I think.

Also, since I'm new to this whole thing, and I saw that some people have complained about Knotty Boy and Dreadhead HQ, how do I go about getting my dreadies? If I decide to let time handle it, how does one do it? I've read you're supposed to stopped combing, but I rarely if ever comb my hair. What is the best choice, backcombing or "natural"? Low-maintenance dreads would be nice too I guess, so if there are any tips on that I'd love to hear them.

I also got a pic of me / my hair, if that's any help :jester:




Thanks guys... this forum seems very nice!

 

Well if you want only a few dreads, going natural is probably out of the question. Mainly because you don't have much control over the size or location of them. I guess the only way to do a few would be to section them off the size you want, then backcomb...or twist it, palmroll it or whatever. Don't use wax or any other products though.

How come you only want a few? You don't want a full head of dreads?

 

Its a shame you only want a few. I love red dreads

 

ya certainly go nsatural or what ya might call sasssisted naturakl by starting with just a few beads or hair wraps

the hair wraps might be the best option if you want fairly thin

 

I'm not exactly sure. But I envision it will look nice, and I haven't seen anyone with it. Perhaps I want the best of both worlds

Are there any instructions on backcombing/twisting/palmrolling? Like I said, I'm a complete newbie so I don't even know what the terms mean

Heh, yeah. I love red hair myself, and I really like dreads. I haven't excluded going all-out dread in the future, but for now, I don't wanna.

 

Okay, whatever, let's do this thing. My "few dreads" regimen will have to kick the bucket.

How do I start? Natural shampoo, no conditioner, no combing/brushing whatsoever, right? Is there anything more to get me started? Like, beads? They look cool, can I put some in my hair to help the dreading along?

 

wait, are saying you want to do the whole head now? sweet!

 

yeah you pretty much got it man. pretty simple, eh? get an organic NON-RESIDUE shampoo to wash, dry it like normal hair, and leave it the hell alone. if you're doing the whole head, you might want to wait off the beads, because movement=knots, knots=dreads.

REmember: TIME is your best friend!

 

I appreciate the reply.

Just one thing - can I still wear a ponytail? Or will that mess something up? If I can't, is there something I can do to counterweight whatever messyness a ponytail will produce?

Oh, and can I blow dry my hair? I only blown dry right above the forehead

Aaah, I'm so stoked right now

 

YEAH!
Good thing you changed your mind.
It sucks around here when we have to kill non believers.
Sometimes I blow my dreads dry on low,
with a little aloe, while palm rolling em and stuff.
Helps me with the frizz on top.
Pulling them back wont hurt, just don't "choke" them

 

Yeah, I figured... any rule of thumb on that, or should I just go with my heart?

Sorry for asking so much, but I want to get this right

 

skribb, you can still tie it back, but I wouldn't have them like that for 24/7....you don't want it to form into one huge dread, lol. And you can still blowdry, but I would advise keeping it on a low setting and not for very long because i think it could damage the hair if it is too hot.

 

Ok! I won't be tying it back during sleep. And no, I'd rather not get a gigantic unidread.

Low setting? Got it.

 

try using the top inch or so of a sprts sock for a hair tie. it has just the right stretchyness and wont damage your hair or leave an imprint.

 

Ok, scatteredleaves, it sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

I could kiss you all!

By the way, how often should I wash my hair? Is every other day too often?

 

I usually get it wet every other day, just because it takes so long to dry. But at first, you could wash it maybe every 3 or 4 days. then your locks get more mature, you can wash less often. there's really no set rules or anything, just whatever works for you. remember: dreadlocks are supposed to be low-maintenance good luck man!

 

Back with more "stupid questions!!

Is it important that I separate/section the hair? I mean, right now it's just rather dry, sorta tangly hair.. will it form into a unidread if I don't separate it every now and then or I will it separate on its own?

 

Thats entirely up to you man.
If you do section, use beads, not rubber bands.
You do need to pull em apart every so often to stop them
from matting together.
I use big beads that easily slip on, and adjustable toe rings work well also
But I move my beads around every few days. Thats just me
It helps keep them apart and tighten my dreads near the roots.

 

Aye, I've heard bad stuff about rubber bands!

Thanks for clarifying a bit, melissabee.