Dreadlocks, also known as locs, have transformed from a counter-cultural statement to a mainstream hairstyle. If you're considering starting your own dreadlocks, one of the first questions you might ask is, "How long does my hair need to be?" The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think, as the ideal length depends on your hair type, the method you choose, and your desired final look.
Technically, you can start growing dreadlocks at almost any minimal hair length. However, if you want to start growing dreadlocks, it's better to have longer lengths of hair. You will have a wider variety of methods to turn your hair into dreadlocks.
Consider this: if your hair is less than three inches long and naturally curly, its inherent length will shrink as you twist it. No one wants to dissuade you from starting your dreads with short hair. Are you starting out growing dreadlocks with very short hair?
When you want to make dreads from your own hair, Dreadshop recommends a minimum hair length of 6 inch / 15 cm. But be aware: by backcombing your hair your dreads can become a couple of centimeters shorter after making them. By palmrolling your dreads on a regular basis they will become a bit longer, but this needs time.
Loose, Curly Hair: If you have loose, curly hair, you’ll want to wait until your hair length is three to six inches.
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General Recommendation: However, no matter your hair type, it’s best if you can wait until your hair is slightly longer than the minimum length listed above. Your hair goes through various stages as it forms mature locs; if it’s too short, your locs will not want to stay in place.
The technique you use to start developing dreadlocks will also determine how efficiently they grow. Different methods work better with different hair lengths. Here's a breakdown:
Freeform Dreadlocks: You can start freeform dreads - where you let your hair form locs on its own - at any length. You have to let your hair be, use dread-friendly shampoo, and it will form locs when it’s ready.
Twist-and-Rip: If you plan to use the twist-and-rip method to get loose dreads, you want your hair to be around five inches to start.
Backcombing: If you go the backcombing route, you can get firm or loose dreads depending on how you backcomb your locs and hair. The backcombing method is also a good way to start developing dreadlocks while maintaining some length. If you have three inches of hair to work with, you could employ the backcombing method. Backcombing is the process of holding a length of hair and combing towards the scalp instead of away.
Crochet: Finally, if you use the crochet method, you’ll end up with firm, stiff dreadlocks that will likely hold together well during the early stages.
Interlocking: Or you can use the interlocking technique. Your hair should have some length and be thin.
Braiding: You could braid your hair and just let them develop slowly into dreadlocks.
Finger Coiling: If your hair is very short, the finger coiling method would be the best way to go. Brushing your hair should have entangled the short hair follicles well.
While you can start dreadlocks with shorter hair, there are several advantages to starting with longer hair:
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Easier to Manage: Longer hair is simply easier to grip and manipulate when using various dreadlocking techniques.
Less Shrinkage: Many people notice that their hair appears much shorter while their locs mature. During the awkward stage, while locs mature, you can expect to lose quite a bit of hair length. As your hair knows and pulls itself, you’ll start noticing loops and bubbles - a clear indication that your hair is locking; the result of this is noticeable shrinkage. If you start your locs with long hair (over a foot), you’ll notice a lot of shrinkages before you see any growth.
Better Initial Formation: Longer hair tends to hold its shape better in the early stages of dreadlock formation.
If you're eager to start your dreadlock journey but your hair is shorter than the recommended length, you have a few options:
Patience: The simplest solution is to wait. The average hair follicle grows about half an inch per month. So, your hair grows at a rate of about six inches every year.
Dreadlock Extensions: If you can’t wait for your hair to grow longer to get Real Dreads, you can choose to extend your Dreads right away. This way you will have nice and long Dreads from the start. When you choose for this option, it is important that your hair is at least 6 inch / 15 centimeters. By backcombing your hair you dreads can become a couple of centimeters shorter. Because of this there is not enough length to attach the extensions to the dreads. We use human hair to extend Dreads. With this we can extend your dreads in any length. When you have half long to long hair (a length of minimum 12 inch / 30 centimeters) it is not problem to make Real Dreads. By backcombing your hair your Dreads can become a couple of centimeters shorter. You will end up with a good length for Real Dreads. Do you want your dreads to be even longer?
Embrace the Short Locs: However, you can either own the style, get dreadlock extensions, or cover them with a beanie.
Beyond length, here are other factors to keep in mind:
Hair Texture: Additionally, you must consider hair texture when growing dreadlocks. Black hair is usually naturally curly, wavy, kinky, and entangles in natural coils easily.
Maintenance: You must dedicate a lot of time grooming and twisting your short hair every day.
Product Use: Apply a natural and organic dreadlock oil, cream, or gel into your hair. Only use natural and organic dreadlock gel, oil, or cream with your hair. And steer clear of beeswax.
Starting Fresh: Some people shave their heads to start their dreads from scratch with even length and healthy hair.
Initial Washing: You should use a residue- and sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair once a week for the first three months.
Protection: Wear a silk or stocking cap when you sleep to protect your budding dreadlocks.
Growing dreadlocks is a process that requires patience and dedication. Even under the best of traditional circumstances, it takes at least six months for your hair to convert into dreadlock strands naturally.
Time to Maturity: Reaching maturity should take about a year, and you’ll start to notice they look longer.
Aesthetic Expectations: Take aesthetic considerations into account as well. You won't have long dreadlocks for months when you start growing dreadlocks with short hair. It may take a year before your dreadlocks grow into an appreciable length.
Still, want to go through with this process? Patience is a virtue. Start out with at least three inches length of hair. You may want to start using a soft-bristled brush pad to brush your hair. Using a soft pad brush to get your short hair follicles could take a few hours or a few days to get your hair primed for dreadlock twisting.
You can use a regular comb or rat tail comb to create small inch-sized separated segments or squares in your hair. Use rubber bands to hold the hair segments into place for a few hours. But don't use the rubber bands for too long as they could become irretrievably entangled into your hair follicles. Let your hair dry for one to two hours now that they are moist with dreadlock gel.
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