My Dreadlock Journey begins...

... well kinda.
My story...
I've been growing my hair for the past 4 months. I used to have my hair cut very short but always wanted locks for as long as I can remember. Usually, when my haircut gets about 3 weeks old I usually cant stand my hair anymore and fold. This time I stuck to my decision and left it to grow. So far, I havent cut my hair for 2010 and so far I am enjoying the journey. The only thing that kinda gets to me is the fact that my hair looks a terrible site while it is growing out and thus I decided to use hair gel on my hair while I'm growing them out. I judge that my hair is about 2.5 inches ATM.
I wash and condition my hair everyday as I believe that clean hair grows faster. As things stand right now I have a "mini" 'fro .My question to the people in the know is where to from here? I've read a few threads on HF and gather that you guys are firm believers in the neglect method. My job doesnt allow me to go that route so I am opting for the "Twisting" method. Is it possible to go this route without using beeswax? From what I gather on the internet, one gets beeswax free wax which can also be used and which have shown good results too. Am I being misled or is there some truth in that?

Any and all questions/answers/criticism/suggestions welcomed.

PS: If I've left anything out dont hesitate to ask.

 

you'll probably want to do twist and rip if neglect isn't an option, in which case you'll want to let your hair get a few inches longer first.

 

Your going to want to switch to a residue free soap, like dr.bronner's. And definitely stop using conditioner, you want your hair to be clean but not silky smooth.

 

I only plan on having the twists done in about a month, maybe more, so how long before I have the twists done should I start with the residue free shampoo?

 

PS: Whats the difference between twist and rip and simply twisting? Does the twist and rip method require longer hair?

Also... I'm considering going the route that some guy on youtube took. Could you guys check out his journey and holla back with your views.
Do a youtube search for "Dreadlock Journey" by a guy called sixstringzoo.

Thanx...

 

Or just wash with baking soda and water.

 

I take it that this would be as opposed to getting residue free shampoo/soap?

 

Op what's your hair texture like?

 

I dont know
I dont have straight hair; neither do I have nappy. If I would have to go with a texture I'd say more on the curly side...

I'll take some pics sometime and post them.

 

Yeah right on, well whatever style (backcomb, neglect, T n' R) let your hair grow a bit longer and dont use wax its horrible for your hair being that it causes em to break at it can be quite gross to have all that gunk in your hair for however long you keep em ya know...

anyways, enjjoy your locks and let them hold bunches of good energy

 

Twist method will normally work for African/ African American type hair. Twist and Rip will work for Asian, white, Mexican, so on and on.

 

Thanx to all for the replies!!:cheers2: Well... I definitely dont have Asian/Mexican/White hair. Its more curly than anything else. Mind you, I've always kept my hair super short so when I started growing it I was quite surprised to discover that I have curly hair.
With all that said, I think that I'm gna grow my hair for the next month or 2 still and then get them twisted at a Salon.

 

How long before I get my hair twisted should I start not using conditioner and start using the residue free shampoo?

 

Start with the shampoo now. Get an all natural bar soap shampoo. Dont ever stop using it, way better for you than dove or whatever. I dunno about twisting, you could just go natural and wear a hat to work.

 

Nah... hats are a big no no at my workplace. I'll have to look into getting an "All natural bar soap". I've been reading through the many "wax threads" and from what I can gather is that some people used wax at the beginning of their lock journey and as long as it is stopped in the nick of time then it doesnt do much damage as all the gunk gets washed out just as the dreads are about to lock?? I could be wrong. I just want some guidance as seeing that going all natural isnt an option for me considering my job. My hair needs to be neat while I am at work.

 

you are not going to find any support for your wax dreams here. you'll probably regret putting it in when you're trying to remove it later.

 

So what do you suggest, taking into consideration that I cant go the Natural route?

 

I heard a crochet hook can help keep things looking tidy.

 

yes, either one is good.

 

well, my answer would depend upon what you assume the wax will do for your locks.

if you think it'll help them lock up, then it will actually do the exact opposite.
if you just want it for frizz control, try aloe gel instead.
or if your hair is particularly dry, a very small amount of coconut oil may help.