A dreadlock, in essence, is a hanging lock coil of matted hair. The structure of the dreadlock Is both a blessing & a curse when it comes down to hair dye. Because this lock of hair is not processed, it creates a stronger barrier for the dye to permeate. For this reason, natural dye is that much harder to utilize.

Henna

Is the method most people turn to with dreadlocks because of its strength.  Walnut powder, black tea, & Cassia (for already lightened hair) can also be utilized.  Those dying with dreadlocks have to remember the vinegar rise before & after, & to get results, the process may have to be repeated several times depending on the length & porosity of hair.

Chemical Dye

Is also an option. Because of the makeup of the coil, rinses will not last as long as a permanent dye or a bleach, however,  because the hair is matted, special care has to be taken to ensure all of the product is removed from the dreadlocks, especially closer to the scalp where the hair is straighter.  When applying any kind of dye, always start from the front & work backwards, making sure all of the lock is covered, or if you are working on the ends only, ensure there is enough product to fully saturate the hair. Conditioning is a crucial step, as the hair will need time to adjust. Overnight would work best, or a minimum of  1 hour. A cool blow dryer will speed up drying time, however sun exposure is the preferred method.

By Ronnie Williams

Dreadlocks, in all their glory may be one of the oldest celebrations of natural hair to date.  However, with all of the myths and misconceptions, one could get confused and ultimately, discouraged.

Are you ready for dreads? Just want more information?

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One of the major misconceptions concerning dreadlocks is that the hair must be dirty for dread success. The contrary is actually true. It is recommended that the hair be washed prior to, and during the locking phases using the sponge method. In this method, shampoo is worked in using the palms and finger-tips and then squeezed out before being allowed to air dry. Petroleum based products should be avoided during the initial dreading process as the oils could cause the knots in the hair to loosen. Before you dread, make sure you have at least one inch of unprocessed hair, chemical and heat. At this length, the sections will be more defined, adding to the beauty of your locks.

Methods

1. Back-Combing: In this method, a small comb with close metal teeth is used to comb towards the ends, starting very close to the scalp.

2. Wool-Rub: In this method, a piece of wool, preferably one or two feet all the way around (depending on hair length) should be used. The wool should be rubbed in circles clockwise in 15 minute intervals. After each interval, the hair should be pulled apart and twisted.

3. Twisting: In this method, the hair should be sectioned into the desired dread sizes. Twist each section clockwise with a rat-tail comb at the end of each section. Rubber bands may be used at the ends for stability.

4. Dread Perm: This process should be done by a specialized stylist. The perm will breakdown the bonds in the hair completely, making it easy to dread and lock. This process is very expensive, costing upwards from $200-400. It differs from relaxers, texturizers and perms in that the bond in the hair will NOT be reformed.

5. Brush Rub: In this method, a soft bristle brush should be rubbed gently clockwise around the head, causing knots to form. This method works best for shorter hair.

6. Neglect: This process requires no real labor, except sponge washing and allowing the hair to naturally form into knots, become matted, and then locked. The hair can also be put into two-strand twists and neglected.