i didn't back comb mine. i've never used wax either. My hair was super thinck, straight and fine. I just separated, twisted, and pulled. Describing doesn't quite do it justice, seeing it is better. i'm about to post some pics of me with dreaddies, right now there are just a few of me in my gallery, and they are pre-dreaddies. you can use tar soap (t-gel shampoo) and that helps tighten 'em up a bit.
that's the thing about dreads, man. there's no quick fix. dreads are a slow process. the beauty of it is growing and changing with them.